The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Governorship ambition tears Chime, Ekweremadu apart

    Governorship ambition tears Chime, Ekweremadu apart

    In politics, they say, there are no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interests. This age-long saying appears to be holding true for Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, his political ally of many years. According to the gist making the rounds in the Coal City, things have fallen apart between the two former political allies.

    In the past few days, the media has been awash with verbal crossfire by their aides. Those in the know say the crux of the matter is the 2015 governorship election in Enugu State. Senator Ekweremadu is speculated to be nursing an ambition to take the baton of the state’s leadership from Chime in a contest that may also pit Chime against his other loyalists who are also eyeing the seat.

    Chime was reported to have been in league with Ekweremadu several months back, assuring the latter of his full support. But events took a new turn when Chime decided to zone the governorship seat out of the reach of Ekweremadu. The Deputy Senate President, who is not a neophyte in the game, was said to have felt betrayed by Chime’s action and decided to take the battle to the incumbent governor who only weeks ago got separated from his wife.

  • Places to visit during Christmas

    Places to visit during Christmas

    The yuletide is with us once again; it is around the corner, just three days away. The world is in holiday mood. Many have been calling, asking for a place they can spend the yuletide holiday.

    There are some choice locations scattered all over the nation. The choice of location depends very much on the leisure seekers. Is it just a couple or family with children? Are they seeking for boisterous fun or solitude and a place to meditate? All these come into place.

    Experiencing Cross River

    The number one fun destination at this period is Calabar. It is for the simple reason that for the past one year, they have been preparing to receive people at this time of the year. It is better being in a place tailor-made for leisure. That is what the annual Calabar Festival is all about. It currently grinds towards its pick. That will be on December 27.

    For those truly in search of authentic holiday experience, Calabar has everything. One could, through Experiencing Cross River portal book an all-inclusive holiday that offers individuals, couples and families all- inclusive holiday to not only be part of the famous Calabar Carnival, but also visit fascinating destinations scattered all over the state with good and very competitive hotel rates.

    Outside the carnival, the Calabar waterfront with the amusement park, the Tinapa Resort, may confuse for choice of options. Outside the Cross River State capital, there are still Ikom Monolith, Obudu Ranch Resort and other places in the state that could be visited.

    Ikogosi Warm and Cold Spring Resort

    This unique nature’s profile has further been accentuated by building of resort. Before, the problem of recommending Ikogosi to tourists, both local and foreign, had been the issue of accommodation. The accommodation facilities had crumbled and were totally abandoned by the past administrations in Ekiti State. The current administration saw to its revamping. It is currently among the best in the side of the country. So, what a tourist gets is a cozy and standard accommodation within the alluring landscape. There are several things to do in Ikogosi: Enjoy bathing the warm and cold water, visit Arinta and explore the picturesque hills surrounding the landscape.

    Olumo Tourist Resort

    It is always a pleasure seeing the pristine Olumo Rock blinds with modernity. There is also the Yemoji Tourist Resort, Imagbon with its clean and refreshing natural pond.

    Osun State’s Olumirin Waterfalls in Erin- Ijesa is also there to captivate tourists.

    In Oyo State, Captain Bower’s Towers, Agodi Garden and University of Ibadan Botanical Gardens are there for leisure seekers. Although there are still some animals in the U.I Zoo, it has lost its appeal.

    Lagos, the city of acquatic splendour is always a delight to be in at this time. There are options of being on water, visiting isolated islands or the more popular ones like Takwa Bay. Even within the city centres, places like the Freedom Park offers quality leisure and chance to experience different creative groups performing. One does not need to travel a long distance for that.

    Further from the city, Ikegun community has La Campagne Tropicana. On the Badagry axis is Whispering Palms. These are seasoned resorts that like wine tend to be getting better with age. The Bar Beach front is still fun even though the water has been pushed back. But there a lot of fun in places like the Oniru, Alpha and other beaches. Near Alpha Beach is the NCF Conservation Centre. It is ideal for those who want to be in touch with nature.

