The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Entertaining Speech

    Recently, I watched a TV programme in which a celebrity was interviewed. She was asked several questions, but a particular one caught my attention. She was asked what she wanted in her “man”. Well, the question did not interest me as much as her response did. This celebrity mentioned a number of virtues she expected in her man, but she kept on emphasizing that he must have a very good sense of humour. This got me curious. What’s with a sense of humour anyway? But then, after discussing with several ladies, I discovered that our celebrity was not alone. Most ladies prize a good sense of humour in men. So, where does that leave some of our boring friends?

    The reason they want humour in men is not farfetched; they want someone who can lighten up the seriousness of life on a permanent basis. I’m sure you realise that you “somehow” prefer your friends who make you laugh or give you interesting gist. This crystallizes the importance of entertaining speech, even in our daily lives. I understand the uniqueness of human nature, not everybody is a “joker.” Nevertheless, we will learn in this topic over the next few weeks that it can be learnt. Learning to use humour appropriately aids your ability to carry on a good conversation.

    Entertaining speech is one that the audience is supposed to listen to without any care in the world. It does not require the listeners to learn or to act; they are simply expected to relax and enjoy themselves. Before going further, it is very important to mention that, more often than not, you have a mixture of the different types of speeches. An informative speech can have elements of entertainment. What determines the type of speech we are dealing with is the percentage of each that goes into the speech. For instance, in an entertaining speech, not less that 85% of the content should be entertainment based.

    Entertaining speeches can come in the form of welcome addresses at luncheons, stand-up comic acts, red carpet interviews and toasts at wedding ceremonies, among others. The most important element of this type of speech is the ability to captivate, interest and amuse the audience. Have you ever seen a comedian struggling so hard to impress a crowd and only very few of them are laughing? It can be demoralizing. That tells you how difficult it can be to attempt to entertain people.

    Considering all the above, it becomes very important to understand the nature of entertaining speech. Here are some of its characteristics:

    •Entertaining Speeches are Brief: as far as this type of speech is concerned, moderation is the key. Even if you are extremely funny, you will tire your audience out if you don’t know when to stop. That’s why you realise that MCs only make short but interesting remarks in-between different programmes, toasts at weddings are brief, and comedians don’t take forever to speak.

    •Entertaining Speeches are Simple: you cannot be invited to a science exhibition as the key-note speaker and you want to deliver an entertaining speech! You will seem like a joker. Likewise, how can you have just two minutes to toast to the happiness of a new couple and you want to talk on “seven steps to successful marriage?” Whatever you will talk about needs to be simple enough, so that your listeners don’t need to try before they understand. Your speech should contain information that they can easily relate to.

    3. Entertaining Speeches Should Reflect the Audience: it is very important that you relate your presentation to your audience. If you are trying to be funny for instance, you should consider the demography of your audience and the nature of the joke. A joke about a bad wife may “fly” among a male dominated audience, but may earn you hostility among women dominated audience. Don’t tell stories of somewhere far way that they cannot relate with, rather, localize your stories. Make sure that in your entertainment, you treat your audience with utmost respect. Sometimes you see some comedians walk into the audience and pick on one or two people. You may even see a Best-man mention a few guests while telling the story of how a couple met. All of these are done to make the audience a part of the fun. You should, however, be careful to use this only in a complementary manner.

    •Entertaining Speeches are Creative: you don’t have any restriction placed on your creativity. If your speech is to entertain, you can sing, dance or even act. Your main aim is to entertain your audience, and that you must do. First evaluate your audience and determine the kind of creativity that will impress them. If you are the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of your organization, and you are expected to make the guests at your company’s luncheon feel comfortable, your creativity must be displayed in such a way that your employers will not consider it an embarrassment.

    The key to successful delivery of an entertainment speech is deep desire to interest your listeners. If you focus on what you enjoy instead of what they enjoy, you may find yourself laughing at your own joke while they are all looking at you with a straight face. We will continue this topic next week by discussing what you should avoid when presenting an entertainment speech. Don’t miss it.

