Fulfil campaign promises, Fasehun tells Buhari

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Fredrick Fasehun

He has done well, says Momoh
The Founder and President, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fulfil their campaign promises.

He said Nigerians are currently undergoing hard times due to the economic recession and other challenges facing the nation.

However, one of the founding members of the party, Prince Tony Momoh said the Buhari administration has achieved a lot and has also delivered on some of its campaign promises.

Speaking during a press conference in Lagos yesterday, Fasehun said it is imperative of the Buhari/Osinbajo administration to urgently fulfil their pledge to ban government officials from seeking medical treatment abroad, improve the value of the naira and make a dollar equal to one naira, rescue the Chibok girls, end Boko Haram insurgency and improve power supply.

He also charged the government to fulfil its pledge of paying 23 million Nigerians N5,000 monthly, reducing fuel price to N45 per litre and reviving all the refineries in the first year in office, while building more to improve domestic consumption.

The OPC leader also asked President Buhari to continue along the path of creative engagement and political inclusiveness that the Vice President has laid while he was away.

Momoh explained that it is true that there are still many areas to address “but the government has done a lot in the areas of agriculture, security and infrastructure.

“For instance, Boko Haram insurgency has reduced drastically compared to when the party took over in 2015. The government has also done a lot in the area of infrastructure when we look at its giant stride in the Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-Port Harcourt roads and the second Niger Bridge among others.”

Momoh added that the boldness with which the Buhari’s government confronted corruption to some extent has brought some level of sanity in the country.

According to him, “It would be unfair to say that the ruling party is yet to deliver on its campaign promises.”

But Fasehun also emphasised the need to beef up the security around Osinbajo, saying: “The vice president’s security remains paramount and should be guaranteed. His security handlers should be more alert and alive to their responsibility.”

The OPC leader hinged his call on the security lapses that occurred during vice president’s visit to Benin, Edo State, when a young boy beat the cordon around him to steal a handshake with him.

According to him, “Viewed critically, the incident highlights a security breach that a suicide bomber could easily exploit. His handlers must take his personal security more seriously. Nothing must happen to Osinbajo and God forbid that he should be the object of any attack.”

He however commend the Senate for directing the Nigerian Customs Service to suspend a plan to compel motorists to retroactively pay duties and tariffs for vehicles bought from importers.

He said the customs’ order would subject vehicle owners to double jeopardy for vehicles they bought at already exorbitant costs and for which they have procured necessary particulars. Before the Senate’s intervention, customs officers had turned themselves to terrors on the highway, seizing vehicles at will.”

The national chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) also warned political actors to desist from making unguarded statements concerning Nigeria “They must do nothing to plunge the country into fresh political crisis.”

According to him, “Solutions to the crisis engulfing the parties and the nation lie in the National Conference. Although the negative attitude of key figures in the ruling party to the 2014 National Conference is well documented, it is clear from the calibre and composition of Nigerians at the Conference and its resulting resolutions that the conference provided a veritable forum for Nigerians to sit together and agree on the architecture of their joint future. The Conference was a major achievement of the Nigerian people under the regime of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Adopting the resolutions of that confab will stop the country’s drift from crisis to crisis and we urge the Federal Government to take urgent steps to facilitate their implementation.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nnFNFa

Paint company unveils new corporate identity

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Meyer Plc., formerly known as DN Meyer Plc, under the leadership of its new Managing Director Mr. Bamidele Akinnola, recently unveiled a new corporate identity that is reflective of the renewed vigor and business focus of the company. According to Akinnola, the change in corporate identity is also seen in the company’s new name and logo, and expressed optimism in the creativity driving the re-birth of DN Meyer Plc as ‘Meyer Plc.’

Akinnola re-assured all stakeholders of the colourful and innovative spirit Meyer Plc is known for over the last 56 years. Having enjoyed a good relationship with Dunlop Nigeria Plc “DN”, the divestment of DN and the new Meyer Plc brand comes with even greater opportunities for the future.

Driven by its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence, Akinnola noted that the acquisition of equities and the current decision to revamp and upgrade the company’s infrastructure would enable it compete favourably within its industry and position the company for greater opportunities in the months and years to come.

