2017 BUDGET: Presidencey plans to spend N6.5bn on cars, animals, etc

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2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
SHOCKER: How imported Ogbono
soup, Jollof rice from India got real
NAFDAC numbers
By Ifeyinwa Obi &
Chioma Obinna
FRESH facts have
emerged revealing
that the National Agency
for Food and Drug
Administration and
Control, NAFDAC, okayed
the importation of a 20ft
container of Egusi soup,
Ogbono soup, and yam
porridge from India which
was recently intercepted by
the Tin-Can Island
Command of the Nigeria
Cus<strong>to</strong>ms Service, NCS.
It was discovered that
the agency which is
saddled with the
responsibility of
eliminating counterfeit
pharmaceuticals, foods
and beverages products
that are not manufactured
in Nigeria, issued numbers
for the imported products.
The numbers, which
authenticate imported
products, were found on
some of the items that were
shown <strong>to</strong> Saturday
Vanguard by the
Comptroller of Tin Can
Island Port Command,
Yusuf Bashar.
He condemned the
development, noting that it
was wrong <strong>to</strong> import the
products at a time the
Federal Government had
granted zero duty for the
importation of machinery
for the packaging of
agricultural products in<strong>to</strong>
the country.
IMPORTED
CANCEROUS FOOD
However, a <strong>to</strong>p officer of
the NCS, who pleaded
anonymity, accused
NAFDAC of issuing
genuine registration
numbers for the products.
He said: “When our boss
asked NAFDAC officials
how the NAFDAC
registration number was
issued for the product, no
body said anything. It
showed that there was a
compromise somewhere.
Can Indians cook our local
delicacies more than we do
here? That is how
cancerous foods are
imported in<strong>to</strong> the country.”
Also, a freight forwarder,
Mr. Donatus Onwuegusi
noted that it was wrong for
NAFDAC <strong>to</strong> have
registered such
consumables without
considering their likely
health implications.
He said: “It is very sad
that the food which is being
imported in<strong>to</strong> the country
for the first time already
have original NAFDAC
registration numbers on
them. Yet the same
NAFDAC will deny those
who want <strong>to</strong> start
producing pure water the
registration number
because they can not bribe
them. It is bad especially
Officers of the Nigeria Cus<strong>to</strong>ms Service displaying the imported Egusi soup, Ogbono
soup and yam porridge.
at this time when the
President is seriously
fighting corruption.”
MONITOR ACTIVITIES
OF NAFDAC
He urged the
government <strong>to</strong> moni<strong>to</strong>r the
activities of NAFDAC <strong>to</strong>
avoid future occurrence.
Onwuegusi further
commended NCS for
using Thierry Initiative <strong>to</strong>
intercept the container
He said: “The Cus<strong>to</strong>ms
tried but the government
should find out the
situation of the container of
food handed over <strong>to</strong>
NAFDAC <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p them
from releasing it <strong>to</strong> the
owner because the food
can wipe out the whole
country. NAFDAC must be
investigated.”
Similarly, a consultant at
Simmons Cooper,
consultant <strong>to</strong> the
Consumer Protection
Council, CPC, Mr.
Babatunde Irukera urged
the media <strong>to</strong> work
assiduously with the CPC
in protecting consumers.
Urukera said: ‘’One
lawyer in my office bought
canned Moimoi and I said
so they are exporting
Moimoi <strong>to</strong> Nigeria. The
thing was made
somewhere in England.
Recession affects
individuals more than it
affects companies.
Companies will continue <strong>to</strong>
shift impact <strong>to</strong> the people.
This underscores the need
for vigilance and the very
critical role the media have
<strong>to</strong> play in the society.
PEOPLE IMPORT
MOIMOI
“The agencies are
overwhelmed but only the
media can help. A society
where there is so much
ingenuity, the consumers
need protection. The
Nigerian society needs
protection. The media
should seek ways of
removing from the market
hazardous products.”
Responding <strong>to</strong> the
claims, a source at
NAFDAC’s Department of
Registration & Regula<strong>to</strong>ry
Affairs, <strong>to</strong>ld Saturday
Vanguard that the agency
was investigating how
importers got NAFDAC
numbers, saying she could
not confirm or deny it.
The source said
NAFDAC has guidelines
and operating procedures
for product registration.
Further efforts <strong>to</strong> reach
both the Direc<strong>to</strong>r of
Registration & Regula<strong>to</strong>ry
Department Affairs and the
Acting Direc<strong>to</strong>r General of
NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde
Oni proved abortive as
calls made <strong>to</strong> her telephone
line were not answered.
Saturday Vanguard
recalls that a few days ago,
NAFDAC’s Deputy
Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Investigation &
Enforcement, Mr. Francis
Ononiwu had decried the
influx of imported fruit
drink in<strong>to</strong> the country,
blaming it on the absence
of the agency’s staff at the
ports.
“We are aware that most
of these products come
through the sea ports and
NAFDAC is not on the
ground at sea ports.
Definitely, we cannot
effectively s<strong>to</strong>p the
products from entering.
That is a major challenge.
If we are there the quantity
will be much more
reduced or eliminated.
The federal government
should consider taking
NAFDAC back <strong>to</strong> the ports”
Buhari meets with Zamfara, Kebbi,
Soko<strong>to</strong> Govs
•As Jigawa Gov meets with President’s Chief of Staff
By Levinus
Nwabughiogu
THREE Northern governors
yesterday met with
President Muhammadu
Buhari just as another also
met with the President’s
Chief of Staff, CoS, Abba
Kyari the same day.
The governors were Abdulaziz
Yari (Zamfara
State) who is also the
Chairman of Nigerian Governors
Forum, NGF, Abubakar
Bagudu (Kebbi
State) and Aninu Tambuwal
(Soko<strong>to</strong>).
The trio had a private
meeting with the president
and the details of the meetings
were not made public.
The governors did not
also speak <strong>to</strong> State House
Correspondents after the
meeting.
Similarly, Jigawa State
governor, Badaru Abubakar
also met with the
Chief of Staff <strong>to</strong> the president,
Alhaji Abba Kyari later
in the evening when the
president had left office.
The meeting lasted for
about one hour and the
details were also not made
public.
When contacted, the Senior
Special Assistant <strong>to</strong> the
President on Media and
Publicity, Mallam Garba
Shehu said that the meetings
were all private.
“The meeting was a private
one and the President
may chose not <strong>to</strong> make the
details open”, he said simply.
BRIEFS
Cleric jailed for duping,
having sex with victim
without her consent
A
42 year old Muslim Cleric Jamiu Mukaila who
duped a lady <strong>to</strong> the tune of N350,000 and also had
sex with her would be <strong>spend</strong>ing Christmas behind bars.
The convict was sentenced <strong>to</strong> three years imprisonment
by an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court after finding him guilty
of the offence.
Mukaila was first arraigned before the court on July 10,
2015, over pretence of casting out water spirit from one
Bose Alele whom he deceived, and later had sex with
her without her consent and also duped her of the sum of
N350,000.
The prosecu<strong>to</strong>r Corporal Kolade Tedunjaye, had <strong>to</strong>ld
the court that the convict committed the offence between
May 1 and 7 2015.
She said that the incident <strong>to</strong>ok place at 8, Akinbode
Street, Isolo at DE BEN GUEST House, Isolo Lagos in
Yaba.
Tedunjaye had also said that Mukaila collected the
said sum from the victim with the pretence that he saw
vision that she has water spirit and that the money was
meant <strong>to</strong> cast out the water spirit from her body.
The prosecu<strong>to</strong>r also said that the convict after collecting
the money from the victim, he had sex with her at 31, ire-
Akari road, Isolo without her consent.
She said that the offence committed is punishable under
sections 312 (1) (a), 285 and 262 (1) of the criminal law of
Lagos state 2011.
I’m not aware of any plan <strong>to</strong> sell
MTN Nigeria—Onu
By Emmanuel Elebeke
THE Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya
Onu, yesterday denied the online report which quoted
him, as saying that “Indians are buying over MTN
Nigeria”.
The statement was reportedly made at an event
organized by Centre Proprie<strong>to</strong>rs Association of Nigeria
(CPAN) wherein the representative of the Honourable
Minister allegedly made the statement.
In a statement by the Press Secretary <strong>to</strong> the Minister,
Mr. Taye Akinyemi, Dr. Onu said he did not make, neither
did he authorize anyone <strong>to</strong> make such baseless
pronouncement on his behalf.
‘’The attention of the Federal Ministry of Science and
technology has been drawn <strong>to</strong> an online report quoting
the Minister Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu as saying that “Indians
are buying over MTN Nigeria.
The statement reads: “For the records and for the
avoidance of doubt, the Minister did not make, neither
did he authorize anyone <strong>to</strong> make such baseless
pronouncement on his behalf.
“As the Minister of science and technology, Dr. Onu
has been working hard <strong>to</strong> promote the use of science and
technology in nation building.
“The official of the Ministry in question went out of his
brief and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken
in line with the Civil Service Rules.”
He enjoined MTN, the Indian Community and
Members of the public <strong>to</strong> disregard the information as
there is no need <strong>to</strong> misinform Nigerians on any issues
that are not backed by verifiable facts.”
Rivers rerun killings: APC’ll challenge
Wike’ panel of inquiry in
court— Sena<strong>to</strong>r Abe
By Davies Iheamnachor
SENATOR Magnus Abe has said that his party, the
All Progressives Congress, APC, would challenge
the Commission of Inquiry setup by the Governor of Rivers
State, Chief Nyesom Wike, <strong>to</strong> investigate the violence
and killings that marred the December 10 re-run
elections in the state.
Abe, who stated this yesterday in Port Harcourt during
a media parley with newsman noted that the setting up
of the commission is <strong>to</strong> indict the leaders of the APC in
the state.
Abe said Wike lacks the morale <strong>to</strong> constitute a panel <strong>to</strong>
inquire what transpired in the election when he has boycotted
the panel already constituted by the Inspec<strong>to</strong>r
General of Police.
He said it is necessary <strong>to</strong> challenge the commission
because a commission should be unbiased, adding that
past commissions setup by the governor had demonstrated
that the intention was <strong>to</strong> indict APC members and
exonerate PDP members from any crime.
Abe said: “I think this is the joke of the year. Like every
other joke that has been reduced <strong>to</strong> pen and paper, we
are going <strong>to</strong> treat it seriously. We will challenge that socalled
commission in the Court”.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—3

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, , DECEMBER 24, , 2016
Chairman, Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committe, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan
[Fifth Left]Secretary of the Committe, Sabiganana of Igana[Oyo State] Oba Saliu Oyemonla and Other
Traditional Rulers at the Meeting of the Group in Akure,Ondo State on Wednesday.
Why Buhari didn’t attend South-East
economic, security summit — Presidency
By Levinus Nwabughiogu
PRESIDENCY last
night debunked
the reports that President
Muhammadu Buhari
snub-bed the southeast
economic and security
summit held in Enugu
on Thursday.
It rather stated that the
president couldn’t attend
because the date of
the event was not convenient
for him.
A statement by his
spokesman, Mallam
Garba Shehu stated that
the president had earlier
accepted a request by
the Minister of Science
and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya
Onu <strong>to</strong> attend
at the said date only for
some stakeholders <strong>to</strong>
tell him later that the
date was close <strong>to</strong> Christmas
and as such may
clash with the peoples
activities.
According <strong>to</strong> the statement,
the President
craved for a new date in
January, <strong>2017</strong> but was
AGF gives Magu 48hrs <strong>to</strong> respond
<strong>to</strong> DSS allegations
A TTORNEY-Gener
al of the Federation,
Mallam Abubakar
Malami, has given the
embattled acting Chairman
of the Economic
and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC),
Mr Ibrahim Magu, 48
hours <strong>to</strong> respond <strong>to</strong> the
allegations levelled
against him by the Department
of State Service,
DSS
In an exclusive report
by an online publication,
TheCable, the letter
asking Magu <strong>to</strong> respond
<strong>to</strong> the allegation,
dated December 19 2016
was delivered <strong>to</strong> him last
Tuesday The allegations
made by DSS stalled his
confirmation by the senate
last week.
According <strong>to</strong> the online
publication, an official
in the office of the
at<strong>to</strong>rney-general disclosed
that Magu was
directed <strong>to</strong> respond <strong>to</strong>
the allegations in order
<strong>to</strong> give him “fair hearing”
before President
Muhammadu Buhari
decides on the next
step.
DSS had alleged in the
report that Magu’s accommodation
in Abuja
was paid for by a “corrupt
businessman” and
that he flew first class <strong>to</strong>
Saudi Arabia for lesser
hajj, contrary <strong>to</strong> federal
government’s directive
<strong>to</strong> its officials not <strong>to</strong> travel
in the elite cabin.
Magu was also accused
of being illegally
in possession of confidential
EFCC documents
when he was a
direc<strong>to</strong>r in 2007.
However, there are also
questions as <strong>to</strong> why
Magu was not asked <strong>to</strong>
respond <strong>to</strong> the DSS allegations
before the report
was passed <strong>to</strong> the senate.
It was learnt that <strong>to</strong>p
presidency officials hold
Magu responsible for
various negative online
reports against Buhari’s
aides following in-fighting
in the administration.
The failure of the
senate <strong>to</strong> confirm Magu
has led <strong>to</strong> speculations
that there is a gang-up
against him by those
who are likely <strong>to</strong> face
trial if he becomes the
substantive chairman.
It is also said that
many will be glad <strong>to</strong> see
the back of Magu because
he has been a
“thorn in the flesh” of
corrupt politicians for
over 10 years.
not obliged the date.
To that end, he decided
<strong>to</strong> stay back if the
people could carry on
without him.
The statement read in
full: “Contrary <strong>to</strong> media
reports alleging that
President Muhammadu
Buhari snubbed the recent
South-East Economic
and Security Summit
in Enugu, below is
the accurate account:
“The President was
presented with a request
<strong>to</strong> attend the Economic
and Security
Summit by the Minister
of Science and Technology,
Dr. Ogbonnaya
Onu.
“The President happily
accepted. The visit <strong>to</strong>
Enugu was scheduled
for Thursday 22nd as
can be found on the
weekly programme.
“After this was done,
some other stakeholders
from the South East
came and advised him
not <strong>to</strong> go in view of the
closeness of the date <strong>to</strong>
Christmas; that given
the sensitivity of the period
<strong>to</strong> the people, a
presidential visit may
come with over exertion
and possibly, be disruptive
of Christmas.
“In view of this, President
Buhari requested
that the event be pushed
forward <strong>to</strong> January,
<strong>2017</strong>. Given his nature,
he did not insist.
“He said if the change
of date is not possible,
then the event could go
on without him. That is
what the organizers
chose <strong>to</strong> do.
NAICOM warns insurance coy against
violation of local capacities
By Favour Nnabugwu
THE National Insur
ance Commission
(NAICOM) has warned
insurance companies in
the country against engaging
in facultative
reinsurance without first
exhausting local capacity.
Facilitative reinsurance
is negotiated separately
for each insurance contract
that is <strong>to</strong> be reinsured.
The flexibility of facultative
reinsurance allows
many ceding insurers <strong>to</strong>
reinsure hazardous risks
not covered by ongoing
treaty arrangements,
thereby reducing the insurer’s
liability in certain
high-risk areas.
The Commission in a
letter dated December 22,
2016, titled, Utilization of
in-Country capacities of
the Nigeria Insurers,
reinsurers and pools prior
<strong>to</strong> foreign facultative
reinsurance, signed by
the Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Policy & Authorisation,
Mr Pius
Agboola, admonished local
underwriters <strong>to</strong> ensure
they fully exhaust
all the capacities with the
the industry and country
before ceding them <strong>to</strong> foreign
countries.
According <strong>to</strong> the warning
sent <strong>to</strong> all the insurance
companies, the
Commission clearly
stated that it would not
spare any opera<strong>to</strong>r
caught not <strong>to</strong> have fully
utilized local capacities
before taking the risks
abroad.
FEAR has gripped indigenes
of Tombia in
Yenagoa Local Government
Area of Bayelsa have
reported air pollution suspected
<strong>to</strong> emanate from oil
and gas facilities located
near the community.
The fear of the natives is
coming on the heels of the
“The attention of the
Commission has been
drawn <strong>to</strong> recent practices
in which insurance practitioners
fail, neglect or
refuse <strong>to</strong> consider and
fully utilize relevant incountry
capacities of insurance/reinsurance
institutions
such as pools,
reinsurers and other approved
local/recognized
insurance capacities,
prior <strong>to</strong> applying for approval
<strong>to</strong> cede certain
proportion of some risks
offshore.”
BRIEFS
Impunity, deferment of justice
bane of human rights abuse
— WRAPH Direc<strong>to</strong>r
By Elizabeth Uwandu
EXECUTIVE Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Women’s Rights and Health
Project, WRAHP, Mrs Bose Iro Nsi in commemoration
of 2016 Human Rights Day, has said impunity
and deferment of justice were the reasons for human
rights abuse such as rape, child abuse, assault and
molestation. The woman activist said that government
structures such as the police, the judiciary, hospitals
etc., should be working,else the masses will lose
hope in them. Her words, ‘’One greatest problem is
the inability <strong>to</strong> address impunity, as it takes long process
<strong>to</strong> bring perpetra<strong>to</strong>rs of crime <strong>to</strong> book. Structures
put in place <strong>to</strong> tackle gender based violence should
speedy the process of justice so that people will know
what <strong>to</strong> do in advent of abuse. But if it is delayed and
people have forgotten, they lose hope in voicing out
their abuses.’’
Speaking on this years human rights theme, “Stand
up for someone’s right <strong>to</strong>day,” WRAHP’ s direc<strong>to</strong>r said
the need <strong>to</strong> stand for the vulnerable in the society
who do not have a voice. And also get the people at
the grass root involved in the campaign against all
forms of formed the reason for the rally. “ ‘For
sustainability plan and for us <strong>to</strong> see effective change,
we must give the community members not just sense
of belonging, but they must be carried along in the
fight against gender based violence. Sensitizing communities
leaders will go a long way <strong>to</strong> protect human
rights as they know their communities more than us,
the third parties,’’ she said.
Ikeja Rotary holds Christmas
party for children
By Kingsley Adegboye
TO justify its service <strong>to</strong> humanity, Rotary club of
Ikeja, Lagos during the week showed love and
put smiles on the faces of children at SOS Village
in Isolo area of Lagos state by hosting a Christmas
party for children as part of activities marking the
end of year for the Rotary club.
It was a moment of joy for the children numbering
over 100, as they had fun times displaying their
dancing talents.
The President, Rotarian Olaitan Ojuroye who led
other members of Rotary club of Ikeja <strong>to</strong> the village
said the major objective of Rotary club worldwide is
<strong>to</strong> render service <strong>to</strong> humanity, hence the decision
of her club <strong>to</strong> organise Christmas party for the children
at SOS village for the past ten years, is in line
with this objective.
According <strong>to</strong> Mrs. Ojuroye, ‘The children who
have no parents need parental care and love from
people like members of Rotary club and other corporate
bodies <strong>to</strong> have the sense of belonging.
She further noted that the party was informed by
the passion <strong>to</strong> celebrate with the less privileged,
pointing out that at a time when many children are
celebrating with their parents, it is good <strong>to</strong> celebrate
with these children <strong>to</strong> make them happy and
feel belonged as part of the society.
Germany terror attack:
World must unite <strong>to</strong>
defeat terrorism
By Levinus Nwabughiogu
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in
Abuja said that the world must urgently rise and
unite <strong>to</strong> finally defeat terrorists and terrorism.
Speaking on the heels of the terror attacks in Germany,
the president said that the attacks were a wakeup
call for the rest of the world <strong>to</strong> show sympathy and
solidarity <strong>to</strong>wards Chancellor Angela Merkel in the
global effort <strong>to</strong> neutralise and obliterate terrorists’
agenda against humanity. In a statement by Garba
Shehu, the presidential spokesman, the President also
ex<strong>to</strong>lled Chancellor Merkel’s strong leadership qualities
and her compassion <strong>to</strong>wards immigrants from the
Middle East and other countries.
Gas flare:Panic in Bayelsa community over alleged air pollution
By Samuel Oyadongha
reported thick soothe in
the atmosphere in Port
Harcourt neighbouring
Rivers State earlier in the
month.
Indigenes of Tombia
community lamented what
they described as the poor
air quality in communities
around the Gbarain-Ubie
LNG plant owned by Shell
Petroleum Development
Company SPDC
The Community Development
Committee r, chairman
of Tombia, Mr Seigha
Akoko yesterday said the
development had adversely
affected respira<strong>to</strong>ry
functions of residents in the
past few days.
He said residents had reported
the pollution of air
in the areas surrounding
the gas facility operated <strong>to</strong>
the leadership of the communities.
His words, “our people
and subjects have reported
the pollution of the air
around us here in the past
few days, leading <strong>to</strong> respira<strong>to</strong>ry
complications and
we have noticed several
birds dropped from the air
and died.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016 — 5
<strong>2017</strong> Budget: Presidency <strong>plans</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>spend</strong> <strong>N6.5bn</strong>
on cars, animals, kitchen equipment, others
•Buhari <strong>to</strong> intensify anti-corruption fight, allocates N17.b <strong>to</strong> EFCC
•FG allocates N43bn <strong>to</strong> DPR, PPPRA despite planned scrapping
By Emma Ujah, Abuja
Bureau Chief &
Michael Eboh
THE Presidency has
proposed a N6.5 billion
capital expenditure with
which <strong>to</strong> buy cars, kitchen
equipment, feed the animals
in the Villa zoo, and
rehabilitate office, as well
as, residential buildings.
Specifically, N100.8 million
has been earmarked for
the purchase of canteen
and kitchen equipment
and N223 million for State
House headquarters food
and catering materials
supply; N114. 967 million
for food stuff /catering services
for President and
N53.494 million for the office
of the Vice President.
Office furniture and fittings
were allocated N
61.949 million.
It has proposed <strong>to</strong> buy
three SUVs with N100.8
million as well as, N97.2
million for three 16-seater
buses. Tyres for various categories
of cars and trucks
will take N94.575 million.
N103.9 million will be
used for the purchase of
computers , while a <strong>to</strong>tal of
N40 million has been earmarked
for both wild and
domestic animals in the
State house.
The maintenance of infrastructure
and technical
facilities in the Defence
House and other Safe
Houses will gulp N367.980
million. Similarly, the rehabilitation
and infrastructure
of security quarters in
the villa will also take
N284. 587 million. The
quarters comprise of 8 Nos,
Block of 16 units of 2-bedroom
flats.
A <strong>to</strong>tal of N4.95 billion
has been budgeted for the
annual routine maintenance
of mechanical/electrical
installations, building/civil
and environmental
services within and
around the Villa. These
will include the offices and
residences of the President
and the Vice President, the
Banquet Hall, the Conference
Centre, the old and
new complexes , the Villa
Power House.
That President Muhammadu
Buhari is determined
<strong>to</strong> fight corruption in
the <strong>2017</strong> fiscal year is evident
by the N17 .202 billion
allocated <strong>to</strong> the Economic
and financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC), the
largest single allocation
among the agencies under
the presidency. It consists
of N7. 127 billion for
personnel; N3 billion for
overhead and N7.074 billion
for capital.
The National Emergency
Management Agency
(NEMA) got N1.386 billion
which comprised of 727
million for personnel; 152
overhead and N506 for
capital. The figures were
gathered from the <strong>2017</strong>
Budget Proposals.
...FG allocates N43bn <strong>to</strong> DPR,
PPPRA despite planned scrapping
MEANWHILE, in
spite of moves by
the Federal Government <strong>to</strong>
set up a single regula<strong>to</strong>ry
authority for the petroleum
industry with the planned
scrapping of the existing
regula<strong>to</strong>rs in the industry,
the Department of Petroleum
Resources, DPR, and
the Petroleum Products
Pricing Regula<strong>to</strong>ry Agency,
PPPRA, received the
highest combined allocation
for the Ministry of Petroleum
Resources in the
<strong>2017</strong> budget. Specifically,
according <strong>to</strong> the budget
proposal obtained from the
Ministry of Budget and
National Planning, the
Ministry of Petroleum Resources
was allocated
N69.55 billion, while the
DPR and the PPPRA received
N42.91 billion, representing
61.7 per cent of
the <strong>to</strong>tal allocation <strong>to</strong> the
Ministry.
A breakdown of the allocations
<strong>to</strong> the petroleum
ministry showed that the
DPR received N33.76 billion,
with N32.79 billion
allocated for recurrent expenditure
and N1.03 billion
for capital expenditure,
while the PPPRA received
N9.15 billion, with N7.82
billion and N1.33 billion
earmarked for recurrent
and capital expenditures
respectively.
Other allocations in the
Ministry of Petroleum Resources,
included: Petroleum
Training Institute, PTI,
N12.77 billion, Nigerian
Content Development and
Moni<strong>to</strong>ring Board,
NCDM, N3.653 billion;
Nigerian Nuclear Regula<strong>to</strong>ry
Agency, NNRA,
N7.535 billion, while the
Federal Ministry of Petroleum
Resources Headquarter
was allocated
N2.86 billion.
Of the <strong>to</strong>tal allocation of
N69.55 billion proposed for
the Ministry of Petroleum
Resources, N62.46 billion
is <strong>to</strong> be used for recurrent
expenditure, representing
89.8 per cent of the <strong>to</strong>tal,
while N7.093 billion was
earmarked for capital expenditure,
representing
10.2 per cent of <strong>to</strong>tal allocations.
Kaduna bound passengers who were stranded at the Kubwa Station, Kubwa,
Abuja. Pho<strong>to</strong>: Abayomi ADESHIDA
Christmas: People on queue for cheaper Lake Rice at the distribution centre
in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos yesterday.
Delta court orders DSS <strong>to</strong> release Christian Oluba,
suspected N’Delta Avengers’ militant
A
Delta State High
Court sitting at O<strong>to</strong>r
Udu has ordered the
immediate release of a 40-
KIDNAP: Delta monarchs cry out for protection
By Emma Amaize
TRADITIONAL rulers
in Delta State have
asked the State
Government <strong>to</strong> provide
them adequate security <strong>to</strong>
forestall the constant
abduction and harassment
of monarchs in the state
by suspected Fulani
herdsmen.
They made the appeal
through their state
chairman, His Royal
Majesty, Obi of Owa
Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel
Efeizomor II, against the
backdrop of the latest
kidnap of the monarch of
Agbara- Warri kingdom,
Orhifi Ememor, by
supposed herdsmen on
Wednesday.
The royal father of Ubulu-
Uku Kingdom, Aniocha
North local government
area of the state, the late
HRM Obi Akaeze Ofulue
III, was kidnapped, early
January, by herdsmen and
killed, while other royal
fathers were also subjected
<strong>to</strong> harassment.
The traditional rulers,
however, acknowledged
the role of the state
governor, Sena<strong>to</strong>r Ifeanyi
Okowa, in galvanizing the
security agencies <strong>to</strong> action
<strong>to</strong> release the royal father.
Abducted Ememor II was
released in the early hours
of Thursday following the
combined efforts of the
police and the Ossissa
community vigilante,
which trailed the
kidnappers until about
2.00 am when they wanted
<strong>to</strong> relocate the traditional
ruler. They abandoned him
after a shoot-out with local
vigilante and escaped.
The monarchs, who
appraised the activities of
the council in the outgoing
year at a meeting in Asaba,
also announced the setting
up of four committees <strong>to</strong>
properly coordinate their
activities in the years
ahead. Obi Efeizomor
said in a statement that
“the release of the
traditional ruler came as a
big relief <strong>to</strong> the council and
all Deltans and
commended the swift
response of security
agencies, including the
police and Ossissa
community vigilante,
which led <strong>to</strong> the early
release of the traditional
ruler. The royal fathers
pledged their <strong>to</strong>tal
commitment <strong>to</strong> the state
government and hailed the
peace initiative of the
present administration at
resolving disputes among
ethnic nationalities in the
state
year-old welder and
indigene of Okerenkoko
community, Gbaramatu
Kingdom, Delta State,
Christian Oluba, aka
Sensor, who the
Department of Security
Service, DSS, seized and
detained since June (six
months ago) on grounds
that he is a member of the
militant group, Niger Delta
Avengers, NDA.
Presiding Judge, Justice
C. E. Achilefu (Mrs.) gave
the order pursuant <strong>to</strong> the
motion ex parte for the bail
of the applicant, a father of
three children, brought by
his counsel, Oghenejabor
Ikimi Esq.
The DSS in a statement
in June, confirmed the
apprehension of one
Christian Oluba, aka
Sensor, another suspected
militant with the Niger
Delta Avengers (NDA),
saying: “Sensor was arrested
while perfecting <strong>plans</strong> <strong>to</strong>
carry out explosive attacks on
critical oil and gas pipelines,
including critical s<strong>to</strong>rage
points.”
Oghenejabor, who is the
Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r of the
Centre for the Vulnerable
and Underprivileged,
CENTREP, had gone <strong>to</strong> court
seeking the release of Oluba,
who he alleged was arrested
at Adeje <strong>to</strong>wn by operatives
of DSS while visiting a
colleague named Ebi in June
and whisked <strong>to</strong> Abuja.
The court ruled: “…It is
hereby granted in the
following terms. Bail is
hereby granted <strong>to</strong> the
applicant, Mr. Christian
Oluba, in the sum of N500,
000 and two sureties in the
like sum. The first surety must
be a level 08 Civil Servant
within this Jurisdiction. The
2nd surety must be a property
owner within this
jurisdiction.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
2019: I know those who will not succeed
me — Amosun
parliamentary caucus
...denies plotting against Tinubu
By Daud Olatunji,
Abeokuta
OGUN State governor,
Sena<strong>to</strong>r Ibikunle
Amosun has revealed that
seven persons have shown
interest <strong>to</strong> become governor
of the state in 2019, saying
no quality of a would-begovernor
in any of them.
The governor boasted:
“Although, I do not know yet
who will succeed me come
May 29, 2019, I certainly
know those who won’t be
governor in Ogun State.”
Amosun who said this
yesterday in Abeokuta at the
APC, Ogun State members
of National Assembly caucus
meeting added that the
seven aspirants are simply
wasting their time and
resources.
The governor however,
denied disparaging the
leader of the All Progressives
Congress and a former
governor of Lagos State,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
In the meeting which
attracted state APC executive
council, the governor noted
that Tinubu had s<strong>to</strong>od by him
when he needed him, and
he would continue <strong>to</strong> defer
<strong>to</strong> him.
The governor was
obviously reacting <strong>to</strong> an
alledged audio revelation
emanating from a group
within the party believed <strong>to</strong>
bé loyal <strong>to</strong> a governorship
aspirant which has gone viral
on the social media.
In the allegedly audio
recording of a meeting held
early in the week, the
governor was said <strong>to</strong> have
disparaged Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu and allegedly hinted
on how he (Tinubu) would
bé disgraced before 2019.
While refuting disparaging
the APC national leader,
Amosun said ,”What
happened was that we
wanted <strong>to</strong> have a
parliamentary caucus. And
we said we would be having
it quarterly but we
discovered that our
commissioners were not
there and the elders of the
party <strong>to</strong>o must be there.
“It wasn’t our normal
meeting it was just the
meeting.
“Well, but for me we
should be happy, that some
people are afraid of whatever
we do and that is why they
are running helter skelter.
“If there are cowards or
trai<strong>to</strong>rs somewhere trying <strong>to</strong>
record or do any other
thing,those people can not
do anything.
“But let me say this and I
have been saying it all the
time, that we might not be
able <strong>to</strong> say clearly now who
becomes the next governor
but we know those who will
not be governor.
The governor while
denying the allegations that
he used the state money <strong>to</strong>
fund Ondo election, said “In
Ondo, we have won, we will
continue <strong>to</strong> win. If they have
money, let them keep it,
when there is time for us <strong>to</strong>
<strong>spend</strong> money, we will <strong>spend</strong>
very well for our people, we
will go round and say this is
it and this is what we want
<strong>to</strong> do, we are no cowards, we
will <strong>spend</strong> money, we will
not steal money, don’t bother
yourself that they are writing
this, they are writing that.
“They <strong>to</strong>ld me there are
three candidates, if they
don’t know I will tell them,
people that have <strong>to</strong>ld me they
want <strong>to</strong> be Governor are now
seven and I know that all of
those seven, no Governor
there, the ones that can be
Governor, when the time
comes, we will tell our
people.
“I know that they don’t
have responsibilities for
governance, don’t let them
distract us because they
mention it and I am here in
person that is why I am just
saying that so they should
be ready, even all our people
whether state Assembly,
whether members of the
House of Representatives,
sena<strong>to</strong>rs, if you want <strong>to</strong> be
something, when the time
comes we will know,”
Amosun said.
Edo pilgrims board demands sack of NCPC staff over
deportation of delegate
By SIMON
EBEGBULEM
CRISIS is brewing be
tween the Edo State
Pilgrims Board and the
authorities of the Nigerian
Christian Pilgrims Commission
following what the Chairman
of the Board, Bishop
Peter Imasuen described as
illegal and wicked deportation
of one of the participants
from Israel on the orders of
some members of the Commission.
They therefore demanded
for the immediate removal of
one Constance, the NCPC
lady who led the delegation
and one of the Pas<strong>to</strong>rs attached
<strong>to</strong> the Commission,
who was alleged <strong>to</strong> have plotted
the deportation of the lady
after she allegedly rejected
his love overtures.
The incident caused pandemonium
at the Ben Gurion
Airport Israel, the very day
the Edo contingent for the
2016 Pilgrim landed Israel
from Italy, when this particular
Pas<strong>to</strong>r and a lady attached
<strong>to</strong> NCPC secretly informed
the Israeli authorities <strong>to</strong> deport
this lady (names withheld)
from Edo without informing
the leader of the delegation,
Bishop Imasuen.
Pilgrims from Edo state
engaged the NCPC staff in
war of words at the Airport
when it was discovered that
the lady has been detained
for no genuine reason. Angry
Bishop Imasuen insisted
that they should return all other
pilgrims back <strong>to</strong> Nigeria or
release the innocent lady but
he was prevailed upon by Israeli
authorities and some
security officials attached <strong>to</strong>
NCPC <strong>to</strong> calm down and allow
them find solution <strong>to</strong> the
problem.
But <strong>to</strong> the chagrin of delegates
from Edo, it was discovered
that the said lady has
been deported back <strong>to</strong> Nigeria.
Bishop Imasuen who informed
Vanguard yesterday
that the Board is demanding
the immediate removal of all
the NCPC staff who were
behind the ugly incident, declared
that the state may pull
out from the Commission
unless those behind the incident
are removed.
APC decries killings in Ekiti,
charges Fayose on security
By Rotimi Ojomoyela
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti
State has expressed worry at the spate of
suspected assassinations in the state in the last four
days, saying the development was not unconnected
with lax security measures short of political will <strong>to</strong>
protect residents from avoidable deaths.
Within the last four days, three men, including a
police officer, had lost their lives <strong>to</strong> circumstances
believed <strong>to</strong> be assassinations.
A Superintendent of Police (SP), Idowu Taiwo, was
on Sunday night killed and abandoned in his car
handcuffed after three gunmen abducted him at a
relaxation joint along Ikere-Ado road in the state
capital.
On Monday, Kunle Enisan, an engineer, was also
abducted on his way home along Afao-Ado road,
Ado-Ekiti. His body was found Tuesday morning,
sparking anger and outrage that shook the state
capital.
Earlier on Saturday, Wale Adeniyi, a graduate
entrepreneur in Ikere-Ekiti, was found dead along
Iju-Ikere road after an encounter with gunmen.
But reacting in a statement in Ado-Ekiti by Publicity
Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the party lamented
the sudden upsurge in the murders of residents,
blaming lack of adequate security measures for the
sad incidents.
Lagos assembly still best in
Nigeria – Obasa
S
PEAKER of the Lagos State House of Assembly,
Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, has said that the regular
parliamentary sessions by members of the House
has been responsible for the unity enjoyed in the
state legislative arm of government.
Obasa in a statement issued on Wednesday and
signed by his Special Adviser on Legislative and
Political Matters, Mr. Mufutau Egberongbe, explained
that the Lagos State House of Assembly has
been able <strong>to</strong> remain the best in the country due <strong>to</strong>
unity among the members of the House.
Obasa pointed out that the regular holding of parliamentary
sessions before plenary sessions has made
the job of legislation easier. “Most times when we
have critical issues <strong>to</strong> discuss, we meet at parliamentary
session and iron them out so that we can have a
robust and smooth discussions at plenary sessions.
“Also, when there is a bill from the Executive arm,
we hold Executive briefing at parliamentary session
and this will enable us <strong>to</strong> have a member of th e
Executive arm <strong>to</strong> come and brief and give us the pros
and cons of the bill. Eventually, this will assist members
in critiquing the bill at plenary which will lead
<strong>to</strong> speedy passage. This also fosters strong tie between
the Executive and Legislative arms.

Armed bandits kill aged couple in Ilorin
By Demola Akinyemi
ARMED bandits last
Wednesday in Ilorin,
the Kwara state capital
killed aged couple, tied
their corpses <strong>to</strong>gether and
dumped them inside the
well in the compound.
Saturday Vanguard
reliably gathered that the
armed bandits, s<strong>to</strong>rmed
the couple’s residence at
Tanke area of Ilorin around
5pm on the fateful day,
when the guard was not
around and traced the
aged couple who were
pensioners in their late 60s
in<strong>to</strong> the living room,where
they demanded
money,other valuable
items and the car key.
The three-man robbery
gang about three of them,
severally shot the couple
and thereafter macheted
them <strong>to</strong> death,leaving
traces of blood everywhere
in the compound.
After killing them,they
tied their remains <strong>to</strong>gether
and dumped them inside
the well.
The gang reportedly
ransacked the expansive
house,carted away four
plasma televisions,other
electronic gadgets and
valuables and escaped
with the s<strong>to</strong>len items in one
of the s<strong>to</strong>len vehicles from
the compound
The corpses were
discovered later by
neighbours after trailing
the traces of blood left
behind from the shooting.
Saturday Vanguard
however gathered that the
security guard has been
arrested by the police and
being interrogated over the
dastardly act.
The ugly incident, has
however left residents in
apprehension as the
Christmas draws closer.
But the state police
command said there was
no need <strong>to</strong> fear as men
and officers would be on
ground <strong>to</strong> ensure safety of
all and sundry.
•Dump their bodies inside well
Governor David Umahi; Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe (right);Speaker,
House of Assembly, Ogbonnaya Nwifuru (3rd left); Deputy Speaker, Obasi
Odefa Obasi (left); At<strong>to</strong>rney-General and Commissioner for Justice,
Augustine Nwankwegu (4th left); and Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mrs.
Patricia Anyasi, at the signing of the <strong>2017</strong> budget by the governor in Abakaliki
on Thursday.
Spokesman for the
police command, Mr. Ajayi
Okasanmi confirmed the
incident and promised that
the hands of the law will
soon catch up with the
perpetra<strong>to</strong>rs of the
dastardly act.
He said: “It is true, we
still don’t know who did it
and whether they were
armed robbers or assassins
because it was a man that
came <strong>to</strong> the police <strong>to</strong> report
that they had an aged
couple living within the
premises but they could
not be found but after
seeing the traces of blood,
from their section of the
house, it led <strong>to</strong> a well.
“The police came and
after searching the area,
the corpses were found
inside the well so we called
the fire service department
and they came <strong>to</strong> recover
the corpses which have
now been deposited at the
mortuary at UITH.
“We don’t know whether
they were robbers or
assassins but they went
away with a Toyota Camry
belonging <strong>to</strong> the couple.
We are still investigating <strong>to</strong>
unravel the mystery but we
would like <strong>to</strong> assure the
public that the criminals
would not escape the long
arm of the law.”
Family of seven killed in ghastly
mo<strong>to</strong>r accident in Benue
By Peter Duru,
Makurdi
JUST few days <strong>to</strong> the
Yuletide, a family of
seven have been reportedly
killed in a ghastly
mo<strong>to</strong>r accident at Taraku in
Gwer local government
area of Benue state.
Saturday Vanguard
gathered from an eyewitness
that the victims were
being driven in their
Toyota car by their father,
identified as Mr.
Vangeryina Agbose when
the accident occurred.
He said, “the occupants
of the ill fated vehicle were
said <strong>to</strong> be coming from a
family farm when accident
occurred.”
He added that, “the car
which had the man, his
wife and five children including
a one year old baby
were driving from the
Taraku Oil Mill road and
on reaching the T-Junction
he suddenly negotiated
in<strong>to</strong> the major highway
probably without taking
notice of the oncoming
Toyota Picnic.
“The entire family members
were instantly crushed
<strong>to</strong> death, even their mother
and the one year old baby
who survived the tragedy
later died before getting <strong>to</strong>
the hospital.
“The accident created so
much tension in the entire
Taraku leading <strong>to</strong> aggrieved
youths taking over
the major road and the
entire community in protest.
“It <strong>to</strong>ok the intervention
of law enforcement agency
and people of good will
who pleaded with the irate
youths <strong>to</strong> allow peace
reign.” Meantime, Saturday
Vanguard gathered
that the family who hailed
from Mbaabir Community
in Gwer LGA, Benue State
were yesterday laid <strong>to</strong> rest.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016 — 7
BRIEFS
Petroleum tanker accidents killed 306 Nigerians
in 2016—FRSC Corps Marshal
By Peter Duru,
Makurdi
CORP Marshal of the
Federal Road Safety
Corps, Dr. Boboye
Oyeyemi yesterday disclosed
that over 306 persons
were reportedly killed
this year in road accidents
involving 338 fuel tankers
and 692 vehicles across the
country.
Dr. Oyeyemi who spoke
yesterday at the flag off of
the Special End of Year
2016 Patrol in Makurdi,
lamented that “losses from
tanker crashes have been
estimated <strong>to</strong> be causing the
nation about N7billion annually.”
Represented by Assistant
Corps Marshal Julius
Asom, the Corps Marshal
noted that the campaign
against carnage on Nige-
Without MTEF, <strong>2017</strong> budget is
illegal — CSO
By Michael Eboh
ACivil Society organization, the Centre for Social Jus
tice, CSJ, has contended that the Presidency erred
in the sight of the law in the preparation and preparation
of the <strong>2017</strong> budget with the approval of the Medium
Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF.
In his preliminary review of the <strong>2017</strong> Federal Appropriation
Bill, Executive Secretary of the CSJ, Mr. Eze
Onyekpere, argued that there cannot be an executive
budget submitted for legislative approval without the
approval of the MTEF.
He said, “Some key challenges arising from the budget
speech and the presentation include: The fact that there
is no approved Medium Term Expenditure Framework
<strong>2017</strong>-2019. Section 18 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act,
FRA, states: “Notwithstanding anything <strong>to</strong> the contrary
contained in this Act or any other law, the Medium-Term
Expenditure Framework shall- (1) be the basis for the
preparation of the estimates of revenue and expenditure
required <strong>to</strong> be prepared and laid before the National
Assembly under section 81 (1) of the Constitution.
“(2) The sec<strong>to</strong>ral and compositional distribution of the
estimates of expenditure referred <strong>to</strong> in subsection (1) of
this section shall be consistent with the medium-term
developmental priorities set out in the Medium-Term
Expenditure Framework”.
Lake rice: I am excited, says
Buhari
By Levinus Nwabughiogu
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed joy
over the successful partnership between Lagos and
Kebbi States that gave rise <strong>to</strong> the local production of LAKE
Rice (Lagos-Kebbi Rice).
President Buhari also commended the two states for
the efforts he said paid off.
The President particularly commended the commitment
of Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Atiku Bagudu in
bringing <strong>to</strong> fruition the Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) signed in March 2016 on substantially meeting
the country’s rice requirement.
He also expressed delight at the relatively cheaper price
of LAKE Rice especially at this period of recession.
“It gladdens my heart <strong>to</strong> get reports of our citizens
rushing <strong>to</strong> purchase this cheaper local rice <strong>to</strong> enable them
and their families enjoy the Christmas and New Year
celebrations,” the President said.
FUTA crisis: NANS call on FG
Intervention over police brutality
By Elizabeth Uwandu
THE National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS
has called on the federal government as a matter of
urgency <strong>to</strong> intervene in the crisis that rocked Federal
University of Technology, Akure, on Wednesday where it
was alleged that the Nigeria police assaulted and battered
the Dean Students Affairs, Prof Alese and some
students.
In the communique issued by Ojo Kayomide , NANS
Direc<strong>to</strong>r of media and publicity officer, and signed by
Com. Egalitarian, NANS national senate. The body said
it was disheartening that the police made <strong>to</strong> protect lives
of the masses were the ones <strong>to</strong>rturing them.
“The crisis rocking FUTA calls for attention now. What
happened days ago at the school campus between the
JAC (SSANU, NASU, and NAAT), the school management
and the students is highly embarrassing."
rian roads required the
support and collaboration
of all stakeholders in the
country hence the campaign.
Speaking, chairman of
the National Union of Road
Transport Workers,
NURTW, Comrade John
Shom who urged the FRSC
<strong>to</strong> curtail the incessant activities
of it's mobile court
also urged the federal government
<strong>to</strong> address the dilapidated
state of Nigerian
roads.
In his remark, the Commandant,
Nigeria Navy
Provost and Regulating
School, Commodore
Suleman Bello appealed <strong>to</strong>
road users <strong>to</strong> adopt the strategy
of sailors “by having it
at the back of their minds
that any driver involved in
a crash is liable even if the
driver of the other ill fated
car caused the accident.

8— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Gov. Ugwuanyi presents N105b budget <strong>to</strong>
Enugu Assembly
… Pledges <strong>to</strong> complete ongoing projects and commence new ones
By Emeka Mamah
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State with the former Chief Judge of
Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezulike (rtd.), left, and the new Chief Judge
of the State, Justice Ngozi Priscilla Emehelu, (right) immediately after she
was sworn-in, yesterday.
ENUGU State governor,
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
yesterday presented a budget
estimates of
N105,719,471,000 for the
<strong>2017</strong> fiscal year <strong>to</strong> the Enugu
State House of Assembly
for approval.
The budget represents a
24 percent increase compared
<strong>to</strong> this year’s figure
of N85,179,449,000.
Ugwanyi said that the
budget tagged, “Budget of
Economic Recovery and
Inclusive Development,”
would address the yearnings
and aspirations of the
people of the state, despite
the current economic recession
in the country.
According <strong>to</strong> him,
N55,197,939,000 representing
52 percent is for recurrent
expenditure while
N50, 521,532,000 representing
48 percent is for
capital expenditure.
He further noted that the
increase in this year’s estimates
was due <strong>to</strong> his administration’s
commitment
<strong>to</strong> boost the state’s Internally-Generated
Revenue,
IGR, among other funding
windows <strong>to</strong> complement
allocation from the federation
account.
Ugwuanyi promised that
attention would be given
<strong>to</strong> completion of ongoing
priority projects as well as
other new ones that would
<strong>to</strong>uch the lives of the people
positively.
He further promised better
days ahead, while reaffirming
his administration’s
commitment <strong>to</strong> zero
<strong>to</strong>lerance for corruption,
just as the diversification
of the state economy
through private sec<strong>to</strong>r participation
and Public Private
Partnership <strong>to</strong> fasttrack
sustainable and inclusive
development was a
<strong>to</strong>p priority.
Responding, the Speaker
of the Assembly, Hon.
Edward Ubosi, commended
the governor for his administration’s
fiscal discipline
which contributed <strong>to</strong>
an impressive implementation
of the 2016 budget
and promised a speedy
passage of the budget,
without compromising its
oversight functions just as
he stressed the for cordial
Experts advocate participa<strong>to</strong>ry
style of governance
By Ishola Balogun
A
new leadership
practice, culture
and governance style
that will guarantee citizens
participation in budgeting
process has been
advocated at different
levels of government in
Nigeria.
This is in a bid <strong>to</strong> ensure
equitable allocation
and distribution of resources
<strong>to</strong> priority areas
that are often neglected.
At a one-day training
centred on “Participa<strong>to</strong>ry
Governance: Empowering
Citizens for Good
Governance” participants
maintained that
with the developing information
and communication
technology; governance
in the country
could no longer be ‘business
as usual’ if government
must endear the
people <strong>to</strong> itself.
relationship between the
legislative and executive
arms of government in the
state.
Addressing participants
who were mostly
drawn from Local Government
Areas in Lagos
State, the Deputy Direc<strong>to</strong>r,
Community Life
Project, (CLP), Mr
Chuks Ojidoh stated that
a paradigm shift leading
<strong>to</strong> citizens’ participation
in governance would
bring about quicker pace
of governance.
Mr Ojidoh added that
the situation would further
promote real democracy,
community <strong>to</strong>getherness
and transparency
as well as accountability
<strong>to</strong> the people.
“In the present digital
environment, the local
government should be
more open; secrecy can
no longer be assumed as
possible, it has <strong>to</strong> be people-centred
and there
should be a strong partnership
between the government
and the civil society
as the number and
diversity of stakeholders
demanding <strong>to</strong> be part of
decision-making process
is growing,” he said.
The CLP Deputy Direc<strong>to</strong>r
then suggested the
Por<strong>to</strong> Alegre model of
participa<strong>to</strong>ry budgeting,
which greatly assisted
the Brazilian city <strong>to</strong> improve
its human development
indices.
However, the participants
spoke in unison
that the knowledge garnered
in the course of the
training would greatly
impact on local government
administration visà-vis
budget processing,
stressing that efforts
would be made <strong>to</strong> sensitise
and re-orientate the
people on the need <strong>to</strong> be
actively involved in the
way they are being governed.
B-R-I-E-F-S
Akwa Ibom gov, speaker
empower 200 Nsit Ubium
indigenes, 115 students
By Clifford Ndujihe
TO tackle poverty and boost the war against reces
sion, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom
Emmanuel and Speaker of the State House of Assembly,
Rt Hon Onofiok Luke, have empowered about 200 indigenes
of Nsit Ubium State Constituency, granted scholarship
<strong>to</strong> 115 students and donated computers and textbooks
<strong>to</strong> five selected secondary schools.
The empowerment packages were announced on
Wednesday when Hon Luke held his third constituency
briefing and thanksgiving for the one year anniversary
of his emergence as speaker at the Nsit Ubium Local
Council headquarters.
Luke, while thanking God at the the colourful ceremony
that attracted prominent Nigerians from all parts of
the country including House of Assembly speakers of
Kebbi, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Cross
River, Kaduna, Kano, Niger and Bayelsa as well as
Lt.Colonel Abdul’Aziz Musa Yar’Adua, younger brother
<strong>to</strong> late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who represented
the Yar’ Ádua family, said the gesture was part of his
appreciation <strong>to</strong> the people and <strong>to</strong> empower them in line
with his campaign promises.
Diamond Bank promotes 850
employees
DIAMOND Bank has announced the promotion of
over 850 employees of its workforce who have distinguished
themselves in performance and in living the
core values of the bank.
The bank said in a statement that the members staff
promoted would be part of the the bank’s talent pipeline
in the coming years having distinguished themselves at
the junior levels and therefore need <strong>to</strong> be encouraged
and developed <strong>to</strong> take up critical positions in the future.
“Diamond Bank is one of Nigeria’s fastest growing retail
bank, leveraging innovation and technology <strong>to</strong> enhance
cus<strong>to</strong>mer experiences and drive financial inclusion
in what it terms Beyond Banking. Since incorporation
in December 1990, Diamond Bank has challenged
the market environment by introducing new products,
innovative technology and setting new benchmarks
through international standards.
OGSSOBA holds AGM/dinner
OMU-Aran Government Secondary School Old Boys
Association, OGSSOBA, will hold its Annual General
Meeting and dinner on December 26 at the Hall of
Fame of the college in Omu-Aran, Kwara state. The AGM
will be held at 3 pm while the dinner will take place at 8 pm
The AGM/Dinner will be followed by Prophetic Blessings
and Declarations by the presiding Bishop of Winners
Chapel, Dr David Oyedepo at Landmark University, Omu-
Aran, by 7 am while Professor Gafar Omogbolahan Bello of
the University of Ilorin will deliver the Annual lecture.
A statement by the National General Secretary of the association,
Mr Remi Afolayan enjoined all old boys of the
college <strong>to</strong> attend the meeting/dinner as crucial matters will
be discussed while finishing <strong>to</strong>uches will be put on the
planning of the 50th year anniversary celebration of the
school coming up in May <strong>2017</strong>. The statement further mandated
all set co-ordina<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> co-ordinate their respective
set and get back <strong>to</strong> the national secretariat.
CNPP demands immediate, unconditional release of Ikenga by DSS
By Kingsley
Omonobi-Abuja.
THE Conference of
Nigeria Political Parties
(CNPP) has demanded
for the immediate
and unconditional release
of a youth activist
and the President of National
Youth Council of
Nigeria (NYCN), Mr.
Ikenga Ugochinyere who
was arrested by the Department
of State Services
(DSS).
Recall that Ugochinyere
was arrested and his office
broken in<strong>to</strong> by sledge
hammer-wielding DSS
operatives, who s<strong>to</strong>rmed
his private office at about
2a.m. in the Garki area of
Abuja.
CNPP in a statement
signed by its Secretary
General, Chief Willy
Ezugwu, said “it is disturbing
that the DSS has
made its Gestapo style
operation a routine modus
operandi since the arrest
of judicial officers, even
when it is unnecessary.
“The DSS should be reminded
that Nigeria is
still under a civil rule and
in a democracy, and not a
military junta, where citizens
are intimidated and
harassed at will by agents
of government.
“From available information,
at no time did the
young, and enterprising
youth activist, decline any
invitation by the service <strong>to</strong>
warrant his arrest at the
wee hours of the night.”
This was the style of President
Muhammadu
Buhari government in the
80s as a military Head of
State.
C
M
Y
K

Ibori decides <strong>to</strong> lie low, re-appraises
events *Kinsmen beg FG, EFCC <strong>to</strong> forget fresh charges
By Emma Amaize, Godwin
Oghre &Perez Brisibe
FORMER Governor of
Delta State, Chief
James Onanefe Ibori, who
regained his freedom,
Wednesday, after serving
six and half year jail term
in London, United Kingdom,
on money laundering
charges, has decided
<strong>to</strong> keep a low profile in
London, despite the loud
preparations for his return
back home
Ibori has remained in
London since his release,
but had been communicating
with politicians and
friends in Nigeria in the
past few days, while some
flew <strong>to</strong> London <strong>to</strong> rejoice
with him.
Also, some leaders of his
political family in the state
have cut back on the celebrations
over his discharge
in view of public
outrage, while his kinsmen
pleaded, yesterday, with
the Federal Government
and the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission,
EFCC, not <strong>to</strong> exhume
fresh case against him.
Their call was against
the backdrop of unconfirmed
report that the federal
government was interested
in extraditing the
former governor and filing
We’re waiting for Ibori <strong>to</strong> continue
his contribution <strong>to</strong> Delta, Nigeria,
Sena<strong>to</strong>r Omo-Agege
By Henry Umoru
AHEAD of the antic
ipated home coming
of former governor of
Delta, Chief James Ibori,
Sena<strong>to</strong>r Ovie Omo-
Agege, LP, Delta Central
said yesterday that the
people of the state were
waiting anxiously for
him <strong>to</strong> come and contribute
<strong>to</strong> contibution <strong>to</strong> the
growth and development
of the State and
Nigeria in general.
In a statement made
available <strong>to</strong> Vanguard
Omo- Agege who noted
that the people of the
state were very happy
over the release of Ibori,
said that his good health,
was most important.
Sena<strong>to</strong>r Omo- Agege
said, “I join all Urhobo
people who I have the
Privilege <strong>to</strong> represent in
the senate and indeed all
Deltans in giving gratitude
<strong>to</strong> God for granting
former Governor James
Ibori reprieve from this
decade long ordeal.
“We are even more
gratified that he is in
good health. We look forward
<strong>to</strong> having him back
<strong>to</strong> continue <strong>to</strong> contribute
his quota <strong>to</strong> the development
of Delta state and
Nigeria in general.”
fresh charges against him.
An influential member of
the Ibori political family
<strong>to</strong>ld Saturday Vanguard on
condition of anonymity:
“Ibori knew that many
things went wrong and he
thinks this is the time for
him <strong>to</strong> reappraise what really
happened and do new
things, not the kind of
things people are saying
about him.”
He stated: “Regarding
the celebrations, the plan
was not, however, <strong>to</strong> go
wild as you people in the
media put it, but somehow,
you cannot s<strong>to</strong>p happy people
from displaying their
joy. Nevertheless, we have
decided <strong>to</strong> go low because
of the sensitivity of other
Nigerians, who do not
know what Ibori means <strong>to</strong>
some of us.”
At Oghara, the former
governor’s country home in
Ethiope-West local government
area, yesterday, Saturday
Vanguard learned
that some members of the
extended Ibori family and
well-<strong>to</strong>-do kinsmen have
traveled <strong>to</strong> London <strong>to</strong> see
Ibori. His secondary school
classmate from 1972 – 1975
and political leader in Federal
Ward 8, Ethiope –West
local government area,
Chief Eyaufe Robert and
others, who, among others,
appealed the federal government
<strong>to</strong> simmer down
on the ex-governor, said:
“Let peace be still, our illustrious
son has served his
full jail term in London. We
implore the federal government
and the anti-graft
agency <strong>to</strong> steer clear and
allow him <strong>to</strong> live his life in
peace. He is someone’s father,
brother, uncle and
well-wisher. He cannot be
tried twice on the same offence.
That will negate
natural law.”
Chief Robert particularly
appealed <strong>to</strong> President
Muhammadu Buhari <strong>to</strong>
warmly receive the Delta
born ex-governor when he
returns <strong>to</strong> the country, noting:
“Nearly all governors
in former President
Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime
had one form of litigation
or the other bordering
on corrupt practices,
but none suffered the way
Chief Ibori, who did so
much for his people, the
state and the country as
whole, had suffered.”
According <strong>to</strong> him,
“Those planning <strong>to</strong> try him
again should s<strong>to</strong>p it. No
political leader has suffered
the fate that our brother
suffered. If Nelson
Mandela and Obasanjo
can leave prison <strong>to</strong> be
President, Ibori is free <strong>to</strong> go
about his life and even excelled
like them. He
brought new brand of politics
<strong>to</strong> Delta State and
countless people benefited
from his wealth of political
activities in the state and
in the country as whole.
This celebration for his return
will last for more than
seven days on his eventual
return.”
Others who shared his
opinion also said it would
be injustice <strong>to</strong> try him
again after he had served
prison term in London.
At Ibori’s residence in
Oghara, yesterday, Saturday
Vanguard observed
that the entrance (main
gate) was still locked up
with about 10 private security
guards keeping vigil
Two of them, Pa. Udele
U. Esiri and Mr Etu
Goodluck, who beamed
with smile, however, <strong>to</strong>ld
our reporter that preparations
were in progress <strong>to</strong>
give the ex-governor a
rousing welcome <strong>to</strong> his
own <strong>to</strong>wn and father land.
At the premises of the
ex-governor’s eldest
brother, Chief Williams
Ibori, who holds the title of
the Uzi Unugbrogodo of
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016 — 9
BRIEFS
By Julius Oweh, Asaba
THE people and government of Delta
State are happy over the release of
the former state governor, Chief James Ibori
from British jail.
The Information Commissioner and the
chief image maker of the government, Mr
Patrick Ukah gave this indication on
Thursday while addressing the press after
the weekly executive council meeting
in Asaba. Mr. Ukah said that: ‘We as people
of Delta State and the government are
happy about the release of Chief James
Ibori. He is our leader and as a former
governor contributed his own quota <strong>to</strong> the
growth and development of the state. We
love him as a people and every Deltan is
happy about his release‘.
In another development, Ukah disclosed
that the state government was planning
big for the two major news outfits - the
Delta Broadcasting Service and The
Glo urges Nigerians <strong>to</strong> promote
love, peace at Christmas
GLOBACOM, national telecommunications opera<strong>to</strong>r,
has called on Nigerians <strong>to</strong> use the period of Christmas
<strong>to</strong> promote the virtues of love, peace and sharing of
gifts. In a goodwill message sent out on Friday, Glo felicitated
with Nigerian Christians on this year’s Christmas
celebration, and urged them <strong>to</strong> always remember the symbolism
of Christmas even in the midst of feasting and celebrations.
It noted that the real significance of Christmas
is the celebration of the love of God for mankind which
was perfected through the birth of Jesus Christ.
The company advised Christians <strong>to</strong> “imbibe values of
love, humility, kindness, righteous living and fruits of the
spirit which would guarantee eternal life as promised by
Jesus Christ.”
Globacom also noted in the message that sharing of gifts
is a fundamental principle of Christianity, and charged Nigerians
<strong>to</strong> share material items during the festive period in
order <strong>to</strong> reduce the effect of the recession on less privileged
Nigerians.
Kidnapped female Cus<strong>to</strong>ms
officer regains freedom
By Joseph Undu
THE kidnapped female Cus<strong>to</strong>ms officer, Comfort
Alaba, who was on Tuesday night abducted by two
armed men in front of an eatery in Festac area of
Lagos, has regained her freedom. The officer was
said <strong>to</strong> have been released last night. However, it
could not been ascertained whether ransom was
paid for her release.
According <strong>to</strong> security source: “As at 10.30pm, she
was still in an undisclosed hospital receiving treatment
from the gunshot.”
Saturday Vanguard gathered that her abduc<strong>to</strong>rs
fired a shot at her on close range when she attempted
<strong>to</strong> resist them. Recall that Alaba, who is attached
<strong>to</strong> SDV, a bonded terminal under Tin-Can Island
command, Lagos, was in her car in the company of
her two daughters, in front of the eatery on 22 Road
at about 8pm when she was abducted.
Eye witnesses <strong>to</strong>ld Vanguard that, the intruders
who were armed apparently trailed her <strong>to</strong> the eatery.
They were said <strong>to</strong> have rushed out of their operational
car, a Murano jeep and walked straight
<strong>to</strong> Alaba’s car, shooting sporadically.
Call for SGF’s removal unjustified,
must be disregarded by Buhari
– Northern Youths
By Kelechukwu Iruoma
NORTHERN group under the umbrella of
North-East Youth Peace & Empowerment Initiative,
NEYPEI, has described the call by The Senate
for the removal of Secretary <strong>to</strong> the Government
of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, as unjustified
and should be disregarded.
The National President, Alhaji Abubakar Kyari,
in a statement, said that the allegation of abuse of
office by the Senate adhoc committee was an interim
report which must not be used <strong>to</strong> nail Lawal.
Kyari said, “The award of contracts <strong>to</strong> his cronies
and members of his family was only based on an
interim report of Senate adhoc committee. We state
that the senate should wait for the full report on the
misuse of powers by the office of the SGF before
taking the necessary actions because it is premature
<strong>to</strong> conclude and call for his suspension”.
The group regretted the calculated campaigns of
calumny launched against many illustrious sons of
the North-East extractions serving in the present
administration, saying they have been found <strong>to</strong> be
untrue at the end.
Deltans rejoice over Ibori’s release
Pointer newspaper. He said that <strong>plans</strong>
were at advanced stage <strong>to</strong> merge the
broadcasting outfit and that the two stations
in Warri and Asaba shall operate as
one.
The Information Commissioner maintained
that this merger has become necessary
<strong>to</strong> improve news and programme
content and that the proposed license is
for one broadcasting outfit.
On The Pointer newspaper, Ukah said
that the aim of the government is <strong>to</strong> make
the newspaper a reference point in news
about Delta state and the South-South.
He also disclosed that the circulation
of the newspaper shall be improved upon
so that it could be very visible in Lagos,
Abuja and the whole of south-south.
The Information Commissioner stated
that in two years time, the newspaper
shall be commercialized so that it could
compete with other newspapers and more
revenue could be so generated.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
CHRISTMAS:
Nigerians celebrate
in hunger and anguish
By Ola Ajayi, Dayo Johnson, Samuel
Oyadongha, Ebun Sessou, Umar Yusuf,
Daud Olatunji, Marie-Therese Nanlong,
Jumoke Kolawole & Onyeka Emordi
T
he pain, the anguish, the hope
lessness, the bitterness written
on their faces tell the sad s<strong>to</strong>ry
of Christmas celebration this
year for many Nigerian families.
There is hunger in the land. From the
north <strong>to</strong> the south, from the west <strong>to</strong> the east,
it is a season of lamentations at Christmas.
Nigerians cry that they have never had it
this bad. The suffering is almost unbearable.
The year 2016 is one many Nigerians
would never forget in a hurry for the obvious
reason of being a year of great economic
downturn which has affected almost
every strata of social life.
The recession has really affected in no
small measure both wage earners and business
people alike. It is like the proverbial
rain that never discriminates roof<strong>to</strong>ps.
Many families have
been struggling <strong>to</strong> put
food on their table as
well as settling the
house rents, school
fees of their children
and wards in private
and unity schools and
other sundry expenses
of labour.
Many residents who
spoke with Saturday Vanguard
jokingly enthused
that they wished Christmas
would never come or could
be postponed this year because
according <strong>to</strong> them, the
year has been the worst they
have had <strong>to</strong> live through on
account of the unprecedented
challenges and high
cost of living.
Many say they might not
With
the yuletide around the corner, many
be able <strong>to</strong> afford rice, and other complimentary
staple foods that are highly sought
Nigerians are in a state of nostalgia of
the season known for its funfare, vacation
and elaborate celebrations. How-
<strong>to</strong> the high cost.
after and consumed during this period due
ever, it is certain that this year will not
For others who are used <strong>to</strong> travelling <strong>to</strong>
follow the traditional pomp and pageantry
that is always associated with the
their country homes <strong>to</strong> <strong>spend</strong> time with kith
and kins, this year's economic situation may
period.
not permit such “luxury vacation.”
Many families have been struggling A house wife, Mrs Mary Idafe said, her
<strong>to</strong> put food on their table as well as settling
the house rents, school fees of their
greatest challenge was how <strong>to</strong> cajole her
kids <strong>to</strong> accepting that this Christmas would
children and wards in private and unity
not be as the “usual”, that their regular
schools and other sundry expenses. With
mouth watering Christmas packages would
such mounting bills <strong>to</strong> settle especially not be available this year. “If only the kids
with schools resuming in January many would understand that things are not how
may not be celebrating the yuletide with they used <strong>to</strong> be,” she said. According <strong>to</strong> her,
the usual grandeur.
“under normal circumstance, I would have
been done with Christmas shopping for the
Bayelsa
kids before this time. But up till now (last
week), I have not got my kids their Christmas
dresses and am finding it difficult <strong>to</strong>
In Bayelsa state, some have already
resigned their fate <strong>to</strong> having a bleak festive
period in the predominantly civil serv-
because it is a season that they all look for-
cajole them because kids want no excuses
ant state which lacked industries where
the government is the largest employer Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—11
CHRISTMAS: Nigerians celebrate
in hunger and anguish
difficult. Is it the cost of rice you talk about
or prices of other foodstuffs. We need serious
prayer <strong>to</strong> overcome this trying period."
As for Ayegbajeje Ibrahim, a civil
servant, "there are questions you don't
have <strong>to</strong> ask. With what will you enjoy
festivity like this if there is no money. Tell
me, how many state governors have paid
their workers' salaries. A bag of rice is
sold for N20,000 now. How many people
can afford that. When it was N10,000,
people could not afford it. When it is as
costly as this now coupled with this
crunching economic recession, how
many people can afford it?
As for Mrs.Abimbola Joko<strong>to</strong>la, an accountant,
"we are in serious economic
brouhaha. This time last year, we had
bought many things in preparation for
the Christmas and new year. So, there is
nothing for now. With series of debts I
have <strong>to</strong> pay including my rents, not forgetting
that in a twinkle of an eye, January
will be here and childrens' school fees
will be due. So, it is economically wise
for me <strong>to</strong> do the festivity anyhow and
keep my childrens' school fees."
Jokotade Damilola says in this festive
period, you should cut your coat according
<strong>to</strong> your size especially in this recession.
"The little money I have on me will
be spent judiciously. We know that January
is always a dry month and you have
<strong>to</strong> save for a rainy day".
When will there be enough food <strong>to</strong> feed Nigerian children
Continues from page 10
ward <strong>to</strong>. But as it is, there is nothing we can
do. When all things have skyrocketed yet
with no buying power, we must have <strong>to</strong> cut
our coat according <strong>to</strong> our cloth, believing
that when there is life we will have many
more Christmas <strong>to</strong> celebrate,” she added.
Also, a trader at the popular Swali market,
Madam Charity Ebiere said though there
has been poor turnout of buyers, “it is our
expectation that the situation would improve
in next few days as workers receive their
salaries.”
Ondo
In Ondo state, which is a civil service state
workers are bracing up for the worst Christmas
celebration ever as civil servants are
presently owed six months salaries and pensions.
Although <strong>plans</strong> were said <strong>to</strong> be ?underway
<strong>to</strong> pay a month salary last week but this
would be like a drop of water in the ocean.
Some civil servants recalled years past when
the same present state government paid
workers 13th month salaries. Residents complained
that the little money they have cannot
match the high cost of food items in the
market.
Appeal by the traditional ruler of
Akureland, the Deji, Oba Alade<strong>to</strong>yinbo
Aladelusi <strong>to</strong> ? bring down the cost of the
prices of food items by market women
across the state has not yielded any positive
result as they complained that they can't sell
below what they buy.
The Oba had expressed concern that the
prices of food items in the state as compared
<strong>to</strong> other neighboring states in the South West
was outrageous. Th estate government recently
distributed free food items <strong>to</strong> over
100,000 ?women across the state without
any political coloration but this is also a
drop of water compared <strong>to</strong> the hunger occasioned
by the recession.
Findings showed that market women
are grumbling that they are equally not
making sales during this festive period
because workers are owed salaries. The
traffic of Christmas shoppers at big supermarkets
across the state was abysmally
low ?as many preferred <strong>to</strong> visit smaller
shops for the purchases because of their
low prices compared <strong>to</strong> what was obtainable
in the big well known s<strong>to</strong>res.
A cross section civil servants in the state
who spoke on their preparation for the
Christmas said it would be low keyed as
there isn't money <strong>to</strong> throw around. They
also said that even if government pays
them two out of the six months owed it
would still be a bleak festivity because their
children would be resuming second week
in January and school fees would be expected
<strong>to</strong> be paid.
A civil servant Mrs Bolaji Awopetu <strong>to</strong>ld
Vanguard that " We are just living by the
day and trusting God that better days
would come. Our leaders lack foresight,
when the money was there they squandered
it on irrelevances now that there is
recession it is we the down trodden that
are worse hit”.
Oyo
When Saturday Vanguard spoke with
some people in Ibadan, Oyo state capital,
the s<strong>to</strong>ry was the same.
Isaac Olusesi, a worker in one of the
Findings
showed that
market women
are grumbling
that they are
equally not making
sales during
this festive period
because
workers are
owed salaries
Federal Government parastatals, said,
this is hardest period he has ever experienced
in life. He said though the Federal
Government is still better than most
states in the country in the payment of
their salaries, things are still not what
they used <strong>to</strong> be.
"If you go <strong>to</strong> markets, you will understand
me better. Things are indescribably
Plateau
In Plateau State, residents spoken with
unanimously said they were saving whatever
money they had for January as
school fees and rents would be welcoming
them <strong>to</strong> the new year and "no one
knows how first quarter of <strong>2017</strong> wiould
be."
A respondent, Sarah Pam said, "Personally,
my family is just grateful that we are
alive but there will be no fanfare because
apart from the economic challenge, there
are bills <strong>to</strong> be paid in the next three weeks.
What is the essence of over<strong>spend</strong>ing and
be embarrassed in the first month of the
year? A day's food and drink should not
deplete one's saving of months meant for
other important family needs."
Another respondent, Elias Dakup
noted, "For many years now I always celebrate
Christmas with my family in my
village even when there was fuel scarcity,
we still traveled but this year, we will stay
in Jos because things have really
changed. In the past one year, I could not
meet many targets I set for the year because
of lack of money so I will save
whatever I have so that the immediate
educational needs of the children will not
suffer because no one knows how first
quarter of <strong>2017</strong> will be."
Another resident, Mrs. Esther Ibrahim
however differed saying, "I am not depending
on my salary, things are hard
yes, but I can't s<strong>to</strong>p celebrating that day.
It's only once in a year and since I don't
celebrate my birthday, I use Christmas
as my birthday and I always plan for it.
I'm buying things bit by bit and I know
I'll meet up with my needs. I'll take the
children out and we will hang out on that
day, I just pray for peace and on Boxing
Day, we will be visiting family and friends.
Recession or not, I won't deny myself this
ritual, thank God there is gradual peace
Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Continues from page 11
in Jos for us <strong>to</strong> go out."
Adamawa
In Adamawa state while some described
the present state of the economy
in the country as the worst the country
has ever gone through since 1960, others
described it as a blessing in disguise.
A clergyman, Pas<strong>to</strong>r Emma A<strong>to</strong>piya
observed that Nigerian have never had it
rough like this before According <strong>to</strong> him,
“millions of Nigerians, especially the ordinary
ones are finding it difficult <strong>to</strong> survive.
There is serious cash squeeze and
prices of goods, foods and anything you
can think of have continued <strong>to</strong> rise at every
minute. We are almost heading <strong>to</strong>wards
disaster and unless something urgent is
done, Nigerians will start dying of hunger”,
he regretted.
More other respondents who spoke in
the same vein said that many Nigerians
are contemplating of migrating <strong>to</strong> other
neighboring countries <strong>to</strong> take refuge
there. Another respondent, however described
the present situation as temporary,
appealing <strong>to</strong> Nigerians <strong>to</strong> tighten
their belts <strong>to</strong> face the challenges.
Ogun
Saturday Vanguard also went round
Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital and
sought the views of the people on their
experience at this year's festive season.
Kehinde Adejare, a trader, said this recession
has really affected many people. He
said “<strong>to</strong> buy clothess for my children is a
problem, I usually get it a month <strong>to</strong> Christmas
but this time I was unable and even
<strong>to</strong> buy fish is a big problem”
A trader, Mrs. Ayoola, said “this suffering
is <strong>to</strong>o much, <strong>to</strong> buy food is a problem,
I am pleading <strong>to</strong> the government <strong>to</strong> create
jobs for our husbands
Lagos
In Lagos, there was a s<strong>to</strong>ry of a woman
who exchanged her daughter for a bowl
of garri in Ketu area of Lagos as according
<strong>to</strong> her, it was better <strong>to</strong> sacrifice a child
<strong>to</strong> put food on the table for her other children.
There were also cases of pots of food
or soup on fire being s<strong>to</strong>len by desperate
neighbours. For some Nigerians, it is normal
now <strong>to</strong> steal just <strong>to</strong> keep body and
soul <strong>to</strong>gether while many others have resorted
<strong>to</strong> begging for survival.
Mr. Uche Johnson, a mechanical engineer
who lives in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos
<strong>to</strong>ld Saturday Vanguard there is nothing
<strong>to</strong> celebrate in this year's Christmas.
According <strong>to</strong> him, “My family and I have
been living from hand <strong>to</strong> mouth since the
recession started. I lost my job in the process,
I lost everything I had. My landlord
is threatening <strong>to</strong> send me packing and
you are talking about celebrating Christmas”.
A local security team, Mr. Benjamin
who lives in Oke-Afa area of Isolo, a father
of five <strong>to</strong>ld Saturday Vanguard that,
his church raised some money for him
and his family <strong>to</strong> secure an accommodation.
For him, celebrating Christmas is never
in the budget of the family because the
first thing <strong>to</strong> do is <strong>to</strong> ensure the safety of
the family.
Also, a woman and her four children
went on the street begging for money.
When she was asked why she was begging,
she said, “My husband ran away
from the house for over two months because
he couldn't provide for our needs. I
am an housewife, I have not been working.
Since the recession, he has been acting
very funny until he finally absconded
There is serious cash
squeeze and prices of
goods, foods and anything
you can think of
have continued <strong>to</strong> rise
at every minute. We are
almost heading <strong>to</strong>wards
disaster and unless
something urgent is
done, Nigerians will
start dying of hunger
two months ago. I have been taking care
of the children through the help of neighbours,
but they <strong>to</strong>o are no longer financially
buoyant so, I had <strong>to</strong> go on the street
<strong>to</strong> beg.
Asked how she intends <strong>to</strong> celebrate the
CHRISTMAS:
Nigerians celebrate in
hunger and anguish
Christmas with her family, she said, “I don't
know what you are talking about. I just <strong>to</strong>ld
you that I am a street beggar, you are talking
about celebrating Christmas. Does a beggar
celebrate Christmas?, she asked angrily.
40 years old Eniola, who lives in Ejigbo area
of Lagos also shared his tales of woe <strong>to</strong> Saturday
Vanguard. He said, “this year's festive season
is nothing. The recession has zeroed everybody
<strong>to</strong> nothing. You can no longer think
straight let alone think of celebrating. There is
no food, no money, nothing <strong>to</strong> boast of. The
recession is forcing Nigerians <strong>to</strong> live at zero
level. You cannot even talk of eating two times
a day. Celebrating Christmas this year is like
mourning yourself”, he lamented
On the lips of many Nigerians across the
country are lamentations and s<strong>to</strong>ries of hardship
occasioned by the prevailing wind of recession.
Travelers
Recession has also restricted in a way, the
movement of Nigerians for the festive period
as most people A visit <strong>to</strong> some of the parks
within the Lagos metropolis showed that the
number of travelers had reduced by 50 per
cent at this time of the year compared with last
year. For the travelers, the high cost of transportation
fare is a major fac<strong>to</strong>r for the low
patronage. Those who used <strong>to</strong> travel with
their family members either travel alone or
decide <strong>to</strong> celebrate the festive period in the
city.
For some transport opera<strong>to</strong>rs, the s<strong>to</strong>ries
are different. In Masamasa mo<strong>to</strong>r park,
some of the opera<strong>to</strong>rs revealed that, the patronage
has been encouraging despite the
recession. The manager of Peace Mass Limited,
Mr Chris Okere, explained that, although,
there is different in terms of patronage
compared <strong>to</strong> past years, but, noted that,
the since, the December 18 the patronage
has been encouraging.
Mr John Uwana, a driver with the Akwa
Ibom Transport Limited lamented that, the
rate of patronage has been discouraging.
“People are not traveling. Everybody is managing
with the little money he has. Some
people used <strong>to</strong> travel during festive period
like this <strong>to</strong> attend some ceremonial activities
including wedding, burial, house warming
among others but this year has been different”.
Mo<strong>to</strong>rists generally complained of
low patronage as few people were travelling
due <strong>to</strong> the economic recession.
Where are the decorations, the fun and
the picnic?
The mood in the country has also affected
the decorations, the fun and the picnic usually
associated with the festive season. Decorations
in homes, offices, and public places
that are supposed <strong>to</strong> add colour <strong>to</strong> the celebration
have also diminished. The cost of
buying decorations at this period is very high
while those who could afford <strong>to</strong> have a semblance
of decoration decided do it as their
pocket dictated. A woman from Oshodi, Mrs.
Oyinloye who spoke with vanguard about
Christmas celebration said this Christmas
will not be like the previous ones. She said, “
as we can see, children are not throwing
knockout and bangers, no street carnival and
other celebration activities because no body
is ready <strong>to</strong> waste money that is hard <strong>to</strong> get.
My husband did not bring any rice and hamper
from work this year unlike previous years,
he said they didn't give them anything in their
office this year.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—13
By Juliet Ebirim
and Aderonke Adeyeri
Christmas in the
face of recession:
Nigerians speak
No sign of festivities,
no harmattan!
— Paul Elendu, IT
Consultant
This year's Christmas is
<strong>to</strong>tally different because
things are expensive.
Everyone is careful with
<strong>spend</strong>ing. By this time
last year, you could feel
the festivities in the air,
everywhere was
bubbling. But now, even
the harmattan
disappeared because of
the recession. It has also
affected our businesses
because most clients
can no longer afford our
services.
No money
<strong>to</strong> <strong>spend</strong>
—Blessing Solomon,
Banker
•Paul Elendu
C
M
YK
•Blessing
Solomon
I am more concerned
with my children's
school fees
—Shorinola Oladoyin, Civil Servant
It doesn’t even look like there is a celebration coming up
in a few days. Before now, you see people selling and
buying on every street corner, you see good decorations
everywhere. Even the government couldn't put up nice
decorations in the nooks and crannies of the
state. Things are really bad and the
government seems handicapped. I pray that
God will guide our leaders <strong>to</strong> the right path
and uproot all the cabals in this great country.
Sharing gifts, getting nice things for the
children, visiting parks are not even the issue. I am more
concerned about my children's school fees that I have <strong>to</strong>
settle in two weeks.
Things are <strong>to</strong>o
<strong>to</strong>ugh
— Oluwaseun Emmanuel,
Sales Representative
Things are very <strong>to</strong>ugh right now and it looks like
the prices of commodities is increasing on a
daily basis. Normally, I give out food commodities
<strong>to</strong> my relatives and friends during this period but
that seems impossible now because of the <strong>to</strong>ugh
economy. It is very sad I must confess.
The economic situation has really
affected my Christmas celebration in
so many ways. I couldn't shop for
myself. I couldn't buy gifts for family
and friends the way I used <strong>to</strong>. I'm trying
<strong>to</strong> focus on paying my bills because
that's what is important at the moment
since I don't have excess <strong>to</strong> <strong>spend</strong>.
•Shorinola
Oladoyin
•Oluwaseun
Emmanuel
We will have a low
key celebration
— Afam Ndukwe, Accountant
Although the Christmas
celebration is necessary but
with the hardship and hike in
prices of commodities, my family
and I will not be traveling <strong>to</strong> the
village as usual this festive period.
Things are very <strong>to</strong>ugh and there
is no money <strong>to</strong> <strong>spend</strong>. The salary
is barely enough <strong>to</strong> cover the rent,
school fees and other bills. Rice is
now very expensive. In fact, prices
of food and drinks generally have
skyrocketed. Christmas cannot be
ignored, but we'll celebrate it on a
low key, so that we won't be
overwhelmed with bills after the
celebration.
I can't travel home
this year due <strong>to</strong>
hardship
— Amaka Eze,
Businesswoman
Due <strong>to</strong> the current situation, I
would have <strong>to</strong> forfeit a lot of
things. I planned <strong>to</strong> travel with
my family but the way things are
now I don’t think we will travel
again due <strong>to</strong> limited funds.
Everything in the market now is
so expensive. I’m not happy that
I’m not traveling with my
children, but there is nothing I can
do about it, because one will have
<strong>to</strong> <strong>spend</strong> a lot of money.
I haven't been paid,
how can I celebrate?
— Taiwo Lawal, Marketing
Executive
I
don't have the means <strong>to</strong> celebrate
because of the economic situation
in the country. I’m working but I
haven't been paid for about three
months, so how can I celebrate.
There's no money <strong>to</strong> do anything. I
was supposed <strong>to</strong> travel but I can’t
because I don’t have the money. My
company could not even share rice
and groundnut oil <strong>to</strong> members of staff
as has been the cus<strong>to</strong>m.
I don’t know what <strong>to</strong>
tell my children
— Adebanjo John, Civil Servant
This is the season where traders
make bumper sales but this year
seems different. Everyone is striving
<strong>to</strong> spread the available lean resources
so as <strong>to</strong> cover all the competing
demands which include school fees
in the New Year. I don’t know what <strong>to</strong>
tell my family especially my children
as I can’t afford <strong>to</strong> meet their
demands.
I wish the celebration
was postponed
— Anonymous, Trader
It is regrettable that many Nigerians
do not have the expected income
<strong>to</strong> make purchases this Christmas.
This is the worst celebration I have
ever experienced . If I had my way, I
would have pleaded that the
celebration be postponed.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SHORT STORY
Mary's Christmas
bundle of joy
By Mike Ebonugwo
It was obviously another day that held
no promise of freedom for me. And
once again I sought solace in sleep,
believing by so doing <strong>to</strong> block the
invasive thoughts spawned by the
shocking reality of my predicament and
which have been threatening <strong>to</strong> suffocate
me. But sleep, O trai<strong>to</strong>rous sleep, had
betrayed me once more. My dreamy
flight from the present had nothing for
me but a panorama of nightmarish
spectres and sinister preda<strong>to</strong>rs assailing
me with chilling howls, reminiscent of
<strong>to</strong>rtured souls in fiendship captivity.
Jolted back <strong>to</strong> reality, the reality of my
detention cell for the past three months, I
was drawn <strong>to</strong> contemplate my
surroundings once again: The makeshift
wooden camp beds on the floor, the
human waste disposal container, the
general filthiness of the place and the
cloying, stagnant stench that marks you.
How I was able <strong>to</strong> survive all these for
three months still remains a mystery <strong>to</strong>
me, though each passing day of that
nightmarish experience I will rather
consign <strong>to</strong> oblivion.
While I was thus ruminating about the
disorienting misfortune of my present, an
amazing thing happened. A Christmas
carol which was coming from an
adjoining building <strong>to</strong> our place of
confinement, and which until then had
been drowned by the chattering din of
my cell mates, suddenly began <strong>to</strong> filter
in<strong>to</strong> the cell through cracks on its walls.
As usual, I could not resist its enchanting
melody. The song is the very popular
“Mary's Boy Child”. It instantly brought
tears welling up my eyes, and
involuntarily I found myself caressing my
tummy; a rapidly protruding tummy
whose clinically confirmed tiny human
inhabitant was once enthusiastically
envisaged as sure <strong>to</strong> hasten my journey
<strong>to</strong> the altar in the company of my
heartthrob, Joseph Odinkalu.
appointment in advance. But much <strong>to</strong> my
Many months after, things had gone
annoyance, he casually ignored my
terrible sour and my world had
dismissal speech, walked boldly <strong>to</strong> the
evaporated in<strong>to</strong> an unending nightmare.
visi<strong>to</strong>rs waiting couch and sat down,
The bizarre twist of events that brought
lordly at ease and grinning at my frown
me <strong>to</strong> this cruel fate had since continued
of disapproval. “Look here little lady,” he
<strong>to</strong> haunt me, leaving painful scares in my
<strong>to</strong>ld me, “forget your little troubles and
memory. And since I could not find peace
A Christmas carol which
go in there and tell Chief that JC is back
in sleep, I could not help but lose myself
and will like <strong>to</strong> see him.” I hesitated for a
in the reverie of the mystifying process
was coming from an
moment before brushing in<strong>to</strong> the office
that brought me here.
<strong>to</strong> tell my boss about the insolent young
adjoining building <strong>to</strong> our
I met Joseph for the first time while
man lounging in my office, hoping he
working in the computer division of his
place of confinement, and
would summon the ever-alert security
father's group of companies. A few week
men <strong>to</strong> throw him out.
before this meeting, I was temporarily
which until then had been But the very moment I mentioned JC
seconded <strong>to</strong> serve as personal assistant
and the description that went with that
drowned by the
<strong>to</strong> the Chairman, Chief Don Alili
absurd initial, a sudden transformation
Odinkalu, as the lady holding that
chattering din of my cell
<strong>to</strong>ok place in my boss. He got up with an
position was then on study vacation. One
agility that belied his bulk and bustled
Friday afternoon I sat relaxed in front of
mates, suddenly began <strong>to</strong> out of his office in<strong>to</strong> the visi<strong>to</strong>rs waiting
my table, happy in the thought that there
room. I was confronted by a greater
filter in<strong>to</strong> the cell through
would be no visi<strong>to</strong>r traffic that day as the
amazement when I found them in a tight
chairman usually do not receive visi<strong>to</strong>rs
cracks on its walls
hug of mutual happiness of sudden reunion,
shuffling themselves this way and
on Fridays, except on special
arrangement. But about 2pm a tall,
that. It was only after this that he
powerfully built young man swaggered
introduced his strange visi<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> me as
in<strong>to</strong> my office and demanded in what
embossed on it. But more disturbing <strong>to</strong> me his son. “He has been in America for
sounded like an authoritative voice <strong>to</strong> see
still was the prominent ear-ring he stuck many years now, studying,” he <strong>to</strong>ld me,
'Chief'. He was dressed in stretch jeans
<strong>to</strong> his left ear. So without hesitation, I <strong>to</strong>ld beaming proudly with smiles and
trousers that clung tightly <strong>to</strong> his muscular
him Chief was <strong>to</strong>o busy <strong>to</strong> see anybody, backslapping the young man
thighs and calves. He also had on a
and that he should try his luck any other affectionately in the process. And in an
garishly designed T-shirt with “TEXAS”
day, except Friday, after confirming his afterthought, he added: “Joseph, this is
C
M
YK
Mary; she has been taking care of my
office these past weeks.
That was my first encounter with
Joseph. I learnt later that arrangement
had been concluded for him <strong>to</strong> take over
the computer division of his father's
group of companies. Many saw this
development as a possible way <strong>to</strong> groom
Joseph, an only son, <strong>to</strong> replace his father
whenever he retired as the chairman of
the entire group.
This was the least of my concern at
the time. But it became my concern a
week after he assumed office as
Managing Direc<strong>to</strong>r of Odin Computers.
I got a letter from the Personnel
Manager assigning me <strong>to</strong> the post of
personal assistant/secretary <strong>to</strong> the new
MD. I was asked <strong>to</strong> report for duty the
following day.
I considered the development with a
mixture of high expectation and slight
trepidation. Sure, I will be working
under a chief executive and enjoy the
perquisite that sometimes come with
that position, but the fear of the
unknown continued <strong>to</strong> tug at my
mind.Will he be a hostile boss on
account of the unfriendly drama that
characterised our first meeting? I asked
myself.
So it was with a heart that trembled
with conflicting emotions that I reported
for duty in his office for the first time.
When I was officially presented <strong>to</strong> him
by the personnel manager, he had given
me a mischivious grin and mockingly
chided the personnel manager for
assigning him a sharp-clawed little
tigress <strong>to</strong> frighten his visi<strong>to</strong>rs away.
Looking quite impressive in his wellcut
suit and other matching accessories
<strong>to</strong> his dressing, he was all debonair and
addressed me in a teasing voice that
immediately gave me the impression
that he must have arranged for me <strong>to</strong>
work with him.
Our working relationship started off
on impersonal, professional level. I
tried as much as possible <strong>to</strong> discharge
my duties with efficient detachment.
Things continued this way for some
time. But one Friday, just a few minute
before the official closing time, he called
me in<strong>to</strong> his office and asked me <strong>to</strong> sit
down.”Look here Mary,” he said,
using my name for the first time. “I
think I owe you an apology, though
belated, for the ungentlemanly way I
behaved <strong>to</strong>wards you the first time we
met. And <strong>to</strong> make up for it, I'm inviting
you out <strong>to</strong> a cossy little restaurant I
frequent every Friday”.
”O, you have nothing <strong>to</strong> apologise for,”
I stammered. “Honestly, I have
forgotten all about it,” I added. But he
assured me it would be his pleasure if I
could come, and taking my silence for
assent, he added: “If it is all the same
with you, I will pick you up at home at
7pm.”
Unknown <strong>to</strong> me at the time, that was
<strong>to</strong> be the beginning of a regular Friday
night date for us.And what he called a
cossy little restaurant turned out <strong>to</strong> be a
high class restaurant catering and
pandering <strong>to</strong> the exotic tastes of the
supper rich. But the big revelation of our
weekly date at the restaurant was
Joseph himself. Though the waiters
would treat him like royalty, he
appeared <strong>to</strong> have no eye for any one but
me. He overwhelmed me with attention
and dazzled me with anecdotes of his
experiences in America. By the fourth
Friday of our regular night date, I was
<strong>to</strong>tally captivated by his personality and
manifest affection that normal office
working relationship became almost
impossible because of the tell-tale signs
of mutual love we exhibited anytime we
were <strong>to</strong>gether. By this time I was already
visiting his home on a regular basis.Two
months after our relationship began I
missed my period and later had a
clinical confirmation of my being
pregnant.
This information caused me both fear
and happiness. Fear that Joseph might
react unfavourably <strong>to</strong> the news, and
happiness that I was carrying his baby.
I chose one of our Friday night date <strong>to</strong>
break the news <strong>to</strong> him. He clearly
surprised me. He was so over-joyed that
Continues on page 15