  • ‘I contributed the most to the wordings of national anthem’

    ‘I contributed the most to the wordings of national anthem’

    Following the publication of our recent interview with one of the five composers of the national anthem, Dr Sota Omoigui, now a consultant anesthesiologist and pain specialist in the United States of America, Elder Philips Olusegun Aderibigbe, the author of four lines of the anthem, called at our office last week. Aderibigbe, a former employee of the National Assembly, explained his part in the composition of the anthem, lamenting the failure of the Federal Government to fulfill its pledge to compensate him and his co-authors. He spoke with LEKAN OTUFODUNRIN and JUSTICE ILEVBARE.

    How did you become involved in the composition of the national anthem?

    In 1976, Nigeria was just recovering from a gruesome civil war. The Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo-led military administration called for the composition of a new national anthem. The national policy committee on the draft constitution on return to civilian rule then announced a national anthem competition. At that time, I was a 100 level undergraduate student of the University of Ibadan.

    The national policy committee received about 1,499 entries from Nigerians. The entries were sent to the department of English in five Nigerian universities. It was from these entries that the best five were picked and the lines of the national anthem were selected from them.

    I wrote the first line of the anthem: “Arise o compatriots”. The original draft, as was typed in 1976-77, is available for anybody to see. Other writers were John A. Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Dr. Omoigui and I, Philips Olusegun Aderibigbe. The military administration said they were going to pay some honorarium to the writers, but up till now, nothing has been done. Even the music of the anthem, as composed by the late Pa Odiase, was sung without us being invited. And it is regrettable that up till today, there has been no acknowledgement.

    Since five of you composed the wordings of the national anthem, why was the Late Pa Odiase described as the composer until he died recently. Was he the person that merged the various contributions?

    There seems to be lack of information in this country, and we do not even know our background very well. For your information, Pa Odiase was just the band master of the police band. The anthem was given to the police band, which Pa Odiase just happened to be the leader at that time. The wordings of the anthem were written by five Nigerians, out of which the best were selected, like I mentioned earlier.

    You said that no honorarium has been paid and no acknowledgement has been given? Why did it take you so long to speak on the issue? What have the five of you done to claim the ownership of the anthem? Has there been any time you met?

    There was no way for us to meet, because we were from different locations. There was no time they invited us together. I am here because I saw the interview with Dr. Omoigui. At that time, the office of this committee was at the Independent building in Race Course, Lagos. After some time, they packed out of the office, and when we went there to see the officers in charge, we were told that they had relocated. So, it was difficult to see anybody concerning it.

    What other effort did you make?

    I wrote a personal letter to the Federal Ministry of Education then, complaining that we were the writers of the anthem. We are not talking about music but the wordings of the anthem. The composition is an intellectual property. Up till today, they have not acknowledged the ownership of that intellectual property.

    At the point of asking for entries, was there any particular promise in form of a prize?

    There was none. But after the composition, they said the Federal Government of Nigeria was going to pay a marginal honorarium to the composers. But that has not been done till today.

    You composed the lines, ‘Arise o compatriots, Nigeria call obey… The labour of our heroes past, Shall never be in vain.’ What did you have in mind when you wrote these lines?

    It was simply patriotism. Nigeria had gone through so many negative experiences. Right from 1953, there was the Kano riot, during which so many lives were lost. There was the 1962/63 political crisis in the West. There was the census crisis in 1965 and so many lives were lost. There was mismanagement; in fact the military said the reason why they came into power in 1966 was mismanagement, corruption and ineptitude.

    Things were upside down. And so, when we had that challenge, I rose. I said okay, Nigeria has to come back and readdress itself to some new situations. So, I wrote that lineArise. Arise from decay, from misgovernment, from corruption, O ye compatriots. That was the message in the anthem. Patriotism is the principle of the anthem. In fact, if anybody asks me to mention the problem in Nigeria today, I would say it is lack of patriotism.

    Do you think we have been true to the national anthem?

    The problem is that there was no orientation at all when the national anthem was introduced. They brought the composition to Nigerians, but the federation did not buy the idea. There was no education. In fact, one would expect that based on the message drawn from an anthem, there will be an orientation to follow; there will be training; there will be dedication; there will be organisation to follow. But nothing like that was done. They just took the work, gave it to somebody to turn into music, and there was no orientation. So, up till today, patriotism is lacking in this country. And what is the root cause of corruption? It is lack of patriotism.