    Abuja Amusement Park

    During festivities, Abuja is deserted. However, the city has many relaxation spots. Of course, the Millenium Park is always the number one for many. But one could also have some wonderful outdoor relaxation by Jabi dam facing the water. Further still, the Gurara Waterfalls and Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre are places to be visited.

    Abia

    In the East, there are so many eco-tourist sites to visit.Also,there are historical sites such as the War Museum in Umahia , the slave trade relics in Arochukwu, the Uturu carves and so on. For those interested in eco-tourism.

    Imo

    In Imo, although one could not vouch for the current state of facilities in Oguta Lake Resort, it offers beautiful environment for picnic and clean fun for the whole family.

    Nasarawa

    Farin Ruwa Waterfalls in Wamba, Nasarawa State is a place to visit, most especially in this dry season when the water level is low. But it might not be the best place because it is isolated from the town.

    Kano

    In Kano, the Bagauda Lake area would be a good experience . It would even be more exciting, if one could go on a cruise on the water. The views are surreal . It gives one the opprtunoty of seeing some rear species of birds.

  • Grace Egbagbe slows down

    Grace Egbagbe slows down

    Time was in the social space when no function within and outside Lagos and Abuja would be tagged ‘A-list’ without the presence of popular socialite, Grace Egbagbe. As one of the most stylish women around, the one time lover of Lagos big boy, Lanre Nzeribe, added colour and class to events.

    But lately, the Director of Marketing at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has cut down drastically on the number of events she attends. An inside source hinted that she has gone to the extent of screening the invitation cards she gets from friends. This the source attributed to the fact that she is getting older and already preparing for her retirement, hence the need to leave the social scene for up and coming socialites.

    The Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State indigene is also said to be fast fading from the social scene because of her foreign engagements.

  • Where is Faysal Harb?

    Where is Faysal Harb?

    Close watchers of the social scene in Ilorin, Kwara State would know that one of the rockers of the social space, Faysal Harb, has been missing in action for some time. The Chairman of Bulletine Construction Company once bestrode the social and economic firmaments of Kwara State like a colossus. Not only did he enjoy a cult following among the youths who have been major beneficiaries of his enterprise and benevolence, being friends with him was always the desire of everyone, including the powers that be in the state.

    His footprints could be seen in every nook and cranny of the state as well as the neighbouring states courtesy his chain of businesses. But the billionaire businessman has been missing from social functions since his business suffered a downturn. The husband of notable Ilorin socialite, Jumoke, was also said to have taken a break from the social radar as a result of a health challenge he suffered some time ago. While he has since recovered from the health challenge, he has been living a very quiet life since then.

    However, Jumoke has kept the social flag flying in his absence. She runs the biggest private school and salon in Ilorin

  • For Alaba Shonibare, it’s a new life

    For Alaba Shonibare, it’s a new life

    For popular Lagos businessman, Alaba Shonibare, the storm is over two years after he lost his beautiful wife, Adenike Shonibare, to cancer. He is back to another refreshing time of marital bliss.

    Things appear to have been looking up for him since he remarried a few months ago to Lagos big girl, Unuigbe. Shonibare, the scion of the illustrious Shonibare family whose patriarch made remarkable leaps in the corporate world and public service, went through some sad times when his late wife was diagnosed of cancer. He was everywhere with Adenike to ensure that she lived. Series of medical options were explored to get the terminal disease out of her system but death came knocking after assurances that she would live after a successful operation.

    After the sad incident, Shonibare, the chairman of Shonny Investment Property Company, withdrew completely from the social circle and his world literally came to a halt until a year ago when his path and that of Unuigbe crossed in Lagos. The lady brought renewing shine into Alaba life and he regained his groove, attending events hand-in-hand with Unuigbe.

  • Fola Adeola turns 60

    Fola Adeola turns 60

    With a life that boasts of sterling feats, including being a frontline banker and taking a shot at the nation’s number two position in the 2011 general election, Fola Adeola has every reason to be thankful. This is more so as he will be attaining the landmark age of 60 in a few weeks.