Continues from pg 14
he dragged me home immediately, saying this
called for special celebration. He invited some
friends over and there was drinking and
general hilarity.
But my biggest surprise was yet <strong>to</strong> come. On
Sunday, he <strong>to</strong>ok me <strong>to</strong> his family's sprawling
mansion at Ikoyi and presented me <strong>to</strong> his
parents and other immediate kins as his bride<strong>to</strong>-be.
The engagement, he said, would be
announced shortly. There was a brief, uneasy
silence, then the congratulations started
pouring in.
I savoured the euphoria of it all, especially
the prospect of marrying in<strong>to</strong> the powerful and
enormously wealthy family of the Odinkalus.
But I was also uncomfortable with the nagging
suspicion that the Odinkalus were not really
happy at my choice as their prospective
daughter in-law. My suspicion grew in
intensity when I heard it rumoured that Joseph
was already engaged <strong>to</strong> a lady chosen by the
family. When I confronted Joseph with this,
he dismissed it as one of those arrangements
parents make for their children, more for
business considerations, adding that the
resulting marriage is usually devoid of
compatibility, love and happiness. “Chioma
and I have nothing in common,” he assured
me.
I decided <strong>to</strong> leave the matter at that. Three
months later he asked me <strong>to</strong> move in<strong>to</strong> his
house so that he could take proper care of me.
Two months after I started living with him, he
came in one evening <strong>to</strong> tell me that his parents
had advised that all wedding <strong>plans</strong> be shelved
until the delivery of my baby. And in the same
breath, he informed me that he had concluded
arrangement for me <strong>to</strong> travel <strong>to</strong> London <strong>to</strong> shop
for all I would need for the baby and the
wedding. He <strong>to</strong>ld me that his Aunty living in
London had been informed by phone <strong>to</strong> assist
me in buying the right things.
True <strong>to</strong> his promise, I was driven <strong>to</strong> the airport
a week later on the first step of my trip <strong>to</strong>
London. I did not anticipate any problem since
Joseph had arranged everything. But unknown
<strong>to</strong> me, trouble was lurking around the corner.
Mary's Christmas
bundle of joy
But the Christmas carol,
“Mary's Boy Child”, had a
soothing effect on my
frayed nerves and hurt
feelings. I was lost in the
lyrics of that song when the
cell door opened, admitting
an agent who invited me <strong>to</strong>
the interrogation room
I had passed all the security checks and was
waiting for my turn <strong>to</strong> enter the aircraft
when a smartly dressed young lady walked
briskly up <strong>to</strong> me and asked me <strong>to</strong> step aside.
Not desirous <strong>to</strong> make a scene, I complied.
She <strong>to</strong>ok me <strong>to</strong> what looked like an
interrogation room and identified herself as
an agent of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. She <strong>to</strong>ld me
she had information that I was carrying
narcotic drugs on my person, adding that
she had been authorised <strong>to</strong> search me,
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—15
beginning with my vanity bag which I
was carrying at the time. She then
emptied the contents of the bag on a
table. And after sorting through them,
she came up with a little packet
wrapped in cellophane which she then
proceeded <strong>to</strong> unwrap, sniffing at the
content at the same time. “Where did
you get this from?” she queried. I was
<strong>to</strong>o dumfounded for words.
That was how I was arrested and
detained in an NDLEA cell for the past
three months, awaiting trial. The first
month was the most traumatic for me. I
was interrogated days on end by
different officers all wanting me <strong>to</strong>
identify the baron that I was supposed
<strong>to</strong> work for as a drug courier and the
source of the drugs. My repeated
denials obviously did not impress them
as they appeared convinced they had a
water-tight case against me.
Joseph had visited me three times
since the beginning of my confinement.
And on each visit, he would assure me
that “the family” was doing something
<strong>to</strong> get me out of what he called my
“messy jam”. His fourth visit a month
later was even less cheering. Unlike his
previous visits, he was clearly ill-atease.
And for the first time I found him
stuttering. His message was short as it
was painfully sharp like a butcher's
knife. His family, he said, was getting
increasingly disturbed by the bad
image my drug scandal was giving it
and its businesses. And that he had
been pressured <strong>to</strong> call off our engagement
and planned wedding.. He paused and
then muttered an emotion-choked: “I'm
sorry, Mary”. Then he left, and with him
the only silver lining on my darkening
horizon.
Recalling all these was self-<strong>to</strong>rture, I
know. But the Christmas carol, “Mary's
Boy Child”, had a soothing effect on my
frayed nerves and hurt feelings. I was lost
in the lyrics of that song when the cell door
opened, admitting an agent who invited
me <strong>to</strong> the interrogation room. Anticipating
another interminable interrogation
session, I entered the room with great
trepidation and reluctance.
Sitting on the interroga<strong>to</strong>r's chair this
time was the one they called Hassan, ever
smiling, ever polite. “I have good news
for you, Madam,” he began. “We presently
have incontrovertible evidence based on
our investigations that the drug found in
your bag at the airport was planted there
by some persons in conspiracy with our
agent who arrested you. They have all been
arrested and have made confessional
statements. So, you will be free <strong>to</strong> leave
here two days after we have finished
processing your release papers,” he <strong>to</strong>ld
me.
Two days? It was two days <strong>to</strong> Christmas,
was the first thought that came <strong>to</strong> my mind.
“You mean I will be released on Christmas
Day?” I asked him. “As a matter of fact,
you may leave here on the morning of
Christmas Day,” he said.
But on the morning of Christmas Day I
went in<strong>to</strong> premature labour. And by the
time I was rushed <strong>to</strong> the nearby clinic and
maternity home, I had given birth <strong>to</strong> a baby
boy. A few hours after my delivery, the
matron, who apparently is a Catholic
sister going by her mode of dressing,
walked over <strong>to</strong> my bed at the maternity
ward and reminded me of the necessity of
christening my baby Emmanuel.
“By the way, what is the name of the
father?” she asked me. “Joseph,” I <strong>to</strong>ld her.
“And you are Mary. What a blessed
coincidence,” she noted. She did the sign
of the cross over the baby and said: “God
bless, guide and protect you my child”.
Then she left me with my Christmas
bundle of Joy.
*Mike Ebonugwo is the Features Edi<strong>to</strong>r
of Vanguard Newspapers
Efforts by
Governor Nasir
El-Rufai of
Kaduna State <strong>to</strong>
quell the sporadic
conflicts in the
southern sections of
the state may need
him and the security
agencies <strong>to</strong> raise their
game as the clashes
take new colourations
By Emmanuel
Aziken
Pas<strong>to</strong>r Istifanus
Ndaks had perhaps
sought <strong>to</strong> follow the
example of Paul, the
apostle in not being
indebted <strong>to</strong> any man
for his daily living. As
a Man of God, even
if his humility would
not make him call
himself such, he had
no scruple tilling the
ground in his farm in
Unguwan Mai-
Chibi, located seven
kilometres from the •Late Pas<strong>to</strong>r Istifanus Ndaks
popular Kachia Road
which bestrides the
now troubled Southern Kaduna region of
Kaduna State.
Ndaks had been posted by the Chapel
of Goodnews, a mission oriented church
based in Kaduna <strong>to</strong> the community. Like
Paul who made tents as a way of
providing income for himself, Ndaks had
taken <strong>to</strong> farming as a channel for
providing for his household consisting of
a wife, four children and a niece.
Penultimate Monday, 12 th December,
Ndaks alongside his niece Alheri, gone
<strong>to</strong> the farm <strong>to</strong> gather corn when they were
accosted in the farm by two men dressed
in Fulani attire who made a peaceable
CUT IN HIS PRIME:
The death of Pas<strong>to</strong>r Ndaks
approach <strong>to</strong> him allow
them <strong>to</strong> bring their herd
of cattle <strong>to</strong> graze in his
farm.
It was a request Ndaks
apparently willing <strong>to</strong>
build communication
agreed <strong>to</strong>. He only <strong>to</strong>ld
them <strong>to</strong> come back the
following day, that is
Tuesday, December 13
being that he was still
harvesting the corn and
would finish the harvest
the following day, his
niece Alheri, who
witnessed the encounter
said.
The two men Fulani
men had no qualms
about that and readily
agreed and made <strong>to</strong>
leave. That encounter
turned out <strong>to</strong> be the last
conscious meeting on
earth between the pas<strong>to</strong>r
and any earthling.
As the girl went <strong>to</strong> the car they came
with <strong>to</strong> drop something, she had a
scream and behold it was her uncle
Istifanus that had been matcheted and
was lying on the ground.
A statement from the Chapel of
Goodnews on the encounter issued by
the presiding elder, Bro. George
Leramo said that Alheri ran <strong>to</strong> the
village <strong>to</strong> tell the villagers who came
immediately but they saw nobody as
the herdsmen had already
disappeared.
As the girl went <strong>to</strong> the
car they came with <strong>to</strong>
drop something, she
had a scream and
behold it was her uncle
Istifanus that had been
matcheted and was
lying on the ground
Istifanus was found lying in a pool
of blood with a gush <strong>to</strong> the hand and
head.
The church deposed thus:
“He was rushed <strong>to</strong> the General
Hospital in Kachia, where he was
quickly stitched the wound on his
head and s<strong>to</strong>pped the bleeding, but
he was not conscious when they
brought him <strong>to</strong> the hospital due <strong>to</strong>
the deep cut on his head and hand
and loss of blood.
“The nurses and doc<strong>to</strong>r did what they
could but when they saw that it was
beyond their ability <strong>to</strong> handle, they
asked that he be taken <strong>to</strong> Barau Dikko
Hospital in Kaduna <strong>to</strong> see a
Neurologist. Unfortunately, just as he
was put in the vehicle on Tuesday, 13/
12/2016 at about 8am <strong>to</strong> be brought <strong>to</strong>
Kaduna, he gave up the ghost.
“The case was reported <strong>to</strong> the
Police on Monday the 12/12/2016
and we were <strong>to</strong>ld later that they did
go <strong>to</strong> the site where he was
matcheted and could see his car
locked but not damaged. The car
was later driven down <strong>to</strong> the
deceased house after getting the
spare key from the deceased wife.”
Members of the church are
inferring that the killing is another
dimension <strong>to</strong> the crisis in the region
in which pas<strong>to</strong>rs are targeted for the
work they are doing by those
opposed <strong>to</strong> their mission. This
claim was underlined that nothing
was taken from the deceased apart
his life.
A senior official of the Kaduna
State government contacted on the
development, however, expressed
caution as he expressed concern
that churches may have become
very sentimental on the issue.
Reminded that there was no theft
or other form of altercation, the
government official asked the
church <strong>to</strong> provide details of the
development <strong>to</strong> the state
government if not satisfied with
investigations by the police.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
•Roland Owie
By CHIOMA GABRIEL,
EDITOR, SPECIAL FEATURES
Sena<strong>to</strong>r Roland Stephen
Owie, was former Senate,
Chief Whip, a Catholic
Knight of St. John
International,KSJI, a member of
the House of Representatives of
Nigeria on the UPN platform
between 1979 and 1983 and
Sena<strong>to</strong>r between 1999 and 2003.
He was a founding member of the
PDP. In this encounter, he answers
questions on the state of the
Nigeria nation. Excerpts:
The fight against corruption is
the best point of President
Buhari’s government but many
perceive it as selective. Do you
agree?
Yes, that is the perception of most
Nigerians but I urge the EFCC <strong>to</strong>
do their job without looking up <strong>to</strong>
the face or PMB. I do not believe
that President Muhammadu
Buhari, PMB, will give directives
<strong>to</strong> EFCC not <strong>to</strong> go after corrupt
people just because they are
members of the APC. From what I
know of him, PMB will never do
that. EFCC operatives are just
being intimidated by their minds
and not by PMB. EFCC should do
their work.
At present, some people are
protesting the prosecution of ex-
President Jonathan’s family. Is
anything wrong with that?
The reaction <strong>to</strong> the prosecution
of ex-president Jonathan’s family
is what happens in a country
where there is no social justice.
The catechism of the Universal
Catholic Church says “Society
ensures social justice when it
C
M
YK
Why Buhari’s anticorruption
war
looks selective
— Sen Owie
•It’s tragic <strong>to</strong> see looter
ers of public funds
moving around freely
•Those who hijacked PDP are not founding members
•APC has no hand in Makar
arfi/Sherif
i/Sheriff f problems
•Sa
Says OBJ as a person should not be tak
aken seriously
Our first president
Olusegun Obasanjo
was in prison when the
party was formed, and
he became the major
beneficiary of the efforts
of the founding fathers
of the party and also
became the major destroyer
of the PDP
respects the dignity and right of the
person as the proper end of society
itself. Society pursues social justice
when it provides the conditions that
allow individual and associations <strong>to</strong>
obtain what is their due”. If social
justice really operates in Nigeria
and it is seen that individuals
obtains what is their due -good or
bad, punishing the guilty and
freeing the innocent, there won’t be
complaints. However, it is tragic
when you find known looters of
public funds moving about freely
on the streets of Nigeria while
others who earned their money
genuinely are being pursued. So,
certainly there must be protests. For
instance, Col. Sambo Dansuki has
been granted bail by many courts
and yet he is still detained. Also Mr.
Olisa Metuh, who is alleged <strong>to</strong>
have collected N400m from
campaign funds was detained for
over 6 months while those who
collected more than that are
walking freely on the streets of
Nigeria. Where is justice?
Political parties are already
planning for 2019, many believe
both the APC and PDP have
disappointed Nigerians and
aggrieved members of APC and
the PDP are about <strong>to</strong> form a new
party, Mega Party, which is the
third force. What do you foresee
in 2019? Do you think this third
force will make a difference?
Nigeria is a multi-party
democracy. Formation of parties is
the right of any group of
Nigerians. For instance, I am a
member of PDP. In view of what is
happening in the party PDP <strong>to</strong>day,
where impunity has become the
watchword, do you expect those
who believe in democracy <strong>to</strong> sit
and watch their players, most of
whom were not present at the
following gatherings of respectable
Nigerians on the 30th of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber,
1997; at a conference hosted by ICS
at the International Conference
Centre in Lagos; on the 13th
August 1998 in Lagos; on the
public declaration on the 19th
August 1998 at Shera<strong>to</strong>n Hotel and
also on the 26th August, 1998 at
Muson Centre Lagos and finally
at ICC Abuja on 31st August,
1998 <strong>to</strong> sit and watch? Most of
those who have hijacked the party
were not founding members. Our
first president Olusegun Obasanjo
was in prison when the party was
formed, and he became the major
beneficiary of the efforts of the
founding fathers of the party and
also became the major destroyer
of the PDP. OBJ killed PDP in the
PDP National Convention in
November 1999, when the late,
great Nigerian and peace maker,
Chief Sen. S.B. Awoniyi was
rigged out of the national
chairmanship race by OBJ at the
Eagle Square.
All the efforts made that night,
by respectable Nigerians like Alh.
Adamu Chiroma, Alh. Bello Kirfi,
who led a delegation of respected
<strong>to</strong>p leaders of our party, <strong>to</strong> OBJ at
the State Box in Eagle Square,
<strong>to</strong> complain of the rigging that
was going on were in vain. OBJ
kept deaf ears and refused <strong>to</strong>
act.
The rigging that went on that
night was so devilish that even
the OBJ appointed INEC, issued
a statement, pointing <strong>to</strong> the
massive rigging which <strong>to</strong>ok place
at that internal PDP election,
supervised by OBJ himself.
At 3:00am that night, I walked
<strong>to</strong> my late leader, Distinguished
Sen. Chuba Okadigbo in the
company of Sen. J.K.N. Waku
and I said, “Oyi of Oyi” PDP is
DEAD”. Thereafter, I walked out
of the Eagle Square.
PDP entered intensive care in
November, 1999 and the attempts
that were made by Chief Audu
Ogbe and Chief Okwesilieze
Nwodo, <strong>to</strong> inject blood in<strong>to</strong> the
PDP were destroyed by those who
came in<strong>to</strong> the PDP <strong>to</strong> reap where
they did not sow. Under a PDP
Federal Government with OBJ as
president, a sitting PDP governor
was kidnapped and nothing
happened. God who cannot be
mocked gave almost instant
judgment on one of the <strong>to</strong>p police
officers that aided that despicable
and criminal action. I support
fully those who are going ahead
<strong>to</strong> form a new party or parties,
especially for us in PDP whose
party now hold the party meetings
in the court.
What is happening between
PDP factions of Sheriff and
Makarfi is perceived <strong>to</strong> be the
handiwork of APC. What is your
take on this?
No! APC had no hand in what
is happening between PDP
factions of Sheriff and Markafi.
Let me ask, were APC governors
the ones that went <strong>to</strong> invite Sen.
Sheriff <strong>to</strong> come and lead PDP?
The answer is no. Governor Wike
and Fayose were the ones that
went <strong>to</strong> invite the man. They
thought that they could use Sen.
Sheriff in their usual impunity
game in the PDP. I was one of the
Continues on page 17

It’s tragic <strong>to</strong> see
looters of public funds
moving around freely
Continues on pg 16
attacked the arrangement of the
governors and Sheriff. I did it so openly
in the media. One day before the
botched PDP convention in Portharcourt,
one of the impunity leaders of PDP called
me on phone and was pleading with me <strong>to</strong>
s<strong>to</strong>p attacking Sheriff. I <strong>to</strong>ld him that
Sheriff is my personal friend, besides being
a colleague in the Senate, and I <strong>to</strong>ld the
old man that my point is that the North
needed a presidential slot from our party
and not the national chairmanship slot.
That was my reason not that I have
anything against Sen. Sheriff. However,
when I later met Sen. Sheriff, he showed
me some documents and it became clear
<strong>to</strong> me where the problem was. And from
that day till now, I have been a supporter
of Sheriff because, as a lawmaker, I cannot
be a lawbreaker. The truth is that some
power hungry governors of our party are
the problem of our party, not APC. It is
clear that if there is no peace in PDP by
December 31st 2016, the party might not
return from the intensive care that OBJ
<strong>to</strong>ok it <strong>to</strong> in 1999.
Poverty occasioned by recession has
rubbished Nigeria and Nigerians. Prices
of food and commodities are
skyrocketing. Former administrations
are being blamed for it but the solution is
not yet in sight. What is the way out?
APC was elected by the people on the
basis of APC campaign promises. The
party should deliver on their
promises and s<strong>to</strong>p the blame
game.
Should Nigeria borrow
money as being advocated by Buhari’s
regime?
No! There is no need for that loan.
Are you done with politics or will you
return <strong>to</strong> active politics?
I have never left politics; it is just that
I have not contested election since after
contesting the Edo State governorship
election in 2003. My duty now in politics
is <strong>to</strong> men<strong>to</strong>r credible young men and
women <strong>to</strong> represent our people at the
various levels of government. By the
Grace of God, I will continue <strong>to</strong> be in
politics for some time <strong>to</strong> come.
What should be done for the naira <strong>to</strong>
bounce back.
For the Naira <strong>to</strong> bounce back, there
must be discipline at all levels of
government and less favoritism in
economic/ monetary matters. Not long
ago, government openly destroyed the
economy by granting certain category
of pilgrims the power <strong>to</strong> purchase dollar
at N197 while in the open market at the
time, it was above N350. Certainly, that
action was economic sabotage. Many
people who were not ready <strong>to</strong> go on
pilgrimage at that time were
encouraged just for their selfish interest
of buying dollar at government rate and
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—17
•Roland Owie
selling in the open market, thereby
enriching themselves and bringing
down the value of the Naira. I urge
the CBN <strong>to</strong> be disciplined enough
<strong>to</strong> fix a single exchange rate for the
dollar, because as at <strong>to</strong>day, there are
about five different exchange rates
of the dollar <strong>to</strong> naira. Let the
government find a clear exchange
rate for the dollar instead of the
conflicting rates that is hurting the
economy.
Blood flew in Rivers at its re-run
election, how can elec<strong>to</strong>ral
violence be contained in Nigeria?
Elec<strong>to</strong>ral violence can be
contained in Nigeria, when all of us
who are ac<strong>to</strong>rs in the political
system keep in our minds constantly,
that “naked from our mother’s
womb we came and naked we will
depart” “Ecclesiaticus 5:14”
What is your impression about
Obasanjo’s recent attacks on
Buhari’s government?
OBJ is a person that no one should
take seriously. A man that wasted
the fortunes of Nigeria ought <strong>to</strong> hide
his head in shame instead of
pretending <strong>to</strong> be what he is not.
Which head of State living or dead has
OBJ not attacked? None! Even those
he led <strong>to</strong> the villa, like late Yar’Adua
whom he abandoned at his hour of
need.
OBJ parades himself as a saint and
therefore should be ignored. You will
recall that at the beginning of Buhari’s
tenure in 2015, when I read that OBJ
was sending a Blue Print on
governance <strong>to</strong> Buhari, I raised an
alarm and advised Buhari <strong>to</strong> avoid
OBJ like leper and I said then and still
maintain that, a Bini parable says,
“How can a eunuch prepare sexual
medicine for a brother of his that can
attain a sexual erection occasionally?”.
I advise Buhari <strong>to</strong> dine with OBJ with
a long spoon if there is need <strong>to</strong> dine
with him at all.
Was it not OBJ who in 1979,
expunged the provision for “Elec<strong>to</strong>ral
College” in the transitional decree of
1977:1978, when he realized that
members of the then, NASS on the
platform of UPN, NPP, PRP and
GNPP were set <strong>to</strong> vote for Late
Chief Awolowo?. His wish
culminated in<strong>to</strong> the twelve twothird
states of the federation of
Nigeria? Was it not OBJ who
emboldened the military <strong>to</strong> annul
June 12, when he issued a
statement then, that “MKO Abiola
wasn’t the expected messiah”? I
urge OBJ <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p busy bodying
around and start going for
“Sacrament of Reconciliation” and
ask God’s forgiveness for his sins
against Nigerians and Nigeria.
You have given knocks <strong>to</strong> former
CBN governor, HRH, Sanusi Lamido
Sanusi and urged him <strong>to</strong> resign as
traditional ruler and join politics.
Don’t you think Sanusi’s comments
on the Naira, the economy and
recession are helping <strong>to</strong> clear the air
on many unanswered questions?
Yes! What I said that time and I still
maintain is that with the status of Emir
of Kano, he has direct access <strong>to</strong>
President Buhari and his successor at
the Central Bank and he can give
whatever advice he has for them
without resorting <strong>to</strong> the media. A Bini
parable says, “Only one’s own enemy
is the one that advises one in the
presence of the Oba in Council”.
My Stride in<strong>to</strong>
Pageantry – Miss Nigeria
BY IMANUEL JANNAH
& AUGUSTUS BILL
When most of the models
that auditioned for the
2016 Miss Nigeria beauty
pageant held at the Eko Convention
Centre applied for selection, many
of them joined the contest for the
fame and alluring pleasure they
would derive from the event. But for
Chioma Stephanie Obiadi, the 40th
Miss Nigeria, her goal was nothing
else but <strong>to</strong> end the night with the
crown of the most coveted pageant
in the country.
The Anambra-born beauty queen
and Nnamdi Azikiwe University
undergraduate of Geography and
Meteorology, in a narration of her
stride in<strong>to</strong> pageantry said her
exploits may not come as a surprise
<strong>to</strong> many who had followed her
journey, but the timing would
definitely knock surprise in<strong>to</strong> her
friends, as no one anticipated that
the success they all saw coming was
already close.
“I <strong>to</strong>ok my first major stride in<strong>to</strong>
the hall of pageants when I contested
and became the Face of Unizik in
2015. My vic<strong>to</strong>ry in the campus
pageant that year, as a fresher, was a
glaring indica<strong>to</strong>r that I was making a
right turn in<strong>to</strong> professional pageantry,
as I maintained my focus and ended
up as 1st runner up in the Miss
Anambra pageant the same year.
“From then onwards, it was
evidently clear that I was on the verge
of writing my name on the scroll of
fame, and I proved so by emerging
winner of Miss Earth Nigeria 2016,
on which premise I raised the flag of
Nigeria high in Philippines in
Oc<strong>to</strong>ber.
“My exploits may not come as a
surprise <strong>to</strong> many who had followed
my journey, but the timing would
definitely knock surprise in<strong>to</strong> my
friends, as no one anticipated that the
success we all saw coming was
already close and sudden.’ She said.
Meanwhile, the publisher of Shuga
Campus Magazine of Unizik and
CEO of Gwhites Entertainment,
Kelvin Onyebuchi, who was among
the first brands <strong>to</strong> offer Stephanie the
support and media platform she
needed <strong>to</strong> get <strong>to</strong> next level in
pageantry said: “Tyra, as
Stephanie was fondly
called, was definitely
going somewhere, but
we never imagined her
reaching so soon.
“I offered her the
opportunity of being on
the cover of my campus
magazine in 2015. But,
comparison of her
pho<strong>to</strong>graph on the cover
of that magazine in 2015
and her pho<strong>to</strong>graph as
she strutted the stage on
Monday night, clearly
highlights the level of
transformation she
had gone through
in the space of
a year, from
a naïve
fresher <strong>to</strong>
a
confident
beauty
queen.”
•Chioma
Stephanie
Obiadi

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
•AT UZOBA- RUMUOKPARALI ROAD
•SAAKPENWA -BORI ROAD
BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers
State last weekend conducted a
team of visiting journalists on a
<strong>to</strong>ur of some projects being undertaken
by the state administration. Following the
<strong>to</strong>ur, the governor sat down for an
interview in which he unveiled his style
and strategies in swimming above the
currents in a static economy.
It was a day after the General Overseer
of The Redeemed Church of God; Pas<strong>to</strong>r
Enoch Adeboye ministered at the
government-sponsored annual carol
service in Port Harcourt. The anointing
was perhaps still flowing on Governor
Nyesom Wike when this correspondent
posed the question as <strong>to</strong> the source of
funds for the many projects the
administration has embarked on.
In a time of contraction with many state
governments pulling back on projects,
and even halving the pay of their civil
servants, Governor Wike is apparently
trudging in the opposite direction with
construction works spread across the three
sena<strong>to</strong>rial districts.
Replying <strong>to</strong> the question as he sat across
the correspondent in the cus<strong>to</strong>mized Ford
bus, Wike gushed, “We are operating a
Jesus economy,” leaving the reporter
wondering like the prophet of old as <strong>to</strong>
whether Saul was now among the
prophets?
“You asked, and I have <strong>to</strong>ld you, I can’t
even explain it myself, it is a Jesus
economy, Jesus is the one doing it,” the
former minister turned governor said.
Wike is certainly not Jesus.
Rather than basking in the euphoria of
men, Jesus repeatedly walked away from
men escaping when men sought <strong>to</strong> make
him King. On the contrary, for the two
days the visiting journalists accompanied
him, Wike was basked in the approval he
got from the hundreds of men and women
that turned out <strong>to</strong> hail him at every point.
Some ladies mischievously <strong>to</strong>ok their
passion <strong>to</strong> the extreme, blowing kisses at
the governor!
“We love you Nyesom,” one lady blew
at Wike as the team traversed the 7.2
kilometer Elelenwon Road.
The political division in Rivers State as
expressed by the serious rivalry between
the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led
administration, and the preceding All
Progressives Congress, APC has,
however, not deterred the administration
from continuing with some of the projects
inherited from the Rotimi Amaechi-led
APC administration.
One of such is the Abolima-Woji Road
with its massive 400-meter bridge. The
significance of the project the governor
explained would be that it would help
decongest the recurring gridlock on the
Old Aba Road.
Administration officials who
accompanied the governor said that the
Wike government since it came <strong>to</strong> power
reconstructed or rehabilitated at least 42
roads in the Port-Harcourt area and about
Wike’s Works:
His Jesus
economy model
What is important is not the
amount of resources you
have, it is about how you
can utilise the little you
have <strong>to</strong> make sure that you
do not allow contracts <strong>to</strong> be
highly inflated in the sense
that contracts that are supposed
<strong>to</strong> be N1bn are put
out at N7bn
200 roads across the state.
Other projects inspected were the
reconstructed Igwuruta-Chokocho Road,
dualization of Sakpenwa-Bori Road,
reconstruction of Obiri-Ikwere Airport
Road, reconstruction of Ogbunabali
Internal Roads, reconstruction of Aluu
Road, Birabi Memorial Grammar School
and Government Girls Secondary School,
Rumuokwuta.
The project <strong>to</strong>ur also covered Federal
High Court Complex being funded by
the Rivers State Government, Ozuoba-
Rumuoparali Road, Igbo-Etche Road,
Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road and
Ulakwo-Afara-Nihi Road.
The imprint of the administration is,
however, not limited <strong>to</strong> roads as the
governor <strong>to</strong>ok the delegation <strong>to</strong> the
Government Girls Secondary School,
Rumokwuta which it is hoping <strong>to</strong> use as
a model.
When the team arrived the school,
construction was ongoing in various
sections of the school premises which the
Wike administration intends <strong>to</strong> convert
<strong>to</strong> a 960 student fully boarding school.
The construction works include the
provision of a modern assembly hall with
modern electronic systems, about 1.5
kilometers of internal roads, staff quarters
among others. Two similar model
schools with nearly the same
specifications are also being done in
other sections of the state including
Bori.
Giving a peep in<strong>to</strong> the operations
of his Jesus economy, the governor
said it was underlined by
righteousness and prudence in the
application of government resources.
He cited Sakpenwon-Bori Road as
a testimony of the working of the Jesus
economy.
The 16 km road which is being built
for N9bn was originally awarded by a
previous administration for N14 billion
even with lower specifications.
“I can tell you that road was
designed by the previous
administration at the cost of N14bn –
<strong>to</strong> use laterite, but when we came on
board we said how can laterite cost
N14bn, and we said we prefer <strong>to</strong> use
sharp sand because of the terrain. So,
you will ask yourself, how can laterite
cost more than sharp sand?”
The governor first adopted the more
expensive sharp sand in building
roads when he served as local
government chairman of Obio/Akpor
local government area. He said that
they may be more expensive, but that
they make better roads.
Speaking on his determination not
<strong>to</strong> abandon projects inherited from the
previous administrations, he pointed
at the Woji-Akpajo bridge which was
awarded by the preceding regime
which his government is working
round the clock <strong>to</strong> complete.
“I did not award the job, but it is an
important road that whether we like it
or not any governor must finish. Some
of the projects started by the previous
administration that we felt they are
key projects, we said we should not
abandon them because we did not
award them. The whole essence is not
concerning whether you awarded the
project or not. If we have the
opportunity of completing the project,
for me that is the key.
“There are so many projects I
completed. Take, for example, the
University of Education Road. It was
about 40 – 45 per cent completed. I
came I completed it. The road
Ozuogba-Ogbogoro road was
awarded at the cost of about N8bn.
They paid the contrac<strong>to</strong>r about N3bn,
and they abandoned it. We came we
completed it. Former Senate President
David Mark came <strong>to</strong> commission it.
There is Abuloma-Woji bridge. We
came we completed it. On the way <strong>to</strong>
Etche, there is Igwurita-Umukuruchi
road. They could not complete it. We
came we completed it. The Woji road
<strong>to</strong>wards Aba road they awarded it <strong>to</strong>
LCC but they did not mobilise with
one naira, so LCC did not go <strong>to</strong> site.
Rather than demolish houses and pay
compensations that will not be enough
for the people <strong>to</strong> build another house,
we brought the price <strong>to</strong> about N4bn
and completed the road.”
However, Wike apparently would not
<strong>to</strong>uch some of the signature projects
of the former administration. The
monorail project which officials say
would take another N50 billion <strong>to</strong>
complete is one saying the
government cannot afford the money.
Another are the 21 model schools
which administration officials say was
a scheme laced with propaganda.
One significant project the Wike
administration is hoping <strong>to</strong> boost the
economy of the state is the Pleasure
Park, a project that is aimed at boosting
<strong>to</strong>urism and at the same time revenue
for the state government.
The project located at Rumuola, near
Bori Camp, a military base is being
constructed by Julius Berger and is
expected <strong>to</strong> be completed ahead of the
state’s 50th anniversary next year.
Speaking more on how he is
operating the Jesus economy, Wike
said:
“What is important is not the amount
of resources you have, it is about how
you can utilise the little you have <strong>to</strong>
make sure that you do not allow
contracts <strong>to</strong> be highly inflated in the
sense that contracts that are
supposed <strong>to</strong> be N1bn are put out
at N7bn. But overall, I would say
that there are certain explanations
I cannot give. I have <strong>to</strong>ld people
who have spoken with me that we
run a Jesus economy.
“If you ask, what is Jesus
economy; it has <strong>to</strong> do with things
you cannot explain economically.
As an economist, if you are
arguing, there are fac<strong>to</strong>rs that you
use <strong>to</strong> back up your argument but
in this case you will see that the
Nigerian economy is under
recession and Rivers’ economy is
part of federal economy;
companies are folding up, workers
are being sacked that means the
income of the state will be coming
down as relates <strong>to</strong> internally
generated revenue. The money we
get from the federation account, it
is on record that it was last month
that we had about N10bn, the
highest was about N5bn, and we
pay pensioners and salaries about
N5.6 monthly, so if we use that it
means we will not be able <strong>to</strong> do
projects.”