    As far as I am concerned, if anybody is stealing government money, it is because he is not patriotic. If there is misgovernment, it is because there is no patriotism. If there is mismanagement, it is because there is no patriotism. Look at the countries that are well run in the world today, they are all patriotic countries. America is on the lead today because the citizens are patriotic, the government is patriotic and an American life is very dear to the government of America. They can do anything to save the life of an American because they know the government cares for them.

    So let’s go back to patriotism. And I am suggesting that there should be a lot of awareness concerning patriotism. Even what is happening in the north now is as a result of lack of patriotism.

    What kind of feeling do you have when you hear the national anthem?

    I feel very happy because it says arise. Arise means that if you have been sitting down before, rise up. If you have been down before, get up, stand up! To defend is to fight, to struggle and make Nigeria a great nation. As at the time I was writing this composition, Nigeria was at the same level with countries like China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil. Look at the positions of these countries today. Nigeria was at par with them, but those countries have gone ahead of Nigeria because of lack of patriotism.

    Do you agree with those who say some parts of the national anthem should be changed?

    I don’t. The anthem of the nation is the culture of the nation, the set of beliefs, the principles, and so on. Nobody who knows what he is doing would say that the anthem should be changed. What is to be changed there? Is it that we are not arising again? What do you want to change in that? Is it that patriotism is not good? Many people are talking of the anthem in terms of the music. How many Nigerians even know what the anthem is saying? How many have the wordings in their memory? How many of them know the meaning of the anthem? How many of us are obeying the call of the nation today? That is the problem.

    So if they know what the anthem is saying, they would call for more dedication, more orientation and more awareness rather than say the anthem should be changed.

    I’m intrigued by the line “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain”. It would seem that the labour of our heroes is already heading towards vanit…

    It has happened and it will continue to happen. Nigerians don’t even know their heroes. We know names of corrupt officers. We know of very important people who have looted the treasury. We know the names of those who have bastardised our economy. We know about those who have looted the national treasury. But we don’t know the heroes that we have, and that is one of the problems of this country.

    A country must know her heroes. Look at Ghana, people are still talking about Kwame Nkrumah till tomorrow. Look at Rawlings, people are still talking about him till tomorrow. Look at Nelson Mandela who is sick nowmay God heal him. Nobody talks ill about him. He is a patriot. Patriots and leaders we can gain from are in this county. We have heroes in this country, but we don’t know our heroes.

    Your co-composer, Omoigui, says he looks forward to the day they would bring together those who composed the messages. Do you see this happening soon?

    Who would bring them together when they don’t know their heroes?

    But is it something you would love if it happens?

    Yes. In fact, I thought that before the anthem was sung for the first time, we should have met. But they did not make it possible. Now it is even more difficult because Omoigui is abroad now, I’m in Nigeria, and I don’t know the other three. I’m only praying that none of them has died. These are our heroes; they are dying without being honoured.

    What is your own definition of patriotism?

    My definition of patriotism is great, undiluted support for the nation; standing to fight for the nation. The Spartans in the Greek states brought up their children with training modelled along support for the nation. They would fight and not allow anything that can bring the nation down to happen. So, they see themselves first for the nation than for themselves, their family, their ethnic background or their place of origin. That is patriotism. In fact, the act of patriotism is even stronger in my heart now than when I wrote it.

    There are Nigerians who say they can’t die for this country. Do you think Nigeria is worth dying for?

    Nigeria is worth dying for if we are all ready. If we are all patriotic, Nigeria would be worth dying for. But if we are not patriotic, well, that is when the issue comes. Look at China; they would not allow anything to mess up their economy. America would not allow its country to be bastardised. Korea would protect its interest. So, Nigeria is worth dying for. Why not? The country of my birth is worth dying for.

    But the country also must die for its people. If we are ready to die for the country, the country also must be ready to die for its people. The American government can spend billions of dollars to rescue the life of a single American. And if an American knows that the country is ready to die for him, he can die for his country too. Patriotism is a whole system on which we should start to educate Nigerians now. As far as I am concerned, even indiscipline is lack of patriotism.