He further stated, “This process of reinvention is a total overhaul of the Meyer Plc brand and we are fine-tuning all the processes in the value chain with the aim of retaining our position as a key player in Nigeria’s decorative and protective paint industry. The new leadership is unrelenting and shall continuously seek to exceed the expectations of all our shareholders and stakeholders.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mUvVoO

Spray that can make sex last longer developed, for sale in U.K.

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New drug can help nine in 10 men who suffer from premature ejaculation, clinical trials show
First there was the little blue pill that revolutionised millions of relationships around the world.

Now the man who helped invent Viagra is on a mission to help men suffering from another problem between the sheets.

Professor Mike Wyllie, one of the team of scientists who developed Viagra in the 1990s, has created a drug to treat premature ejaculation – and he claims it could help men last up to 10 times longer in the bedroom.

Available from today, the spray-on medication could help up to nine in ten of those suffering from the condition.

The Fortacin spray contains low doses of two anaesthetics. These reduce the sensitivity, lowering it to a normal level, Professor Wyllie said.

Up to 40 per cent of men suffer from premature ejaculation – defined by the International Society of Sexual Medicine as ejaculation ‘within a minute’ – at some point in their lives.

The condition, which mainly affects those between the ages of 18 and 60, is actually more common than erectile dysfunction, for which Viagra can be a solution.

In trials, men who used the spray, called Fortacin, ahead of sex lasted on average five times longer. This was after three months of use.

Wyllie claims that after nine months, the average duration of intercourse had gone from under one minute to the normal average of eight-10 minutes – an increase of up to 10 times.

“A big part of this is because a man’s confidence increased and the whole experience became less stressful,” he said.

As a result, both men and women understandably reported feeling more satisfied with their sex life.

Professor Wyllie, formerly of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and now of small British biotech firm Plethora Solutions, said: “Premature ejaculation has a devastating effect on relationships. It can really destroy lives – to the point where some men commit suicide. He added: “It may not be talked about as much as erectile dysfunction, but there’s no doubt can cause the same level of distress for both a man and his partner.” The exact causes are unclear but it is thought over-sensitivity is part of the problem.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nnzula

34m Nigerians living with kidney disease

Tehila Records talks peace with Alabanza concert in Johannesburg

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Enkay

Even as the relationships between Nigeria and south Africa worsens over xenophobia, a Nigerian record label, Tehila Records, is set to use music as a tool to promote peace and unity on the continent.

Tagged, ‘South Africa Meets Nigeria,’ the concert will hold on Sunday, March 26, at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City in Johannesburg.

The concert, which will bring people from all walks of life, will emphasise the importance of peaceful coexistence and the power of unity between Nigerians and South Africans.

Some of the artists billed to perform are Enkay, Chiika100%, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sammie Okposo, Khaya Mthetwa and Mabongi. Others include, Uche (Double Double), Tim Godfrey, Mahalia Buchanan, Chioma Jesus, Bukola Bekes and Freke Umoh.

Speaking on the essence of the concert, the convener and CEO of Tehila Records, Timothy Ogboruche, said: “This year’s Alabanza Concert is rooted on the beautiful biblical precept, which tells us how wonderful it is for God’s people to live together in peace and harmony. It is, therefore, our hope that Nigerians, South Africans and people from other countries come together to praise and worship God. They would also understand the importance of living together in diversity, which is one of the greatest gifts God has given to the human race.”

The concert, a yearly event started in 2013, is in its fifth edition. This year’s event is unique, as it is holding outside the shores of Nigeria for the first time.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nhyIWA

The Art of Nigerian Women previews at The Wheatbaker

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Chaired by Ibukun Awosika, chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, and attended by the cream of Lagos art community who commended the exhibition and book.

The Wheatbaker Boutique Hotel on Wednesday, March 8, hosted a private collectors’ preview of The Art of Nigerian Women book and celebrated the opening of Standing Out II, an art exhibition featuring stunning works of 10 female artists of Nigerian descent.

Chaired by Ibukun Awosika, chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, and attended by the cream of Lagos art community who commended the exhibition and book.
The 360-page hardback book printed on silk paper, features the work of 75 leading and emerging contemporary visual artists –– some of Nigeria’s brightest. Complementing the artists’ works are scholarly essays, features and profiles of women who have influenced and helped shape the art industry in Nigeria.