The Christmas season, as you
would expect, has been full of
jokes and satires in the social media.
But the one that takes the cake for me
because it reminds us so poignantly of
the state of the nation, is that which said
everything had been in recession this
season—including harmattan. By now,
the air—and everything around it—
should have been covered with fog. The
harmattan fog is <strong>to</strong> us what snow is <strong>to</strong>
Europeans. Most Bri<strong>to</strong>ns would look
forward <strong>to</strong> a white Christmas and would
feel incomplete if the roofs, trees and
large portions of the roads were not
covered with the white stuff. In fact, the
British media could go in<strong>to</strong> a frenzy
over it. So it is with many Nigerians.
The harmattan, like snow, is a sign of
completion, not only in calendar terms,
but in the natural cycle of things. Night
follows the day just as harmattan follows
the rains. Anything they say, that
disturbs nature disturbs life because as
the way of nature so is the way of life.
The absence, or sparse appearance of
harmattan is probably reflecting the
absence of many of the essentials in our
society <strong>to</strong>day. Is nature sending a
message <strong>to</strong> us this yuletide season?
Christmas creeps on you. The
awareness of Christmas thickens at a
particular point even without having <strong>to</strong>
look at the calendar. Gradually, like the
onset of harmattan in years gone by, the
atmosphere changes. The air becomes
charged; the pace becomes more
frenetic. End of year meetings are held
with more urgency in the corporate
world. And those who service that
world—printers, event planners, gifts
providers, accountants, Advertising
Agencies shift in<strong>to</strong> another gear as the
year closes. It is almost like a long
distance runner who bursts in<strong>to</strong> a sprint
as he approaches the finishing line
knowing that a satisfying rest awaits if
he finishes well. The season in many
ways rewards the year—for individuals,
for families, for institutions and even
for nations. It is also a season for love.
People travel home in order <strong>to</strong> find a
bride or a groom. Some <strong>to</strong> meet
prospective in-laws and formalise
relationships. And for a lot of Nigerians
in the diaspora, it is the time <strong>to</strong> come
home and be introduced <strong>to</strong> prospective
SATURDAY
titbits2012@yahoo.com
Christmas in the world
future partners. And there are
always more fun places <strong>to</strong> take loved
ones <strong>to</strong> during the Christmas season.
But it is not only relationships and
wedding activities that heighten
during Christmas. Most business
activities do. In fact, it is often said
that more informal business is done
during Christmas than at any other
time of the year.
It is difficult <strong>to</strong> talk about Christmas
in my world without talking about
my growing up years. Then, the
quality of my Christmas often
depended on the quality of my school
result. If I did well, I earned
bragging rights and a few
concessions during the holiday
season. This meant I had <strong>to</strong> learn <strong>to</strong>
su<strong>spend</strong> all thoughts of Christmas
until after the exams even when the
early morning chills and carols
meant the season was in the air.
Christmas season—beginning after
exams for me—meant a lot of
indulgencies, starting from sleeping
about an hour late in the morning <strong>to</strong>
enjoy the warmth of my bed <strong>to</strong>
skipping morning baths. It meant
looking forward <strong>to</strong> receiving
presents—including Christmas
wears—without thinking of giving.
It meant meeting up with older
siblings and friends who had come
home for the holidays. But it was
always hard for me even then, <strong>to</strong>
think of Christmas without the
harmattan fog.
Christmas during the boom years
was a joy. You got as many diaries
and calendars as you needed.
Hampers came from all and sundry.
Even your enemies remembered <strong>to</strong>
send something <strong>to</strong> you in this season
of goodwill. The revelry, the fun, the
parties started long before Christmas
day and went on in<strong>to</strong> the New Year. This
was, we must not forget, the period of
the 12 and the 13 month and everybody
had money in his pocket and fun on his
mind. The traffic <strong>to</strong> the Lagos Island
was often a warning sign of the advent
of Christmas because virtually all roads
would be leading <strong>to</strong> the many shopping
areas on the island. Then monstrous go
slows would build up <strong>to</strong> reach a
crescendo on Christmas eve when
places like Surulere, Apapa, Ikeja and
the Island would virtually lock down.
Everybody benefited from Christmas in
Many Nigerians
are worse
off this Christmas
than last
year’s
those days—the rich, the poor and even
the criminals. It was often said in my
line of business that any printing press
that was not busy during the yuletide
season might as well fold up. One could
say that about other lines of business at
that time.
Now, everything has changed and it
is not just the weather. Even the traffic
has failed <strong>to</strong> acknowledge the advent
of Christmas. There is a leanness in the
air that is palpable. It seems the fat of
the land has been swallowed by lean
Vanguard,DECEMBER 24, 2016—19
cows. The only people who have
grains s<strong>to</strong>red are the elites but unlike
the days of Joseph in the Bible, they
are not sharing. The champagne still
flows but only in small, select circles.
The opulent parties still take place but
attendance is now strictly restricted.
The rest are having <strong>to</strong> make do with
trickles. There are many people who
once had plenty but <strong>to</strong>day are living
from hand <strong>to</strong> mouth. It diminishes one
somehow when people who once had
enough <strong>to</strong> give out are now turning <strong>to</strong>
one for a hand out. There are kids who
would gladly trade places with those
in the motherless homes this Christmas
only nobody would invite them.
Internally Displaced Persons are not
limited <strong>to</strong> the camps alone. They are
scattered everywhere. I understand
that we frittered the years of plenty
away because we did not have a
Joseph <strong>to</strong> advise on the importance of
s<strong>to</strong>ring the excess grains and a
Pharaoh with a will <strong>to</strong> do so. But I still
wonder if things have <strong>to</strong> be this bad
for the average Nigerian. I am no
economist but a policy that does not
seem <strong>to</strong> arrest a deteriorating situation
has <strong>to</strong> be re-examined. Many
Nigerians are worse off this Christmas
than last year’s.
There is a song at Christmas that a
lot of worshipers in the orthodox
churches, especially Catholic are
familiar with because it is a song of
advent. Its truth strikes me every year;
more so this year. The first two verses
are: (1) ‘Christ come quickly, there is
danger at the door/ Poverty aplenty,
hearts gone wild with war/ there’s
hunger in the city and famine on the
plain.’ (2) ‘Want demands a hearing
in <strong>to</strong>o many lands/ the sick go
unattended, death deals a heavy hand/
the dreams of men are empty, their
cups of sorrow full.’
Can these immortal verses be
described as an exaggeration of the
Nigerian situation this Christmas? I
think not.
Meanwhile, count your blessings in
whatever situation you find yourself
and give yourself a merry Christmas.
But please remember and pray for
those who have nothing and no one
this Christmas season.
Political Edi<strong>to</strong>r
emmanuelaziken@vanguardngr.com
08052201189
Mega hope from om Mega Par
arty
ty
Last Monday the shell of what is
expected <strong>to</strong> be the proposed
mega party began <strong>to</strong> take shape
at a meeting in a not <strong>to</strong>o upscale hotel
in Abuja.
Given the near coma<strong>to</strong>se state of the
opposition in the country, the
expectation had been that the mega
party would revive the fortunes of the
opposition and bring the ruling All
Progressives Congress, APC <strong>to</strong> check.
At the end of the Monday meeting
confidence in the mega party doing so
was debatable. What could give the
claim that it is really a mega party was
the presence that day of political
stalwarts from different political camps.
But beyond that, the lack of confidence
was especially conveyed by the seeming
reluctance of some the attendees
volunteering their names for mention in
public as part of the mega party. After
all, politicians like <strong>to</strong> associate with big
and reigning platforms.
No doubt about it, a number of big
names were present at the meeting.
Among them, was a former national
woman leader of the Peoples Democratic
Party, PDP. Also present were some
former members of the National
Assembly. One former female
member of the House of
Representatives who slipped in<strong>to</strong> the
APC just after the party won the 2015
presidential election and was a
member of the presidential
inauguration committee was also
there. She like many others did not
want <strong>to</strong> be mentioned. Also present
was a former national chairman of a
national political party who a few
years ago abandoned his office <strong>to</strong>
become a special assistant <strong>to</strong> the
national chairman of the PDP.
Yes agreed, that the big names
behind the mega party would not
come out now, the fact that no
incumbent office holder was directly
linked <strong>to</strong> the meeting apparently
raised some questions.
Nevertheless, the gist is that the big
masquerades in the ruling party who
have been speculated <strong>to</strong> be behind
the emerging party would remain in
the APC and destroy it from within.
However, their potential for such
Yes agreed, that the big
names behind the mega
party would not come
out now, the fact that no
incumbent office holder
was directly linked <strong>to</strong> the
meeting apparently
raised some questions
intrigues would be limited given the
APC’s own record of keeping out moles.
When the founding fathers of the APC
were making their <strong>plans</strong> <strong>to</strong>wards the
formation of the party and when doubts
began <strong>to</strong> be raised about Sena<strong>to</strong>r Ali
Modu Sheriff, it became the habit of
those architects of the new party <strong>to</strong> avoid
taking crucial or strategic decisions at
meetings that were attended by Sheriff.
Whether Sheriff confirmed their fears
with his defection <strong>to</strong> the PDP after the
formation of the party is anyone’s guess.
Nevertheless, for those seeking a more
vibrant opposition they would have been
comforted by the fact that the tentative
steps required <strong>to</strong>wards consolidating the
opposition have been taken. Not only
has the party identified an
unencumbered name, Action
Democratic Party, ADP, but it has
also gotten the approval of the
election management body <strong>to</strong>
proceed with the steps <strong>to</strong>wards
registration.
Still on Ibori
No doubt one of the major news
events of the year was the release
of James Ibori from prison
cus<strong>to</strong>dy in the United Kingdom.
The release has undoubtedly
energised his political associates
who in any case had not been
<strong>to</strong>tally isolated.
However, the way and manner
some of them have carried about
the celebration have opened the
eyes of many <strong>to</strong> the intrigues that
heralded the 2015 elections in
Delta State. So, can those
celebrating be faulted? As Sena<strong>to</strong>r
Peter Nwaoboshi said in comments
that have gone viral, Ibori from
prison made him a sena<strong>to</strong>r and
also installed Mr. Monday Igbuya
as Speaker of the Delta State
House of Assembly. No surprise
that the two men were part of the
welcoming party in London.
In the midst of the euphoria,
some journalists have also
overstated some facts including
alluding <strong>to</strong> him the conception of
the Amnesty Programme. That
aspect of the quelling of militancy
would be better credited <strong>to</strong> the
leg work of his successor, Dr.
Emmanuel Uduaghan who went
<strong>to</strong> the creeks <strong>to</strong> make peace with
Tompolo!
C
M
Y
K

20—SATURD
TURDAY Vanguard,
DECEMBER 24, 2016
Some previous participants in my
parish marriage class have come
back <strong>to</strong> me saying, “una no tell us say na
so the thing be o; una just paint rosy
picture.” We are in a season when many
weddings take place, so let me
reemphasise the alternate wedding
gospel: your spouse is your cross. I do
not know why this is difficult for anybody
<strong>to</strong> grasp. Like a coin, there are two parts
<strong>to</strong> some of the marital vows. “For better,
for worse;” “for richer, for poorer;” “in
sickness and in health.” The problem
sometime is that, in the euphoria of the
moment, many brides and grooms gloss
over the other side of the coin during the
exchange of vows.
To start with, just how worse can the
“worse” be? You never know, but you
should know that marriage is not always
going <strong>to</strong> be rosy; there will be lows and
there will bad times. The “worse” can be
those traits that were always there in your
spouse which you knew but glossed over.
The “worse” can also be latent traits which
you never knew of, but come <strong>to</strong> fore as
the marriage unfolds. For instance, your
spouse loses his/her job and instead of
dusting himself/herself up and looking for
a positive way forward, he/she descends
in<strong>to</strong> self pity and takes refuge in alcohol.
The other spouse is now saddled with a
cross he/she never anticipated.
Sometimes the “worse” is nothing bad,
just that it rubs you the wrong way. At the
time of courtship, the spouses might share
some common ideas, beliefs or religion.
Somewhere along the line, one spouse
changes his/her faith, beliefs or
paradigms. What used <strong>to</strong> hold them
<strong>to</strong>gether now becomes an object of discord.
If not well managed, it can tear the
marriage <strong>to</strong> shreds.
“For richer, for poorer” is a little easier
<strong>to</strong> understand for new entrants in<strong>to</strong>
matrimony. The Nigerian economic
environment is challenging and it did not
start with the current recession.
Government policy somersault and lack
of continuity of economic policies have
turned many yesterday’s rich people in<strong>to</strong>
paupers. Married men find out all of a
sudden that they are no longer bread
winners. Not only that, they even have <strong>to</strong>
be catered for by their wives. Where the
wife cannot cope, the reality of the vow
Your spouse is your cross
“for richer, for poorer” stares them in
the face.
“In sickness and in health”
scenario is more common in homes
where the couples are in their 50s,
60s, 70s and 80s. As people get older,
the probability of suffering
debilitating ailments increases.
There is stroke, paralysis, arthritis,
dementia, diabetes, failure of vital
organs, among others. Sometimes
young couples are challenged with
No amount of money or
education eradicates these
foundational tendencies in
some people, so just bear
your cross
these ailments. Nollywood ac<strong>to</strong>r, Leo
Mezie and his wife, Maureen,
narrated their own experience in the
Vanguard of last Sunday when Leo
was hit with kidney problem. It was
a difficult time for them and the young
marriage could easily have died, but
it survived because they held fast <strong>to</strong>
“in sickness and in health.”
Beyond the double-edged vows,
there are other issues—some
seemingly inconsequential, but
mighty—which can turn your spouse
<strong>to</strong> your cross. You do not like mosqui<strong>to</strong>
buzz, not <strong>to</strong> talk of the bite, while
asleep and so you always shut the
door of your room. Your spouse, on
the other hand, always leaves the door
open. You have raised the issue times
without number, but he/she never
seems <strong>to</strong> learn. This is the proverbial
tsetse fly perching on the scrotum. You
really need <strong>to</strong> handle with care. Also
your spouse always leaves drawers
open after pulling them out. Repeated
appeals and complaints have fallen
on deaf ears. On this day, you saw
the drawers out again and slammed
them in<strong>to</strong> position in the presence of
your spouse. Your spouse gets upset,
not because he/she feels you are trying
<strong>to</strong> destroy your property in this
recession, but because your action
portrays him/her in negative light.
Managed badly, this small matter can
become a wild bushfire spiralling out
of control.
Your spouse has an atrocious fashion
sense. Smallest matter; as long as
there is little money for wardrobe
upgrade or makeover, there are
fashion experts all over <strong>to</strong> deliver the
transformation. Just manage him/her
well <strong>to</strong> ensure you do not bruise his
ego or hurt her pride in the process.
If you do, you will have a heavy cross
on your hand.
Sometimes some people never seem
<strong>to</strong> shake off their past, your spouse is
brash and uncultured, in spite of his
education and exposure. Just
remember his background, sometime
you can take the pig from the slum,
but you cannot take the slum out of
the pig. No amount of money or
education eradicates these
foundational tendencies in some
people. So just bear your cross, while
you work on him/her with Solomon’s
wisdom.
Also, your spouse eats like a hyena,
as if he is competing with others for
the food. Meanwhile, he is all alone.
This can be very embarrassing,
especially if you are eating out or you
have guests. But please remember
he/she grew up with 14 siblings and
food was never enough; it was,
therefore, survival of the fittest. For
those who are amenable <strong>to</strong> corrections
and changes, it is no big deal, but if
your spouse is very <strong>to</strong>uchy, you have
a real cross on your hand. If you try
<strong>to</strong> correct, him/her, he/she says you
are taunting him/her with his/her
past. You need the wisdom of Solomon
<strong>to</strong> navigate through before a candle
light turns <strong>to</strong> an inferno in your
marriage. You can make light of it and
be contented in other aspects where
he/she is doing great. At the end of
the day, who does not carry one
baggage or the other?
Perception can also turn your
spouse <strong>to</strong> a cross. Assuming you leave
home for specific engagement. On
your way, your wife asks you <strong>to</strong>
s<strong>to</strong>pover at her tailor’s. Meanwhile,
you are already running late. How do
you see her in this regard:
disorganised and inconsiderate, or
flexible and pragmatic? If you see her
as disorganized and inconsiderate,
you have a cross <strong>to</strong> bear. And if your
husband refused <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p, insisting that
you attend the event for which you
left home first before any other thing;
how do you see him: organised and
principled, or rigid and uncaring? If
you see him as rigid, you must bear
his cross of rigidity.
Marriage is beautiful, the crosses
notwithstanding. The pain of labour
can never diminish the joy of
motherhood; also the challenges in
matrimony should not diminish the
beauty of this divinely-crafted
institution. For those taking the giant
leap this season, I wish you a happy
married life. For the rest us, Merry
Christmas.
(Text Only)
Yoga Exercise for Healthy Living
•The Lotus
The Lotus
Technique:
Sit with both legs outstretched
in front of you.
Now, draw the right leg and
place the right foot on the left
thigh and then drawing the left
leg place the foot on the right
thigh. Then, crossing the hands
at the back grab hold off the big
<strong>to</strong>es.
Heels-<strong>to</strong>-crotch
Technique
Sitting down with the
feet stretched in front of
you, bend the knees and
turning them outwards
drop them and place the
soles of your feet <strong>to</strong>gether,
Benefits:
This variant of the Lotus
strenghtens the arms and legs.
It helps expand the chest for
more air intake and lubricate the
knee and ankle joints for flexibility.
hold the feet with the
hands,tlopping the legs
up and down like the
wings of a bird in flight a
few times.and then hold
the bent legs down with
the power of the
leg muscles.
Keep the back
straight and
breathe normally.
Benefits
This posture <strong>to</strong>nes the abduc<strong>to</strong>r
muscles of the inner
thighs. It enchances manly
vigour. And it facililates
ease of birth in women. It’s
also a great
before-thebaby
exercise
for the
expectant
mother.
•Heels-<strong>to</strong>-crotch

Kac
achikwu’s deliberate
foozles <strong>to</strong> sell refineries
The Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation, NNPC rose from an
Annual General Meeting last
Tuesday in Abuja, with a resolution <strong>to</strong>
comprehensively rehabilitate the
refineries. The Corporation’sGroup
General Manager, Public Affairs Mr.
NduUghamaduin a statementquotedthe
Chief Operating Officer, Refineries, Mr.
AniborKragha as saying that the
rehabilitation of the refinerieswould be
the priority of the corporation in <strong>2017</strong>.
Kraghasaid that: ‘’the plan for next year
(<strong>2017</strong>) is <strong>to</strong> get the comprehensive
rehabilitation programme done.The
situation is like having three cars in your
garage that have not been maintained for
15 <strong>to</strong> 20 years while you expect optimal
performance from them. Changing one
fuel pump here, one compressor there is
not helpful. What we are doing now is <strong>to</strong>
step back and take a holistic approach
and do a full rehabilitation of all the
refineries.’’
Indeed funds have been wasted in the
445,000 barrels per stream day, bpsd
supplied <strong>to</strong> these refineries; wages,
salaries and overheads were expended
on redundant staff through no fault of
theirs.Late as it was in coming one
appreciated the efforts <strong>to</strong> rehabilitate the
refineries which underscored the
submissions some of us have consistently
madethat the NNPC must be alive <strong>to</strong> its
responsibilities having failed in the last
20 years.
In the same breath, the Minister of State
for Petroleum Resources, Dr. IbeKachikwu
addressed members of the House of
Representatives Committee on Petroleum
(Upstream) led by the Chairman Hon.
Vic<strong>to</strong>r Nwokolowho had oversight visit <strong>to</strong>
the Ministry. The Minister explained that
for the purpose of efficient management
of the refineries, the Federal Government
will no longer invest in the repairs of the
country’s refineries, and would also not
concession or privatise the refineries.
Rather, prospective private inves<strong>to</strong>rs will
bring in their money, take part in
managing the refineries and from there
recoup their investment.
One actually wondered whether the
Minister’s address and that of the
Refineries’ Chief Operating Officer were
corresponding on this matter. While the
AGM stated that the NNPC will
rehabilitate the refineries in <strong>2017</strong> the
Minister of State was hoping inves<strong>to</strong>rs
will bring in their money, take part in
managing the refineries and from there
recoup their investment. The scenarios
made watchers confused and equally
think they are deliberate moves <strong>to</strong> let go
our refineries.Kachikwu had an earlier
package of $500 million <strong>to</strong> have the
refineries back <strong>to</strong> full capacity and meet
the government’s target of ending
importation of petrol in 18 months.
From the Minister’s address it was
obvious he was contemplating outright
sale of the refineries. On November 1,
2016 he <strong>to</strong>ld State House reporters shortly
after President MuhammaduBuhari
unveiled the administration’s petroleum
sec<strong>to</strong>r policy document – the seven big
wins that the government has opted <strong>to</strong>
fix the refineries first and then consider
selling them at optimum values. Really
one thought the Minister’s over one year
on the saddle would have witnessed
rehabilitated and possibly upgraded
process plants.It is obvious our refineries
may not come on stream due <strong>to</strong> clear cut
policy of not revamping them.
On April 19, 2016 he advertised for
inves<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> bid for Joint Venture
agreements <strong>to</strong> fund, rehabilitate, and
It is obvious our
refineries may not
come on stream due
<strong>to</strong> clear cut policy of
not revamping them
jointly operate the moribund refineries.
The NNPC tender bid was <strong>to</strong> integrate
the technical, operational and financial
requirements needed <strong>to</strong> rehabilitate the
refineries for 100 percent capacity
utilization. The move <strong>to</strong> partner technical
inves<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> revamp the refineries was part
of the plan <strong>to</strong> increase domestic crude oil
refining capacity from the current 445,000
barrels per stream day, bpsd <strong>to</strong> 695,000
bpsd.
NNPC said it would jointly operate the
refineries with selected inves<strong>to</strong>rs for a
defined period until their investments are
fully recovered and gave inves<strong>to</strong>rs May
30th 2016 <strong>to</strong> submit bids. It was ones
opinion that no inves<strong>to</strong>r would put his
money <strong>to</strong> fund, rehabilitate and jointly
operate a refinery with the NNPC based
on parameters that may not be
transparent. Accepted standards and
indices for ease of doing business are not
yet in place for such a venture. That is
what the Minister would have worked on
<strong>to</strong> inspire the confidence of prospective
inves<strong>to</strong>rs.
Unfortunately Nigeria would continue
<strong>to</strong> waste scarce foreign exchange
importing refined products from nonproducing
consumer nations. A nonproducing
consumer nation is that which
oil production is 10 percent or less of their
consumption. Japan, Germany, South
Korea, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands
and Turkey are in this category; most of
Nigeria’s refined petroleum products are
imported from West European countries.
While handing over <strong>to</strong> his successor at
the NNPC, Dr. MaikantiKaccallaBaru he
gave an impression of an operating profit
of N273.74 for the month of May
2016having reversed the losses of N35
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—21
billion made by NNPC over the last 15
years. The monthly report then stated that
PPMC recorded a net gain of N17.69
billion as against the net loss of N6.91
billion in April 2016. On May 11, 2016,
the PPPRA announced a price increment
of PMS with immediate effect by 68.60
percent from N86 <strong>to</strong> N145, household
kerosene, HHK rose from N50 <strong>to</strong> over
N200 per litre, an increment of 300
percent, the source of profit.
Nigerians were startled <strong>to</strong> pay exorbitant
rates even when international crude oil
prices were falling withglutted markets
for refined petroleum products. Nigerians
are again waiting for NNPC that would
soon give reasons of the recent production
cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC, NOPEC
as excuse for pump price hike of imported
products. The price modulation Kachikwu
introduced a year ago would soon be
reviewed upwards because the templates
are determined by the vagaries of crude
prices in the international market.
The signs are already there because
NNPC has been reduced <strong>to</strong> a marketing
and distribution company for imported
products.The monthly NNPC Group
Financial Report for Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2016 showed
that the national oil company posted zero
revenue in the review month, incurred
an expense of N14.84billion and recorded
a <strong>to</strong>tal deficit of N14.84billion. The deficit
for the 10-month period beginning from
January this year was put at
N161.76billion.
The Minister’s impression that imported
fuel is available is not well thought out
because it is not affordable <strong>to</strong> many under
privileged Nigerians.
The law that established the NNPC in
1977 was for the Corporation <strong>to</strong> refine,
treats, process and generally engage in
the handling of petroleum for the
manufacture and production of petroleum
products and its derivatives.
Nigeria is in recession and the place of
petroleum critical infrastructures like local
refineries are <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p importation of
refined products and s<strong>to</strong>p the drain on
our scarce foreign exchange. Refining is
a key <strong>to</strong> government’s revenue
generation, energy, technology, skills,
employment, income, investment,
increased GDP and indeed diversification
of the economy. President
MuhammaduBuhari’s administration
can leverage on petroleum refining as a
fulcrum <strong>to</strong> jumpstart the Nigerian
economic development. It has not
happened and it bothers everybody.
God is a God of
purpose. Everything
He says has a
meaning and He performs all
that He says. God is who He
says He is and will do what
He says He will do.
Some people think that
when they are asked <strong>to</strong>
praise God, all they need <strong>to</strong>
do is <strong>to</strong> sing and dance.
This is good but not good
enough. Just singing and
dancing is not the real
purpose of praise. Until you
and I have a good
understanding of praise,
we cannot reap its full
benefits.
In Amos 9: 11-12, the
bible says “In that day will
I raise up the tabernacle of
David that is fallen and
close up the breaches
thereof: and I will raise up
his ruins and I will build it
as in the days of old: that
they may possess the
remnant of Edom and of all
the heathen which are
called by my name, saith
the Lord that does this”.
From the text above,
prophet Amos, by the Spirit
of God, prophesied about a
time when God would
res<strong>to</strong>re again the
tabernacle of David.
What then is the
tabernacle of David? Let’s
see 1 Chron.16:1, 4-6. It
God’s Prophetic Purpose for Praise
says “so they brought the
ark of God and set it in the
midst of the tent that David
had pitched for it: and they
offered burnt sacrifices and
peace offerings before God
and He appointed certain
of the Levites <strong>to</strong> minister
before the ark of the Lord
and <strong>to</strong> record and <strong>to</strong> thank
and praise the Lord God of
Israel. Asaph, the chief and
next <strong>to</strong> him Zechariah,
Jeiel and Shemiramoth
and Jehiel and Mattithiah
and Eliab and Benaiah and
Obededom: and Jeiel with
psalteries and with harps
but Asaph made a sound
with cymbals; Benanaih
also and Jhaziel, the
priests, with trumpets
continually before the ark
of the covenant of God”.
From the text above, we
can see that the tabernacle
of David was a place of
praise. Inside the
tabernacle was the ark of
covenant and before the ark
the priests gave continual
praise and worship.
For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel,
opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or
P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635, 08168955932; 08033378769. E-
mail: johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.
Our account details are Pas<strong>to</strong>r Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank,
A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.
Worship with us on Sundays, 1 st Service: 7.45 am – 9:15am; 2 nd service 9:15
– 11:30am. Wednesday World Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays. 11Am – 5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of
blessing every 2 nd - 4 th Sat. of each month 6 a.m – 7.15am.
One hundred years after
the removal of David’s
tabernacle, Amos wrote
that a day is coming when
God will res<strong>to</strong>re David’s
tabernacle (a place of
praise) and build it as
original.
God is therefore res<strong>to</strong>ring
the place of praise. If you
have noticed, gospel
musicians are <strong>to</strong>day, in the
limelight. They are being
sought after. Please know
that God is res<strong>to</strong>ring the
place of praise in His
Until you and I have a
good understanding of
praise, we cannot reap
its full benefits
church not
just <strong>to</strong> praise
Him but that
you might
possess.
(Amos 9: 12).
Possess in
Hebrew
word is
Yaresh. It
means,
occupy by driving out the
previous tenants, <strong>to</strong> cast, <strong>to</strong>
consume, destroy and <strong>to</strong>
disinherit.
God’s purpose for praise
is for the church <strong>to</strong> drive
out and destroy the works
of darkness and disinherit
the devil and occupy the
earth. Satan would not
voluntarily give you back
what he has s<strong>to</strong>len from
you. To possess what
belongs <strong>to</strong> you, you have <strong>to</strong>
enter in<strong>to</strong> spiritual warfare
and take up your weapon
of praise. As you rise up in
praise, you begin <strong>to</strong>
possess. Just as the walls of
Jericho collapsed through
praise, so shall all your
enemies collapse as you
give God quality praise.
I see <strong>to</strong>tal res<strong>to</strong>ration and
possession happening in
your life from now as you
stay in continual praises
from your heart. God bless
you mightily.

22—SATURD
TURDAY Vanguard
anguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
C
M
YK
Understanding
What’s going on in
the Ibori London trial
“What’s going on?” The late African-
American soul-brother, Marvin Gaye,
asked that question in a 1971 song that
became a monster hit on Tamla Mo<strong>to</strong>wn
label and sold over two million copies,
becoming Gaye’s second-most successful
Mo<strong>to</strong>wn song.
While that song was born of incredulity
and amazement at government brutality
(against American university students who
were protesting against Vietnam War);
as<strong>to</strong>nishment at the deep misinformation
on the Ibori London case, launched this
article. The trial entered a most critical
stage on Wednesday December 21, 2016,
when the former Delta State Governor
won the most significant vic<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>to</strong> date,
in that long lingering and <strong>to</strong>tally knotty,
intricate, and so confusing, court trial.
Instead of journalists rising up <strong>to</strong> the
occasion and meet the responsibilities
news organizations owe their hapless
leaders, a large number of them failed
woefully in that task as they allowed
politics and other ignoble considerations
<strong>to</strong> trump the need <strong>to</strong> inform the public,
and place issues in their real perspective.
For instance, what on earth could have
made a natiopnal newspaper not <strong>to</strong> notice
the incongruities in its report of that court
session on Thursday December 22, entitled
: “Ibori Freed, FG begins ex-Delta
Governor’s extradition process”, <strong>to</strong> offer
its readers a trailer load of contradictions?
On line 10, the highly respected paper
wrote: “the ex-Governor pleaded guilty <strong>to</strong>
stealing $250 million from the Delta State
treasury”. But on line 23, it wrote “UK
Home Secretary Amber Rod did not intend
<strong>to</strong> deport Ibori <strong>to</strong> Nigeria until he handed
over £18 million, proceeds of crime he
alleged the ex-Governor held”. So how
much was Ibori alleged <strong>to</strong> have s<strong>to</strong>len?
If Ibori was said by the papers <strong>to</strong> have
s<strong>to</strong>len $250m, or that he had even pleaded
guilty <strong>to</strong> stealing that amount, then why
on earth did the Home Secretary talk
about “ALLEDGED” £18m? When was the
amount reversed down? By who? Why? And
what does the word “alleged” mean?
Yet, other issues have
been thrown up by the
newspaper report, which
said that EFCC sources
confirmed <strong>to</strong> the paper
that Nigeria had already
commenced repatriation
proceedings against Ibori
Yet, if as the papers reported that the
British Home Office had wanted <strong>to</strong>
confine Ibori in indefinite detention until
the confiscation hearing had been fully
heard, it means confiscation hearing had
not been concluded. And that, <strong>to</strong>o, means
that no amount of money has been
ordered by any court for Ibori <strong>to</strong> forfeit.
Do journalists know that it is a fact of
life that one confiscation hearing ended
September 2013 (and that is no misprint)
and no single evidence was proffered in
court <strong>to</strong> prove that Ibori s<strong>to</strong>le a Kobo
from Delta State government coffers?
Then, after both parties – Prosecution and
Defence – had made their final
submissions, and no evidence of stealing
emerged, Judge Anthony Pitts, ordered a
retrial, instead of delivering a judgment,
<strong>to</strong> enable Police search for new evidence.
That was in 2013 for goodness sake and
since then; the new confiscation hearing
has yet <strong>to</strong> even begin.
Yet, other issues have been thrown up
•Ibori and other after his
release from Prison in
London
by the newspaper report, which said that
EFCC sources confirmed <strong>to</strong> the paper
that Nigeria had already commenced
repatriation proceedings against Ibori.
And I ask, if Nigeria is anxious of
repatriating s<strong>to</strong>len funds, then why
would she want Ibori deported when the
confiscation hearing against him has
not even started? Yet, the Justice
Minister, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,
should know what confiscation hearing
entails, and that without it, no money
would be repatriated.
Or do some people fear that Ibori will
win that appeal and so they want him
taken out of Britain, so as <strong>to</strong> frustrate
his efforts in fighting the appeal and
have his conviction quashed? I don’t
believe in such conspiracy theories
under Buhari’s presidency. So, I cast
my votes thus: Britain was misled in<strong>to</strong>
believing that Ibori had no other
sources of income and had trumpeted
that information from the roof <strong>to</strong>ps.
What exactly is going on? The answer
is that suddenly, the hunters have
become the hunted as the British Police
investiga<strong>to</strong>rs and the Prosecution
officials that were arrayed against Ibori
have been so deeply indicted that they
have all been dropped from the case.
Also, a lawyer, Mr. Stephen Kimlish said
openly on London-based Ben TV
interview :”Well, the fact is that most
times, people plead guilty for the wrong
reasons. What I can say is that when
there is (Police) corruption on this huge
scale and in the background of the case,
I’m involved in this case, the British law
says that even if you pleaded guilty or
not, your guilty plea can be quashed
because the British public can’t
discountenance such major corruption
in a common investigation, therefore,
whether you plead guilty or you plead
not guilty, your conviction can be
quashed. So in this case that is what we
are currently aiming for. As for
Bhadresh Gohil, I am going for
quashing”!
Did Ibori have other sources of
income while he was Governor? Page
14 of the 44-page paper filed by the
London Metropolitan Police, against
Ibori in court, item 81, on MER
Engineering states: “MER built
houseboats, which were rented out <strong>to</strong>
oil workers in the Delta. It was Ibori
who was able <strong>to</strong> influence the contracts
with Chevron and Shell and the NNPC”
Item 83: “It was MER money that paid
for the Ibori property in Hampstead,
Wes<strong>to</strong>ver Hill: Count 5. Item 84, “It was
MER money that paid for the house
Ibori bought in Hous<strong>to</strong>n Texas. Item 85,
“it was MER money that paid for the
deposit for the $20 million Challenger
Jet airplane that Mr. Ibori was in the
process of buying when his monies were
restrained by the UK courts”.
Weeks before Ibori was sentenced,
EFCC arrested and questioned one Dr.
Babalakin on the charge that he helped
Ibori launder money, using the account
of Babalakin’s company. EFCC said
Ibori never tried <strong>to</strong> buy a Challenger jet
but was only helped <strong>to</strong> launder money
by pretending he was buying a jet. I
replied that the EFCC was lying because
it had known for years that Ibori actually
invested some money in a registered aircharter
company for a jet that would be
used commercially, but the world has
been deceived that Ibori had bought, or
was in the process of buying, a private
jet. Now, which private jet was London
MET Police talking about? Or did the
EFCC not arrest Babalakin on the
allegation that he helped Ibori launder
money in the guise of buying a private
jet? And didn’t the same London Met
Police state in court that Ibori had
invested only $4million on that aircraft
– money from MER Engineering?
Adding the $4 million for the jet <strong>to</strong> the
$6 million for the properties, sums that
came from MER Engineering, brings the
entire sum <strong>to</strong> $10 million. If you make
allowance for police exaggeration of
property costs, you would have a sum
that is below $8 million. It is a huge
amount but it is nowhere near 50 or 250
million Pounds that were bandied about.
And the monies came from MER
Engineering accounts. Also, I don’t want
<strong>to</strong> go in<strong>to</strong> the amount of the travel and
overnight allowances that Ibori was paid
during his eight-year tenure as Governor.
In fact I once reminded a presidential
spokesman that he collected allowances
for trips with the late President Yar’Adua
and especially for that 2010 South
African World Cup jamboree which he,
among a “lean” retinue of 500 officials
costing Nigeria N314, 473,438. 22,
attended. Was the allowance for that trip
part of his annual salary?
Sometimes I am tempted <strong>to</strong> disbelieve
even my own eyes. On item 175 of the
same court document: “By the time he
was in<strong>to</strong> his second term of office as
Governor of Delta State, James Ibori had
defrauded Delta State of such large sums
of money that he was planning <strong>to</strong> buy
himself a private jet aeroplane costing
$20 million.” Is this not the same plane
for which Mr. Babalakin was arrested,
and EFCC said he was laundering
money for Ibori in the guise of buying a
plane? Item 183: “MER had an account
at Barclays bank in Knightsbridge. The
Money went from the oil companies
straight out of Nigeria and in<strong>to</strong> MER
account in Barclays”. And that <strong>to</strong>o is a
crime? Item 29: “Mr. Ibori used money
defrauded from the people of Nigeria <strong>to</strong>
buy a property in Hous<strong>to</strong>n in Texas …
“only <strong>to</strong> see in Item 84, “It was MER
money that paid for the house Ibori
bought in Hous<strong>to</strong>n Texas’. Ibori’s many
sins for which he was convicted included
this terribly grave crime: Item 34: “In
addition <strong>to</strong> his millionaire life style, Ibori
called himself “HIS EXCELLENCY”, a
title not recognized by the constitution”.
Also, Nuhu Ribadu accused the oil
majors of helping Ibori launder money
over the same MER Engineering
contracts, claiming that MER
Engineering had no contracts at all with
those oil companies. And such nonsense
even found its way in<strong>to</strong> the Financial
Times of London in September 2007 and
the Saharareporters published a s<strong>to</strong>ry;
“How Ibori Bought A Private Jet”. Really,
truth has been terribly eclipsed in the
Ibori media-lynching bid. And like
Marvin Gaye, I could scream: “What is
going on”?
Tony Eluemunor is Chief James
Ibori’s Media Assistant.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—23
JULIET EBIRIM
08137897935
Would you reveal how much you
have in your account <strong>to</strong> your
spouse/partner?
The love of money, they say, is the root
of all evils, and issues relating <strong>to</strong> money
have been the bane of most marriages
over the years. Often, the path <strong>to</strong> marital
crises sets in when partners keep their
financial status away from each other.
Should couples reveal their financial
status <strong>to</strong> each other? Saturday Vanguard
spoke <strong>to</strong> some entertainers about this
issue and here are their responses:
No, I would not
- Shirley Igwe, Actress/Model
N
o,
I wouldn't. If he knows how
much I have in my account, he
might want <strong>to</strong> relieve himself of his
financial responsibilities <strong>to</strong> me and the
kids. Besides, most men are not entirely
open <strong>to</strong> their wives about their finances.
•Shirley
Why not? We are one
- Ijeoma Grace Agu, Actress
O
f
course, I would!
Why not? How can
you hide something from
someone who you're
supposed <strong>to</strong> be one with?
We are one and there's no
big deal in telling him how
much I have in my
account. I love and trust
him so I don't think I
should hide anything from
him.
•Ijeoma
No, women are
unreliable
- Toni Fredricks, Ac<strong>to</strong>r
No. Women are weaker
vessels in all
ramifications as
compared <strong>to</strong> a
real man. God in his
wisdom preferred <strong>to</strong>
walk and work with
the man in the garden
of Eden. He knew
how unreliable the
woman would be as
she was created so,
hence she fell <strong>to</strong> the
crafty Satan. God put
the woman under the
man <strong>to</strong> be taken care of
and not <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>il the hard
terrains of life with. The society
and some men in error, tend <strong>to</strong>
believe that since the woman is
a man's partner, it means a
business partner. That's not
true, the woman is only a helpmeet,
not a helper. So men
should be wise. Make your
money and take care of your
wives.
•Toni
Yes, it's not a
big deal
- Bose Alao, Actress
•Ezinne
Never, if he's
a Nigerian
- Ezinne, Actress
I
would never
do that
especially if he is
a Nigerian. I have
seen that most
Nigerian men are
fraudsters and they
even try <strong>to</strong> defraud
their wives. Personally,
I wouldn't share what I
have. I would rather
prefer <strong>to</strong> have a joint
account with my
husband.
•Bose
Iwill tell him because I love
him and there is nothing <strong>to</strong> hide
about it. There's no big deal in
telling him how much I have. He is
my husband, so he can't rob or
harm me. It is better for both of us
<strong>to</strong> be open about our financial
status, so that we can manage our
finances well and understand
ourselves better. Life is easier when
spouses are open <strong>to</strong> each other.
Though, I wouldn't condemn those
who choose <strong>to</strong> do otherwise, they
have their reasons <strong>to</strong>o.