    The co-founder and pioneer Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank’s birthday will come up in January. But information scooped by CelebWatch indicates that friends and family members of the fair-complexioned banker turned politician are already putting heads together to make his 60th birthday grand and exceptional.

    A planning committee is said to have been constituted with a mandate to ensure a memorable celebration. But it was also learnt that the occasion may not be devoid of political colouration with the rumour that the Chairman of FATE Foundation is nursing a governorship ambition, even though he came out to deny any such ambition when his posters flooded the streets of Abeokuta a few months ago.

  • Crisis rocks Dino Melaiye’s marriage

    Crisis rocks Dino Melaiye’s marriage

    Efforts to salvage whatever is left of the marital life of Dino Melaye seems not to be making any headway if reports coming from his his home front is anything to go by. That Melaiye’s marriage to his ex-banker wife, Tokunbo, is in crisis has gone beyond the realm of speculation. As a matter of fact, the marriage is said to have been in crisis for long only that the lady decided to endure it.

    However, events took a new turn a few days back when the lady decided she has had enough. The lady, it was gathered, felt disappointed that Dino perpetrated violence against her in spite of the fact that she stood by when he was surrounded by series of crises. Dino had sent her packing as they both were becoming intolerable of each other after about a decade of living together. After she was sent packing, she allegedly went to report her estranged husband at the FCT office of the Federation of International Women Lawyers, from where a lawyer was detailed to take up her case. The body was said to have has started making contacts with her husband to see if he was keen on taking his wife back.

    Melaiye has been embroiled in one controversy after the other since he became a prominent player on the political field. Apart from his inability to make it back to the House of Representatives after falling out with some powerful forces in PDP, he was also enmeshed in a scandal with Nollywood actress, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, who told the world that Dino was responsible for her pregnancy; an allegation the ex-lawmaker denied.

  • Looking amazing this season

    Looking amazing this season

    CHRISTMAS is one of our favourite times of the year we always look forward to. We use to have holidays, spend time with our loved ones and the aura of the season makes our hearts blossom. Because it is our favourite time of the year, we always try our best to look amazing. To have that amazing look, here are some tips.

    1. A gorgeous dress: Whether the dress is long or short, make sure you look your best. Go for a dress that suits your body, dress impeccably and make them look forward to what you will be wearing next Xmas.

    2. Accessories: Accessories complement any outfit. An accessory can turn the most boring outfit into something classic and beautiful. You can wear a pearl necklace, an antique bracelet or a pair of gold earrings. Let your accessory complement your outfit and shine.

    3. Body top and jeans: You can wear a nice top and a pair of jeans, if you’re not in the mood for a dress. A little touch-up of accessories is allowed in this case. You will still look stunning with this simple outfit.

    4. Hair: Either you are carrying wavy hair, curly hair, pixie hair or straight hair, ensure that your hair is properly made and the styling should be neat. Don’t leave your hair rough and unkempt. A good hair styling does a lot to your appearance.

    5. Make-up: A good make-up can transform your look completely. This is the season of fun and festivities. Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it is a smokey eye with a red lip or a nude natural look make-up. Make sure you look your best and don’t overplay with colour.

    6. Smile: It is inexpensive and it completes everything you are wearing. It makes you look bright and beautiful. Smiles can never go out of style and trend. They are the best thing one can ever wear.

  • Cozy ideas to make couples have a merry and romantic Christmas

    It’s Christmas again and apart from thanking God for making us see another yuletide season, we should sped the long holiday snoozing, smudging and setting some magical milestones. Waoh! Check out these tried-and-true tips from experts, celebrities and happy couples from around the world. You would be glad you did!

    •Hit the road: “Right after a family party, my husband and I head for the beach, where we and six other couples have tents reserved for the whole weekend. Part of the time it’s just me and my hubby of 27 years, but a lot of the time we spend with the crew – playing games, telling stories and having a blast. By the time I go back to work on Monday, I am rejuvenated and ready to get in the Christmas spirit.” Patti Beecroft.