    When you were composing the anthem, you had the unity of Nigeria in mind. What is your take on the call for national conference?

    I have my own personal opinion concerning the national conference, but I’m not in support of the break-up of Nigeria. I have a feeling that Nigeria is meant to bring us together. If you see the resources in Nigeria, the way God has positioned the resources in Nigeria and left them in different places, you will see that God has made us to be together and to substitute for one another.

    But let me go back to my point: it is mismanagement and lack of patriotism that has made things to be like that. I remember a time I had to serve in Sokoto; I was in Sokoto for months without any fear of molestation. Nigerians were together then. You could travel to the North and East without any fear. How did it now generate to this level? So it’s not that Nigeria is not worth dying for, its management and wrong leadership. Nigeria is a very good business. Somebody said Nigeria is a good business in the hands of bad managers.

    Do you think Nigeria will ever get to the promise land?

    Why not, if we return to the basics? Let patriotism be taught in schools. Let people know the meaning of patriotism. Let it be a topic in schools. It must start from the top. Recently, some people were talking about jumbo pay for public officers. About 43 per cent of the nation’s total income is spent on the payment of legislators and government. 80 per cent is spent on running the government. If the amount of money taken from the Nigerian economy is taken from the British economy, it will collapse.

    Have you ever been acknowledged as one of the composers of the national anthem?

    Yes. But by only those who are close to me. When those in my hall, Nnamdi Azikwe Hall of the University of Ibadan, heard that I was the writer of the line ‘Arise o compatriots’, there was wild jubilation at the JCR Hall in 1978. Some newspapers also wrote that I and four others were the writers of the anthem.

    The government must acknowledge the writers of the anthem. We are not asking for money but for respect and honour. I composed four lines of the anthem, so I’m the major writer of the anthem.

  • Skinny belt is the new trend!

    Skinny belt is the new trend!

    AN amazingly skinny belt is the new trend for instant fit! When we think about belt, we literally think about something that helps hold our pants to stay up. Their flexibility is amazing and serves to hang up many items of clothing. Belt will obviously hold your pants up, but the appeal is much more. Belts, like the classic skinny/tiny ones, are more of fashion statement than anything else; the leather and chain skinny belt symbolises so much more than a piece of material. The belt comes in different colours and texture, so it is almost impossible not to find the right belt to match your personality.

     

    How to style  your skinny belt

    •You can pair a skinny belt with a long dress to give it some definition.

    •Or throw one over a shorter piece to make it less sexy and more fashion-forward.

    •Add a skinny belt to a tunic or a high-waisted skirt to create an interesting look with some sartorial flare.

  • Peplum still rocks

    Peplum still rocks

    IN the last few months, peplum fashion has gradually found its way back into the scene, even if it is not as daring as it used to be. These days, it is not uncommon seeing designers splashing colourful and attractive peplum designs in sheer slinky fabrics, ruffle, lace trimming and slips. Peplum dresses are versatile pieces and accordingly, they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. This soft, feminine look is very much in vogue right now and of course, it adds volume to your hips! Also, peplum skirts and tops are great wardrobe pieces, because you can wear just about any top or pants/skirt to complement it.

     

    How to rock it

    •For a semi-formal evening style wear with some dressy sandals and a tantalising handbag.

     

    •When wearing peplum, consider accessorising with a skinny belt, as this will further accentuate that hourglass shape.

     

    •Lastly, add a pair of stylish oversized earrings to make a chic and lasting statement.

  • ‘I supported my husband to end military rule’

    ‘I supported my husband to end military rule’

    You don’t have to look further than Justice Fati Lami Abubakar for the truism in the old  dictum  that behind every successful man, there is a woman, following her full disclosure of  the moral support she gave her husband, General  Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), towards  voluntarily handing  over power  to a civilian government  after 16 years of military rule in 1999. The Chief Judge of Niger State, the amiable, soft-spoken one-time Nigerian First Lady, is  the first female Chief Judge in Niger State and the second in   northern Nigeria. She told  MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN, ASSISTANT EDITOR, how she stood behind her husband in those heady days of transition from military to civilian government. Excerpts…

    Until recently when you were made the Chief Judge of Niger State, nothing much has been heard about you since your husband (General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd)) handed over power as the Head of State, was it deliberate?