24—SATURD
TURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk
Behind- the-scene shenanigans of a
wedding reception!
Ilaughed when I read this
piece of information
recently: “... The groom
has been drinking heavily all
day. Between church and
reception, he and his lovely
new bride have smoked a joint
the size of a marrow. Just
before the speeches, he
disappeared <strong>to</strong> the <strong>to</strong>ilets and,
amid much tapping of right
index finger upon nostril,
announces he was off <strong>to</strong> (<strong>to</strong> put
it mildly) empty his s<strong>to</strong>mach.
“The best man sits frozen at
the <strong>to</strong>p table, a sense of
impending catastrophe
hovering directly above his
freely perspiring brow. He is
not <strong>to</strong> be disappointed.
Minutes later, the groom
s<strong>to</strong>rms back in<strong>to</strong> the arena and
embarks on what theatre critics,
might term a memorable
monologue.’
“It begins with these quickly
spoken and violently slurred
words: ‘Conventional wisdom
has it... but fxxx conventional
wisdom’, before moving on <strong>to</strong> a
frankly unconventional salute
of his bride’s mother—‘she
never really liked me, but who
gives a dam eh?’ —- a shouted
greeting <strong>to</strong> the children of his
former marriage followed,
urging them <strong>to</strong> join him in the
spot-light. An offer they
decline with a wisdom beyond
their years and indeed their
father’s...”
Planning an elaborate
wedding can be really nerve
wracking for both families. The
engagement ceremony itself
could be as spectacular as the
D-Day, and main performers in
the ceremonies, with already
frayed nerves sometimes throw
decency <strong>to</strong> the winds. Some
years back, at an introduction
ceremony (prelude <strong>to</strong> the
engagement and wedding
ceremonies), the bride’s
relatives sat in their fineries,
anxiously expecting the groom
<strong>to</strong> be, and his friends, for the
traditional formal meet. Their
eyes nearly popped out of their
sockets as this rag-tag drunken
group staggered in looking
dazed as if they were suddenly
and reluctantly pushed in<strong>to</strong> the
gathering. It was obvious they
were all tanked <strong>to</strong> their eyeballs.
Two of them even had
shorts and tee-shirts on!
The bride, who’d all along
been hiding in a location she
could easily observe activities
without being seen, burst in<strong>to</strong>
tears. Her friends had little or
no words of consolation for
her—they were also dumbfounded.
These insensitive
young men then chorused
some mumbo-jumbo until an
elderly man tersely
informed them they had <strong>to</strong>
prostrate first and greet the
gathering of elders. ‘Is it
really necessary?” Sneered
the groom <strong>to</strong> be. His friends
tittered drunkenly.
The ceremony went on
The groom,
groggy from
a boozedrenched
bachelor’s
eve, might
not be the
best speech
master of
the
ceremony
after serious ticking off from
the poor elders who warned
that the wedding could still
be called off if the groom and
his hooligans didn’t behave.
It was no surprise that the
marriage didn’t last four
years.
No matter how elaborately
planned a wedding is, the
reception dictates its success.
I generally give wedding
receptions a miss because of
the stress guests are made <strong>to</strong>
go through in most of these
receptions as a result of
crudely implemented
programmes. A couple of
years ago though, I decided
<strong>to</strong> attend one <strong>to</strong> honour a
dear ‘aunty’, whose daughter
was getting married. Guests
were hardly seated when
waiters materialised from all
the corners of the hall,
balancing deliciously looking
lunches in their hands. Food
was closely followed by
choice wine and assorted
drinks. On my way <strong>to</strong> the
ladies, I saw the bridal train
holed up in a corner, trying <strong>to</strong>
wolf down their meals. “What
are they doing here?” I
asked.
“The bride’s mother has
instructed them <strong>to</strong> stay put
until everybody has had
enough <strong>to</strong> eat and drink.” I
was impressed. Needless <strong>to</strong>
say, by the time the M.C.
announced the arrival of the
bride and groom, guests
happily s<strong>to</strong>od up, dancing
with the new couple. It’s
amazing what happy
atmosphere you can conjure
with the right nosh and
booze! The speeches were
well delivered <strong>to</strong>o
and no one was in a hurry
<strong>to</strong> leave because guests were
having fun; which goes <strong>to</strong>
show that no matter how on
edge you are planning a
wedding, delivery has <strong>to</strong> be
given a serious consideration.
The groom, groggy from a
booze-drenched bachelor’s
eve, might not be the best
speech master of the
ceremony. But make a speech
he must. What happens if he
goes off the rail?
Admittedly, every one has
their own horror s<strong>to</strong>ry when a
groom gaffes, and it is the
Best Man’s duty <strong>to</strong> call him
<strong>to</strong> order. Commenting on
the behaviour of the
cannabis-smoking groom, a
guest remarked that” the
groom was obviously at
fault but so <strong>to</strong>o was his Best
Man”.
“No where in the
suffocatingly ‘how <strong>to</strong>’
manuals would he have
found mention of it, but
once the speech had
started, the Best Man’s only
course of action was <strong>to</strong>
approach the groom, briefly
attract his attention with a
quiet word and then
forcefully and swiftly direct
his knee in<strong>to</strong> the morning—
suited groin, rendering him
speechless. The result?
Family harmony and an
unpayable debt of
gratitude the following
day from his hangover
friends.
“Instead, the jackass
sat through the whole
thing, motionless,
wrongly believing that
his duties did not
extend beyond but<strong>to</strong>n
holes and ring
protection. Foolish man,
he ignored the first rule
of best-mannery; hope
for the best, plan for the
worst and make sure the
wedding doesn’t turn
in<strong>to</strong> the worst day of
your life ....”
How <strong>to</strong> be a successful Best Man
R
emember that every one wants you <strong>to</strong> do well as the
Best Man and even the lamest one-liners will bring
forth gales of laughter. According <strong>to</strong> old hands at the
game, a good Best-Man should: ‘Remember the point of
your speech. The aim of your speech is <strong>to</strong> gently
embarrass the groom while entertaining the audience.
Not the other way round. You have <strong>to</strong> remember
this. Keep smut <strong>to</strong> a minimum. Shagging and farting
jokes are not funny at wedding reception.
Have some children anecdotes ready. Even if you’ve
known the groom from a young age, it is always a good
idea <strong>to</strong> include s<strong>to</strong>ries which involve his family. After all,
they’ll make a big chunk of the audience. Anecdotes are
good because they cause maximum embarrassment <strong>to</strong> the
groom without the risk of offence.
Keep it Brief. The speech should not be longer than
four minutes. What ever short-comings you might have as
an ora<strong>to</strong>r can be forgiven as long as the speech is short.
Have run-through of the speech. This should be in front
of two friends, at least one of whom should be a woman.
Not only will this give you an idea of the speech’s
running time, but it will also give an outside party a
chance <strong>to</strong> gauge your material for taste. H they tell you <strong>to</strong>
drop a joke, don’t argue, do it.
By all means use a sequence of cards <strong>to</strong> jog your
memory, but don’t read from a prepared speech: You will
look and sound like a robot. Try <strong>to</strong> avoid sounding
surprised by something you’ve written on a cue card e.g.
“It says condoms here, what’s that about then? Oh yes,
an awfully funny thing happened once with condoms....”
Wl con oms ...
Don’t forget the basics. Make sure you have found out
from the bride before hand who you should thank.
Basically, anyone who has helped on the day deserves a
mention and, of course, the bride and groom themselves.
Always include a s<strong>to</strong>ry of how the couple got <strong>to</strong>gether
and conclude with a few congratula<strong>to</strong>ry messages if there
are any.
Your speech might be Pulitzer Prize standard, but if it’s
delivered with your head down, hands in pockets and at
break-neck speed, it will be in vain. Decide before hands
what <strong>to</strong> do. With your hands-holding cue cards is a good
idea.
Keep looking up, maybe throwing a glance whoever
you’re referring <strong>to</strong> at the time. Breath deeply and don’t
gabble—you should use slightly-slower-thanconversation
delivery, and try <strong>to</strong> avoid ‘helium gas’
effect, where you end up sounding like a man with his
nuts in a vice.
Avoid quotations, using old witticisms from Oscar Wilde
and Dr. Johnson isn’t clever—anyone can look up quotes.
They’re impersonal and the last resort of the dull and
uninspired.
Finally, sincerity. Once you’ve learned <strong>to</strong> fake sincerity,
you’ve really got it cracked. Your groom is not expecting
cabaret standard entertaining. He just wants you <strong>to</strong> be
yourself. A brief heart-felt tribute <strong>to</strong> the groom and his
bride won’t be expected, but will be extremely welcome.
Don’t be scared <strong>to</strong> do it.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—25
Between Ooni of
Ife and American
rapper Snoop Dogg
There's absolutely
nothing in common
between His Royal
Majesty, the Ooni of Ife,
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi
and American hard core
rapper, Snopp Dogg. It is
also unimaginable that a
hard core rapper and a
monarch should have their
paths crossing as the rapper
and the king have indeed
crossed paths.
Though nothing physical
ensued between the two,
but it is quite amazing that
the rapper should find
something so interesting
concerning the King of the
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, others bag
Ooni of Ife's Peace Icon award
*Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi
with Chief Emeka
Anyaoku
Former Secretary-General of the
Commonwealth, Chief Emeka
Anyaoku, is not a man alien <strong>to</strong>
awards and honours, but when the
Ooni of Ife, bes<strong>to</strong>wed on him a Peace
Icon honour, the diplomat
extraordinaire could not but be so
thankful for yet another feather <strong>to</strong> his
feather-full cap.
In accepting the honour, Chief
Anyaoku had a message for the
youths, and it is simply that they
should eschew violence in all they do.
He added that Nigerians <strong>to</strong> shun
violence and rather focus on gainful
ventures that will bring about enduring
progress for Nigeria and <strong>to</strong>
themselves as individuals.
It was at the occasion of the annual
Nigeria Music Video Awards and the
Violence free world advocacy project
held at the convention center of Eko
Source. It was the carnival
which held at Ile-Ife, Osun
State from 5th – 7th of
December, 2016 that caught
the fancy of the rapper and
with much ado he posted
some video stunt scenes
from the carnival on his
Intagram page, captioning
it, “Mood”.
In the video a few
stuntmen from Ile-Ife can be
seen performing some
daring mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle stunts
while surrounded by several
cameramen and an enthralled
crowd of young men
and women.“One of the
stuntmen in another perilous
Governor Fayose and wife celebrate
28th wedding anniversar
sary
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state and his
wife, Feyisetan have been married since
December 1988 and they marked their 28th
wedding anniversary on Monday.
Though one of the most outspoken governors
who have roused a lot of controversies with
his numerous outbursts and quotes, Fayose
is however a great family man , having been
married for 28 years with five children.
The Governor and his wife were congratulated
on Instagram by their son, Ayorogba,
who shared a throwback pho<strong>to</strong> of them. The
couple have five sons <strong>to</strong>gether; Joju, Rogba,
Tomiwa, Nigba and Boluwatife.
hotels Lagos Thursday 15th
December 2016. Other individuals
honoured as peace ambassadors
include Dr. Ubong King, a motivational
speaker, security expert and
culture activists. Sheila Okonji
Ashinze, a show promoter based in
the United States was also honoured
and charged <strong>to</strong> fly the flag of peace
anywhere they find themselves.
Mr Cally Ikpe, the founder of
Nigeria Music Video Awards
thanked the Ooni profusely for
finding him worthy <strong>to</strong> work with.
Harrysong, Reekado Banks CDQ
and Jumabee were on hand <strong>to</strong> thrill
guests while the trio of Okey
Bakasi, Richmond Osuji and Sheyi
Shay anchored the event. Tuface
Idibia and Kenny Ogungbe also
joined the dignitaries on the stage in
completing the honour.
*Gov. Fayose
and wife
*Snopp Dogg
stunt, s<strong>to</strong>od on his bike
whilst on motion; sending
the crowd in<strong>to</strong> an instant
frenzy as they bellowed with
glee.“The post has since
garnered over nine hundred
thousand views on Snoop
Dogg’s page with over three
thousand comments. Fans of
the rapper can be seen
commending the stuntmen
in the comments section –
one fan wrote “Nigerians
always got something for the
Emir's daughter celebrates Kamu
ceremony ahead of wedding
Ahead of the wedding ceremony
between the Emir of Kano, Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi's daughter, Fulani
Sadika and her hearthrob, Malam
Abubakar Umar Kurfi on Friday
December, 23rd 2016, a Kamu ceremony
was held at the Emir's palace.
The Kamu ( Kamun Amariya) ceremony
is one of the oldest rites in
Hausa/Fulani wedding, and it basically
means 'catch the bride'. The groom
finally comes <strong>to</strong> negotiate the release of
the bride with her friends and this
takes about 30 minutes before a fun
reception.
During the ceremony, Fulani Saddika
must have felt emotional at the prospect
of leaving her friends that she
broke down in tears.
After the Kamu ceremony, the wedding
Fatiha held on Friday at the Emir
of Kano's palace. The wedding came
one week after President Buhari's
people!”, another wrote; “He
doesn’t even need biking
boots!”“The stunts were
performed during the carnival
parade in which thousands
of attendees participated
in.
daughter, Zahra Buhari got married
<strong>to</strong> Ahmed Indimi in Abuja.
Oil magnate Otunba Funsho Lawal honoured
By Oladapo Shofowora
Otunba Funsho Lawal, Chairman
of Sogenal Oil and Gas Limited
is the proverbial goldfish that has no
hiding place despite the
Ogbomosho's man's love <strong>to</strong> keep a
low profile. Of course, when you are
worth plenty billions of naira it is
almost impossible <strong>to</strong> keep your life,
private or public, under wraps. And
so it was for the Oil magnate recently
when he was honoured with a lifetime
merit award by ‘The Petroleum
Club’ at an end of the year dinner in
Metro Club, Lekki Lagos,
The award was <strong>to</strong> appreciate him
for his immense contributions <strong>to</strong> the
growth of the club and the Oil and
Gas sec<strong>to</strong>r at large. The high Octanedinner
shindig had in attendance
different players of the Oil and gas
sec<strong>to</strong>r and members of the Petroleum
Club.
The guest speaker at the event,
former Access bank Managing
Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
<strong>to</strong>ok charge of the event while
eulogising the sterling character of
*His Royal Majesty, the
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye
Ogunwusi
*Fulani Sadika
and her hubby
the Ogbomoso Chief.
For those conversant with the
Nigeria Oil and Gas sec<strong>to</strong>r, the name
Otunba Funso Lawal (CON), creates
a redolent memory of a giant figure in
Oil and Gas sec<strong>to</strong>r. And as a businessman
he means different things <strong>to</strong>
different people. Swhile some regard
him as an astute businessman, a
technocrat and a major player in the
oil and gas sec<strong>to</strong>r, others see him
simply as a philanthropist.
Otunba Funsho Lawal and Dr
Godwin Ihetu are both
the founders of the
prestigious ‘Petroleum
Club’ in Nigeria, an
idea that was conceived
nine years ago
after the business
duo visited
different
Petroleum
Clubs
around
the
world.
Otunba Funso Lawal

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Edited by Ayo Onikoyi
08052201215
BY ROTIMI AGBANA
You’ve come a long way in the
music industry, what did you
do differently in 2016?
I think this year was the year I really
promoted my music. I pushed harder
than ever, because the year actually
started really great for me, and I think
all the work that I’ve been doing in the
previous years yielded results this year.
Eyebrows were raised when you
bagged an award at the recently
concluded AFRIMA amid strong
contenders and without an album <strong>to</strong>
your credit. How do you feel about
this?
About that, I think everyone is
entitled <strong>to</strong> their own opinion. I work
very hard as well. I respect everyone
that was nominated alongside me, like
I said; everyone is entitled <strong>to</strong> their
opinion, so that’s it. I didn’t particularly
feel upset, I just felt so happy <strong>to</strong> be
recognised, that’s what it was all about.
I wasn’t dwelling on people’s opinion or
ideas; for me, what it meant was that
I’ve been recognised, so I have <strong>to</strong> work
harder. I didn’t see it coming; I didn’t
even think I was going <strong>to</strong> be nominated.
Were you under any kind of pressure
<strong>to</strong> impress before your tribute song
<strong>to</strong> King Sunny Ade at AFRIMA?
Not really, because it was sometime
during that same week I was informed
of the special tribute performance for
King Sunny Ade. That was like the
highest point for me, so I wasn’t under
any kind of pressure.
What inspired the title of your
recently released debut album,
Suitcase?
Yes, Suitcase is the title of the album
and it was released on the 22 nd of
November, 2016. Suitcase is basically
about my musical journey. I’ve been in
this business longer than a lot of people
know and for me, at every point there
was always something significant that
happened.
On one of the tracks in your album
you sound like Asa, does she
influence your style of music in any
way?
I might listen <strong>to</strong> her music but <strong>to</strong> be
honest I don’t think I sound like her. I
feel like nothing is entirely new in
music, everything that is being done
now has been done before. When
people say two artistes sound alike I
think it’s because they have been cut
out from the same cloth, probably they
both had the same influences. Asa is
someone I respect a whole lot and I
love her music. I will never compare
myself with her; she gave hope <strong>to</strong> every
one of us that thought of doing this
genre of music.
You released your first single 5 years
ago and your first album 5 years later,
why such a wide gap?
That’s because it <strong>to</strong>ok me time <strong>to</strong>
grow and I think it’s the same with
every artiste except you do not have a
very strong platform <strong>to</strong> be represented
or <strong>to</strong> represent youself. So it takes a
while, for me, this point is actually the
time I was really sure that if I put out
an album people will pay attention.
How have you been able <strong>to</strong> joggle
between being a singer and a wife?
It is by the grace of God my dear.
Well, I always say this every time, I
think I’m just very lucky; my husband
is extremely understanding and super
What beating Yemi Alade,
Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay <strong>to</strong>
AFRIMA award means
<strong>to</strong> me — Aramide
•Says she’s not threatened by anyone
Even without an album <strong>to</strong> her name, Afro/soul singer,
songwriter and guitarist, Aramide Sarumoh, bagged an
award for Best Female Artiste in West Africa in an
award category that had the likes of Tiwa Savage,
Yemi Alade and Seyi Shay, at the recently
concluded AFRIMA. Weeks later, as if buoyed by
the euphoria the award brought, she announced
the release of her debut album titled ‘Suitcase’.
In this chat with Showtime celebrity, she speaks
on her music career, debut album, AFRIMA award,
sex and marital life, and how she has been able <strong>to</strong>
balance singing and marriage.
I know I’m
more focused
now because I
want <strong>to</strong> make
money more
than anything
supportive than anything because he
wants me <strong>to</strong> succeed. So in terms of
balancing being a wife and a singer,
it’s something I’m still trying <strong>to</strong> work
on, but so far so good, it’s been great.
What has marriage changed
about you?
Nothing! Have I changed? I
think I’m more focused, that
I’m sure of, at least for the
music, for the passion and <strong>to</strong>
make money. I know I’m
more focused now because I
want <strong>to</strong> make money more
than anything. It’s not like
my mind wasn’t focused
before but I’m just more
focused now.
Have you ever been
pressured <strong>to</strong> change the
genre of music you do?
I’ve never been pressured <strong>to</strong>
switch <strong>to</strong> pop, R & B, or whatever. For
me, when you’re doing the Afro/soul,
there is the up tempo, the mid tempo
and there is the normal regular slow
one. You can switch things however
though. I did fun mi lowo, it was up
tempo and people loved it, I crossed
over <strong>to</strong> mainstream, I did love me, its
mid tempo and I have heard it in club, it
means that it crossed over.
What are the things that influence
your music?
Things that happen around me
influence my music, like s<strong>to</strong>ries, movies,
books, a lot of things; anything can
actually get me in the mood <strong>to</strong> write a
song. I can hear a bit and something
will just begin <strong>to</strong> play in my head, so
anything can influence my music, it
could be sound,
the environment,
life, anything.
Do you think
your songs would
stand the
industry’s s<strong>to</strong>rmy
waters like the
evergreen songs of
King Sunny Ade,
late Fela
Anikulapo
Kuti and
t h e i r
contemporaries?
Y e s ,
definitely, like
my song fun mi
lowo.
•Aramide
Yo u
know
there is
recession,
and everybody
wants <strong>to</strong> get paid, so when we
work; we all want <strong>to</strong> get paid, nobody
wants <strong>to</strong> be <strong>to</strong>ld “Come back next
week”, because there is no fulfillment if
you’re not getting paid. For me, it was
very important for me <strong>to</strong> put out that
message at that point in time.
Don’t you feel critics might be
tempted <strong>to</strong> think you s<strong>to</strong>le the concept
of fun mi lowo from Rihanna’s bitch
better have my money?
I did not steal the concept from
Rihanna’s song, you might think so
because I included “Please better have
my money”. I wrote the song long before
I heard Rihanna’s song. While playing fun
mi lowo
for the
producer, I
just said
“please better
have my
money” and it
just synched. I
felt that it’s
easy for people
<strong>to</strong> relate with
something they
have heard
before, so I just
included it.
Would you
rather rebrand
like Rihanna
did if it would
mean making
more money?
I have a brand
already, and it’s
something we are
still working on <strong>to</strong> be
more popular, so for
me there is nothing <strong>to</strong>
switch <strong>to</strong>, you can
only get better by
working on your
creativity.
How have you
managed <strong>to</strong> stay
decent all these
years?
This is just who
I’m, for me being
simple is key, you
can be simple and your dressing would
be saying something. You don’t have <strong>to</strong>
expose anything, simplicity is just easier.
How often do you think a newly
married woman should have sex?
As many times as possible now,
because it makes everything go on
smoothly in the marriage, it is really very
important.
Considering your busy schedule as
an entertainer, do you ever have time
<strong>to</strong> perform your marital duties at home?
I don’t do shows every day, we work
on a schedule, when there is a
performance I already know, so I make
preparations for his feeding and other
things. Even before I go I can have sex
with him.
Do you feel threatened by any of the
several talented female artistes in the
music industry?
Not at all, even Asa, but she’s
someone I really respect. I can never
compare myself with her, but I don’t feel
threatened.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—27
By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215
onikoyi68@gmail.com
Akwa Ibom opens
Yuletide celebrations
in grand style with
Xmas Carol
ol
The 2016 edition of the
annual Akwa Ibom
Christmas Carol
Festival has ended in Uyo
the state capital, leaving
behind sweet memories of
fine music, hope and a
pleasant harbinger for this
year’s Christmas.
Globacom, the data power
house, was a major sponsor
of the event for the second
year running. Those who
attended the event included
thousands of Akwa
‘Ibomites’ and guests from
all over the world, who rose
in unison above the tragic
event of the previous week,
<strong>to</strong> ex<strong>to</strong>l God and celebrate
the birth of the Saviour
Jesus.
Don Moen, the leading
American gospel artiste
La Casera apple drink
celebrated its 15 th
anniversary on Saturday,
December 17. The <strong>to</strong>p brand
used the anniversary as an
opportunity <strong>to</strong> celebrate its
teeming consumers
alongside the brand with the
La Casera 15 th Anniversary
Beach Party.
The event which held at the
popular Elegushi Private
lifted the spirits of thousands
of people gathered at the
Uyo Township Stadium
venue of the Festival, with a
string of occasion-suiting
numbers such as ‘Thank You,
Lord’, ‘Father forgive us’,
‘God will make a way’,
among others.
The Uyo Girls Choir,
consisting of girls under 10,
collaborated with worldacclaimed
worship minister,
Don Moen <strong>to</strong> give a rare
rendition of ‘Lord, make us
instrument of your peace’.
The audience was more than
impressed. The Kayamba
African Orchestra from
South Africa rendered ‘The
Holly and the Ivy’ and ‘Noel’
in quick succession.
Others who entertained at
the very impressive night
Small Doc<strong>to</strong>r, CDQ,
others thrills at La
Casera beach party
Beach had the rave of the
moment, Small Doc<strong>to</strong>r,
‘treating’ the fun-loving
consumers <strong>to</strong> what could be
regarded as his best ever
performance on stage as he
L-R: Sodiq Abubakar, Aka CDQ; MD, The La Casera
Co. Plc, Roland Ebelt; DJ Humility and Marketing
Manager, The La Casera Co. Plc, Bello Yusuf.
One Last Time Party:
Heineken announces floating
pop-up experience centres
Premium beer brand and sponsor of the UEFA
Champions League, Heineken, has announced
<strong>plans</strong> <strong>to</strong> extend its first-rate UCL viewing
experience across major cities in Nigeria with popup
experience centres for consumers.
The brand made the announcement at the ‘One
Last Time’ party, it held on Saturday, December
17, 2016, <strong>to</strong> close the Heineken House Lagos. “The
Heineken House Lagos is widely known and well
regarded. The House has over the years become
a true evidence of the level of comfort Heineken
offers <strong>to</strong> its consumers. However, the Heineken
House Lagos will now be replaced by several
Heineken pop-up experience centers in major
cities in Nigeria,” says Ngozi Nkwoji, Senior
Brand Manager, Heineken. The centres will be a
mini-replication of the Heineken House Lagos.
L-R: Mr. John Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian
Pilgrims Commission; Mr. Godswill Akpabio, former gov of Akwa Ibom State; Mr. Udom
Emmanuel, gov of the state, his wife, Martha and Dep Gov, Mr. Moses Frank Ekpo.
included Esther Edoho,
PRM Band from the UK,
Akwa Ibom Choir, who
provided excellent back up
<strong>to</strong> all the artistes including
Don Moen, Buchi, Elijah
Oyelade, Julius Nglass, Fr.
Patrick Edet, Steve Crown,
Perfecta Ekpo, Sammy
Okposo and the Kenyan
Boys among others.
got the crowd screaming
excitedly. The artiste sang
hit after hit <strong>to</strong> the
admiration of the crowd.
When the crowd thought
the best had come and
gone, CDQ, the ‘Woss
Wobi’ crooner set the
stage on fire with
electrifying performances.
Music was reeled out by
world famous DJ Humility,
who serenaded the event
with popular <strong>to</strong>nes that had
everyone abandon their cosy
seats for the dance-floor.
Speaking at the event, the
Managing Direc<strong>to</strong>r, The La
Casera Company Plc, Roland
Ebelt explained that the La
Casera brand was specially
packaged for fun lovers with
a unique, natural apple
taste.
After ten weeks of fun and
entertainment across
university campuses in the
country, the Glo block buster
concert, Glo Campus
S<strong>to</strong>rm, was rounded off in
grand style at the Imo State
University (IMSU), Ostes
and Globacom Brand
Ambassadors, Reekado
Banks and Korede Bello, led
the way, delivering their
various hit tracks <strong>to</strong> the
delight of the crowd.
The first big act <strong>to</strong> perform
Glo Campus
S<strong>to</strong>rm ends on
spectacular
note at IMSU
was Reekado Banks, and he
put up a spectacular
performance, moving from
one track <strong>to</strong> the other in
quick succession, as he
thrilled the crowd endlessly.
Korede Bello later <strong>to</strong>ok over
and kicked off with ‘Mungo
Park’ track which brought
excitement <strong>to</strong> the hall, with
the crowd responding with
loud ovation and he kept up
the tempo with many more
of his hit ingles.
The show also witnessed
the performances of Dimky,
Roger-Lino, Lee Ray, Ok
David and Young Prince, all
budding artistes among the
students who also proved
their mettle. The star of the
night was however,
Lambasixx who delighted
the student with his lyrics.
Nnamdi Tochukwu emerged
the IMSU “Glo Campus
Data Dude” while Amamihe
Jennifer was also crowned
IMSU “Glo Campus Data
Diva”. Both went home with
N100,000 each.
2016 Umu Oganiru carnival closes with
bang as Flavour, Zoro and others perform
This year’s edition of Umu
Oganiru Carnival ended with
breath-taking performances by
Flavour, Zoro and other popular
South East artistes in Enugu
state on Saturday 17 December,
2016.
The two-day event which kicked
off on Friday16 December, with
a street procession round the
coal city continued the next day
with colourful displays through
Artisan, Stadium, Onu Asata,
Obiagu Roundabout, UNEC
Campus Gate, Kenyata Market,
Agbani Road, Garki and back <strong>to</strong>
the Polo Park Mall, venue of the
concert.
The brand also used the
occasion of the carnival <strong>to</strong>
Reakado Banks
reward 24
entrepreneurs
w i t h
N250,000
each by Life
Continental
B e e r
through the
L i f e
Progress
Booster
show, an
entrepreneurial
talent hunt
a n d
men<strong>to</strong>ring program targeted at
helping innovative businessmen
and women in the South-East.
This year, a <strong>to</strong>tal of 200
entrepreneurs from Nnewi,
Enugu, Owerri, Aba, Abakaliki
and Onitsha were rewarded
with a <strong>to</strong>tal of N50 million in
the Life Progress Booster
show.
Reakado
Banks

28—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Rob Kardashian is mak
ing amends. After the
star had a social media
meltdown over the weekend
that led his fiancée Blac
Chyna <strong>to</strong> pack up, take 5-
week-old daughter Dream
and move out of the couple’s
shared home, the star says
he’s “seeking help” for emotional
baggage that has
haunted him through his
tumul<strong>to</strong>us relationship with
Chyna.
“This weekend I was in an
emotional bad place and did
some things that embarrassed
myself and my family,”
Kardashian wrote in an
Instagram post on Monday. “I
apologize and I’m seeking
BY JULIET EBIRIM
Rob Kardashian
apologises <strong>to</strong> Blac
Chyna and their
baby, Dream
Christie
Brinkley
spotted on a
date with David
Foster
Supermodel, Christie
Brinkley and Grammy
winning music hit-maker,
David Foster who both are
single after having been married
four times were spotted
on a date at Ralph Lauren’s
Polo Bar on Wednesday
night.
The burgeoning couple
were such a hit that they
even caught the attention of
Hillary Clin<strong>to</strong>n, who was
dining nearby in an intimate
powwow with Lauren.
“Christie and David were
on a date, and Hillary came
over and greeted them. She
gave Christie a warm hug,”
sources revealed.
Brinkley and Foster later
hit up horn player Chris
Botti’s show at the Blue Note
help <strong>to</strong> deal with my
flaws/issues. Please
pray for me and I’m
sorry @blacchyna.
You are a great
mother <strong>to</strong> our child
and I love you.”
He posted a second
tribute <strong>to</strong> his
baby girl: “I am
going <strong>to</strong> get better
for you
Dream. You are my life and
gave me a new start on being
a better me. Love you.”
Less than an hour after
Kardashian’s post, Chyna apparently
accepted his apology,
regramming his first post
with a simple heart emoji
next <strong>to</strong> Kardashian’s
Christie Brinkley and David Foster
Jazz Club, where another
source described them as
“looking cozy.” An onlooker
<strong>to</strong>ld us that Botti pulled
Brinkley onstage, where she
sat behind the drums and impressively
played along with
the band.
Foster just divorced former
‘Real Housewives of Beverly
Hills’ star Yolanda Hadid,
who’s mom <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>p models
Gigi and Bella. Brinkley is
Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna
Instagram handle.
Kardashian and Chyna first
hinted at their whirlwind romance
in late January, got
engaged in April and welcomed
Dream in November.
In less than a year, they’ve
Drake and Jennifer Lopez fuel dating rumours
Drake and Jennifer Lopez
I
t
Billy Joel’s ex-wife and
recently broke things
off with musician John
Mellencamp, whom
she dated for a year.
She met Foster over
the summer at Ronald
Perelman’s annual
Apollo in the
Hamp<strong>to</strong>ns benefit,
we’re <strong>to</strong>ld. But an insider
insisted that
their Polo Bar dinner
was “just a date.”
seen several highs and lows
including last weekend’s
hack of Chyna’s personal messages,
which she alleged
Kardashian might have been
behind.
looks like Drake and Jennifer Lopez could be
working on more than just music <strong>to</strong>gether, as
the two have been <strong>spend</strong>ing a lot of time <strong>to</strong>gether
lately.
Drake rented out Delilah restaurant in WeHo on
Monday night, and J Lo was his guest. We learnt
that twenty others joined the party as the restaurant
was shut down <strong>to</strong> the public.
Drake and J Lo are working on a music project
<strong>to</strong>gether, and he’s been <strong>to</strong> two of her Vegas shows
recently. Even though the 47-year-old singer and
the 30-year-old hit maker have been <strong>spend</strong>ing
a lot of time <strong>to</strong>gether drumming new
tunes, sources say it’s only a matter of time
before they become romantic.
As of August, Lopez has broken up with
her erstwhile backup dancer Casper
Smart, whom she’d dated on and off
since 2011. In Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, reports
swirled that Drake had split again with
Rihanna.
Though relatively new <strong>to</strong> the
spotlight, actress Margot
Robbie has always kept her private
life away from the public.
Never more so than when it came
<strong>to</strong> her secret wedding <strong>to</strong> assistant
direc<strong>to</strong>r Tom Ackerley this past
weekend.
Sources revealed that the longtime
couple married in a “private,
intimate ceremony” in Coorabell, a
small <strong>to</strong>wn in Australia’s Byron Bay.
Rumours of a potential wedding
Kanye
West’s
European
<strong>to</strong>ur
cancelled
It has been a crazy couple
of weeks for popular rapper,
Kanye West and it appears
he’s not ready <strong>to</strong> fully get back
in<strong>to</strong> the swing of things
anytime soon. According <strong>to</strong> reports,
the rapper has cancelled
his upcoming European <strong>to</strong>ur
dates following his recent
breakdown and week-long
hospitalization. There were no
dates set in s<strong>to</strong>ne for shows in
countries like Paris and the
UK, and no tickets had been
sold yet, but the plan had been
<strong>to</strong> continue the Saint Pablo
<strong>to</strong>ur overseas, and that’s now
been scrapped.
It was previously reported
that he put the remainder of
his U.S. <strong>to</strong>ur on hold after two
concert meltdowns, which
were followed by his hospitalization
for psychiatric treatment.
Those dates are yet <strong>to</strong> be
rescheduled, and it’s unclear
when the 39-year-old will be
ready <strong>to</strong> get back on the road.
We’re <strong>to</strong>ld cancelling did not
pose real problems, because
no dates were set and no tickets
were sold. Kanye has an insurance
policy that reimburses
him for any lost profits or expenses
associated
with cancellations
that result from a
medical condition.
West
Margot Robbie confirms secret
wedding <strong>to</strong> Tom Ackerley
began <strong>to</strong> circulate over the weekend
when Robbie arrived in <strong>to</strong>wn
wearing a T-shirt that read “Say
‘I Do’ Down Under,” and when
her family began sharing pho<strong>to</strong>s
<strong>to</strong> Instagram of what appeared <strong>to</strong>
be wedding festivities.
Robbie, 26, confirmed the news
Monday when she shared a
pho<strong>to</strong> of her ring, while embracing
Ackerley. The pair have been
dating since 2013 after meeting
on the set of Suite Francaise.
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016 — 29
Highest grossing
Nollywood movies
of 2016
*Why they are bar raisers
Few days from now, we will bid farewell <strong>to</strong> 2016 and usher in <strong>2017</strong>,with great expectations, yet
the events that helped <strong>to</strong> shape the outgoing year will not be forgotten in a hurry. For the
Nigerian movie industry, the year has not been short of surprise box office hits despite odds. In
fact, after the world premiere of eight of Nollywood movies at this year’s Toron<strong>to</strong> International
Film Festival,TIFF, which held between September 8 and 18, 2016, our movies came in<strong>to</strong>
spotlight, out-grossing some of Hollywood’s blockbuster movies in the local box office. Here, we
take a look at some of the highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time in the Nigerian cinemas.
’76
Wives on Strike
Omoni Oboli has
produced many blockbuster
movies in recent times, but
her latest movie, “Wives on
Strike” has set her apart
from other Nollywood
producers. The film,
reportedly grossed N51
million in 17 days of its
cinematic debut, with views
by over 50,000 people
across cinema houses
nationwide. With its fourth
week running, the movie
maintained the tempo, as
theatre goers were still
thronging the cinema
houses <strong>to</strong> see the film. The
film kept selling, even with
the presence of latest
Hollywood releases like
“The Barber’s Shop”, “The
The Wedding Par
arty
Box Office smash hit that
raised the bar in Nollywood
during this outgoing year. The
film, from Elfike Collective,
grossed N36 million in its
opening weekend in cinemas
across the country centres
on Dunni Coker (Adesua
E<strong>to</strong>mi), a 24-year-old gallery
owner and only daughter of
her parents about <strong>to</strong> marry
the love of her life, IT
entrepreneur Dozie (Banky
W) has redefined box office
Everybody has been talking
about ’76, yet many are
convinced that it’s one of the
greatest films that came out
this year. The film has not only
redefined the place of
Nollywood in the international
film market, but also, it has set
the pace for the emergence of a
new film culture in Africa.
Having debuted at this year’s
Toron<strong>to</strong> International Film
Festival,TIFF, ’76 is looking <strong>to</strong>
set a new record in Nollywood.
Huntsman” and “ Jungle
Book.” Starring Omoni
Oboli, Uche Jombo-
Rodriguez, Ufuoma
Mcdermoth, Kehinde
Bankole, Julius Agwu,
Keneth Okonkwo the film
reportedly sold N15 million
records in the Nigerian Film
Industry. The romcom which
hit the cinemas on
Wednesday and Thursday
night sold-out <strong>to</strong> the
admiration of the audience.
The tally places “The
Wedding Party” as the
biggest opening weekend
film of the year, ahead of A
Trip <strong>to</strong> Jamaica and Batman
v Superman: Dawn of
Justice. As Mo Abudu
remarked, “The Wedding
Party is tracking <strong>to</strong> surpass
all Box Office records
including that of the
impressive ‘A Trip <strong>to</strong>
Jamaica’ particularly ahead
of the Christmas and New
Year’s Holiday Season.”
In fact, since it premiered late
last month, the country’s box
office has been busy with
theatre goers thronging the
cinema hosues <strong>to</strong> see the film.
Though it might not score high
on the list of the biggest
grossing films of the year, ’76
may turn out <strong>to</strong> be one of the
most profitable, thematic and
action-pack movie which has all
the signs of being a bigger hit
still on home formats.
in three days in its first
weekend at the cinema,
making it the first ever
Nollywood movie <strong>to</strong> do so in
the his<strong>to</strong>ry of box-office
records in Nigeria. Today,
it’s on record that the film
grossed over N67 million in
the box office, coming after
AY’s “A Trip <strong>to</strong> Jamaica”
which grossed N137 million.
This is not surprising,
however, because Omoni’s
earlier productions, “ Being
Mrs Elliot and The First
Lady” were no less box office
hits of 2014 and 2015
respectively.
By ANOZIE EGOLE
A Trip <strong>to</strong> Jamaica
Ayo Makun, popularly called
AY, returned <strong>to</strong> reckoning
during the last quarter of the
year, with his latest movie, “ A
Trip <strong>to</strong> Jamaica”, which
premiered in September. The
film reportedly grossed over
N137 million in the cinemas,
beating box office revenues of
all the big budget Hollywood
including Batman Vs.
Superman, Captain America,
Suicide Squad, London Has
Fallen, Gods Of Egypt among
others, and Nollywood titles
released in 2016.
Shot in Nigeria, America and
Jamaica, “A Trip <strong>to</strong> Jamaica”
indeed, is the highest grossing
movie in Nigeria this year. The
comic movie has been showing
in all 28 cinema houses across
The CEO
Barely few months after the release of the
much talked about blockbuster movie,
“Oloibiri”, the movie is already carting away
awards. Recently, it won the Best Integrity
film on environment at the just concluded
Homevida award, which held in Lagos. And
now, the movie has gotten 13 nominations for
the <strong>2017</strong> African Magic Viewers Choice
award, AMVCA.
In a recent chat with the producer, Rodgers
Ofime said that he was not expecting the
movie <strong>to</strong> get any nomination for the
forthcoming AMVCA. “I was not expecting
the nominations even though we had a good
Kunle Afolyan’s mystery
thriller,”The CEO” came out
with a bang, premièring
aboard an Air-France flight <strong>to</strong>
Paris, France, and stirring up
curiosity among the viewers.
But the high expectations
that greeted the cinematic
release of the film was not
sustained after it grossed
N60 million in the box office.
Notwithstanding, “The
CEO” remains one of the
best movies that raised the
stake in Nollywood during
the year under review .
Despite its international
success, “The CEO” has all
the magic that can keep it
showing in the cinemas for a
long time.
Ghana Must
Go and Fifty
A comic movie, “Ghana
Must Go” which was shot in
Ghana and starring the likes
of Yvonne Okoro, Ik
Ogbonna, Blossom
Chukwujekwu, Helen Paul,
Ada Ameh and Nkem Owoh
aka Osuofia grossed N32
million in the box office,
whereas Mo Abudu’s “Fifty”
raked in N44 million in
addition <strong>to</strong> the N50 million it
grossed last year.
the country. Starring
Hollywood acts Roberts and
Dan Davies, Jamaica acts Paul
Campbell and Rebecca Silvera,
Ghanaian ac<strong>to</strong>r Chris At<strong>to</strong>h
and Nigerian ac<strong>to</strong>rs that
include AY Makun, Funke
Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim,
Pa<strong>to</strong>ranking, Cynthia Morgan
and Ras Kimono, the film
focuses on Akpos (AY) and his
fiancée Bola (Funke Akindele),
who travel across the Atlantic
<strong>to</strong> visit family, they
unexpectedly end up on an
adventure they could never
imagine. AY, whose first movie,
‘30 Days In Atlanta’ broke
Guinness World Record was
optimistic that the hardship in
the land would not affect the
performance of the movie in the
box office. And how right, he
was!
I wasn't expecting AMVCA nomination of 'Oloibiri'
---Rodgers Ofime
show. Government supported us
and we have been able <strong>to</strong> screen
the movie for government officials.
That was why we had the former
president, General Yakubu
Gowon as our guest speaker
on the day we premièred the
movie in Lagos. I am very
happy that we have achieved
the purpose of making the
movie. If at the end we
didn’t not win any, I will
still go home very proud
of myself. If eventually
we win, we will work
better on other works”
Rodgers
Ofime