    •Focus on food: “We’re planning our Christmas around my husband’s roasting goat in his charcoal smoker, with friends and family on hand to sample his handiwork.” Tamilore.

    •Express thanks: “On that special day, thank each other for the gifts (material and nonmaterial) you have given each other over the past year.” –Dr. Patti Britton, iVillage’s Sex Coach.

    •Dance by candlelight: “I’ll be staying home and celebrating with my husband and children this holiday and in the New Year. We’ll pop some popcorn and watch a family movie, and then, when the kids go to bed, we’ll put on some music and dance by candlelight.” Aisha Hamisu.

    •Dream: “Give yourself a gift as a couple. Take five minutes each to tell each other your dreams, hopes and desires. Then do a third round, making up some fun and wonderful new dreams to do as a couple. Then schedule some of them. –Marcia Wieder, America’s Dream Coach and author of Making Your Dream Come True

    •Strip down: “My husband and I are moving just a few days before Christmas, which definitely puts a damper on any plans for big parties with lots of friends. But we both decided that will be fine. It’s our first New Year’s Eve as a married couple, and I can’t think of any better way to ring in the new year than with a plate of shrimp, a glass of champagne and my sweetheart in his boxers.” Kristy Alonge.

    •Change the celebration date: “In order to enable our adult children to spend time with their spouses’ families, we let them go to their in-laws’ on Thanksgiving, and then we celebrate as a family a week later. Meanwhile, my husband and I take a mini vacation to some faraway place – time alone we really enjoy. Works great!” Alhaja Zainab OgoOlorun.

    •Get a baby-sitter: “My mother is watching my baby boy for three days so that my boyfriend and I can spend a little time alone. We’re going to Obudu Cattle Ranch for this coming chirtmas and New Year. There is nothing more romantic than standing at the top of Obudu and looking at the cable cars as they move slowly to and fro. Peju Aborisade.

    •Steal away: “If you and your partner will be attending lots of parties, create a subtle signal and use it mid-party when you want to steal a few minutes of time for just the two of you. Duck into the kitchen or a quiet corner and … connect.” –Sherry Amatenstein, iVillage’s Dating Doyenne

    •Pretend you’re in Hollywood: “I’m going to enjoy a formal, private, candlelit dinner at home with my fiancé, then have a champagne toast in the bathtub at midnight.” –iVillager Jeannie

    •Make your house more romantic: “Go away to a bed and breakfast or turn your home into one — make your environment cozy, homey and romantic with candles, potpourri, breakfast in bed and so on.” –Robin Gorman Newman, author of How to Meet a Mensch in New York.

    •Unplug: “My plan for a pleasant New Year’s Eve with my honey is to build a fire in the fireplace, open a bottle of wine, enjoy homemade food, disconnect the telephone and turn off the pagers and cell phones.” Liz Mensa.

    •Fall in love again: “Approach each day during the holidays as if it’s the first day of your relationship. Many times we take our partners for granted; we forget to pay attention to our partner’s thoughts, ideas and moves. If you look at your partner the way you did when you first fell in love, it will keep the relationship fresh and alive, and will also create more interest.” –Susan Taylor, Ph.D., author of Sexual Radiance: A 21-Day Program of Breathwork, Nutrition and Exercise for Vitality and Sensuality

    •Have sex: “Sex is a wonderful way to reduce stress and build togetherness. But don’t force it; making sex a ‘have to’ will only increase your stress level.” –Dr. Patti Britton, iVillage’s Sex Coach.

    •Overcome obstacles: “My husband is the security chief of a shopping mall, so he has to work on New Year’s. I am planning to put on my best dress, pack a picnic dinner and spend the night with him and his staff.” –iVillager cocacolagal.

    •Be grateful: “My husband and I are just coming to the end of a very difficult phase in our relationship. I think the best thing we can do this holiday season is to surround ourselves with the people we love the most and be grateful that it’s a new year.” Jody Allen.