Professor Dele Jegede, a notable art historian and Professor Emeritus of Miami University praised the book in his essay saying, “this is a pioneering work, one that deserves a prominent place on the shelves of corporate, institutional, college and personal libraries. Bosah deserves admiration for the courage and resources ploughed into this work.”

“The journey of researching, writing and publishing The Art of Nigerian Women has been a labour of love, which started in 2011,” explained US-based publisher Chukwuemeka Bosah, whose acclaimed work, 101 Nigerian Artists has become an important reference point for the international art community.

In line with the book’s focus, Standing Out II features 26 paintings, photographs, mixed media works and a stunning thread and ceramic installation created by Ngozi Ezema, Amami Isiuwe, Bunmi Oyesanya-Ayaoge, Data Oruwari, Marcellina Oseghale-Akpojotor, Olawunmi Banjo, Omo Udenta, Ozoz Sokoh, Sade Adebowale and Taiye Idahor.

“Standing Out II is our way of contributing to this year’s World Women’s Day with theme, #BeBoldForChange, by presenting the work of 10 leading and emerging female artists featured in Bosah’s new book,” said Mosun Ogunbanjo, Director of The Wheatbaker.

Standing Out II acknowledges how women continue to break through and overcome physical, psychological, emotional, professional and societal boundaries with unforgiving energy and elan. The paintings, mixed media and installation works express the artist’s thoughts on diversity and identity, spirituality, environment, culture and celebration, history and memory through unabashed creative experimentation.

“The Art of Nigerian Women is a testament to the awesome ‘rising tide’ of female artists in Nigeria, represented by Standing Out II,” commented Sandra Mbanefo Obiago of SMO Contemporary Art, the Wheatbaker’s long standing art curator.

“Chukwuemeka Bosah’s book celebrating female artists is a timely gift to Africa and the world,” said Chief Nike Okundaye, who has mentored generations of female artists and won international awards for her ground breaking work in teaching art to marginalised women in Nigeria and Europe.

“We are delighted that the powerful work of our female artists is being projected in this beautiful publication,” she said. The public launch of the book will take place today at Nike Art Gallery together with a-one week art exhibition curated by the Nigerian Federation of Female Artists.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mOdylg

FG begins domestication of ‘Malabo Declaration’ for agriculture

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The Federal Government said it has commenced domestication of the Malabo Declaration, which stipulates that 10 per cent of Nigeria’s budget be appropriated to the agricultural sector.

The Federal Government said it has commenced domestication of the Malabo Declaration, which stipulates that 10 per cent of Nigeria’s budget be appropriated to the agricultural sector.

An official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Baye Sylvester who disclosed this at a 3-day meeting organised by African Union (AU) and New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD), on ‘Expert Panel to Draft New Plan for Achieving Economic Diversity through Major Investments in Agriculture,’ in Abuja, said the implementation has begun through the Green Alternative road map.

Sylvester said government has been committed to the process of domesticating the declaration, which has been on transparency in policy formulation and implementation in line with the three cardinal principles of transparency, accountability and peer reviewing of Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), and National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP).

The key purpose of the meeting was on review of the plan for making crop, livestock and fisheries the centrepiece of Nigeria’s economic development agenda. The effort also will ensure NAIP aligns with commitments contained in the AU’s 2014 ‘Malabo Declaration’, which seeks to cut poverty rates to half by 2025 through agriculture-led economic growth.

He said: “In the African region, as far as Agriculture is concerned Nigeria has recorded quite a lot of progress. The ‘Malabo Declaration’ is just been domesticated and there is no country that can say they have been able to do that. This is because Malabo commitment is coming up through the second generation of the NAIP. Every country has started the process and also Nigeria has started it.”

In his remarks, Senior Advisor and CAADP Team Leader, African Union Commission, Ernest Ruzindaza, and Augustin Wambo Yamdjeu, Head of CAADP, NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency, said the AU and NEPAD were out to see how African countries could put in more resources into agriculture and also create wealth and employment for their youth and women.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nhv7YT

AWCAM poise to use culture to empower women

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Participants at the event

Association of Women in Culture, Arts and Music Industry (AWCAM) marked the International Women’s Day (IWD) with a lecture titled, Expectations Of Women In A Gender Sensitive Society.

Held at the National Institute of Culture Orientation (NICO), the lecture was delivered by former Dean of Studies, University of Lagos, Professor Sophie Oluwole.