30—Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016
By BENJAMIN NJOKU
Great
night for
a beauty
•Former Gov. of Ogun
State, Olusegun Osoba
queen
*Peter Okoye being
interviewed at the event
•Ibinabo Fiberesima
•Cultural troupe from Benin
KICKING off with a
cultural display and
performances, the 40th
edition of the prestigious Miss
Nigeria created nothing but an
evening <strong>to</strong> remember. With the
Eko Convention Centre, Vic<strong>to</strong>ria
Island, Lagos, filled <strong>to</strong> capacity,
cheers echoed from every corner
of the expansive hall. Shouting
for their favourite contestant,
audience members appeared <strong>to</strong>
be ready for the winner <strong>to</strong> be
crowned even before the show
started. Cat walks <strong>to</strong>ok the centre
stage and everyone in the
audience was full of expectation.
But it was not surprising that at
the end of the night, Chioma
Stephanie Obiadi who
represented Anambra State, was
crowned the 40th Miss Nigeria
Queen.
The star-studded event
included a fashion show courtesy
Studio 24 StyleSquad official
pho<strong>to</strong>graphers of Miss Nigeria
2016, stellar performances by
Tekno, Ebisan, the valedic<strong>to</strong>ry
speech of the outgoing queen
Leesi Pamela Peter-Vigboro and
a host of other entertaining acts.
The Miss Nigeria 2016
pageant had Judges including
Mai Atafo, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo
Fibersima, Kunle Afolayan,
Chioma Ude, Yemi Keri, Ezinne
Akudo Anyooha, Binta Sukai,
Lanre’daSilva- Ajayi, Mukta
Daniyan, Biola Alabi, Debola
Williams, Arc. Adejumobi
Adenowo, Funke Egbemode,
Adaobi Nwakuche, and Dupe
Olusola as they determined who
deserves the coveted Miss
Nigeria crown. At the end of the
show, Miss Chioma emerged
winner, beating 36 other
contestants and smiling home
with a brand new Hyundai
Grand Accent from Studio 24, an
all-expense paid trip <strong>to</strong> France
courtesy Air France, one year free
accommodation, complete style
and beauty make over and N3
Show hosts, AY and
Actress Lala Akindujo
* Rita Dominic
million. The new queen will go
on <strong>to</strong> represent Nigeria at the
Miss Intercontinental pageant
next year as she works on the
Green-Girl project – A Miss
Nigeria Initiative. The Green- Girl
project is a community
development initiative aimed at
empowering young women <strong>to</strong>
become agents of sustainable
environment in Nigeria. With the
Green-Girl Project, she will be
engaging young people and girls
in schools/communities across
Nigeria.
From all indications, this
year’s Miss Nigeria was a huge
success following testimonies
from the attendees. Some of the
attendees confessed that it was
the best-organized Miss Nigeria
since its revival. The audience
were engaged until the end of
the pageant un<strong>to</strong> the after party
sponsored by Baileys. The venue
for the pageant was a magnificent
and classy one. The theme of the
*Biola Alabi
and Chioma Ude
evening was centred on Heritage
Bank’s
campaign
#IamProudOfMyHeritage with
the focus of this year’s pageant on
the Edo culture. All the
contestants pronounced their
support for their heritage and
were all geared up in the Benin
maiden costume for their dance
performance which was
spectacular.
Miss Nigeria as a
heritage and
empowerment platform for young
women. In her speech, she
expressed how beauty pageant
gave her the platform <strong>to</strong> pursue a
successful career/academic
attainment and how she expects
the same for future beauty
queens. She also added that the
success of this year’s edition of
Miss Nigeria is just a start of a
better and consistent pageant that
will continue <strong>to</strong> grow from
strength <strong>to</strong> strength.
*Miss Nigeria(2015) Miss
Pamela Peter-Vigboro
C
M
Y
K

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—31
UPDATED
'My bot<strong>to</strong>m is more beautiful'
A
Kim Kardashian
lookalike who was <strong>to</strong>ld
by a modelling agency
<strong>to</strong> lose weight has denied plastic
surgery is behind her voluptuous
curves.
Anastasiya Kvitko, 22, from
Russia, who has now moved
<strong>to</strong> Los Angeles, claims it will
only be a matter of time before
she eclipses the reality
TV star Kim, as she believes
she has the 'perfect body'.
Model Anastasiya - who has
a 37.4-inch bust , 24.8-inch
waist, and 41.3-inch hips, puts
her success down <strong>to</strong> defying
an edict <strong>to</strong> lose weight, and insists
she has never been under
the surgeon's knife, a claim
that is being disputed in her
own country.
Anastasiya, from
Kaliningrad, has also criticised
mother-of-two Kim, 35,
claiming that Kim is 'far behind'
her when it comes <strong>to</strong>
beautiful derrieres.
'I like Kim Kardashian but I
don't quite like being compared
<strong>to</strong> her - she is far behind
me,' said Anastasiya, who now
has four millionInstagram followers.
'My body is sporty, my hip
muscles are trained, my bot<strong>to</strong>m
is the most beautiful one, and
I have not done any plastic
surgeries on my face.
'And she - everyone knows
what she did <strong>to</strong> her bot<strong>to</strong>m.
'Now my popularity is growing
at a crazy speed, so it is a
matter of time when I will be
recognised more often than
Kim.'
Anastasiya said that she rejected
advice from a modelling
agency <strong>to</strong> lose weight
and hasn't looked back since.
'My idols are the girls with
Brazil-type bodies - Kim
Kardashian, Beyonce, (and)
Nicki Minaj,' she said in the
Russian media.
'But you have <strong>to</strong> be careful
with American girls.
'They often go through surgeries
and pour fat in<strong>to</strong> their
bot<strong>to</strong>ms taken from other parts
of their bodies. And my body
is a natural one. 'I had just one
surgery - my appendix was removed.
Donald Trump has been Pho<strong>to</strong>shopped on the
Queen’s body and it’s horrifying
Beers all round
THE billionaire founder of Corona
beer has reportedly made his
entire home village millionaires in his
will.
An<strong>to</strong>nino Fernandez, who was born in
the Spanish village of Cerezales del
Condado in 1917, emigrated <strong>to</strong> Mexico
<strong>to</strong> make his fortune but clearly hasn’t
forgotten his roots.
The drinks mogul left the 80 residents
of his home village £2 million each.
Generous Fernandez died in August
this year at 99 years of age.
His will left £169 million <strong>to</strong> the
residents of the village in Spain’s Leon
province where he grew up in deep
poverty as one of 13 siblings.
He left school aged 14 because his
family couldn’t afford the fees.
An<strong>to</strong>nino emigrated <strong>to</strong> Mexico with
his wife in 1949 at 32-years-old <strong>to</strong> make
his fortune, eventually becoming the
CEO of Grupo Modelo in
1971, the company which
brews the world famous beer.
Maximino Sanchez, who
owns a bar in the village, <strong>to</strong>ld
the Diario de León
newspaper: “We never had
any pesete (money) before. I
don’t know, what we would
have done without
An<strong>to</strong>nino.”
Corona Extra is the second
most imported bottled beer in
the USA raking in £556
million a year in sales.
But he never forgot his
homeland and was honoured
by ex King Juan Carlos for his
services <strong>to</strong> charity.
Now in death he has
transformed the lives of those
in his village, with a cultural
centre also being paid for out
of his legacy.
Prepare yourself for something far
more terrifying than the scariest
horror film you’ve ever witnessed.
It’s our Queen as you’ve definitely never
seen her before – not in your worst nightmares.
Yes, a <strong>to</strong>rtured soul has defaced
some lovely pictures of HRH by
Pho<strong>to</strong>shopping Donald Trump’s face on<strong>to</strong>
her body. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…
The distressing images have been
posted on Instagram by a user called
‘Trump Queen’ who, unsurprisingly, only
posts pictures of Trump’s face on Her
Maj’s body.
But it’s not some kind of political statement
about how The Donald is taking over
the world. The description of the account
reads: ‘It’s not about politics. It’s about
the magic of Pho<strong>to</strong>shop and making you
laugh.’ It might just look even more
creepy when other Royals grace the
pho<strong>to</strong>s At least we know Trump is a
hat person after all (plus we don’t
have <strong>to</strong> stare at that haircut)
ALL HAIL TRUMP QUEEN

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Roll of honours in Akugbene Mein kingdom
The day was bright and fair as his<strong>to</strong>ry was made in the life of many. The atmosphere of celebration
pervaded the quiet waterside community of Akugbene Mein of Bomadi Local Government Area till
dusk. It was joy galore as 24 students bagged scholarship and many prominent sons and daughters
got honoured with chieftaincy titles amidst jubilation.
Gaily dressed men and women dotted the spaces in the king palace as early as 8am in the morning,
with traditional drummers beating familiar <strong>to</strong>nes <strong>to</strong> the admiration of all. Community representatives
from all the kingdom were duly seated in their branded canopies as the great king hold a brief
meeting with his council in the chamber.
HRM Pere Kalamana VIII presents certificate of
Chieftancy title on Mrs. Joyce Bozimo
HRM Pere Kalamana VIII and the newly
installed Chiefs
HRM Pere Kalamana gives certificate of
chieftancy title <strong>to</strong> Chief Tony Ebikeme
L-R: Alaowei Broderick Bozimo presents a scholarship
award <strong>to</strong> a student.
L-R: Chief Tunde Smooth, Rt. Hon. Nicholas
Mutu, Chief (Mrs.) Joyce Bozimo and Alaowei
Broderick Bozimo.
L-R: Chief Newyear Okoro, Alaowei Broderick
Bozimo and Chief Tony Ebikeme.
L-R: Chief Tunde Smooth, Rt.Hon. Nicholas Mutu and
Chief Joyce Bozimo
Chief Tony Ebikeme and his family members
Chief (Mrs.) Joyce Bozimo and friends
A cross section of students who received
scholarship from the king
Alaowei Broderick Bozimo and his wife, Chief
Joyce Bozimo.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016 — 33
Gambian sleeping
sickness – a deadly
parasitic disease
spread by tsetse flies - could
be eliminated in six years in
key regions in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC),
according <strong>to</strong> new research by
the University of Warwick in
the United Kingdom.
Signals from the University
indicate that without changing
current strategy, elimination if
the disease isn’t predicted
until the next century,
however, if control strategies
of the insect vec<strong>to</strong>r are well
executed, the elimination goal
could be achieved within four
years when coupled with any
screening approach.
Kat Rock and Matt Keeling
at the School of Life Sciences,
with colleagues in DRC and
the Liverpool School of
Tropical Medicine, have
calculated the impact of
different intervention
strategies on the population
dynamics of tsetse flies and
humans - establishing which
strategies show the most
promise <strong>to</strong> control and
eliminate the disease, a
statement issued by the
University of Warwick noted.
They found that a twopronged
approach -
integrating active screening
and vec<strong>to</strong>r control - could
substantially speed up the
elimination of Gambian
sleeping sickness in high
burden areas of DRC.
But there is a clause.
Without changing current
strategy, elimination might not
happen until the 22nd century.
The research, entitled:
“Predicting the Impact of
Intervention Strategies for
Sleeping Sickness in Two
High-Endemicity Health
Zones of the Democratic
Republic of Congo”, is
published in PLOS Neglected
Tropical Diseases.
The researchers, who work
as part of the Neglected
Tropical Disease Modelling
Consortium, used complex
mathematical models <strong>to</strong>
compare the efficacy of six key
strategies and 12 variations
within two areas of Kwilu
province (within former
Bandundu province), DRC.
Previous work by the same
group indicates that high-risk
people are often missed from
active screening. The new
model concludes that
improved active screening –
making sure that all people
are screened equally,
regardless of risk fac<strong>to</strong>r - may
allow elimination as a public
health problem between 2023
and 2031.
If vec<strong>to</strong>r control strategies –
using “tsetse targets” coated
with insecticide <strong>to</strong> attract and
kill flies - are added, this
Sleeping sickness <strong>to</strong> be
eliminated in 6 years
If DRC adopts any
of the new
strategies with
vec<strong>to</strong>r control,
transmission would
probably be
broken within six
years of launching
the new
programme in
these areas
elimination goal is likely
<strong>to</strong> be achieved within
four years when
coupled with any
screening approach.
If DRC adopts any of
the new strategies with
vec<strong>to</strong>r control,
transmission would
probably be
broken within six
years of launching the
new programme in these
areas - and over 6000
new infections could be
averted between <strong>2017</strong>
and 2030.
Strategies which rely
only on self-reporting of
illness and screening of
low-risk individuals are
unlikely <strong>to</strong> lead <strong>to</strong>
elimination of sleeping
sickness transmission by
2030, and delay
elimination until the
next century.
Gambian sleeping
sickness, or Gambian
•Deploying targets <strong>to</strong> eliminate Sleeping sickness in DRC.
Pho<strong>to</strong> by Inaki
human African
trypanosomiasis, is caused
by a parasite
called Trypanosoma brucei
gambiense, carried by
tsetse flies in Central and
West Africa. Without
treatment, the disease
usually results in death.
In recent years,
programmes have
performed intense active
and passive screening <strong>to</strong>
decrease disease
incidence. A few areas
have also combined these
medical interventions with
vec<strong>to</strong>r control. But some
high prevalence regions of
DRC have not achieved
the reductions in disease
seen in other parts of
Africa. Other strategies for
elimination will also
include reinforced passive
screening, new diagnostic
<strong>to</strong>ols and improved
drugs.
In 2012, the World Health
Organization set two
public health goals for the
control of Gambian
sleeping sickness, a
parasitic disease spread by
the tsetse fly. The first is <strong>to</strong>
eliminate the disease as a
public health problem and
have fewer than 2000 cases
by 2020; while the second
goal is <strong>to</strong> achieve zero
transmission around the
globe by 2030.
Kat rock said: “We found
that vec<strong>to</strong>r control has
great potential <strong>to</strong> reduce
transmission and, even if it
is less effective at reducing
tsetse numbers as in other
regions, the full
elimination goal could still
be achieved by 2030.
“We recommend that
control programmes use a
combined medical and
vec<strong>to</strong>r control strategy <strong>to</strong>
help combat sleeping
sickness.”
What you should know
about sleeping sickness
According <strong>to</strong> the World
Health Organisation,
Human African
trypanosomiasis, also
known as Sleeping
sickness, is a vec<strong>to</strong>r-borne
parasitic disease caused by
infection with pro<strong>to</strong>zoan
parasites belonging <strong>to</strong> the
genus Trypanosoma. It is
spread by the bite of an
infected tsetse fly of the
Glossina genus, a species
native <strong>to</strong> the African
continent. Sixty million
people who live mainly in
rural parts of East, West
and Central Africa are at
risk of contracting sleeping
sickness. Sleeping sickness
can be fatal if not treated.
The tsetse fly bite erupts
in<strong>to</strong> a red sore and within
a few weeks the person can
experience fever, swollen
lymph glands, aching
muscles and joints,
headaches and irritability.
In advanced stages, the
disease attacks the central
nervous system and people
present with changes in
personality, alteration of
the biological clock (the
circadian rhythm),
confusion, slurred speech,
seizures and difficulty in
walking and talking. These
problems can develop over
many years and if not
treated, the person dies.
The main approaches <strong>to</strong>
controlling African
trypanosomiasis are <strong>to</strong>
reduce the reservoirs of
infection and the presence
of the tsetse fly. Rural
populations living in
regions where transmission
occurs and which depend
on agriculture, fishing,
animal husbandry or
hunting are the most
exposed <strong>to</strong> the tsetse fly
and therefore <strong>to</strong> the
disease.
There have been several
epidemics in Africa over
the last century: one
between 1896 and 1906,
mostly in Uganda and the
Congo Basin; one in 1920
in a number of African
countries; and the most
recent epidemic started in
1970 and lasted until the
late 1990s.
The 1920 epidemic was
controlled thanks <strong>to</strong> mobile
teams which carried out the
screening of millions of
people at risk. By the mid-
1960s, the disease was
under control with less
than 5000 cases reported in
the whole continent. After
this success, surveillance
was relaxed, and the
disease reappeared,
reaching epidemic
proportions in several
regions by 1970. The efforts
of WHO, national control
programmes, bilateral
cooperation and
nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs)
during the 1990s and early
21st century reversed the
curve.
Since the number of new
human African
trypanosomiasis cases
reported between 2000 and
2012 dropped by 73 per
cent, the WHO NTDs
roadmap targeted its
elimination as a public
health problem by 2020.
Transmission of the
disease seems <strong>to</strong> have
s<strong>to</strong>pped in some countries
but there are still some
areas where it is difficult <strong>to</strong>
assess the exact situation
because the unstable social
circumstances and/or
difficult accessibility hinder
surveillance and diagnostic
activities.

34—Vanguard, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Twitter: @yetundearebi
yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk
08054700825
Yetunde Arebi
Last week, we set out <strong>to</strong> ex
plore the female sexual ex
perience and why orgasm
seems almost impossible for
many women <strong>to</strong> achieve. Is
it that they are not responsive enough
<strong>to</strong> sexual stimuli or most of the men
don't know anything about their women
and how <strong>to</strong> handle them in the bedroom?
I had asked a couple of friends
for their opinion on the issue and what
can be done <strong>to</strong> improve the situation.
Bimbo, a counsellor, stated it is a communication
problem that is growing out
of hand. She said partners, especially
men, must be prepared <strong>to</strong> do whatever
is required instead of just taking and
making demands for things they might
not be able <strong>to</strong> reciprocate for their
spouses. Women she said, must also
learn <strong>to</strong> speak up and make sexual
demands. Banji laid the blame full blast
on the men and concluded they must
get their act <strong>to</strong>gether. Today, I present
<strong>to</strong> you the concluding part.
Bambo is a philosophy lecturer and
believes that the major problem is psychological,
rather than physical. He
insists that our sexual background will
determine <strong>to</strong> a large extent, our sexual
preferences:
There are women who cannot achieve
orgasm, no matter how much a man
may try. These are women referred <strong>to</strong>
as frigid. No matter what you do <strong>to</strong>
them, the s<strong>to</strong>ry is the same. So, they
need extra patience, extra care and
counselling <strong>to</strong> get them out of that condition
but most men don't have that
much patience. Many women don't
even know they have such a problem,
so they may go from one man <strong>to</strong> another,
searching for the missing link without
success. For those whose frigidity
began as a result of an incident connected
<strong>to</strong> sex, it is even more difficult
because, it is this same sexual act combined
with psychological therapy, patience,
lavish display of affection and
care that can cure them of the condition.
Women in the first category may fall
in<strong>to</strong> the group of women who started
experimenting with sex at very tender
ages. At that age, they just do it without
knowing the significance, importance
and rules guiding the sexual act. They do it
because others are also doing it, or because
someone pressurised them <strong>to</strong> do it, or because
that is what their hormones are telling
their body <strong>to</strong>. Once you have been with
two, three or more men, it is obvious that
the experiences will be different and then
there will be a basis for comparison. Then
you will prefer one man's style <strong>to</strong> another.
It is only natural that you will love someone
who makes you feel good, so one will
not want such a relationship <strong>to</strong> end.
But what happens if the woman does not
end up marrying the one who knows the
codes <strong>to</strong> unlock her treasure chest? She
marries the available and then wants <strong>to</strong>
train him. If he is not trainable due <strong>to</strong> his
own background and attitude <strong>to</strong> sex, then
there is a problem. She will either manage
it and stew in her problem, pretending <strong>to</strong>
be happy or that it does not matter. Or she
might take other serious and drastic decisions
such as cheating on the spouse or
even seeking divorce. Anyone managing
sex in a marriage or long term relationship
can never derive satisfaction from it.
Over time, it becomes a routine and frigidity
sets in. You see, there must be a reason
why God forbade pre marital sex in the
first instance.
Sexual satisfaction has psychological
root and has <strong>to</strong> do with the brain. The same
applies <strong>to</strong> a man who was exposed <strong>to</strong> a
wrong sexual behaviour at a young age.
Though his body will surely respond <strong>to</strong> sexual
stimuli as a man but he will get more
thrill and pleasure from his psychological
fixation which some call fantasy. So, if
he is opportune <strong>to</strong> live out those fixations,
he will prefer it <strong>to</strong> sticking with
Elusive female orgasm:
Who is <strong>to</strong>
blame? (2)
A man who wants his
wife <strong>to</strong> be sexually
happy must be
willing <strong>to</strong> go on all
fours if he must.
Learn <strong>to</strong> use your
mouth, fingers,
<strong>to</strong>ngue, not just your
joy stick that brings
limited joy anyways!
the regular. Thus, in a particular section
of the country, you will see a prevalence
of pedophiles, the younger the
better and when one gets old, they go
for younger ones. It is the same way
you find men from another section of
the country who are fond of sneaking
in<strong>to</strong> other people's beds. They get more
thrilled from bedding other men's
spouses, thus neighbours, friends, colleagues
and even family members are
not safe from their cove<strong>to</strong>us eyes. Usually,
this category of men grew up either
in family compounds, large communal
settings where several different
couples live <strong>to</strong>gether. Infidelity is usually
high in such settings
and the young man is exposed
<strong>to</strong> such sexual behaviours
at an early age.
People in the second category
are usually victims of
rape or abuse. So they see
themselves as no longer
good enough <strong>to</strong> live normal
lives, be happy in a sexual
relationship, or are generally
afraid of men and sex.
I once dated a lady who
later confessed <strong>to</strong> me that
she was raped by her uncle
with whom she lived as
a young girl. The man had
a wife but was not contented
with her and had <strong>to</strong> do
it with his own niece. He
raped her several times
over a period of time until
he was caught. The wife
covered him up, but for the
poor girl, it was double
tragedy. They concocted a
lot of lies against her and
sent her back <strong>to</strong> the village
and she was not allowed <strong>to</strong>
finish her secondary school
education. Again, she
could not confide in her
parents because the man
was her mother’s brother.
First was her fear that no
one will believe her, because
they had been <strong>to</strong>ld
that she was messing
around with boys in Lagos
and they did not want her
<strong>to</strong> corrupt their own children.
Also was the fact that
she did not want <strong>to</strong> spoil
the relationship between
her mother and her young-
er brother as they were just two from
her grandmother and were very close.
So she grew up carrying all these burden
and hurt, and could not let go.
She was a very pretty girl, still is, but
not psychologically prepared for love
life. I tried very hard <strong>to</strong> please her,
but nothing worked. Eventually, I had
<strong>to</strong> run away because I knew I could
not get anything worthwhile from the
relationship. I could not bring myself
<strong>to</strong> have sex with her knowing I will
only be adding <strong>to</strong> her problem and
that she will not enjoy my attention.
We were sad <strong>to</strong> part ways but it was
the best thing <strong>to</strong> do. When I met her a
couple of years after, she had been
married and divorced. She could not
cope for the two years it lasted. Luckily
for her, she had been blessed with
a baby boy. Now she is a single mother.
Sex is a very serious issue, but we
are just not being sincere about it in
our society. I can't say women don't
have their faults, but we men have
the greater responsibility <strong>to</strong> ensure
that we get it right simply because of
our different sexual disposition.
Timi, an IT expert opines that the
type of relationship the couple share
will determine what the man will do
in bed:
When I say type of relationship, I
don't mean long term or marriage of
courtship and such rigid classifications.
I am talking about the role of
the two in the relationship. How the
man and the woman see themselves.
What the man and the woman think
of each other. For a woman <strong>to</strong> achieve
orgasm during sex takes more than
just consensual sex. There must be a
determination on the part of the man
<strong>to</strong> ensure that his partner feels good
about the experience. The type of relationship
or in some cases, type of
sex will determine what happens <strong>to</strong>
the woman. In a relationship where
the man thinks he is superior <strong>to</strong> the
woman or that the woman is his possession,
therefore his pleasures and
must be ready for him, the pleasure
of the woman will hardly be the focus.
In fact, he might even think he is
doing her a favour for sharing his time
and body with her. This often happens
in marital sex, a master/servant
or dependent situation, a relationship
between a boss and a junior worker,
where the boss as superior has overwhelmed
the junior and probably
younger partner, or has lured her with
some incentives. That type of sex is
not <strong>to</strong> give pleasure <strong>to</strong> the female but
<strong>to</strong> take from her. So the guy will have
his orgasm and walk off, or roll <strong>to</strong> his
side of the bed and sleep off. In a rape
situation one cannot expect the woman
<strong>to</strong> achieve orgasm, though this is
not <strong>to</strong>tally impossible. The major goal
of the man here is <strong>to</strong> take and <strong>to</strong> hurt,
humiliate and demean the woman, not
<strong>to</strong> give her pleasure. When rape occurs
in a mutual relationship such as
marriage, the aim is <strong>to</strong> take and probably
teach a lesson, and affirm who is
boss. Orgasm is not likely <strong>to</strong> be in the
picture when it is pay sex. The woman
knows it is business and thus has
surrendered herself <strong>to</strong> be used solely
<strong>to</strong> fulfill the payers pleasures. Each
of the partners is engaged in the act
for a purpose and it must be fulfilled.
My summation is that if men are
more caring, less selfish, and truly
love their partners, they will have
their best interest at heart. They will
therefore be ready <strong>to</strong> do everything
they can <strong>to</strong> ensure their happiness.
Scholars have been able <strong>to</strong> establish
that women will need more than coitus
<strong>to</strong> achieve orgasm. A man who
wants his wife <strong>to</strong> be sexually happy
must be willing <strong>to</strong> go on all fours if he
must. Learn <strong>to</strong> use your mouth, fingers,
<strong>to</strong>ngue, not just your joy stick
that brings limited joy anyways!
Do have a wonderful weekend and
a very merry Christmas holiday.

juliecoker100@yahoo.com
Why do I
seem
invisible
<strong>to</strong> people?
Dear Aunty Julie,
Iam a 23-year-old lady with an
issue that bothers me a lot. I feel
invisible <strong>to</strong> most people and it has
made me really suicidal and
depressed. I feel that no one really
wants <strong>to</strong> be friends with me and no
one cares about me.
Recently, I went out with my friends
and we <strong>to</strong>ok pictures but when I
checked Instagram , I realized that
they have posted the pictures of three
of them without me!
It made me question our friendship
in my mind. But I also feel like no
one else cares either. It is always me
who texts/call people for special
occasions and when I don’t do it,
people forget about me! It made me
think that I might have some mental
problem, like social anxiety,
depression, or something else! I’m
really shy and get anxious in most
social situations. To the point that I lose
my energy so fast. So I sometimes
avoid social situations.
I was much better as a kid. I was still
shy around some not-so-close relatives.
But I was okay in most other places
and sometimes, I was shy at first, but
not so shy when people started <strong>to</strong>
know me. I think it started getting
worse after secondary school <strong>to</strong> the
point that I can’t even look in<strong>to</strong>
people’s eyes when talking <strong>to</strong> them.
I’m painfully shy and socially anxious,
even around old friends that I
sometimes meet on the street and
usually, I don’t know how <strong>to</strong> start
conversations, how <strong>to</strong> hold a
SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 24, 2016—35
conversation and what <strong>to</strong> talk about.
I really feel jealous of loud and popular
people who have lots of friends who care
about them. But when I go <strong>to</strong> a social
situation, I can’t be the real me. I can’t
emotionally open up <strong>to</strong> people , I can’t be
loud. Also, I’m really afraid of conflict, and I
always try <strong>to</strong> be careful and not <strong>to</strong> do things
that “might” bother people or make them
uncomfortable.
What should I do about this?
Nneoma, Jos
Dear Nneoma,
There is nothing “wrong” with you! When
we are feeling depressed or anxious, we
tend <strong>to</strong> <strong>spend</strong> a lot of time caught up in
negative thoughts. Our brains tend <strong>to</strong> latch
on<strong>to</strong> the negative and sometimes we
misinterpret different things that people do
and say.
When you have the thought that “no one
cares” or “other people are better than me,”
try <strong>to</strong> catch these thoughts and ask yourself
if they are true and helpful. If you do some
detective thinking, you may find that the
thoughts that go around in your head aren’t
actually completely correct.
You said that you went out with friends and
<strong>to</strong>ok pho<strong>to</strong>s but they didn’t post the pho<strong>to</strong>
with you in it. There could be many reasons
why - maybe they didn’t like how they
looked in the pho<strong>to</strong> with you, maybe they
didn’t even realise that you would feel left
out by that! Our negative brain can be quick
<strong>to</strong> jump <strong>to</strong> conclusions, which aren’t actually
true at all.
You are very shy and so you aren’t <strong>spend</strong>ing
a lot time talking <strong>to</strong> others, which then
“confirms” the negative thought that you
don’t have friends and no one likes you.
Therefore, you continue <strong>to</strong> be shy and avoid
talking <strong>to</strong> others.
But the good news is that once you realise
you are in this cycle, you can start <strong>to</strong> make a
few changes that will help you get out of it.
Learn forcing yourself <strong>to</strong> smile at someone or
ask a question <strong>to</strong> someone sitting next <strong>to</strong> you
in a bus or public places. It might not be
instant, but keep persisting as you’ll start <strong>to</strong>
notice people positively responding <strong>to</strong> you.
This will increase your confidence in talking
<strong>to</strong> others and hopefully, will help form
stronger friendships. Don’t pressure yourself
<strong>to</strong> jump straight in<strong>to</strong> long conversations, a
smile is a good start! Also, try <strong>to</strong> keep
yourself busy with things you enjoy . Staying
at home not doing anything can lead <strong>to</strong>
getting caught up in all the negative
thoughts and feeling more and more
helpless. The important thing <strong>to</strong> know is that
you are never alone and there are always
people who care.
We are both itchy in our genital areas after sex
Aunty Julie,
A
few weeks after my boyfriend
and I had sex, we discovered
we were both itchy in our genital
areas.
We postponed sex thinking it was
just a yeast infection, his
symp<strong>to</strong>ms being redness and a bit
of bumps, mine being itchy
redness.
Two weeks later, we had sex again
thinking it was cleared, because
we were symp<strong>to</strong>m free and then it
came back again. He has multiple
bumps on and under his foreskin
along with itchiness and redness. I
feel slight itchiness and a little
redness. What might this be?
Jessica, Port- Harcourt.
Dear Jessica,
You may have been right in the first
instance. It does sound a bit like a
yeast infection but you need <strong>to</strong> treat it <strong>to</strong>
make it get better. You’ll need <strong>to</strong> see a
doc<strong>to</strong>r and explain your symp<strong>to</strong>ms,
which is a bit embarrassing but the best
way for them <strong>to</strong> know what <strong>to</strong> suggest.
If you try this and it gets better, that’s
probably what it was.
I recommend going <strong>to</strong> see a doc<strong>to</strong>r
anyway as you two should get a routine
test for STIs, especially chlamydia, as
well as make sure you’re using a reliable
form of birth control.
My parents
fight a lot
Aunty Julie,
I
grew up <strong>to</strong> meet my parents
fighting a lot . I think my dad beats
my mum for no reason.
My mum cries everyday and I hate
seeing her like that. It also affects me
and my siblings psychologically.
Sometimes, I feel like we are not like
normal children or our family is
different from other families. My
social life is suffering and I fear I will
grow up <strong>to</strong> be like my dad and a wife
beater.
I feel so helpless.
Fabian, Lagos.
Dear Fabian,
That’s a terrible situation <strong>to</strong> be in.
You clearly worry about your mother
a great deal, and it’s not easy
knowing what <strong>to</strong> do. It also sounds
like you’re quite angry about how
they fight. Sometimes, in
relationships, issues come up which
couples find difficult <strong>to</strong> agree on.
There may not be easy answers, and
sometimes, a compromise can’t be
reached. Some couples find it helpful
<strong>to</strong> get counselling <strong>to</strong>gether, <strong>to</strong> help
sort out differences. You haven’t
mentioned whether this is something
your parents have done. If they
haven’t, it’s really difficult as a child
<strong>to</strong> suggest such things. I wonder
though, if your parents know how
upset you are over them fighting? If
this is a conversation you are able <strong>to</strong>
have with either of them, it may be
helpful as a starting point <strong>to</strong> look at
getting further help.
I do understand that you might not
necessarily be able <strong>to</strong> talk <strong>to</strong> your
parents about these things. If so, you
may find it helpful <strong>to</strong> get advice from
someone you trust, like a family
member or close friend. Sometimes,
such people may have a different
perspective on things, which could
help you understand the situation,
or they might be in a better position
<strong>to</strong> talk <strong>to</strong> your parents.
You said something about you turning
out <strong>to</strong> be a wife beater like your father.
That is why you also need
counselling so as <strong>to</strong> live a separate
life different from your father.
You’ve talked about feeling helpless
and having thoughts of killing
yourself. It’s understandable <strong>to</strong> feel
hopeless when faced with such a
difficult situation. It might be a good
idea <strong>to</strong> see a professional on your
own <strong>to</strong> get some support.
And do you ever get caught up in
the fighting? The most important
thing right now is safety. If you’re
worried that anyone, you or either of
your parents are physically
threatened in anyway, it’s important
<strong>to</strong> call the police.
Getting married
Getting married is like going <strong>to</strong> a
restaurant with friends. You order what you
want, then when you see what the other
fellow has, you wish you had ordered that.
Wedding ring
At the cocktail party, one woman said <strong>to</strong>
another, “Aren’t you wearing your wedding
ring on the wrong finger?”
The other replied, “Yes, I am. I married the
wrong man.”
Cost of marriage
A little boy asked his father, “Daddy, how
C O C K - T A L E S
much does it cost <strong>to</strong> get married?”
And the father replied, “I don’t know
son, I’m still paying for it.”
What it takes
Young son : “Is it true, Dad, I heard that
in some parts of Africa, a man doesn’t
know his wife until
he marries her?”
Dad : “That happens in most countries,
son.”
True marriage
Married life is very frustrating.
In the first year of marriage, the man
speaks and the woman listens.
In the second year, the woman speaks
and the man listens.
In the third year, they both speak and
the neighbours listen.
Fools for love
After a quarrel, a wife said <strong>to</strong> her
husband, “You know, I was a fool
when I married you.”
And the Husband replied, “Yes, dear,
but I was in love and didn’t notice it.”
C
M
Y
K

36—SATURD
TURDAY Vanguard
anguard, , DECEMBER 24, 2016
•Contract workers
of the company
•The building
housing the
manufacturing outfit
•Manufactured
<strong>to</strong>oth brushes
ready for sale
•Disused plastics being used
as raw materials
A Chinese, Nigerian
company MD arrested in
Onitsha for product faking
BY VINCENT UJUMADU
THE managing direc<strong>to</strong>r of
Bendusco International
Agency Limited, a manufacturing
outfit in Onitsha, Mr.
Benjamin Nwizu and a Chinese
working for him, Mr. Ning Tiadong,
are in the net of security operatives
for allegedly faking products of other
companies.
They were arrested when officials
of the Standards Organization of
Nigeria, SON, and the security operatives,
comprising the army, police,
Department of State Service,
DSS, the civil defense, among others,
raided his company located
along the Onitsha –Owerri expressway
in Onitsha.
Nwizu, the managing direc<strong>to</strong>r, on
sighting the security operatives,
climbed the roof of the two- s<strong>to</strong>rey
building and attempted <strong>to</strong> jump in<strong>to</strong>
the nearby compound, but was forced
<strong>to</strong> come down by soldiers who threatened
<strong>to</strong> bring him down by force.
The Chinese, who claimed that he
did not understand English language,
said he was in the company <strong>to</strong>
effect a repair of one of the machines
in the company.
The company's workers, mainly girls
between the ages of 18 and 20, ran in
different directions as the security operatives
moved in<strong>to</strong> the various offices
housing the manufacturing outfit.
Some people, who claimed <strong>to</strong> be in the
company for other businesses at the
time of the raid, as well as the workers,
were however allowed <strong>to</strong> go after questioning.
Among the products allegedly being
adulterated by the company were <strong>to</strong>oth
brushes and shaving sticks. Labels of
other brands, including Life Beer,
Panadol, among others, also littered
the premises of the company, which was
an indication that the company was
also involved in printing of such labels
for those who adulterate other
people's products.
SON direc<strong>to</strong>r of operations, Mr.
Felix Nyado, who led the operation,
said the organization had made several
attempts <strong>to</strong> prevail on the company
<strong>to</strong> adhere <strong>to</strong> the standards,
adding that all the efforts fell on deaf
ears.
But Nwizu claimed that his company
had an order from the National
Assembly restricting SON
from disturbing its business, arguing
that the products he was
manufacturing were duly registered.
However, the SON direc<strong>to</strong>r
said the manufacturing outfit
specialized in producing counterfeit
<strong>to</strong>oth brush handle, insisting
that the product was expected
<strong>to</strong> be made with virgin raw materials.
He said: “The act establishing
SON allows us <strong>to</strong> advise companies <strong>to</strong>
adhere <strong>to</strong> standard specifications but
if a company consistently violates the
advice, the organization has the power
<strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p the circulation of the adulterated
product. We have therefore evacuated
the fake products found here and
sealed up the place <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p further
manufacturing of substandard products.
“SON visited the company in
2014 and wrote an interim report about
the products and all efforts <strong>to</strong> get the
owner of the company <strong>to</strong> comply with
the standards were met with resistance.
“He is here claiming that he had a
court order <strong>to</strong> restrain SON from s<strong>to</strong>pping
him, but no court can grant any
company an order <strong>to</strong> continue <strong>to</strong> manufacture
substandard products and
s<strong>to</strong>pping SON from carrying out its
statu<strong>to</strong>ry duties.
“The regula<strong>to</strong>ry body is not doing
the job for itself. Rather, its concern is
<strong>to</strong> protect the life and safety of citizens
and ensure that businesses are conducted
in the right way. “And if a company
decides not <strong>to</strong> conduct its affairs
within the regula<strong>to</strong>ry framework of the
authorities, then the owner should go
<strong>to</strong> another country <strong>to</strong> operate. As it is,
this company is under investigation
and we want <strong>to</strong> know what is giving him
the audacity <strong>to</strong> challenge a regula<strong>to</strong>ry
agency.”
Nyado described Nwizu as a serial liar,
adding that he should explain <strong>to</strong> security
operatives where he got the power challenge
a constituted authority.