    •Shop for sexy stuff: “Fill each other’s stockings with sex-related gifts, such as IOUs for sexual favors. You can even buy books filled with them.” –Dr. Patti Britton, iVillage’s Sex Coach.

    •Keep it simple: “My husband and I like screaming, ‘Happy New Year!’ in our pajamas, and then being able to quickly go to bed.” –Mary Daniyan.

    •Throw a family fete: “The best holiday party we ever had was when we invited over a few couples with kids the same ages as ours, rented movies, played card and board games, ate pork roast, hot dogs, sauerkraut and dumplings and drank sparkling cider. Everyone slept over, and the next morning, we all had breakfast together. Everyone pitched in. It was like a big slumber party.” Shelley Okon.

    •Enjoy nature: “My boyfriend and I are big nature lovers. The best thing we’ll do this holiday season is to get bundled up and go for a long walk in the night. The harmattan breeze is more romantic than most people have cared to discover. It’s just perfect to make you cuddle each other. Sefiya Dantata.

    •Celebrate early: “Open a few of your smaller presents to each other a day or two before Christmas — it can really help to put you in the holiday spirit.” Mrs. Ambi Owanbe.

    • Grab and kiss your guy: “As long as I am with the man I love over the holidays, whatever we do will be all right, so I grab him at every opportunity and give him sweet kisses.” Tinu Ayegbayo.

    •Decorate a deux: “To celebrate Christmas, my significant other and I go to any of those big stores and buy decorations, play Christmas music, drink whatever is cool by us and snuggle by the light of the tree. It’s a great feeling.” Jennifer Falode.

    •Skip the gifts: “Holidays are for loving, not gifts. They’re about spending time with the ones you love.” Gloria Ssilas-Anuobe.

    •Be a secret Santa: “Every year, I send my husband anonymous presents in the mail. He’s pretty sure it’s me, but he’s never caught me in the act and until he does, it’s my little secret. It totally cracks me up!” Ngozi Anozie.

    •Give yourself: “As often as I can around Christmas, I set time aside to go and just be with someone I love. Sometimes it’s to help them with a chore, but just as often I spend the time totally focused on them, with no goal in mind. It’s astonishing the feeling of closeness this brings.” Amaka N.

    •Skip overspending: “I have found that my best New Year’s Eve celebrations have been staying home with my honey and keeping my money.” Rita Bassey.

    •Kill two birds with one stone: “My husband and I are combining a family reunion in Florida with a well-deserved and much-needed vacation.” –iVillager Jane.

    •Toast each other: “Once all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking and running around is done, I can’t wait to sit back in my own home with my husband and toast us.” –iVillager Leslie.

    •Keep it light: “The holidays can be pretty stressful, so I do everything I can to make things fun for my boyfriend – tickle him, say silly things, basically find the humor in every situation.” Jane Mark-Adu.

  • A love to hold (3)

    After Lenny’s Mum and sister left, I picked up my bag and prepared to leave as well.

    He was against my going and begged me to stay.

    “You can’t just leave like that, Rosa. You are supposed to spend the weekend with me, remember?” he stated.

    I shook my head.

    “My plans have changed. I need to go home and do some washing and…” I started to say when he said:

    “Is it because of what my Mum said? Ah, sweetheart, you should not take her words too seriously. She’s just being a typical possessive mother; she’s scared you will take me away from her, that since you are now in my life, she can’t have me to herself as before.”

    “Well, it’s obvious she dislikes me. I don’t feel comfortable with the situation; maybe we should just call this thing off, stop seeing each other…” I stated. But Lenny would not hear of it.

    “How can you say that? What do you think will happen to me if you leave me? My life will just be empty without you!” he declared. He told me not to take any rash decision, assuring me that with time, his mother and other family members would accept me.

    “Be patient, please. I will continue to do my best to change her mind,” he said, drawing me close to him and kissing me. Though sceptical, I decided to listen to him. You see, I love Lenny. He had become such an important part of my life that breaking up with him would be heartbreaking. So, I prayed that his people would let us be and not try to separate us.