Prof. Oluwole noted that bias against women did not begin today, as the English word, woman, used to project the female gender already connotes negativity; ‘woe-to-man.’

She said woman was not created inferior to man, but that people tend to use physical strength to measure superiority, forgetting that intellectually and wisdom wise, it is not so.

She disclosed that the Yoruba believe a woman’s wisdom is unmatchable. Oluwole advised women never to expect anything positive from a gender sensitive country like Nigeria, because everything women have achieved anywhere in the world, they fought for them.

She cited examples such as Nigerian women having to retire from the civil service at earlier age than the men, and women not allowed to participate in politics until women began to fight for changes.

According to Oluwole, even the education that was given to girls in the early days were to prepare them for marriage. The curriculum was basically on cookery, domestic science and other subjects that have to do with home management and children upbringing, until women fought to change the situation.

She continued, “when women were asked to pay tax, they fought to be exempted, that was what brought about the Aba women riot. Culture is dynamic and we should always work to change the negative ones; we must enhance the positive aspect to improve our society.”

The first executive secretary of NICO, Victoria Agodo, encouraged women never to give up on the association, but to use it to improve the lives of other women.

Lagos State Director for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Laitan Odulana, also urged encouraged women to be their own keeper and work together to achieve greater heights.

She said: “Most times, women are the ones that hinder the progress of other women. When women are made to drink the water of the corpse of their husbands, it is women that carry out such acts, instead of standing with the victim and fighting for her. Let us promote the culture that edifies and not negative ones like female genital mutilation.”

In her welcome address, the Interim President of the association, Mrs. Brigitte Yerima, said the essence of the lecture was to equip women to operate better in their careers and, as well to empower them in the culture sector.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mOdxhc

At JCI, we train youths to own their future, says Babatunde

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Ojo Babatunde Richard, President of Junior Chamber International

Ojo Babatunde Richard, an insurance broker, is the national President of Junior Chamber International, an organisation that trains young people between age of 18 and 40 to take charge of the future and create lasting values. In this interview with DORCAS OMOLADE ORE, he spoke on the essence of the organisation, among other issues.

What is Junior Chamber International (JCI) all about?
JCI is a nonprofit organisation of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities. JCI is an international organisation with the vision of creating world peace globally. We believe that with our network, we can make young people take charge of the world’s future and create everlasting peace wherever they are.

Our organisation is 102 years old and in Nigeria, it is our 60th year. So far, in our 102 years of existence, we have been able to produce a world president. It is a very robust organisation that helps young people become active in their society. We also develop skills at JCI, the knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions and take action.

As globally minded young people, we all have rights, responsibilities and shared goals. We find targeted solutions to local issues, thereby benefitting our communities, our world and our future. We have the passion and courage to address the critical challenges of our time.

Why young people in particular?
We believe that the future of the world lies with young people. It is only when you are active that you will dream about what your future looks like. We believe that among new sustainable development goals, one that has to do with peace is the most important. If the world is at peace, then there will be prosperity. If the world is at peace, there will be social justice.

Young people are the ones that can decide right now on what the future would look like. So, if it is young people that can do all this, we are concentrating on them to secure our future, by making sure we impart in them the right frame of mind and the rich sense of responsibility.

You are celebrating 60 years of existence in Nigeria. What impact has JCI made on the Nigerian society so far?
Every community has its own peculiar challenges. As active citizens, we have tried to identify with those communities, where we find ourselves and to find solutions to the problems in those communities. Part of these is the National Sanitation Day, which was started by JCI members in Lagos, and the distribution of mosquito nets all over the world.

Despite so much talk about peace, a lot of young people are still agitated. How can their mindset be changed?
Our message is clear and simple and we will not keep quiet until the last man living on earth believes in peace. We understand the challenges of mankind and know that in every society, there will always be one or two that differ in best practices all over the world. But we must also understand that peace is the solution to all of man’s problems.

Does JCI Connect with other sectors?
JCI, as an organisation, has been able to connect with other sectors through engaging those sectors to come together and partner with us in creating solutions to the serious and urgent problems of the society. Once the problem is identified, we reach out to the three major sectors of the society, and we believe that every individual belongs to at least one. It’s either you belong to government, the business sector or civil society.

JCI stands in the loop to connect these three together by bringing them together to find solutions to the problems of the communities to which they belong.