SATURD
TURDAY Vanguard
anguard, , DECEMBER 24, 2016—37
BY JOSEPH UNDU
Since well-known opioid like Indian hemp, cocaine and others are
increasingly becoming difficult <strong>to</strong> obtain due <strong>to</strong> the global fight against
hard drugs; anaesthetic drugs have now become the choice of many
youths for abuse because of its availability and cheap prices. Drugs like
tramadol, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine have so far replaced
Indian hemp. Many vulnerable Nigerian youths who engage in its
abuse are facing life threatening situation. Experts believe this is furthering
the wave of crime in the country <strong>to</strong>day. Crime Guard spoke <strong>to</strong>
Solomon Uga, one of the victims of tramadol addiction in Lagos, a 23-
year-old man from Benue state who is now living in pains over his abuse
of tramadol, he shares his travails.
How it started
I came from a family of six and we are all boys. My father is a serving
officer with the Nigerian Army while my mother is a farmer. I started my
JSS 1 at Saint John Bosco Secondary School Doma, Nasarawa state.
From there I moved <strong>to</strong> Wan<strong>to</strong>r Model Collage, Adikpo, Benue state where
I did my JSS 2. After that, I went <strong>to</strong> Mogadishu Barracks, formerly
Abacha barracks, <strong>to</strong> meet my father where he was serving. When I
got there, I started my JSS3. It was there that everything about
me changed. I was 17 years old when I started my JSS 3.
When I started attending classes, I met some bad
friends and what attracted me <strong>to</strong> them was that I
was good in mathematics. Our mathematics
teacher was a very difficult person. If she gives us
assignment and you fail <strong>to</strong> do it, you face her
wrath. Even though I was a new student, I was
the only one that usually get the highest marks
for about two <strong>to</strong> three times. This was the
reason why those boys started coming closer
<strong>to</strong> me. After school, they would gather
around me insisting that, I must teach them
mathematics. Eventually some of them got
<strong>to</strong> know my house because we were all living
in the same barracks. These friends
were very dangerous and devilish people.
But that time I did not know what was
happening. They kept on coming <strong>to</strong> my
house and I keep on doing assignment
for them.
Introduced <strong>to</strong> tramadol tablets
One day, one of them approached me saying,
“Guy, why are you wasting your time
doing all these? I am going <strong>to</strong> introduce you
<strong>to</strong> something that will make you read harder,
something that would make you not <strong>to</strong> sleep
again.” So I asked him what that was. It was
then that they introduced me <strong>to</strong> tramadol
tablets. By then, tramadol tablet was in 50
and 100 milligram. So, I started with 50
milligram, taking one tablet per day. Everything
they said started working out for me
and gradually I started increasing the
number of tablets. Whenever I take it, I could
not sleep, I could not feel hungry. I would
work all night long without blinking my
eyes and I would not get tired. Each time I
take tramadol, I do not think I have problem
at all. There is nothing you do <strong>to</strong> me
that would make me angry. When I discovered
its positive impact on my life, I now
graduated <strong>to</strong> 100 milligram daily.
Why I started stealing
It got <strong>to</strong> a time where I could not cope in
Abuja with my father when he tried his best
<strong>to</strong> rehabilitate me without success. So, I had
<strong>to</strong> go back <strong>to</strong> my village in Abaji, Katsina
Ala local government, Benue state <strong>to</strong> continue
with my education. When I got there,
the way and manner I got money <strong>to</strong> buy this
drug in Abuja ceased. In Abuja, my friends
do buy for me because their parents were
very rich people. But while there in the village,
I could not buy this drug again so, I
had <strong>to</strong> steal from my mother and grandparents
<strong>to</strong> enable me buy this drug. That was
where my stealing habit started. Initially,
while I was growing up I was a kind of person
that hardly picks anybody’s thing without
his or her permission. That was one of
the good things about me that my parents
loved so much. When I started stealing, nobody
ever suspects me until when I was
caught so, I had <strong>to</strong> confess. I find it difficult
<strong>to</strong> lie about something I did. If I do not say it
that time, I will definitely find time <strong>to</strong> tell
the person.
Adventure with 'sugar mummies'
While I was in Abuja, I did not have any
cause <strong>to</strong> steal anything from anybody because
apart from my friends’ rich background,
they also introduced me <strong>to</strong> Abuja
society women called, Sugar Mummies.
Then, I was 18 years and that was where I
got a lot of money I was using <strong>to</strong> buy
Confession of
a drug addict
•My grandmother s<strong>to</strong>pped me
from committing suicide
•I cant live a normal life again
Tramadol has destroyed
my education, I wrote the
West African Examination
Council, WAEC, and got
just two credits pass, in
spite of the fact that I used
<strong>to</strong> be the best student in
my class
tramadol. The sugar mummies gave us
everything we needed including sex,
money and drinks. I didn’t have time for
any young girl of my age at that time.
Even when I left Abuja and started dating
young girls, I never loved them just because
those sugar mummies were given
me virtually everything I needed in a
woman. They gave me the privileged <strong>to</strong>
sex them <strong>to</strong> my satisfaction, they made
sure I do not lack money; they <strong>to</strong>ok me <strong>to</strong>
places that ordinary I would not have been
able <strong>to</strong> visit. Some of them were married
nobody knew what the cause was and <strong>to</strong> my greatest surprise, the very day I <strong>to</strong>ok
it, I left the hospital. Whenever I try <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p taking tramadol I get sick when I start
taking it, I get well. I was advised that no drug addict s<strong>to</strong>ps taking drug at ones and
I keyed in<strong>to</strong> that advice. At that time, I went back worse than before. I was taking
200 milligram complete pack, that’s about 10 tablets a day. I would take four in
the morning, three in the afternoon and two in the evening. I knew that, this drug
was killing me slowly but I could not just help myself. I am deeply addicted <strong>to</strong> it
now. But I am seriously praying <strong>to</strong> God <strong>to</strong> help me s<strong>to</strong>p taking it. I made a
resolution <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p some time ago and I started reducing it from 10 tablets a day <strong>to</strong>
seven, <strong>to</strong> five times. But right now I take four tablets of 200 milligram per day.
Tramadol caused serious damages <strong>to</strong> my family life
Because of my stealing habit, I could not cope with my mother and grandparents
in the village so they pushed me down <strong>to</strong> Lagos <strong>to</strong> live with my aunty and
uncle. Even here in Lagos, this same tramadol is giving me problem with my
aunty and uncle. I go about stealing even petty things like food stuff from the s<strong>to</strong>re
<strong>to</strong> sell and raise money <strong>to</strong> buy tramadol. Every day, I am being announced as a
thief. This drug has caused a lot of damage <strong>to</strong> my life. My aunty enrolled me for
apprenticeship at Dopemu Aluminum Market <strong>to</strong> learn aluminium fabrication
but this same drug puts me in<strong>to</strong> problem with my boss. Now, the same tramadol
tablet has sent me out of Lagos. My uncle and aunty have promised <strong>to</strong> wash
their hands off me. I am now an outcast just because I refused <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p taking
tramadol. But they never believed I have being struggling <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p.
They never believe I could ever change and they will never believe
until I changed. My childhood dream was <strong>to</strong> become a
chartered account but all hope is gone now. Tramadol
has destroyed my education, I wrote the West African
Examination Council, WAEC, and got just two credits
pass, in spite of the fact that I used <strong>to</strong> be the best student
in my class. My teachers could not believe that was my
result till date.
women. But the one that was madly involved
with me was divorced. My friend,
Jossycarter’s brother introduced him <strong>to</strong>
sugar mummies and he in turn introduced
us <strong>to</strong> the game. His sugar mummy asked
him <strong>to</strong> look for young boys of his age for her
friends, that, they are also interested in them.
So, he came back <strong>to</strong> tell us, that’s how we
met them. When we met them each of them
made her choice and we all departed <strong>to</strong> our
various hotels <strong>to</strong> have fun. We were students
and at that time, we were not privileged <strong>to</strong>
sleep outside, they unders<strong>to</strong>od our situation
very well. Whenever we are going <strong>to</strong> school,
we do take some clothes along inside our
school bags. Then, during break time, we
go out and changed <strong>to</strong> mufti, then go <strong>to</strong>
meet them. We do come back exactly the
time school closes so that we would be in
the barracks at exactly 4:00pm. Since I left
Abuja, I don’t have sugar mummies again.
I will die without tramadol for one day
It came <strong>to</strong> a point when I started taking
200 <strong>to</strong> 220 milligram every day because
100 milligram was becoming ineffective on
me. There was a time I went on research on
this tramadol tablets and found out that, it
was causing a lot more damage <strong>to</strong> my health
and the damage was very serious. I learnt
that there will come a time where I would
suffer kidney damage and heart problem
and I know that these diseases are very expensive
<strong>to</strong> treat. Then I decided <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p taking
it completely but something dramatic
happened. For three days that I did not take
it, I fell sick and was admitted in the hospital
for close <strong>to</strong> one month. Funny enough,
Attempted suicide
It got <strong>to</strong> a point when I attempted suicide because I
could not bear the agony I’ m going through. I asked
myself, why is it that my parents are complaining
about me, my good friends and
just everybody complaining? Yet I cannot
change! I said <strong>to</strong> myself, there is no
need <strong>to</strong> live because <strong>to</strong> me, living is pain,
living is hopelessness. I wanted <strong>to</strong> commit
suicide and forget everything; let everyone
forget about me <strong>to</strong>o. The hell I am
passing through is <strong>to</strong>o much for me <strong>to</strong>
bear. My addiction, my stealing, hardship
and pains, I cannot bear this any
longer. So I bought a poison concealed
in a sachet, brought it back home kept it
in my room. That night, when I woke up
late in the night <strong>to</strong> take it I could not find
it. I searched everywhere that night but
could not see it. The following morning I
found some pieces under my bed and
some dead rats in the room. I then discovered
it was rats that came <strong>to</strong> take it.
When my grandmother heard of it, she
cried bitterly and begged me not <strong>to</strong> kill
myself. That she does not want <strong>to</strong> bury
me, that I should be the one <strong>to</strong> give her a
befitting burial. That is why any time the
thought of suicide crosses my mind, I
quickly remember her plea.
Expert advice
A Nigerian pharmacist based in Agege
area of Lagos, Francis Edozie in a chart
with Saturday Vanguard said he would
not sell tramadol <strong>to</strong> anybody without a
doc<strong>to</strong>r’s prescription. He said: “Some
would tell you they are taking it <strong>to</strong> enhance
their sexual performance without
knowing that, they are gradually killing
their body system. Some youth who engage
in hard labour also use it.”
He narrated that: “There was a report
from Lagos State University last year that,
a medical student of the school who got
involved with bad friends who take
tramadol got himself destroyed by
tramadol abuse. Within a span of eight
months, he fell sick and was admitted in
the school hospital. Today, he is brain
damaged and his condition keeps worsening.
He could not study anymore.”
Edozie added that: “It is not only
tramadol, there are so many like that
which I would not like <strong>to</strong> mention and
they are very harmful <strong>to</strong> the body cells if
abused. Most of them get paralyzed when
they get <strong>to</strong> 40 years of age and would not
be able <strong>to</strong> hold anything firmly. When
you see tramadol addicts, just observe
them, they cannot stay for more than four
hours without taking it, all their body
will be shivering until they take it, they
cannot get themselves back.
“Many are taking it <strong>to</strong> do evil like stealing,
street fighting and all that. There is
need for government <strong>to</strong> carry out enlightenment
campaign about the consequence
of tramadol abuse among the
youth which is becoming so rampant
<strong>to</strong>day.” he advised.

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
The Lagos State
government <strong>plans</strong>
<strong>to</strong> host what it calls
a better, bigger and
bolder edition of
the popular One Lagos Fiesta
across the five divisional zones
of the state, starting from <strong>to</strong>day,
the Christmas eve, Saturday
December 24.
In a statement signed on
Thursday by the state’s
Commissioner for Information
and Strategy, Mr. Steve
Ayorinde, the government said
residents and visi<strong>to</strong>rs in Ikeja,
Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and
Lagos Island will be treated <strong>to</strong>
the best of musical
entertainment, cultural
displays, comedy and cuisine
from the state.
The fiesta, which made its
debut in 2015 after the Lagos
Countdown was rechristened
One Lagos Fiesta and spread
across the five divisions of
Lagos, will run daily from 12
midday <strong>to</strong> 12 midnight, with
the first six hours dedicated <strong>to</strong>
entertainment for children.
According <strong>to</strong> the
Commissioner, the fiesta is
running on the same template
like last year’s but with three
notable additions <strong>to</strong> make it
more impactful this year.
He said, “first, the duration
of the fiesta is longer this year.
Instead of the five days of last
year, Lagosians will have eight
days of fun and camaraderie
this year.
Secondly, there will be
reward for new talents across
the five zones this year. We have
already had a very successful
audition where 50 successful
candidates were picked from
each of the zones. They will
Christmas: Lagos engages Sunny
Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Lagbaja, Kwam 1,
Tiwa Savage, 2Face, others for fiesta
From right: Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments,Training and Pensions, Dr. Akin<strong>to</strong>la Benson Oke, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat
Adebule and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu I, at the State Senior Citizens/Pensioners International Day Celebration in Lagos.
have the opportunity <strong>to</strong> perform on
the same stage as the superstars that
will be featured this year. Two
finalists will emerge from each zone
by Friday the 30th December. Those
lucky 10 will then slug it out at the
grand finale of OLF at the Eko
Atlantic stage with three winners
that will be rewarded handsomely.
“More importantly, this year’s
fiesta has a broader base of artistes,
beyond hip-hop and contemporary music.
There will be more traditional troupes and
local artistes from each zonal division and
the fiesta will welcome participation from
non-hip hop superstars who will grace the
fiesta for the first time like King Sunny Ade,
Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Wasiu Ayinde
Marshal (Kwam 1), Sir Shina Peters, Queen
Salawa Abeni, Lagbaja, Adewale Ayuba,
Abass Akande Obesere and Sulaimon Adio
Atawewe.”
Ayorinde added that the fiesta
would kick off on a bright note from
Day One with superstars like
Olamide, Phyno, Tiwa Savage,
2Face, M1, Kiss Daniel, Reminisce,
Falz, Adekunle Gold, Yemi Alade,
Seyi Shay, Pa<strong>to</strong> Ranking, Humble
Smith and Techno as well as
renowned disc jockeys and stand-up
comedians expected across the
zones.
BY EBUN SESSOU &
JUMOKE KOLAWOLE
Pain, anguish as Nigerians battle
for food in Lagos community
At 7 o'clock am Saturday
last week, I got a call <strong>to</strong>
attend a programme at
Ikate Elegushi area of Lagos.
Wondering what the programme
was about, I proceeded <strong>to</strong> the
venue.
What I saw there was pathetic.
The pain, and anguish were
evident on the faces of Nigerians
who were waiting patiently <strong>to</strong>
collect five dericas (small
measurement containers) of rice,
10 pieces of noodles, one kilo of
chicken, and one litre of
groundnut oil spoke volumes of
their almost hopeless situations.
For them, celebrating the season
was a mirage. They were hopeless,
no food, no clothes, no shoes.
More than 500 people excluding
children and teenagers thronged
the venue. For hours people were
under the scorching sun waiting
<strong>to</strong> get their share. One of the
recipients of the Project
Spread,Tinuke <strong>to</strong>ld Saturday
Vanguard that, before she was
informed about the planned
poverty alleviation programme,
her family had no means of
getting any food <strong>to</strong> eat.
She lamented that, for two
weeks, she had been going round
her neighbourhood begging for
food that her children would eat
on a daily basis. “Some of the
workers of the church came <strong>to</strong> my
compound and informed us that,
the church was going <strong>to</strong> share rice
<strong>to</strong> people in the community. I
asked my three children <strong>to</strong> get
ready <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> the venue. They were
all given tickets and were given
rice each. I did that because there
was no hope of getting food
anywhere else. “I have been going
round the community begging for
food and my children had already
turned beggars on the street.
“My husband left the home
because he could not cater for us
again. My business has not been
going on smoothly and I have
spent all I had on my children”,
she groaned. Another beneficiary,
Grace Francis from Benue State
shared her joyful moment with
Saturday Vanguard after she got
her five dericas of rice. "I was
given rice, indomie, oil, chicken.
The church members came <strong>to</strong> our
community and gave us tickets <strong>to</strong>
partake in the poverty alleviation
programme.
Asked how she was planning <strong>to</strong>
celebrate the festive period, she
said, "things have been very
difficult for me and my family. I
thank God that this type of
programme came up. Also,
Amaka said, she feels very great.
“I feel very great. This would go
along way. My family will be
happy <strong>to</strong> celebrate the festive
season with these foodstuffs.
“With the situation in the
country, my family had lost hope
of getting food <strong>to</strong> eat at this season
until the distribution of the food
items. "The truth is that, when my
children asked me how and what
they were going <strong>to</strong> have during the
festive period, I never had any
answer for them. This recession
has made it difficult for most
families <strong>to</strong> afford three meals
daily”, she said.
13-year old Kike, an SSS 1
student who also benefited <strong>to</strong>ld
Saturday Vanguard how her
mother sent the three of her
siblings <strong>to</strong> go grab the items. "This
programme is nice because it has
reduced our parents' worries this
season".
Another recipient, Ibiyemi
Elegushi, who also heard the news
said, “I am happy <strong>to</strong> be part of the
programme because the cost of
foodstuff my mummy and I were
planning for the festive period has
reduced.
40-year-old Simeon Abah, also
expressed his gratitude. “I was
worried over what <strong>to</strong> give my
children and it was major
challenge for me until the
provision of the food items”, he
said. The Senior Pas<strong>to</strong>r, House on
the Rock Church, Pas<strong>to</strong>r Paul
Adefarasin has called on the
Christian communities <strong>to</strong> spread
the good news of the gospel by
showing love <strong>to</strong> their
communities. According <strong>to</strong> him,
this will help in creating a better
world <strong>to</strong> live in for all and sundry.
“Last year, over 2,400 families
across 4 different local
government areas were
beneficiaries of the Project Spread
outreach. The Christmas-themed
giveaway had families receiving
food items and free medical
supplies. It was done
simultaneously at Makoko,
Ijesha, Lagos Island (Isale Eko)
and Jakande communities across
Lagos state. This year, Project
Spread was done in Sangotedo,
Ajegunle and Elegushi
communities in Lagos.
Ambode earmarks over N2bn
for Old People’s Homes
As part of his
administration’s
commitment <strong>to</strong> the welfare of
pensioners and senior citizens,
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode
of Lagos State has earmarked
the sum of N2.698 billion in
the <strong>2017</strong> budget for the
building of five care centres
for the elderly in the state.
The Governor who disclosed
this at the 2016 Senior Citizens/
Pensioners Day celebration, in
Ikeja, said that the centres
would be built in the five
divisions of the state namely;
Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry,
Alimosho and Lagos Island.
Ambode, who was
represented by the deputy
governor, Dr Idiat Adebule,
described pensioners and
senior citizens as strategic
class of people who deserve
<strong>to</strong> be remembered,
appreciated and celebrated.
C
M
Y
K

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 24, 2016—39
Ijeoma Ndukwe-
E g w u r o n u ,
Managing Direc<strong>to</strong>r
and Chief Executive
Officer, Bubez Foods, a
food company focusing
on processing and
packaging traditional foods using
research and modern technology;
steering the team <strong>to</strong>wards achieving
our set goals and targets.
She is also in<strong>to</strong> CSR initiative that
focuses on women empowerment via
enlightenment and inspiration. In
this interview with Moses Nosike
of Saturday Vanguard SMEs &
Entrepreneurship, Ndukwe-
Eguronu discussed that food
processing industry relies on
machines, therefore you <strong>spend</strong> a lot
when there is no power as we’re
seeing it <strong>to</strong>day. This also affects new
businesses. Excerpts:
Tell us why you are in<strong>to</strong> food
processing and packaging?
I am a mother of 3 kids and with
M
oréniké Ìláò’ebìkan,is the President, Ribbon
Rough Foundation, a business owner, a
philanthropist, pharmacist and she likes <strong>to</strong> call
herself a renaissance woman because her interests and
passion span over several sciences and arts. In this
interview with Moses Nosike, she revealed what young
entrepreneurs need <strong>to</strong> do when starting a business
venture. Most important why she formed Ribbon Rough
Foundation, and <strong>to</strong>day she is happy seeing the
foundation impacting on lives in Africa, Canada and
other places. Excerpts:
my busy schedule I realised that the
convenience of having a traditional meal,
pap also known as OGI/AKAMU which I
used in weaning my kids was important <strong>to</strong>
me and I knew that will be important <strong>to</strong>
other mums as well. This motivated my
going in<strong>to</strong> the foods processing and
packaging industry.
Since there is unstable power supply,
how do you preserve unsold packaged
foods?
The power challenge in Nigeria is not
peculiar <strong>to</strong> us, being that our produce is sold
fresh, raw and frozen we resort <strong>to</strong>
alternative power sources like the genera<strong>to</strong>r
<strong>to</strong> power our cold room and we are in talks
already <strong>to</strong> acquire solar panels. Though
these alternative sources come at extra cost,
our focus is on getting our products fresh <strong>to</strong>
the s<strong>to</strong>res and finally <strong>to</strong> the consumers.
What does this business need <strong>to</strong>
compete favourably?
Like every other SMEs, favourable
government policies that increase the ease
of doing business will position us <strong>to</strong> be
able <strong>to</strong> compete favourably. Provision of
infrastructure, power supply among others
in any economic environment gives SMEs
edge <strong>to</strong> develop fast and employ more
hands <strong>to</strong> the growth of the economy.
How is demand of these processed
foods since the recession?
Because the purchasing power of the
average Nigerian consumer has dropped,
it slightly affected the demand of the
products generally but not significant
enough for
us <strong>to</strong> shut
down the
business.
What are
your major
challenges
running food
processing
fac<strong>to</strong>ry in
Nigeria?
I’d still say the
bureaucracies
encountered in
government
agencies
•Ijeoma
involved in the
foods industry, it could be
discouraging. Ndukwe The Forex rate at this
time is a
contributing fac<strong>to</strong>r
as much as the food
stuff is sourced
locally, the raw
materials used for the
locally produced
packaging materials are
imported, this affects
production cost and the
ripple effect is felt. The
power challenge can’t be
overemphasised, the food processing industry
relies on machines. Again, when a business
venture, or SMEs, young entrepreneurs provide
almost everything <strong>to</strong> run a business in a given
environment it becomes difficult for that
economy <strong>to</strong> grow. Enabling environment is very
important and advise our government <strong>to</strong> look
in<strong>to</strong> that direction. We need more businesses <strong>to</strong>
solve the challenges of unemployment.
What is your take on women empowerment
in the society?
My take is that women who deliver their jobs
excellently should be given the opportunity <strong>to</strong>
take their rightful positions in their chosen
fields of endeavour. For me that’s what women
empowerment means.
“Impact on human lives is part t of economic devt”
How did you see the vision of
Ribbon Rouge Foundation and
what is it all about?
12 Years ago, I contracted an infection
that would forever change how I view
the world. I contracted tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is a medical condition
which frequently occurs in people living
with advanced HIV, or as people often
refer <strong>to</strong> it - AIDS.
I did not have HIV co-infection, but
I got <strong>to</strong> see many patients at the
treatment centre who very likely had
HIV. They looked a lot more sickly than
I did, and the general state of affairs of
people at the treatment centre forever
impacted me. I also came <strong>to</strong> take on
some stigma associated with
tuberculosis. See, tuberculosis is often
associated with poverty, drug and
alcohol misuse, homelessness, a his<strong>to</strong>ry
of prison and refugee status. In some
cultures, people associate tuberculosis
with some form of inter-generational
curse.
This experience changed how I
viewed marginalized people, and
brought in<strong>to</strong> my consciousness the
damning reality of HIV in Nigeria. I
wanted <strong>to</strong> contribute in some way, and
I couldn’t financially, because I was a
student at the time. So, I encouraged
some of my school mates <strong>to</strong> put on a
show and sell our talents <strong>to</strong> raise some
money. We organized a fashion, art and
music exhibition and Ribbon Rouge
“Let’s develop our traditional foods
with research, modern tec
echnology”
was born
10 years
ago.
N o w Ìláò’ebìkan
registered
as the
Ribbon
Rouge Foundation in Canada, we are
all about engaging the public, through
the arts, in an ever important dialogue
on social justice while raising funds <strong>to</strong>
get <strong>to</strong> zero HIV globally.
What steps did you take <strong>to</strong> actualise
it?
I was very fortunate <strong>to</strong> have
unbelievably supportive friends and
colleagues at the University of Alberta,
where the idea first gained roots. I
recruited fellow members of the Kamit
African Caribbean Society. Members
of this society formed the organizers,
participants and even guests for the first
4 shows.
Upon graduating, I registered a
foundation and set about recruiting
strategic leaders, social activists, and
skilled talent <strong>to</strong> build our
organizational structure and create our
strategy for my many ambitious goals.
Over time I have learned more about
HIV as a pharmacist. I learned that
because of many social and cultural
norms, this wasn’t a condition that we
could just medicate away.
I learned that we were
going <strong>to</strong> need <strong>to</strong> deal
with many bioethical
and social justice issues
by transforming
peoples hearts. I
started <strong>to</strong> think more
about the various
structural issues that
need <strong>to</strong> be addressed in
order <strong>to</strong> eradicate HIV. I
learned that HIV
prevention efforts will
not succeed in
the long run
until the
various
upstream
vulnerabilities
and root
causes driving
HIV risk are
addressed.
There is wide recognition of these facts
as critical in preventing the spread of
HIV. These fac<strong>to</strong>rs that commonly
contribute <strong>to</strong> vulnerability include:
gender inequality, discrimination and
poverty. This is the most complex of all
systems changes, adapting cultural
legacies, changing how people see each
other, addressing human differences
while upholding our various liberties.
People do not see how, when their
sena<strong>to</strong>rs vote against a bill <strong>to</strong> prevent
their women being raped and beaten
up, or when sena<strong>to</strong>rs vote <strong>to</strong> uphold a
technicality in their constitution that
supports child marriages, they are in
fact endorsing the continual birth of
children with HIV.
In 2013, 22% of the entire world’s
children born with HIV came from our
country. Nigeria is a leader of bringing
more children in<strong>to</strong> the world with HIV.
Ribbon Rouge’s arts reminds you of this
fact, shows you the upstream causes,
in ways that tugs at your heart for
change. So, the next steps I am taking
daily <strong>to</strong>wards Ribbon Rouge’s vision
I think it is important <strong>to</strong>
nurture your ideas and
passions, <strong>to</strong> surround
yourself always with
people who are more
experienced
of zero HIV (in line with UNAIDS goal
of Zero New transmissions of HIV), is
<strong>to</strong> devote time <strong>to</strong> continual learning
on this subject mater. We have many
grand ideas and <strong>plans</strong> <strong>to</strong> scale
programs in<strong>to</strong> African countries as we
collect a body of evidence for them.
What impact did you intend <strong>to</strong>
make with the foundation and what
extend have you been able <strong>to</strong> achieve
it?
I intended <strong>to</strong> raise money, provide a
platform for culturally diverse artists.
To shine a spotlight in an educational
way on HIV as a public health concern
in a way that meaningfully engages
the public on the <strong>to</strong>pic. To build a
research institute for a cure for HIV in
Nigeria.
- We have raised some money over
the years; Approximately $46,000 has
been raised and donated.
- I believe we have done a great job
providing a platform and sounding
board for several local artists; up <strong>to</strong> 244
individual artists as part of over 30
groups have been showcased on our
stage.
- We have certainly engaged the
public in interesting ways about a very
complex problem.
- We do not yet have that research
institute. It is coming. However, we
have grown <strong>to</strong> be a social enterprise
which sells arts online and in galleries,
and have <strong>plans</strong> <strong>to</strong> build business
models which will hopefully fund major
valuable projects such as this for our
country.
The impact of our various activities
have been <strong>to</strong> provide funds <strong>to</strong> support
preventative efforts in East Africa,
Nigeria and Canada while working on
transforming hearts of the general
public <strong>to</strong> prevent further transmissions.
Have been encountering
challenges while trying <strong>to</strong> meet or
satisfy your targeted audience?
We are a <strong>to</strong>ddler foundation. The first
show started 10 years ago, but we only
registered as a Not for Profit 3 years
ago. We have had some growing pains
in figuring out which programs are
most effective, and how <strong>to</strong> attract the
right audience in order <strong>to</strong> run our
organization sustainably. These
haven’t been out of the ordinary, and
as an entrepreneur, I have learned <strong>to</strong>
embrace the high highs with the low
lows. It is all part of the journey.
What would be your advice <strong>to</strong>
young ladies who want <strong>to</strong> venture
in<strong>to</strong> business enterprises <strong>to</strong> make the
difference in our society like you?
I think it is important <strong>to</strong> nurture your
ideas and passions, <strong>to</strong> surround
yourself always with people who are
more experienced and/or smarter than
you, who support you and gently
critique your ideas in a way that grows
the idea. I think it is important <strong>to</strong> learn
continuously and <strong>to</strong> not be afraid <strong>to</strong>
go against the grain when needed. It is
important <strong>to</strong> set a clear simple mutually
beneficial vision that people can
connect with.
I believe that of all the resources we
need in order <strong>to</strong> excel, people are the
most important, and it is crucial <strong>to</strong>
strategically connect with and
influence people as needed for progress
<strong>to</strong>wards a goal.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Climate Change:
Harmattan also
in recession
•Experts, Nigerians react
BY: LUKA BINNIYAT &
FAVOUR NNABUGWU
Nigerians in their forties and above
would easily recall December, 1983.
Two phenomenal developments <strong>to</strong>ok
place: On the night of December, 1983, a lanky
Major Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, General
Officer Commander, GOC, 3 Armoured
Division, Nigeria Army and band of military
officers, chased out the democratically elected
government of President Shehu Shagari and
Buhari became Nigeria’s Head of State. The
next most unforgettable experience after that
change of government, which was visited with
exultation and high forecast of a better Nigeria,
was the weather condition under which the coup
<strong>to</strong>ok place.
“I will never forget the Christmas of 1983,”
recalled Pas<strong>to</strong>r Augustine Jat<strong>to</strong>, missionary
with Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA,
Jos, Plateau State.
“I was just 14 and I came <strong>to</strong> my village near,
Riyom in Plateau State from Lagos, where my
Nigerians react
It’s due <strong>to</strong> climate
change
—Leonard Chukwuma, Businessman
I
think the weather is due <strong>to</strong> the effects of the
global climate change that world leaders
have been talking about lately. It’s a call <strong>to</strong> the
government of every nation <strong>to</strong> save the world.
Personally, I miss the harmattan. Not only is it
normal in a season like this, but it also has a unique way of
reminding us that Christmas is around the corner. I don’t think it
has anything <strong>to</strong> do with the current recession though.
•Leonard
Chukwuma
parents were living,” he said.
“That December wind was icy and came
with soft dry dust. You could hardly see
beyond the next row of village huts. By
12 noon, the sun was hardly visible and the
biting cold showed little change. As for me,
it was the lobe of my ears that got the most
of the cold. It was like something was holding
an ice block <strong>to</strong> it. There was always a log of
wood burning in my grandfathers room
where we would snug <strong>to</strong> it. I was <strong>to</strong>ld that
the Church was almost empty on Christmas
day. The usual December Night vigil held
with few venturing out. The usual dancing
and visitation was cut short. By 5pm, people
had run back in<strong>to</strong> their homes.
“For the two weeks I spent in the village, I
<strong>to</strong>ok my bath only twice and I didn’t feel
uncomfortable. I was <strong>to</strong>ld that some security
men were dying in Jos. Not only that, my
grandfather said that wild animals were
dying, including birds. He said he had only
experienced such cold when he was a child
<strong>to</strong>o. He couldn’t recall the year. So, whenever
I think of 1983, I think of the Buhari coup
and the coldest Harmattan I have ever
Likely <strong>to</strong> affect our
agriculture
—Damilola Hamza, business woman
•Damilola
Hamza
The climate has changed
probably due <strong>to</strong> human
activities. Though this has not
affected any of my activities but I
think it will affect our agriculture.
experienced till date,” he said.
Many who passed through this phase
and those who came later, have noticed
changes in seasonal weather, especially
in terms of temperature change.
Nigerians are battling with economic
recession. Everything appears <strong>to</strong> be
changing. The weather is not left out.
With less than 24 hours <strong>to</strong> Christmas, it
has become curious that even in the
northern parts of Nigeria, where the
dominance of the Harmattan each
December stamped its presence
through its cold, dry dust wind
speeding at an average of 90km per
hour, temperatures continue <strong>to</strong> remain
uncomfortably hot in the afternoon.
Last year, horizontal visibility was so
poor in December that there were at
least 10 flight cancellations as advised
by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency,
NIMET and the Nigeria Civil
Avaition Aithority, NCAA. This
December, no such cancellation has so
been made. Visibility has remained
I know there are some farm
produce that rely on harmattan
<strong>to</strong> blossom well.
usual with warm temperatures averaging
36 Degree Celsius for many cities.
But this should be a surprise for those who
have been moni<strong>to</strong>ring the weather this year.
January 2016, as affirmed by NASA
Goddard Institute for Space Studies, was
the hottest January ever since weather
record started in 1880. Though in Nigeria,
extreme weather variations have not been
recorded, the deviation in rainfall,
humidity, temperature, wind speed and
sundry matters have continued <strong>to</strong> have
impact on the environment and socioeconomic.
Despite the clear unusual warmness of
December 2016 in relationship <strong>to</strong> other
years, NIMET insists that there is nothing
<strong>to</strong> fret over.
Direc<strong>to</strong>r-General, DG, of NIMET, Dr.
Anthony Anuforom, <strong>to</strong>ld Saturday
Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday that with
the days <strong>to</strong> come, occasional outbreak
of dust, will reduce horizontal visibility
significantly <strong>to</strong> 1000m and below in some
places, meaning the usual December/
January Harmattan has not been forecles.
Anuforom said: “There is prospect of fresh
dust plumes being raised in the coming
days, with its attendant consequence.
NIMET will, however, continue <strong>to</strong> moni<strong>to</strong>r
the weather and climate conditions as they
unfold and provide regular updates and
advisories <strong>to</strong> the general public,” the DG
said
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA,
had earlier alerted air travellers <strong>to</strong> brace
up for some delays that may be experienced
due <strong>to</strong> harmattan haze expected in most
parts of the country soon.
The apex regula<strong>to</strong>ry body pleaded for
understanding of the travelling public,
urging them not <strong>to</strong> be lawless should the
situation arise and flights had <strong>to</strong> be delayed
or cancelled.
For safety reasons, NCAA has directed
flight crew <strong>to</strong> adhere strictly <strong>to</strong> the
prescribed weather minima for each of the
airports, as violation would be viewed
seriously.
Spokesman for the NCAA, Sam
Adurogboye, said that the agency had
issued advisory circular <strong>to</strong> help prevent
incidents or accidents caused by such
weather related occurrences.
Adurogboye, explained that the
circular was in line with the forecast
earlier made by NIMET, which
indicated the occurrence of moderate
<strong>to</strong> severe outbreaks of dust during the
period of November 2016 – March
<strong>2017</strong> in Nigeria.
I miss the morning cold and dew
— Michael Orie, Media practitioner
The absence of harmattan has made Nigerians less
conscious of the yuletide season, because
it has always been associated with Christmas
and New Year. Nigeria is a peculiar country
and we experience a lot of changes and this is
one of it. But I believe the harmattan will soon
be here, as there are already signs of it. It is only
a matter of time, maybe in the new year
proper. I miss the morning cold and dew
•Michael though.
I miss my
favourite weather
– Favour Daniels, Banker
The harmattan season is my favourite time
of the year because of the cold weather. We
have a very hot climate in Nigeria, the sun
these days is very scorching. And during
the rainy season, everywhere is flooded,
you can’t even go out. Personally, I’ve been
looking forward <strong>to</strong> the harmattan and I’ve
always associated it with the yuletide
season. Christmas is really not complete
without the cold, dew and dust. I’m tempted
<strong>to</strong> believe that it was also affected by the
recession.
I hate the
harmattan dust
—Segun Awosiyan, graphic artist
The over population in Lagos is one of
the reasons we are yet <strong>to</strong> feel harmattan
here.
That is the advantage of having trees like
what we have in the village. People who
travelled <strong>to</strong> Osun and Ondo testified <strong>to</strong>
the difference in the climatic condition.
I hate harmattan because of the dust that
comes with it.
Over population
is a major fac<strong>to</strong>r
—Alabi Inaolaji, graduate
What we are experiencing is as a result
of global warming. Over population is
another major fac<strong>to</strong>r because people in the
Eastern part of the country are
experiencing the harmattan already.
This is hottest
December since I came
<strong>to</strong> Kaduna in 1975
– Chief Olu Ajayi, 57,
Pho<strong>to</strong> journalist
I have been living in Kaduna since 1975.
I cannot remember any December
temperature like this one. This is a hot
December. Look, how hot it is. It is only
in the early morning hours that you
feel some cold of the harmattan, but
even at that, its is nothing compared
<strong>to</strong> other years. I don’t know what is
happening, but there is a definite
change in the weather. As for me, it
is not the weather that will determine
whether this Christmas will be good
or not. It is the amount of money that
is in my pocket.
I can’t feel love, nature
in the air
—Josephine Anche, 34,
lawyer, Kande and co-
Chambers, Kaduna.
My best time of the year is usually
December. This is the period that
makes me most happy and I have
fallen in love most of the time in
December. It is the cold and dry wind
and dust of the harmattan that make
the place wonderful. I like looking
at the hazy distance over the hills
and it gives me a feeling of romance.
Please do not laugh. . . But this year,
it is as if there is no December. I don’t
have any feeling of Christmas. The
place is hot and the wind almost
standstill. No harmmatn dust <strong>to</strong> form
those golden dust on the hair of
men. No dry lips, no sign of
Christmas. And Christmas is here.
Ahmed Sarkin Yaki,
45, Tailor, Kaduna
The most remarkable thing about
December is the harvest, fishing,
hunting and Christmas for our
Christain brothers. I don’t care
whether it is very cold, or it is not
cold. In December, there is always
enough <strong>to</strong> eat. Then because there
is no rainfall, you can move
anywhere and not worry about being
trapped by rain. But, I must admit
that this December is very different
from others. Maybe it is for good,
maybe it is for bad, but this
December is not cold at all. Last year
this time, I couldn’t be talking with
you wearing this captan.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 23, 2016 — 41
Funeral Service for Late Otunba Ayora (Dr) Bola Kuforiji-Olubi
The Funeral Service for Late Otunba Ayora [Dr] Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, former Minister of Commerce and First Female Chairman of United
Bank for Africa (UBA) was held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Yaba, Lagos. PHOTOS: BUNMI AZEEZ
•From left: Mr. Tokunbo Kuforiji, son of deceased; Mrs. Nkiru Aleintah,
daughter, Mr. Kunle Kuforiji, son; Mrs. Joke Ogunsiakan, daughter; Mr.
Fola Ogunsiakan, son in-law and Miss. Zoe Kuforiji, grand daughter,
•From left: Mr. Adeladun Kofoworola and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun
of Ogun state
•From left: Chief [Mrs]. Nike Akande, President
Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Prof.
Idowu Ashiru and Chief Oladapo Ashiru
•From left:Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor
of Ogun state; Gen. Oladipo Diya, former
Chief of Defence Staff and Chief Ernest Shonekan,
former Head of Interim National Government
•From left: Chief (Mrs) Margaret Shonekan,
Chief Anthony Ani, former minister of finance and
Deacon Titus Soetan, ICAN President
FRSC: Buhari approves appointment of Biu as
Deputy Corps Marshal
..As 8 others promoted <strong>to</strong> next ranks
By Chris Ochayi
PRESIDENT
Mu
hammadu Buhari
has approved the appointment
of Marshal
Dauda Biu as Deputy
Corps Marshal at the
Federal Road Safety
Commission, FRSC.
The development which
was contained in a statement
issued the FRSC
last night in Abuja, as
conveyed the promotion
of 8 Assistant Corps Marshals
with some other
senior officers of the
FRSC, also benefiting
from the promotion exercise.
Assistant
Dauda Biu who is currently
the Head of Finance
and Accounts Department
of the FRSC is
one of 588 officers of the
Corps who were successful
in the recent promotion
exercise conducted
by the Management of
the FRSC.
The 8 Corps Commanders
promoted <strong>to</strong> the
rank of Assistant Corps
Marshals are Ayobami
Omiyale, the Sec<strong>to</strong>r Commander,
Kogi State Sec<strong>to</strong>r
Command; Susan
Ajenge; Niger state Sec<strong>to</strong>r
Commander; Peter
Kibo, Sec<strong>to</strong>r Commander,
Imo; Taiwo Eseyin, Zonal
Head of Operations
Zone 7 Abuja and Osawe
Efosa, officer in charge of
Corps Safety Engineering.
Others are Albert
Moore, Corps Transport
Standardization Officer
and Osakwe Fidelis,
Head of Section, Discipline.
Eleven (11) Deputy
Corps Commanders also
got elevated <strong>to</strong> the rank
of Corps Commanders
while 75 Assistant Corps
Commanders were promoted
<strong>to</strong> Deputy Corps
Commanders and 123
Chief Superintendent
Route Commanders <strong>to</strong>
the new rank of Assistant
Corps Commander.
Other beneficiaries
were 12 Superintendent
Route Commanders who
were promoted <strong>to</strong> Chief
Route Commanders, 11
Route Commanders <strong>to</strong>
Senior Route Commanders
while 108 Deputy
Route Commanders and
237 Assistant Route Commanders
were elevated
<strong>to</strong> Route Commanders
THE Vice Chair
man, Christian Association
of Nigeria,
South West Zone, Archbishop
George Amu has
urged Nigerians <strong>to</strong> be
prayerful especially in
the coming year.
He made the call at
the 26th Inter-denominational
Nine Lesson and
Christmas Carol service
of the church held over
the weekend.
He also called for
prayer for the country,
for God <strong>to</strong> enthrone honest
and truthful leaders
that would be mindful of
the plight of the mass-
and Deputy Route Commander
respectively.
The Corps Marshal,
Boboye Oyeyemi, commended
the newly promoted
officers for displaying
excellence in the
promotion exercise. He
enjoined them <strong>to</strong> remain
dedicated and justify the
confidence reposed on
them with their new
ranks as they discharge
their duties.
It would be recalled
that the 2015 promotion
exercise of the FRSC was
recently conducted in
line with Management’s
policy on staff capacity
development involving
physical fitness and oral
tests, and computerbased
examination.
Xmas Carol: C & S calls for
prayer for the nation
By Ebun Sessou
es.
According <strong>to</strong> him, Nigeria
has not been blessed
with good leaders
except those who are
building oil wells for
themselves at the expense
of the masses.
“The crop of leaders
in Nigeria are missmanagers
and they do
not care about those that
are suffering, adding
that, that is why the
kingdom of heaven is
fighting with the kingdom
of the earth.
“They know what <strong>to</strong>
do <strong>to</strong> make this recession
a thing of the past
but they will not do it
because they are corrupt”,
he said.
Sympathisers throng Prof Chuku
Ike’s home over son’s death
By Elizabeth Uwandu
TRIBUTES have continued <strong>to</strong> pour in the home of
one of Nigerian foremost novelist and one time
Registrar, West Africa Examination Council, WAEC,
Prof Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike who lost his only son
and heir apparent , Prince Osita Ike <strong>to</strong> asthma attack
on December, 17th <strong>2017</strong>.
Recall that Prof Ike who spoke on the state of Biafra
when the duo of Vanguard, Emeka Mamah and Vincent
Ujumadu, interviewed him was recently crowned
the traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu in Orumba North
Local Government Area of Anambra State .
Among the sympathisers were the national president,
Association of Nigerian Authors, Mr Abdullahi
Denja who described Prince Ike’s death as a sad news.
“We were <strong>to</strong>gether last Thursday in Lagos at the
Nigeria Book Trust AGM which held at Excellence
Hotel Ogba. May God give Prof Chukwuemeka Ike,
the great novelist, and family the fortitude <strong>to</strong> bear this
painful loss.” added ANA national president.
Suni Irabor , Managing Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Ruyi Communications
Ltd, and former Chief Executive Officer, Inspiration
FM 92.3 said that he would miss the ever so
bubbly, humorous and humane Prince. His words,
“Why now? The Lord knows best. Only a few days
ago I was looking through the album of pictures celebrating
your royal father’s, Huh Chukwuemeka Ike’s
visit <strong>to</strong> Inspiration 92.3fm as guest of Soni Irabor Live
in 2014.
YDP advocates young people
engagement in Nigeria politics
AS part of its vision <strong>to</strong> illuminate minds, and sup
porting new hope, new dream, and new direction
<strong>to</strong> strengthen and deepen Democracy in Nigeria,
Young Democratic Party, (YDP) Lagos State Chapter,
has held its first conference tagged: “Let there be light”,
in Lagos.
The chairman, Ambassador Afamefuna Dickson, said,
“YDP is a party on a mission <strong>to</strong> deliver our already
hijacked democracy and enthrone real democratic
governance, bring hope <strong>to</strong> the teeming Nigerian populace
by introducing fresh political leadership, orientation
and national rebirth with strict adherence <strong>to</strong> the
rule of law”.
According <strong>to</strong> Dickson, the party was set up <strong>to</strong> destroy
tribalism, ethnicity and religious differences, Godfatherism
in politics, favoritism in offices,
marginalization in government presence, but poised
<strong>to</strong> bring equality <strong>to</strong> all citizenry with due adherence
<strong>to</strong> our constitutional recommendations.