    It is quite possible that you have not heard much about me personally but I’m sure you must have heard about my pet project: Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA). WRAPA is a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) which we started towards the tail end of my husband’s regime as the Head of State. In fact, WRAPA has become a model for so many others who started NGOs after us; WRAPA is all about social justice for women and children and it addresses gender issues and human rights. Though I have not always been in the corridors of power, I grew up along and I have been privileged to attend so many conferences where women usually lamented about the fact that they were not enjoying equal rights as the men folk. So after due consultations, I thought the time was ripe to have a body to be at the vanguard of women issues and that was what gave birth to WRAPA to cater for the rights of women. We give legal advice as well as supporting women in difficulties. We believe that a lot of the abuses and intolerances we have in the society today are against the women. Women have to deal with a whole lot of issues and they need to be empowered in order to get freedom and be self sustaining. This is part of what I have been doing and by my own nature, I prefer to act than to be all over the place just talking; and that may have accounted for why I have not been in the public glare. But WRAPA is doing very well in propagating some of my ideals.

    There are people who believe that the common man cannot actually obtain justice in the Nigerian system, are you not worried about such scepticism?

    I believe that the common man, in fact, both the rich and the poor, can get justice in Nigeria particularly if he knows the right thing to do and the right place to go. If the people go to court as at when due and seek redress, surely they can always obtain justice. I think the problem we have overtime is the public perception that it is only the rich that can get justice because of the challenges the country is facing. Of course, the judiciary is part of the system but I don’t think it is true that it is only when you have money that you can actually get justice in Nigeria. The Nigerian judicial system has passed through many stages and reforms down from the colonial era till today and over time; there have been meaningful reforms which have allowed the courts the power to dispense justice without fear or favour. Of course, there are various courts that the people can avail themselves of in order to seek justice and that is why it baffles me when some people believe it is only when you have money that you can obtain justice. Yes, you have to pay some money when you go to court because the courts are not been run like a charity organisation; but what you pay as filing fee and all that are mere token particularly at the grassroots, the magistrate level, so that more and more people can revert to the court when seeking redress. Yet, the issue remains whether people avail themselves properly and use this opportunity or if the operators of the system are doing their work well. I know over the years, there have been issues of corruption in the system but I believe it is the responsibility of every aspect of the society to ensure that we put a stop to all these unbecoming problems.

    As the number one person in the state’s third arm of government, which is the judiciary, how are you going to deal with the issue of corruption in the system vis-à-vis your priorities during your tenure?

    My priority is to ensure that the judiciary is put in a position to discharge its constitutional duties to the extent that the confidence of the people would be deeply rooted in it. Of course, there are constraints and challenges that go with all human endeavours, but I want a situation that people would take responsibility, for their actions. I want to strengthen the Judicial Service Commission which is responsible for appointment, discipline amongst other duties, to continue to deal with any unwholesome attitude and behaviours. We are going to ensure that we clean the system in order to repose confidence in the public about the judiciary. Of course, we need the help of the people to weed out the bad eggs in the system because without any report, we can hardly do anything. Even in reporting any infraction, we want people to be very honest without being frivolous; all genuine cases would be dealt with. By and large, we shall equally protect our own people from spurious allegations, because, unfortunately in this country, the only time people give credits to the courts is when they have won cases and it is only when people lose at the court that you hear all manner of stories. We need to educate people to know that in every situation no two people can win the same case at the court at any given time because what the court deals with is the truth in the eyes of the law. In fact, that is why there are alternative actions in resolving issues amongst which is the ATR- the Alternative Truth Commission- which at the end of the day can help people resolve their grievances and shake hands. In fact, I believe people can be happier if they make use of these alternatives in resolving their disputes not forgetting the fact that the regular court is the last refuge for the people.

    Was it part of your dreams to read Law while you were growing up or was there any particular thing you actually wanted to do?