What are some of these societal challenges, and how have you been able to address them?
As an organisation, we strongly believe we do not have to be in elective positions or at the helm of affairs in government before we come together in our communities to solve their problems. In the course of creating sustainable solutions to the problems of the society, we encounter such challenges as the fact that though young people in Nigeria are expected to be the future of Nigeria, but how many of them are really ready to take up that responsibility of becoming active citizens of Nigeria?

But some youths believe the Nigerian society does not have anything to give them, so they don’t feel any obligation to the society… In life, we cannot have it 100 percent. We must have one or two that are defiant. We must be able to give back to the society. As young people, we must be able to take challenges upon ourselves. One thing that has always worked for a number of people is the fact that if you look around, even amidst all these challenges, there are lots of opportunities that can enable you actualise your dreams and goals.

Young people just have to take up that responsibility, and say, ‘this community is ours and we must build it together.’

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2nhEZ4S

Odesola tells true-life story with Scars of Joy

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National Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Joseph Obayemi (left), Assistant General Overseer, Admin. & Personnel and the Producer, Scars of Joy, Pastor Johnson Odesola, the wife, Rachael and Evangelist Mike Bamiloye of Mount Zion Ministries at the launch of Scars of Joy at Silverbird, Shoprite, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos PHOTO: ISAAC TAIWO

Silverbird cinema hall, Alausa Shoprite, was filled to its capacity at the screening Scars Of Joy, produced by Pastor Johnson Odesola, Assistant General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Rated high for its quality production and divergent messages, the Christian movie, according to some of the guests, should be a must- watch and a must-have for every home, irrespective of religious inclinations.

Commenting on the movie, Pastor Odesola disclosed that the storyline is a true-life one turned into a message for people to learn from. He expressed satisfaction that Christian youths are contributing effectively to Christian movies by aligning themselves to the movie industry.

Notable Christian filmmaker, Evangelist Mike Bamiloye of Mount Zion Movies, noted that the calibre of ministers that came for the screening is an encouragement to Christian movie producers. He called the ministers not only to communicate what they have seen and heard to other Church members, but also to every movie lover, as the messages cut across religion.

Bamiloye advised other Christian filmmakers to always hear from God before producing their movies, so that, they would be able to give their best like Scars Of Joy and not just entertain people.

“When the producer is inspired before coming up with a movie, such a movie would favourably impact on the audience and people can get healed and receive their miracles through it,” he said.

The movie director, Seun Jonathan, said the movie was shot in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. He urged people to pray for opportunities to always showcase their talents, adding that success comes ‘when opportunity meets preparation.’

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mO6qW3

Lagos appeals to NASS on special status implementation (Read full details)

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos State Government has appealed to the National Assembly, to set aside politics in the award of special status for states.

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami, speaking at the unveiling of Eko Shirt, by members of Team Nigeria, as part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary, said the special status is graciously deserved by the state, considering its position as the centre of excellence.

He noted that the Ambode-led administration has been promoting the concept of inclusive governance, a system through which government policies, projects and programmes shall be driven by the needs of the communities, thus adopting the bottom-up approach in the development of the state.

Folami, disclosed that, next week, Team Nigeria that invented the Eko Shirt, in partnership with over 200 youth based organisations and schools, will unveil Africa’s largest promotional shirt, measuring 50 feet.

It will take the shirt on a 10-day road show to all the council areas in the state, to create awareness for the 50th anniversary celebration.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2mS2tgq

Why Tinubu shouldn’t run in 2019

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Alabi Williams

The All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared to have been very careful to avoid same pitfalls that clobbered former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly on the vexed issue of zoning and rotational presidency. The APC, at the time of formation and constitution drafting, cleverly refused to foist catchment areas and federal character on itself. All aspirants were supposedly permitted to run for whatever offices they had strength for. All that seemed okay then, but the APC is beginning to look confused. Clearly, it did not bargain for the immense challenges of governance, which has caused it to now look ordinary and directionless. In addition, President Buhari’s health challenge at a time the party should sit down for crucial mid-term self-appraisal is a bigger constraint. In the absence of a father figure, the APC is likely to multiply its many levers of influence and attendant uncontrollable excitements.