C
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42— SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
L-R: PPIP Expert, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, Prof Neil Paulsen; Executive Direc<strong>to</strong>r,
Center for Ethics and Sustainable Development, Dr Olajumoke Akiode; Associate Direc<strong>to</strong>r,
KPMG Nigeria, Mr Vince Onyejeli; Direc<strong>to</strong>r, First Bank Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School,
Dr Ijeoma Nwagwu; Co-founder, Sustainability School, Dr Olufemi Olarewaju; Associate Professor,
UNILAG, Dr Taibat Lawanson and a lecturer of Socio-political philosophy, UNILAG, Mr Dan Ekere,
during the two-day colloquium organised by CESD, <strong>to</strong> galvanise discussions around Public–Private
Partnership (PPP) initiative in Lagos...recently
Court freezes Patience Jonathan’s
multiple accounts
A
FEDERAL high
court yesterday in
Lagos made a fresh order
freezing multiple accounts
suspected <strong>to</strong> be
owned by Dame Patience
Jonathan and also suspected
<strong>to</strong> be proceeds of
crime.
One of the accounts
which bears the former
First Lady’s name contains
the $5,316.66. The
court said it should be
frozen on the ground that
the money is suspected <strong>to</strong>
be proceeds of crime.
Also affected by the said
order are the accounts of
five companies which are
having N7,418,829,290.
94(seven billion four hundred
and eighteen million
eight hundred and
twenty nine thousand two
hundred and ninety
Naira ninety four kobo).
The order of the court
was sequel <strong>to</strong> a further
and better affidavit in support
of Ex-parte originating
summons sworn <strong>to</strong> by
Abdullahi Tukur, an investigating
officer of the
Economic and Financial
crime Commission
(EFCC) and filed before
the court by EFCC prosecu<strong>to</strong>r
Rotimi Oyedepo
Iseoluwa,
Mr Tukur averred that
there was urgent need for
the court <strong>to</strong> direct the
managers of the bank accounts
contained in the
schedule filed with the
summons <strong>to</strong>, in the interim,
forfeit the money contained
therein <strong>to</strong> prevent
further tampering with
the account being sought
<strong>to</strong> be attached.
According <strong>to</strong> the summons,
Dame Patience
Jonathan’s money in one
bank account with current
balance of
$5,842,316.66 was reasonably
suspected <strong>to</strong> be
proceed of crime.
Five companies Finchley
Top Homes Limited,
Aribawa Aruera,Magel
resort Limited, AM -PM
Global network Limited
Pansy Oil and Gas Limited
and Esther Oba are
also affected. Finchley
Top Homes Limited
opened account domiciled
with another bank
with a current balance of
N226,376,700.23 and a
fixed deposit with balance
of N1,099,511,484.88.
Finchley Top Homes
Limited also opened account
domiciled with a
bank with current balance
of N14,173,848.85. The
same company also operates
account with current
By Joseph Undu
A foreigner and a Nigerian
accomplice have
been arrested in Sango
Otta, Ogun State by operatives
of the Zonal Intervention
Squad, ZIS, of
the Nigerian Police for
alleged armed robbery.
The suspects whose
names were given as
Shile Adegun aged 30
years old and Ume Vic<strong>to</strong>r
were said <strong>to</strong> have been
arrested on the 6th of
December, 2016 and 16th
of December, 2016 following
a tip-off.
Parading the suspects
on Friday, the Assistant
Inspec<strong>to</strong>r General, AIG, of
Police, Zone 2 Area Command
Headquaters,
Onikan, Lagos, AIG
Kayode Aderanti said:
“The suspects came all
the way from Benin Republic
with the intention
<strong>to</strong> rob a boutique in
balance
of
N1,800,494,000.00 and
another account with current
balance of
N40,594,12.88.
Another company affected
by the order of the
court is Aribawa Aruera
Reachout Foundation. It
opened account with
closing balance of
N479,893,431.01
AM-PM Global Network
Limited opened account
with balance of
N7,213,303.50; Pagmat
oil and Gas Limited has
account with current balance
of
N1,809,666,494.68 and
another account with balance
of N55,930,024.50.
Esther Oba has account
with current balance
of $429,381.87 .
All the monies were
suspected <strong>to</strong> be proceeds
of crime.
Consequently upon the
receipt of intelligent report,
EFCC analyzed it
and found it <strong>to</strong> be worthy
of investigation.
Therefore, Mr Tukur
averred that it will serve
the course of justice <strong>to</strong>
grant this application.
Justice Mojisola Ola<strong>to</strong>regun
while granting the
order freezing the accounts
ordered the anti -
graft agency <strong>to</strong> file undertaking
as <strong>to</strong> damages
if it turned out that the
order was not <strong>to</strong> have
been made.
Patience Jonathan, before
yesterday’s order
has been battling the
EFCC <strong>to</strong> have the
$15million dollar accounts
earlier linked <strong>to</strong>
her, unfrozen.
Foreigner, Nigerian nabbed for armed
robbery in Ogun State
...as AIG parades 11 other robbery suspects
Sango Otta.”
According <strong>to</strong> him, items
recovered from the two
suspected armed robbers
include: “One locally
made shot gun with seventeen
rounds of live
ammunition, one locally
made single barreled
shot gun loaded with
ammunitions, three
Toyota Camary cars and
one Infinity Jeep.”
The AIG has also paraded
five other robbery
suspects said <strong>to</strong> have
been arrested on the 12th
of December, 2016 by the
Zonal Anti- Kidnapping
Unint, ZAU, of the Nigerian
police force.
The suspects, Samson
Sabastian, Tunde
Sulaimon, Ayo Benjamin,
Zakari Sabo Yakashe and
Yusuf Abdullahi were arrested
for allegedly robbing
a truck along Lagos-
Ibadan Expressway.
According <strong>to</strong> the
Aderanti: “The suspects
after robbing the truck
immediately drove it <strong>to</strong>
Jos, Plateau State <strong>to</strong> be
disposed where the truck
valued at N9 million was
eventually recovered.”
Meanwhile, six suspected
robbers who were
said <strong>to</strong> have gone <strong>to</strong>
Oregun area of Lagos,
through Oregun Road
Link with intention <strong>to</strong> robbing
innocent victims of
their valuables according
<strong>to</strong> AIG were also apprehended.
Saturday Vanguard
gathered that, the suspects
named: Omotuyole
Oluwasege, Chinedu
Anozike, Samuel Akpan,
Onyakaba Chris<strong>to</strong>pher,
Amos Peter and Uche
Madu aka Poison were
arrested on the 5th December,
2016 and 16th
December, 2016 upon information
received by
Zonal X-Squad team of
the Nigerian Police.
BRIEFS
CHRISTMAS: Police beef
up security nationwide
...AIGs, CPs <strong>to</strong> strengthen Crime Prevention
Strategies in their commands
By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja
WITH 48 hours <strong>to</strong> the Yuletide celebrations, the Ni
geria Police Force has put in place an elaborate
security arrangement and Crime Prevention strategies
<strong>to</strong> ensure crime free Christmas celebration nationwide.
Accordingly, Conventional Policemen and the personnel
of the specialized units of the Force comprising the
Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special
Protection Unit, Federal Highway Patrol, Explosive Ordinance
Department, the armament unit, Sniffer dogs
section, the Marine Police and Police Air wing have been
deployed <strong>to</strong> provide effective security and protection of
life and property nationwide during the Christmas.
Force headquarters in a statement signed by DCP Don
Awunah said, “Visible Police presence is already in place
on the highways and major roads across the country.
He said that deployment of the Police patrol teams and
surveillance squads will cover places of worship, other
public places, venue of recreation and celebrations
throughout the period of the festivities.
He urged Mo<strong>to</strong>rists, Commuters and other Road users
<strong>to</strong> cooperate with Police detachments and personnel
deployed on the highways and major roads across the
country.
The statement further said, “Inspec<strong>to</strong>r General of Police,
Ibrahim Idris, has directed the Assistant Inspec<strong>to</strong>rs
General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge
of Zonal and State commands <strong>to</strong> personally be on ground
<strong>to</strong> supervise the implementation of the Security arrangement
for the Christmas celebration in their various commands.
Security agencies, Ekiti govt,
MACBAN crack down on criminal
herdsmen
By Rotimi Ojomoyela
EKITI State Government in concert with the Se
curity agencies and leadership of the Miyetti
Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria
(MACBAN) have resolved <strong>to</strong> crack down on criminal
elements within the ranks of herdsmen in the state.
This is just as the police have spread their dragnet
<strong>to</strong> arrest a herdsman, simply identified as Dogo, who
has been indicted over some criminal acts in the Northern
part of Ekiti State.
The resolution followed a series of meetings held by
the stakeholders at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
The meeting was as a result of a resurgence in criminal
activities by people suspected <strong>to</strong> be unidentified
herdsmen in Irele, Oke Ako, Ikole, Ijan, Ikere and Ise
areas of the state.
In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary,
Governor Ayodele Fayose, yesterday, the governor
reiterated the resolve of his administration not <strong>to</strong>
allow anybody or group <strong>to</strong> foment violence or engage
in criminal act under the guise of breeding cattle.
One after the other, community leaders from Irele,
Ijan and Ikole, recounted their terrible ordeals in the
hands of suspected criminal-minded herdsmen.
They blamed the development on some unregistered
and unidentifiable herdsmen coming <strong>to</strong> the state from
nearby states.
NPDC, others empower 320
students in Delta
By Gab Ejuwa
NIGERIA Petroleum Development Company,
NPDC, and Community Development Board, CDB,
yesterday empowered about three hundred and twenty
students with starter-pack as a take off after six months
extensive training by consultants in various fields of
specialization.
The Chairman of the Community Development Board,
CDB of Oil Mining Lease 30 (OML 30), comprising over
one hundred and one communities that cut across Isoko,
Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, Comrade
Morris Idiowa said the empowerment was part of the
Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) by
government, NPDC and CDB.
Idiowa explained that all the Presidents General of the
communities made of OML30, CDB and NPDC had
agreed that 19% of the <strong>to</strong>tal funds from the GMoU should
be set aside for capacity building of the empowerment of
the youths in OML30 for gainful employment of the
youths. He said, “So we did a selection of eighty students
per skill acquisition from all the communities involved
and we came out with 320 students that we trained in
Computer, Welding, fabrication, Fashion and Design and
Au<strong>to</strong>mobile Mechanic. “The period of training was six
months. The training started in the first week of July,
2016 and the method of selection was simple, we shared
the 320 number <strong>to</strong> the 12 cluster group according <strong>to</strong> their
production because it was centered on the community
and we ensured that the participants are from the oil
producing communities.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016—43
South Africa is responding
<strong>to</strong> diversification efforts in
Nigeria—Darkey
The Consul General, South African High Commission, Mr.
Darkey Africa said South Africa and Nigeria need greater
collaboration in response <strong>to</strong> the diversification efforts by the
Nigerian government, especially in the area of Agricultural
production, agro-processing, food security, rural
development and so on.
In this exclusive interview, Darkey, who also disclosed that
trade between the two countries is likely <strong>to</strong> hit N1.3 trillion,
said that South Africa and Nigeria can take the continent
forward by working <strong>to</strong>gether as brothers and sisters with one
voice <strong>to</strong> ensure that agenda 2063 is visible.
Excerpts;
•Darkey
How would you describe bilateral
relations between South
Africa and Nigeria?
South Africa-Nigeria bi-lateral
relations are very good and
encouraging. There are a number
of Nigerians coming <strong>to</strong> South Africa
for various activities and so do
South Africans come <strong>to</strong> Nigeria <strong>to</strong>
engage in various businesses and
both citizens are assisting in
growing the two countries’
economies, because both countries
are two major economies in Africa.
As you may be aware there are over
120 South African companies in
Nigeria and all of these brands are
doing well and it is an indication of
the significance and importance of
our bond.
You will notice that we recently
attended a summit on agriculture
organized here in Nigeria and a
number of a delegates came from
South Africa <strong>to</strong> meet with the
President of the Lagos Chamber of
Commerce and Industry. Many of
our discussions were around
agricultural production, agroprocessing,
rural development, food
security, market access and so on,
and we intend sharing these
expertise with our brothers and
sisters in here in Nigeria. For over
decades, South African has
concentrated on agriculture and has
built expertise and because Nigeria
is moving away from oil and going
in<strong>to</strong> other products, we are ready
<strong>to</strong> share the experiences and
expertise we have. Revitalizing
agriculture and the agro-business
value chain is critical for Nigeria,
therefore, South Africa stands ready
<strong>to</strong> share its expertise and
experiences accumulated over
decades. We are extremely ready
and are having discussions with
various organisations and stake
holders here. In first week of
December, 2016, we will be having
an agricultural summit organised by
the Lagos Chamber of Commerce
and we strongly believe that the two
countries can work <strong>to</strong>gether on
other key areas for progression.
What is the volume of trade
between South Africa and
Nigeria?
The volume of trade between
Nigeria and South Africa has
increased <strong>to</strong> R62 billion and or
N1.3 Trillion over a period of 5
years. And that is extremely
important and a good indica<strong>to</strong>r of the
relationship both countries share. We
are also looking at cooperation around
agricultural research and training in
addition <strong>to</strong> academic exchange issues,
student exchange issues, and greater
collaboration is also visible in music,
art, and culture and these relations
are growing.
However, volume of trade is likely
<strong>to</strong> reach over R100 billion in near
future and it is also important that we
enhance collaboration in Mining,
infrastructure and energy, which for
fact, is the driver for growth.
Currently, <strong>to</strong>p export destination is
Botswana at 17 per cent and Nigeria
with only 3.5 per cent if we look at
Africa as a whole and this situation
need <strong>to</strong> improve as we have more
South African companies in Nigeria
but very few Nigerian companies in
The volume of trade
between Nigeria and
South Africa has
increased <strong>to</strong> R62
billion and or N1.3
Trillion over a period
of 5 years And that is
extremely important
and a good indica<strong>to</strong>r
of the relationship
both countries share
South Africa.
Hardly does anyone hear about programs
by South African High Commission
aimed at giving back <strong>to</strong> the
community they work in, unlike most
embassies in Nigeria. Are we expecting
a change in this regard?
We do a lot of programs and sharing
of experiences and expertise with the
government and people of Nigeria.
During our last women program, the
commissioner for women on poverty
and alleviation in Lagos State was part
of the meeting and even Sena<strong>to</strong>r Remi
Tinubu was also part of the meeting
<strong>to</strong>gether with the deputy governor,
Lagos State and we engaged in
matters relating <strong>to</strong> women. In that
meeting we expressed the need <strong>to</strong>
have this relationship continue. Our
department of women in South Africa
and the Lagos State department have
this strong engagement and we have
<strong>to</strong> push
and take
it <strong>to</strong> a
higher level.
F o r
instance during
international Nelson Mandela Day,
the High Commission, <strong>to</strong>gether with
South African companies here in
Nigeria visit Orphanages and this we
do as part of our social responsibility
and this has been the routine. Every
year we support these orphanages as
part of celebrating the legacy of our late
President, Nelson Mandela. We also
do several other projects in
collaboration with South African
companies and Nigeria government for
our two countries mutual benefits.
Has there been any major change in
the procedure or rules for obtaining
non-immigrant visa by persons
wishing <strong>to</strong> travel <strong>to</strong> South Africa?
The rules are still the same. They
have not really changed. They apply
as it is normal and give information that
is required and within 6 days from the
day they submit applications, they will
be able <strong>to</strong> get their visa. However, the
situation has improved tremendously
and the people are working with our
consular section appropriately. I have
been receiving lots of letter where
applicants are thanking our consular
officers for the way their applications
are handled with fairness and
objectivity. In other words, when
applicants comply with rules, they get
their visas in a very short space of time.
Is there anything you want Nigeria
visa applicants do differently <strong>to</strong> make
the work of your consular officers
easier?
Yes. I want them <strong>to</strong> comply. We need
compliance here. Summit in time and
follow the rules. They know it. It is there
in our website and I am sure they know
where VFS is located across the
country. So it is required that when they
apply and have followed the rules as
they are outlined, they must get their
visas at a very short space of time.
Is there any issue you may want <strong>to</strong>
share here?
There is a need <strong>to</strong> create that
communication so that people know
what is happening between our two
countries. We recently had business
people from South Africa who met with
their Nigeria counterparts and it is an
important thing that they are building
relations, strengthening and working
within the frameworks of the
agreements in existence here in
Nigeria. There are so many things
<strong>to</strong> talk about between South Africa
and Nigeria. For instance, Agenda
2063 is an important program of all
African countries and it intends
taking most African countries <strong>to</strong>
greater heights of development. This
is also an agenda that is also focusing
on the youth, because the youth are
the multi-force for the development
of Africa and the several aspirations
that are in agenda 2063, are critical
in many ways <strong>to</strong> take Africa from
where it is <strong>to</strong> greater heights.
These are issues we need <strong>to</strong>
engage between ourselves. South
Africa and Nigeria should have a
common narrative about the
potentials of these 2 countries in
Africa, and the more we have that,
the better the prospects for our
future. These two countries have
the development of our continent.
They are the engine propelling
the implementation of agenda
2063. So it is important that
<strong>to</strong>gether with our friends here we
begin <strong>to</strong> chart a new narrative
about the future that we seek but
also about how we can strengthen
the relationship between the two
countries, so, once these
relationships are strong and
strengthened, we are able <strong>to</strong> push
very closely and jointly the vision
contained in agenda 2063, because
we owe it <strong>to</strong> our fore bearers.
We owe it <strong>to</strong> Nnamdi Azikiwe, <strong>to</strong>
Nelson Mandela, because they saw
the potential of this great continent
and we cannot be the generation
<strong>to</strong> obstruct that.
They saw the ability and
greatness of the continent, the
brotherhood of the continent and
the possibilities and we must
realise all those. We must make it.
Everything is there and so <strong>to</strong>gether
we will work <strong>to</strong> achieve and
communicate this narrative that
looks forward in<strong>to</strong> the future that
draws from the inspirations of our
fore bearers. And I want <strong>to</strong> say that
<strong>to</strong>gether, South Africa and Nigeria
can take the continent forward as
we work <strong>to</strong>gether as brothers and
sisters, building the relationship
between our 2 countries so we are
seen as example for all the
countries of the continent.

C
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44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016

Amokachi:
Players pay <strong>to</strong>
play for national
teams
Former
Super
Eagles captain,
Daniel Amokachi has said
the practice of local
coaches being bribed <strong>to</strong>
invite players on<strong>to</strong> the
country’s national teams
is endemic.
Despite no one being
found guilty of the
accusation, there have
long been suspicions it
happens in Nigeria.
“Agents always come <strong>to</strong>
give money for their
players <strong>to</strong> be invited <strong>to</strong>
camp,” said Amokachi.
“Does it have <strong>to</strong> be so?”
The Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) has
asked Amokachi <strong>to</strong>
produce evidence <strong>to</strong>
support his claims.
The 43-year-old, who
won the Africa Cup of
Nations as a player in
1994, says it is time people
spoke up about an issue
that he says has long
bedevilled the Nigerian
game. “We know this thing
has been going on for a
while but we have <strong>to</strong> voice
it,” the current manager of
Finnish second tier side
JS Hercules <strong>to</strong>ld BBC
Sport.
Previously, Amokachi
worked as an assistant <strong>to</strong>
former Super Eagles
coaches Stephen Keshi
(2011-15), Shaibu Amodu
(2008-10) and Austin
Eguavoen (2005-2007).
He says that all three
used <strong>to</strong> complain about
the practice.
“Every time Amodu
would tell me: ‘Can you
listen <strong>to</strong> these useless
agents that are calling
me? They want <strong>to</strong> give me
US$10,000, $20,000 and
$30,000 <strong>to</strong> bring their
players in.’”
“But he’s
a man of
integrity
a n d
wouldn’t
take it. I worked with
Keshi and it was the same
scenario. With Eguavoen,
it was the same.
“If these three names
mentioned had not had
integrity, definitely they
would have fallen victim.”
Mohammed Sanusi, the
NFF General Secretary,
rejected Amokachi’s
allegations while also
calling on him <strong>to</strong> furnish
the organisation with
more information.
“I think it is unfair <strong>to</strong>
make such allegations
and not mention the
names of those involved,”
Sanusi <strong>to</strong>ld BBC Sport.
“It would be fair if he
mentions the names of
those who have either
approached him or
approached some people
<strong>to</strong> give them money. He
should also mention
people who he knew
collected money.
“I think that will be the
best way <strong>to</strong> go about it.
“I have not heard of this
issue from any quarter
and I can tell you that the
NFF will not <strong>to</strong>lerate this
kind of behaviour. If
Amokachi has evidence of
what he has said he
should bring it forward
•Amokachi
and we will take it up.”
The former international,
who enjoyed a fruitful
career in Europe with
Anderlecht (Belgium),
Ever<strong>to</strong>n (England) and
Besiktas (Turkey), says he
has been inspired <strong>to</strong> speak
out after being accused of
the practice himself.
It came after Nigeria,
African champions in
2013, failed <strong>to</strong> qualify for
next month’s Nations
Cup in Gabon.
“Someone accused me
lately, (saying) ‘the reason
Nigeria did not qualify is
because all you coaches
demand bribes.’”
“You understand? I felt
the pain.”
“So if he is painting me
as a bad egg among a few,
then somebody like me
cannot be quiet about it.”
“Coaches will confirm
people bring money but
they will not say it.
“Players will confess,
even assistant coaches
will confirm this thing is
going on, but the system
does not allow you
because a lot of us are
hungry and afraid that
‘when I say this, I will
never be near that office
again.’”
Neymar:
I want <strong>to</strong> win
treble in <strong>2017</strong>
Neymar has spoken on his desires for the coming
year. “What I want in <strong>2017</strong> is for us <strong>to</strong> win
everything and do the treble all over again,” he said
after playing in a charity exhibition match in Sao Paulo,
organised by Robinho.
Asked about his lack of goals this season, Neymar replied: “I
am very happy with the season I’m having so far, even with few
goals.
“They will happen naturally. I am very happy with the assists,
and I want <strong>to</strong> help the team in the best way I can.”
Lionel Messi, he added: “We hope that Messi will stay in
Barcelona with us. I expect that he will sign a new deal soon.”
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016 — 45
•Pinnick
By John Egbokhan
The
General
Assembly of the
Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) has
said it endorsed the bid
of its President, Amaju
Pinnick <strong>to</strong> contest for a
seat in the Executive
Committee of the
Confederation of Africa
Football because of the
need <strong>to</strong> protect the
Nigerian project in
Africa.
The election in<strong>to</strong> the
highest-ranking CAF
body is scheduled <strong>to</strong>
hold next March in
Ethiopia and with barely
three months <strong>to</strong> the poll,
horse-trading, fencemending
and
underground moves are
being made, with
prospective candidates
seeking endorsements
of their respective
constituencies.
Dr Amos Adamu, the
former Direc<strong>to</strong>r-General
of the Ministry of Sports
and National Sports
Commission, was the
last Nigerian man <strong>to</strong>
occupy a seat in the CAF
Executive Committee.
He was also a member
of the very powerful
FIFA Executive
Committee, until he was
eased out after being
Why NFF
endorsed
Pinnick for
CAF
•Neymar
involved in a sting
operation that later
exposed the corrupt
practices in FIFA.
A former President of
the NFF, Ibrahim
Galadima was the last
Nigerian man <strong>to</strong> attempt
<strong>to</strong> be on the CAF
Executive board but his
bid fell through because
of inadequate support
from the then NFF board
and Sports Ministry.
Desirous of avoiding
the pitfall of the recent
past, the AGA of the
NFF, has given its tacit
and unconditional
support <strong>to</strong> Pinnick <strong>to</strong>
jostle for a position in
CAF’s exco.
Declaring this during
its meeting last weekend
in Lagos, the General
Assembly, in a hands
vote, overwhelmingly
ratified its President’s
intention <strong>to</strong> play <strong>to</strong>plevel
politics in CAF.
A vote of confidence
was also passed on the
Executive board, who
were commended for the
achievements so far
made despite the harsh
economic conditions in
the country. The
delegates enjoined all
football stakeholders <strong>to</strong>
close ranks <strong>to</strong> ensure the
successful election of
Pinnick in<strong>to</strong> CAF, while
also urging the
President <strong>to</strong> reach out <strong>to</strong>
the delegates that will
vote in the poll
According <strong>to</strong> a
communique issued at
the end of the AGA, “the
General Assembly
endorsed the
candidature of NFF
President, Mr. Amaju
Melvin Pinnick for
election in<strong>to</strong> the CAF
Executive Committee at
the CAF Congress in
Addis Ababa in March
<strong>2017</strong>. Congress
called on all
Nigerians <strong>to</strong>
give him <strong>to</strong>tal
support as it is
not an NFF
venture, but a
Nigerian
Project.””

C
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46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016, 2016
Iheanacho:
Guardiola wants me
<strong>to</strong> o play y like e Messi
Pep Guardiola has
ordered Super Ea
gles forward Kel
echi Iheanacho <strong>to</strong>
study Lionel Messi and Robert
Lewandowski in his bid
<strong>to</strong> displace Sergio Aguero at
Manchester City.
The Nigerian international
has been a peripheral figure
under Guardiola so far - and
is set <strong>to</strong> face further competition
up front when Brazilian
striker Gabriel Jesus
arrives in January.
There are hopes at City
that the 20-year-old will
develop in<strong>to</strong> a world class forward
under Guardiola’s tutelage.
But he has only been handed
limited opportunities this
season - with Guardiola even
opting <strong>to</strong> play Noli<strong>to</strong>, Raheem
Sterling and Kevin de
Bruyne as makeshift strikers
ahead of him.
Guardiola worked with both
Messi and Lewandowski at
Barcelona and Bayern Munich
respectively - and he’s <strong>to</strong>ld Iheanacho
<strong>to</strong> learn from the pair.
“Of course he tells me
about them, that I should really
watch them and see what
they are doing and make sure
Alexis Sanchez has vowed not
<strong>to</strong> “slow down” until he retires
and insists there is no secret
<strong>to</strong> his intense style of play. The
Chile international has been in superb
form for Arsene Wenger’s
side this season, scoring 12 goals
in 17 Premier League appearances.
Sanchez has thrived in a new
central role, leading the Gunners’
high press with aplomb and
earning a flurry of plaudits.
The 28-year-old’s work rate has
helped <strong>to</strong> set him apart from other
forwards in the division and
Sanchez is adamant he will continue
<strong>to</strong> give everything for the
cause.
“I have always been like this,”
Alexis <strong>to</strong>ld Arsenal’s official website.
“I will slow down after I retire,
but for the time being I will carry
on like this. I just try <strong>to</strong> train well,
sleep well and be professional at
my job. There’s not much of a secret
<strong>to</strong> it.
“My career won’t last forever and
I am aiming <strong>to</strong> be one of the best
players in the world. I want <strong>to</strong> do
my best and be professional until
my career ends.
“I enjoy football a lot, I always
wanted <strong>to</strong> be one of the best players
in the world and I’ve been saying
that since I was a little boy,”
he added
I am improving on what I am
not doing,” Iheanacho <strong>to</strong>ld
Soccernet.
“They are great strikers,
big stars so you need <strong>to</strong> see
how you can improve your
game, <strong>to</strong> work in training.
“They both have great
qualities and they have
a lot of different abilities.
It’s important of
course that you be
yourself, you are your
own player, you have
your own style but of
course you need <strong>to</strong>
see what they are
doing <strong>to</strong>o.
“I watch all of
their games. They
are great players
and I need <strong>to</strong>
watch them <strong>to</strong> improve.
They have
great qualities
and you need <strong>to</strong>
see what they are
doing. Everyone’s
quality is different,
but you
have <strong>to</strong> take
some things
they are doing
and put it
in your game
and work on it.”
Sanchez: I won’t
slow down
Simeone
Sanchez
Iheanacho
BIG
S
am
Allardyce has been ap
pointed the new Crystal
Palace boss.
Big Sam, 62, is back in management
three months after being
sacked by England.
Allardyce’s representatives met
with Crystal Palace chiefs over
the past 48 hours <strong>to</strong> discuss a possible
deal.
The former West Ham and
Newcastle chief wanted assurances
that there would be cash <strong>to</strong>
<strong>spend</strong> in January before taking the
job.
He replaces Alan Pardew, who
was dismissed as boss on Thursday
afternoon.
The Eagles are currently just a
point and a place above the Premier
League relegation zone after
one win in 11 games.
They have suffered eight defeats
in their last 10 Prem outings.
Pedro: Chelsea
better than Barca
Simeone: I could remain in
Atletico beyond 2018
DIEGO Simeone has
hinted he could remain
at Atletico Madrid beyond
the expiration of his current deal
in 2018, despite a two-year contract
reduction.
The Argentine signed a contract in
March 2015 that tied him <strong>to</strong> the club
until June 2020 but earlier this year
he and the club announced a bizarre
move of reducing his contract
by two years, sparking speculation
that he could be on his way out
of Los Rojiblancos.
“It’ll be difficult <strong>to</strong> find a team
better than Atletico,” Simeone <strong>to</strong>ld
Marca.
Pedro
Sam is back
Pedro admits Chelsea’s form is
so good he cannot even remember
the great Barcelona teams
he played in being this dominant.
Chelsea have won a club record 11
successive League games in a
season <strong>to</strong> race clear at the <strong>to</strong>p of the
table.
The Blues, who claimed their four
previous Premier League titles after
leading at Christmas, are now firm
favourites <strong>to</strong> lift the trophy in May.
“Last year, we didn’t manage <strong>to</strong>
win games on the bounce, so let’s
hope we can keep this going.
“It’s the daily work we put in
during training that is helping <strong>to</strong>
bring the best form from us and
we’ve grown in confidence, both
mentally and physically. That’s why
we have won so many games in a
row.
“We train hard, both tactically and
physically, but we do a lot of ball
work as well, work on bringing the
ball out. I think that’s enabling us <strong>to</strong>
get better and also work better as a
team.
“We feel strong because we’re all
in a good vein of form at the moment.
It helps when players can
come in, such as Cesc Fabregas,
Willian or Nathaniel Chalobah. It’s
great because we all have the same
objective, we all want <strong>to</strong> win game.”
•Bags
Palace’s
job
Allardyce
Allardyce lost the England job in September
after just one match in charge.
He paid the price for discussing how
<strong>to</strong> get round FA rules on third-party
ownership of players with undercover
reporters from the Daily Telegraph.
Allardyce kept quiet after in the aftermath
as he walked away with a
bumper pay-off.
But he hinted earlier this month he
was keen on a return <strong>to</strong> management
and now has his wish.
“Reducing my contract was what was best
for the club.
“I have <strong>to</strong> continue <strong>to</strong> be very demanding
of myself in order <strong>to</strong> evolve.
“I guide myself with energy, different
sensations and what I perceive, but a lot of
people are already saying I’m leaving.
“It is all connected with what I’m feeling,
the emotional side.
“The relationship is a good one and the
board had the ability <strong>to</strong> keep Radamel
Falcao in a very difficult moment, which
wasn’t easy.
“If we are all able <strong>to</strong> push <strong>to</strong>wards our
goals all <strong>to</strong>gether than I’m sure that there
are good things ahead of us.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016 — 47
Galliani:
Milan must
sell <strong>to</strong> buy
Adriano Galliani admits Milan must
sell in order <strong>to</strong> buy next month
“I never commented on the negotiations.
Milan are not selling themselves, it is down
<strong>to</strong> Fininvest and the SES group.
“Both the potential buyers and potential
sellers agreed for a zero-level transfer strategy,
so if someone is <strong>to</strong> come in, another
player has <strong>to</strong> leave.”
Conte urges team
Chelsea <strong>to</strong> justify
favourites tag
ANTONIO Conte has
brushed off the
suggestion
that Chelsea are title
favourites and urged his players
<strong>to</strong> do their talking on the
pitch.
The Blues are six points clear
at the <strong>to</strong>p of the Premier
League table after 11 straight
league wins and will <strong>to</strong>p the
tree and Christmas.
Six times in the last seven
seasons the Christmas leaders
went on <strong>to</strong> win the title - 2013
was the exception when
Liverpool slipped from the
summit.
On his rejuvenated Blues now
being title favourites, the
Italian said: "I prefer <strong>to</strong> be
favourites on the pitch, not with
words. With words you can
change who are favourites very
quickly."
Chelsea host Bournemouth on
Boxing Day when they will be
without su<strong>spend</strong>ed duo Diego
Costa and N'Golo Kante.
The Nigeria Football Federation
yesterday said it was not averse <strong>to</strong>
the planned audit of its books, while
also providing details of the programs
and activities on which the muchtalked-about
$801,929 part of a FIFA
grant was spent.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick recalled
that at inception of the Board, the concern
for fiscal discipline necessitated its
decision <strong>to</strong> bring in PriceWaterhouse-
Coopers as its external audi<strong>to</strong>rs and Financial
Derivatives as financial consultants.
“These are globally –renowned firms
with reputation <strong>to</strong> protect, and we did
not hesitate <strong>to</strong> bring them on board with
us. We can also say with every sense of
sincerity that they have each been doing
a great job.
“In as much as this is supposed <strong>to</strong> be
a confidential matter, as it is not a forensic
examination as being <strong>to</strong>uted, we
feel a sense of responsibility <strong>to</strong> provide
further details on the programs on
which the money was spent. Some persons
are already claiming NFF embezzled
money; it is unfortunate.
“I don’t think we will find people who
will come forward and tell us that Nigeria
did not play friendly matches
against DR Congo and Cameroon in
Mikel
How NFF spent FIFA money
—Pinnick
Belgium in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2015, or that the
Super Eagles did not play Burkina
Faso in CHAN qualifying matches in
the same month, or that the Eagles did
not play Swaziland home and away
in a preliminary round (November
2015) before qualifying for the 2018
FIFA World Cup group phase.
“We are not averse <strong>to</strong> the planned
audit of our accounts; what we do not
welcome is the litany of distractions
and dark innuendoes that the whole
matter is generating, and its implications
for our preparations for the final
phase of qualifying for 2018 FIFA
World Cup finals.”
Pinnick said the NFF is blameless
for the use of form T-10 {which is acceptable
in government transactions)
and the issue of cash transactions.
“These issues are coming up because
of new reforms and new management
procedures being adopted
by FIFA. The form T-10 was the practice
all the way before this Board came
in<strong>to</strong> office. And getting some of our
players <strong>to</strong> open bank accounts for online
payments has not been easy.
“Of course, we have taken all the lessons
and advice from this report <strong>to</strong>
heart, and we have now modified our
payment structure.”
Guardiola
Guardiola <strong>to</strong> buy
new players in
January
Pep Guardiola is open <strong>to</strong> the prospect of adding
<strong>to</strong> his Manchester City squad in January.
Gabriel Jesus will be hotfooting it <strong>to</strong> Manchester
for the second half of the season after his departure
from Palmeiras was delayed while they won the Brazilian
championship.
That will increase competition among the forward
line, with the 19-year-old able <strong>to</strong> play on the wing or
in a central role.
But there have also been questions of City's backline.
They have struggled for clean sheets all season and
Guardiola has been unable <strong>to</strong> settle on a back three or
four, with Vincent Kompany injured and John S<strong>to</strong>nes,
Aleks Kolarov and Nicolas Otamendi not able <strong>to</strong> nail
down a starting berth.
Southamp<strong>to</strong>n defender Virgil van Dijk has been <strong>to</strong>uted
as a potential option in January.
While Guardiola has been pleased by what he has
seen from his squad so far, the situation may change
before the closing of the window.
"Until now, I am happy with what we have," he said.
"I'm not denying maybe we are not going <strong>to</strong> look for
something, I'm not saying that but I think right now it
is not going <strong>to</strong> happen. The players have <strong>to</strong> play with
the quality they have and I have <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> pull that
out.
"We have Jesus coming, Christmas is coming. We
have another striker so I am happy I'm happy with
players and we're going <strong>to</strong> finish the season with all of
them, or almost all of them”.
Kobe Bryant: I like Barca
more than Madrid
Kobe Bryant, one of the best basketball
players of all time, now retired from the
court after problems with injuries, has once
again declared his love for Barcelona, a team
he’s been a fan of since the Ronaldinho era.
In an interview with Zona NBA, the former
Los Angeles Lakers player, speaking in good
Spanish, referred <strong>to</strong> Barça in first person: “We
play with a tiki-taka style.” And when it came
<strong>to</strong> Lionel Messi, a player he admires, he said:
“Ufff, Messi, he has a really destructive
style.”
He didn’t want <strong>to</strong> go
deep on comparisons
between Messi and
Cristiano Ronaldo,
who he was also
asked about.
“Messi, Cristiano?
It’s difficult <strong>to</strong> debate
who’s the best
because they have
different styles, but
Messi, ufff, he never s<strong>to</strong>ps.”
A question he was happy <strong>to</strong> take sides
on was whether he preferred Barça or
Madrid. Without thinking, he had no
problems affirming that “I like Barça
more because their style, for me, is
more fun.”
Kobe Bryant met the Barça team
a few years ago when they were
on <strong>to</strong>ur in the United States. He
even played a game of football
wearing the Barça shirt.
In addition, he once suggested
he could play for
the club’s basketball
team, something which
never happened.
Bryant
C
M
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C
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SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 24, 2016
Iheanacho:
Guardiola
wants me
<strong>to</strong> play like
Sanchez:
I won’t
slow
down
>>46
Guardiola
<strong>to</strong> buy
new
players
>>47
Messi
>>46
Why NFF
endorsed
Pinnick
for CAF
>>45
BOXING DAY FIXTURES
Watford v Crystal Palace 1:30pm
Arsenal v West Brom 4pm
Burnley v Middlesbrough 4pm
Chelsea v Bournemouth 4pm
Leicester v Ever<strong>to</strong>n 4pm
Man Utd v Sunderland 4pm
Swansea v West Ham 4pm
Hull v Man City 6:15pm
Amokachi:
Players pay
<strong>to</strong> play for
national
teams
>>45
CROSS WORD PUZZLE
ACROSS,
1)England National
Coach,Gareth_(9)
6)Young of a Lion(3)
8)State in Nigeria known as “The
Eastern Heartland”?(3)
9)Fabric(5)
11)Telecommunications Outfit in
Nigeria(3)
12)France “Les Bleus ” Attacking
Midfielder, Paul_(5)
13)Anambra State Deputy
Governor, Dr. Nkem_(5)
15) ltalian Prime Minister,
Matteo_(5)
17)Sphere(3)
19)Egypt “Pharaohs- Skipper,
Ahmed_(6)
20)Super Eagles Goalkeeper,
Ikechukwu_(6)
21)Poem (3)
23)Mobile Phone Manufacturing
Company(5)
26)L.G.A in Bayelsa State (5)
28)LG.A in Lagos State(5)
29)England Football Association’s
Chief Executive, Mr. Martin_(5)
30)Colour(3)
31)Evergreen Shrub (3)
32)British High Commissioner <strong>to</strong>
Nigeria, Mr. Paul_(9)
DOWN
1)Peruvian Currency(3)
2)Vase (3)
3)Special Adviser <strong>to</strong> the Lagos State
Governor on Environment, Mr.
Babatunde_(5)
4)Former Warri Wolves Chairman, Mr.
Godwin_(6)
5)Spanish “Primera Liga” Club(5)
6)Bayern Munich Midfielder,
Kingsley_(5)
7)Moroccan Prime Minister, Mr.
Abdelilah_(9)
10)Annoy(3)
13)Nigerian Athlete and Winner of the
2016 International Table Tennis African
Women’s Championship, Funke_(9)
14 )L.G.A in Gombe State(5)
16)Managing Direc<strong>to</strong>r, Niger-Delta
Development Commission (NDDC),Mr.
Nsima_(5)
17)State in Nigeria known as “The
PaceSetter State”?(3)
18)lnsect(3)
22)African Antelope(6)
24)Eskimo’s Canoe(5)
25)Greek Alphabet(5)
26)African River(5)
27)Prohibit(3)
31)Protein Source(3)
Neymar:
>>45
I want <strong>to</strong>
win treble
in <strong>2017</strong>
Pedro:
Chelsea
better than
Barca
>>46
SOLUTION ON PAGE 41
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