    But it was not to be as events turned out.

    War zone

    Whatever efforts Lenny made to make his family soften up to me did not seem to work as things became more difficult for us. It was like they had declared war on me and did everything to make my life unbearable. The mother and his two younger sisters kept bombarding me with calls, calling me names and threatening to deal with me both physically and spiritually if I did not leave Lenny.

    “Go and look for another guy to bewitch! Leave our brother alone! Jezebel! Agent of the devil!… his sisters would rant at me, calling me all kinds of unprintable names. For Lenny’s sake, I refrained from exchanging words with them and held my peace. At a point, the harassment got so bad that I had to change my number so they could no longer reach me.

    But that did not stop them. One day, I was at work when I was told I had visitors. Downstairs at the reception, I saw Lenny’s mother with one of her daughters. There was another lady with them that I had never seen before.

    Thinking they had come to make peace, I welcomed them warmly. How wrong I was!

    As soon as I greeted Lenny’s mother and the others, she flared up.

    “Who are you greeting? Don’t you ever greet me in your life again! I’ve come to deliver the last warning to you since you have refused to listen to my previous warnings. My son is not for you, so let him be and go and look for your husband elsewhere. If I ever see you with him again, I will not be held responsible for my actions. I’m warning you…” she continued to rave and shout at me. Soon the others joined in, abusing me and issuing all kinds of threats. I pleaded with her to stop, that we were in an office environment and we could go somewhere else and talk. But they were not ready to listen so when their noise grew so bad, I had to call in the security to throw them out.

    I felt they had carried their hatred of me too far by coming to my office to embarrass me in that manner.

    When Lenny heard what happened, he immediately came over to my house to see me later that day. He apologised on behalf of his mother, promising to have a strong word with her.

    “I’ll make sure this never repeats itself. How could my Mum do that to you! In your office of all places!” he said angrily.

    I did not say anything but simply listened to what he had to say. When he finished, I said:

    “There won’t be a repeat as there would no longer be any reason for her harassment,” I said quietly. I then told him that I was calling off the relationship as I could no long cope with all the intimidations and embarrassment from his family.

    “I love you but I can’t continue like this. All this stress is killing me! My life has become a war zone because of your people. I need my peace, Lenny, so I think it’s best we end this relationship. Just go. Leave me alone!” I said.

    He pleaded and begged but I refused to listen. He looked so miserable and at a point was almost crying that my heart softened.

    So I gave him another chance with the condition that he had to come up with a solution else it would be over with us. After he left, I sat gloomily staring into space, feeling very depressed. I did not see any hope for us with all the opposition to our relationship. The thought of losing Lenny kept me awake at night, made me miserable, sad…

    Epilogue

    Later, Lenny came up with a solution to our problem. He suggested we should relocate to the States and start our lives afresh. I was initially reluctant to leave the country because of my family and my job. But his love for me which I felt was worth holding onto made me change my mind. We quickly made our plans, ensuring we kept everything from his family.

    On the morning we were to travel, we were getting set to go to the airport, when Lenny’s mother showed up.

    “Where are you going, my son with all this luggage?” she enquired, eyeing the bags and suitcases we were loading into the car.

    “Abroad. Where we can have peace since you won’t allow us rest here!” he retorted.

    “What? You mean you are traveling and you didn’t tell me? How could you, Lenny? How can you do that to your own mother?”

    Anyway, she started crying and pleading with Lenny not to go, that she needed him around now as she was getting old and who would take care of her in her old age? If accepting me was the only way to stop him from relocating, then she was ready to do that…

    So based on that, our plans changed. We cancelled our trip and Lenny and I are now free to be together. It’s like a miracle! We are both very happy over the turn of events and I pray his mother’s newfound love for me would last forever, that the days of threats and intimidations were truly over…

    •Concluded

    •Names have been changed to protect the identity of the narrator and other individuals in the story.

    •Send comments/suggestions to 08023201831(sms only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com