I mentioned this worry not long ago, when I advised President Buhari to disown calls by sycophants for him to run for second term in 2019. I was of the view then, and now, that the pressure of the office will be too much for him to micromanage, going forward. Therefore, when he comes back, he should do less of office rigour and concern himself more with an effective handover to a worthy successor, who can continue with the promises of good governance made by their party in the 2015 general elections. That is, if the PDP remains at the deplorable level it is, and is unable to find its way back to Aso Rock.

Apart from giving the people good governance in the course of four years, a party in government has additional responsibility to ensure smooth democratic handover from one dispensation to another. That had been one of the fears of many for the country, but so far, the PDP appears to have surmounted that hurdle. That has happened back-to-back since 2003, despite challenges and manipulations.
Therefore, many now look up to APC to deliver a 2019 that is bloodless and sufficiently free and fair. Unfortunately for the party, many Nigerians are not fretting for the PDP and other fringe parties, but for the APC. The worry is that in the absence of one noticeable candidate that commands substantial following from across the country, the race for the party’s ticket could become a tower of babel, of a sort. And if not well managed, it could ruin the beauty of our democracy and reinforce its fragility.

The party’s presidential primary of December 2014 was one of the best held so far in the country. The build up was breathtaking, as the frontline candidates stood head to head. Buhari, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were all formidable. Atiku was by far the most experienced and most robust. Kwankwaso could cause a stir, if not well tackled. Buhari was the natural choice, even though he had to be assisted. Despite the anxieties, the finishing was clinical, because in the background were master strategists, who ensured that the overall interest of the party was delivered. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the unseen hand that aggregated the collective efforts to achieve that feat.

Now, towards 2019, nothing is clear in the APC. Many hyenas will be on the loose, if there is no strong lion to preserve the kill. Was that the motivation behind the recent statements credited to party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which has caused some excitement in the polity, and might just be the beginning of the power play in the party towards 2019? Tinubu was reported by a mainstream newspaper to have declared interest in his party’s presidential ticket for 2019. Even though the report itself lacked clarity and lent itself to easy disownment, which has been excessively done by his Media Office, some doubting Thomases are still wondering whether the denouncement was actually on target.

A careful textual analysis of the entire refutation will reveal that it was anchored on only one condition – If. Meaning that, if Buhari remains the candidate of the party for 2019, Tinubu as a loyal party man will be there for the President.

Hear him: “Asiwaju supports and stands behind President Buhari. He wishes the President well and that he returns soon. Whether the President is here or away, he has the full loyalty of Asiwaju Tinubu. President Buhari can rest assured on this point: Asiwaju Tinubu will never contest against him nor will he support anyone who does.”

Tinubu is a man, who has survived many battles and he knows what it is like to confront an incumbent president frontally. He stood up to former president Obasanjo and was ostracised more or less, even though he later won laurels from that faceoff. Political battles are not won on the pages of newspapers and that is the strong point to take away from that statement.

As has become clear to many objective onlookers, the APC will not be showing political tact, if it goes ahead to insist on candidate Buhari for 2019. This is not going to be a spite at Mr. President and whatever condition he is going through. When it was reasonable to do so, the party backed Buhari and didn’t mind the odds. But now that the man has come and is doing his best, it might be time to shop for another candidate. After all, Nelson Mandela voluntarily opted for one term, without preconditions. The man simply knew that age was not on his side and wasted no time to shop for a successor. He was not afflicted by Robert Mugabe’s disease.

So, if the party will not field Buhari again, is it out of place for Tinubu to say, ‘look, I’m here’ even if to safeguard party heritage from imminent free for all. Tinubu has said that he could run for any office, yes, because it is in the nature of politicians to contest elections. The life cycle of a politician is not complete, if he has not contested elections. But in the real sense, I think Tinubu as kingmaker over the years, has amassed enough air of invincibility to last him a lifetime. A plunge into the arena now, after his many successes could have him thoroughly demystified and devalued.

Tinubu’s attendance at Rotimi Akeredolu’s swearing-in ceremony, in Ondo State, where the vexed story was deduced from offhand comments, added colour to the entire event. It also helped to save his dwindling political fortune. He had issues with the candidacy of Akeredolu. He had issues with the party leadership and after that, it appeared he quietly stayed away, until efforts were made to reconcile warring members of the party in the Southwest. It seemed that both the misrepresentation and the refutation are all geared towards announcing Tinubu’s return to his prime position as leader of the party in the zone. The zone has to be seen to be working for one agenda within the party. So far, no one else in the zone has made any statements connected to 2019 and that could be strategic. When negotiations begin, I’m sure Tinubu will lead the zone again to broker the next deal.

Tinubu does not need to run for office of president. Despite the clear provision in its constitution that anybody can offer himself as candidate, the body language in the APC is that the north is entitled to eight years. Whether Buhari runs for 2019 or not, the safer thing to do is let the Presidency stay up north. It is up to the northeast and northwest to slug it out. If Saraki and others in the north-central are able to join the fray, so be it. Any other arrangement at this point, when the party has not cut its teeth, might leave it bruised and unconscious during the next election.

If Asiwaju could not be vice to Buhari, is he not now too big to be vice to any other northern politician, apart from, perhaps, Atiku? Tinubu and Atiku have come too far in this cat and mouse game to be taken seriously in a joint ticket. Tinubu is a kingmaker. He should preserve that prime role.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2n0OGU4

We will tackle illegal aliens, says Amosun

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Ibikunle Amosun

Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun yesterday pledged his unwavering assistance to the State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in tackling the menace of illegal aliens in the state.

Amosun spoke when he played host to the new Comptroller of Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, Mr. Oluwatoba Bayeroju, at his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office. He promised that he would assist the Service in establishing offices in all the Local Council and Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs) in the State.

He pointed out that as the most industrialised State in Nigeria, it is prone to infiltration by illegal aliens. He advised the Immigration boss to provide data, showing the number of Nigerians applying for their travel passports at the state command of the NIS, adding that this would help in making the case for an expansion of the passport issuing process and facilities in the State.

The governor who stated that he was not unaware of the challenges facing the Service, assuring that he would continue to support them. Bayeroju commended Amosun for transforming the state, but mentioned some of the challenges facing them, some of which include influx of illegal aliens, need for offices in all LGs and LCDAs as well as shortage of booklets for the production of passports.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2losRle

Family planning extra

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When we discuss the ideal number of children we want as parents, we tend to forget that raising them together is also a very important aspect of planning the family. I agree with this opinion I came across somewhere that, as you discuss the wedding plans, you should not put off the way to bring up the children you have so that such talk does not bring anxiety and perhaps ruin your bright countenance and put a dark mark on your wedding album.

Discuss it the moment you know you are in the relationship until death does it part. It is necessary. If your individual differences are not enough to discourage a union between you, parenting styles, even when you disapprove, would not.

Luckily, you would know up-front that your better half’s laziness should not be inherited by your children because you know and having discussed it well and have his agreement to cooperate that it can be corrected before they grow up.

According to this information, a study found that couples quarrel more than twice when they become mothers and fathers. Top on the list is the right way to discipline the children.

It is rarely the case that children would point at fathers as carrying the cane or shouting himself hoarse when it comes to discipline at home. His quietude may be effective but mother is always the one to wield the big stick at home. So mention it as you go through the list of names to give the newborn baby.

Boys love their freedom, so maybe the man should mention this first because you remember the hassles your mother gave you for playing football when she sent you on errand.

It should not come as a surprise to you, therefore, that your compliant sweetheart has her own plans already; plans formulated because of your overflowing laundry basket with your gym outfit and underwear spilling to the floor. She suspects that you expect her to show devotion by washing them for you. The moment you mention the discipline aspect, therefore, she may say that she expects that at age five, your son or daughter should learn how to hand-wash his/her own underwear; as she says this she looks meaningfully at your laundry basket.

She will underline, too, that your son when he is of age will not play football when he has assignments to do. For example, if he is sent to grind pepper, he should not put the family’s food in a corner to play football to his heart’s desire.

You may sound too harsh to him and when he argues, explain that children are eager to do adult’s work at that age; washing one item at a time is not too much and besides they are guided. When they have to rinse so many times, they learn to use minimal soap. But do not leave it as a surprise when he has to see his baby concentrating so much to get his clothes clean with his little hands, it is heart wrenching. But they learn and see it as fun when they play with soap and water.

You may also remind him that if they are not taught early, children may regard such tasks as mummy’s and for older people. They may develop the habit of discarding clothes carelessly for you to pick up. He learns to take care of his things and be appreciative of people’s efforts when he knows that washing is not easy.

Discuss baby’s diet; should you give formula with breast milk? The two of you are in it, so get his opinion on what food is best for the baby. If he hasn’t any, it means that he is of the school of thought that thinks that a woman knows best what to give her child.

Baby Or Me?
Most fathers would prefer that their children do not cry at all. However, your union may be in for trouble if you pay too much attention to a crying baby because he thinks that you are making a fuss over nothing. Agree when you should carry a crying baby and say sorry before that child is even born. It sounds funny, but this could tear you apart.

If he is of the opinion that baby should be left to cry and go to sleep, mention that you could never bear it because children who are left to cry for so long make think that parenthood is no fun. Give him reasons why you think that children cry because they need attention; one of them being that he could say that he is hungry because he is unable to express himself. A child who wails may feel unwell, although he does not know where he hurts.

Assure him that caring for a child needs not bring friction; add that you will check to see that he does not fret unnecessarily.Then get daddy to promise that he would pay equal attention to baby too.

Share Parenting Tasks Together
I know a man who washes his children’s clothes while the wife does the cooking; he cooks for them when she is out. For some people, raising children is not easy. If you think that your better half is coping nicely, praise her and tell her why you think she or he is wonderful.

When he is not learning fast enough, don’t scream at him in front of the baby; even a few months-old reacts to your angry voices and would cry. So wait until you are out of his presence to sort your issues out. However, it may be best to show him how to do what you want in a calmer tone until he learns.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mPDk6o

Bwalya steps down from FIFA race

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Zambian football legend Kalusha Bwalya has stepped down from the FIFA Council race.Kalusha intimated that he had taken the action for peace and prosperity in African and World football.

“After a lot of soul searching, I have decided to step aside from the upcoming FIFA council member seat for the sake of peace in football,” Kalusha told supersport.com.

“I want to take this opportunity to wish both Kwesi Nyantakyi and Leodegar Tenga the best in the upcoming elections as they seek to foster more relationships for Africa,” he added.

Bwalya, who is also a CAF Exco member and former FAZ President, has surprised friends and foes with his announcement.The elections are slated for March 16 in Addis Ababa where other positions will also be contested including the CAF presidency.

Meanwhile, the President of the South African Football Association, Danny Jordaan, is one of those set to contest for a top position within the structures of FIFA.

Jordaan will contest for the FIFA (Council) Executive seat in the Open Category which has three vacancies of which one has to be a female candidate. 

Other contenders in this category are Kabele Camara of Guinea and Chabur Goc of South Sudan. Lydia Nsekera of Burundi is vying for the female position.  

Africa has 7 representatives on the FIFA Council with the President of CAF being an automatic Vice-President of the world governing football body. There is a seat that is solely reserved for a female candidate and a representative each from English speaking zone, French and combined Arab/Portuguese/Spanish.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lousHN

Faces at the 2016 DStv/Eutelsat star award

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Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Communications, Arc. Sonny Echono (left); Vice President, Eutelsat, Rodney Benn; Special Adviser, European Space Agency and Chairperson of the Jury, Haignere Claudie, and John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria during the 2016 DStv Eutelsat Star Award, which held at the Ground Ball Hall, Eko Hotel & Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos

Rodney Benn (left); John Ugbe; Dr. Ochenjele Sunday; Emmanuel Ochenjele and Haignere Claudie

Renee Nwamaka Ikpelue (left); Country winner, Essay category, Hameeds Makama; runner-up Poster category, Zulaihat Abdulkarim and Chetachukwu Akaluka, runner-up in Essay category

Deputy Group Managing Director Insight Group, Dr. Ken Ikpe; General Manager Nigeria, DStv Media Sales, Kholeka Maringa, and Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria

CEO, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Ltd, Dr. Aderonke Bello, and Prof. Stephen Simukanga, Director General, Higher Education Authority, Zambia

John Ugbe presenting a tablet to Chetachukwu Akaluka, country runner-up winner in essay category

John Ugbe presenting a laptop to Hameeda Makama, country winner in Essay category

John Ugbe presenting a tablet to Zulaihat Abdulkarim, country runner-up winner in Poster category

Emmanuel Ochenjele, winner Poster category 2016 DStv Eutelsat Star Award

2015 Overall Winner of DStv Eutelsat Star Aawrd, Asuinura Ayawen and Nll Amah Dasady, Public Relations Manager, Ghana

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mPxguA