    Really, I don’t know (general laughter). First and foremost, you have to go to school and that was a dream; and you don’t actually know what you are going to do until you get older. At one point, I wanted to be a doctor but of course, I jettisoned it in my Form Five when I had to drop physics which was giving me problems. Though I had chemistry and biology, I did not have another science subject which was a prerequisite coupled with the fact that mathematics was a no-no for me, I had to give up the dream of becoming a doctor. Yes, of course I knew that I was going to go to the university but I never gave a thought about what I really wanted to be as things changed due to other significant factors. So as I said, it was Physics that actually stopped me from doing my HSC (Higher School Certificate) in science. I then had to do Literature, History and French in HSC to be able to do something else. Even then, my first choice was Sociology but I changed to Law afterwards. There was no regret that I finally ended up reading Law because basically, Medicine and Law are quite important because they are professional courses that are very important in the life of human beings.

    Did you envision yourself rising to the position of a Chief Judge of a state when you eventually picked Law?

    No. I never thought as much. What I was sure of was that I was going to have a university education, given the fact that my father (the late Waziri of Minna, Alhaji Umaru Audu) put a lot of premium on education. There was no dichotomy about whether you are a boy or a girl and he had always impressed that on us. He gave all of us the same opportunity in furthering our education. He did the best for all of us…

    How many were you?

    We are seventeen, altogether.

    How did he manage to raise all of you (general laughter)?

    Obviously, he didn’t have 17 children at a go. Really, I wouldn’t know how he managed it because we all went to some of the best schools. But I suspect he must have done a lot of budgeting to be able to put us all through schools but I think he was not that kind of person that was obsessed with unnecessary luxury. He was spare in his ways of life because we didn’t lack anything really. But I think we were very luck in our time for obvious reasons. I went to the mission school for my primary education and did my secondary education in government school. In those days, particularly in northern Nigeria, there was something that was called pay as you earn and it was organised in such a way that if you have four children or more in government schools, you only pay for a maximum of three children while the others are tuition free irrespective of where they are schooling so far it’s within the northern region. Again, we were virtually on scholarship for our tertiary studies in as much as you were able to secure an admission. I remember I had admission to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife) simultaneously and when I went to the scholarship board they asked me which one was my preference’ and I told them I wasn’t sure of what I really wanted.’ I was asked to come back when I’m ready; I don’t think that can happen now. Obviously, that did help my father in some ways. I remember that after my secondary school (Our Lady’s High School in Kaduna), I went to Federal Government College for my HSC where I didn’t pay any tuition at all because I was on scholarship like indigenes of that state. The same was applicable while in the university with my other siblings.

    What do you think is stopping government today to replicate such laudable programmes?

    I think the major hindrance would be the size of the population we have today compared with what we had then. Frankly, I don’t think the government can do as much as they were doing before. Of course, government is trying the best it could but I don’t think it can be done at the same level as we had then.

    How did it feel being Nigeria’s First Lady at some point?

    It was quite an experience….

    Can you please share some of those experiences?

    What exactly do you want me to say because it’s a whole lot of experiences?

    Okay, was it deliberate that there was no elaborate project on your part as the First Lady vis-à-vis what was obtainable before then and even now?

    I think we didn’t stay too long (general laughter). But seriously, I don’t really know what you mean by elaborate project. I did what I needed to do in my own simple way because that is just my style. I complemented the efforts of my husband by undergoing visits during that period. Of course, I’m not in a position to judge others because while I was there, I was only interested in doing the NGO- Non Governmental Organisation- I mentioned at the outset which is just to help people. After wide range consultations, I decided to do something that I could continue with long after I might have left government, consequently we sourced for funds outside the government. It would have been easy to use my position to seek for donation here and there but that was never in my plans and we deviced other means of sourcing for funds. We tried as much as possible not to involve the government because immediately we do that, it becomes a government thing which will not outlive you in the office because others who are coming have their own ideas of what they want to do.

    What other things interest you?

    I love reading…

    Which book are you reading now?

    Right now, I’m not reading any particular book, rather I’m engrossed with Law books because there is no time. But one thing I can’t do away with when I have free time is to do my puzzle. I like puzzle.

    Why puzzle?

    Doing puzzle stimulates me and I like the challenge because it helps in adding to your vocabulary…being able to do cryptic as against the simple ones and the rest of it. Even my grand kids are so fascinated about it that anytime they come, they always want to do puzzle with me. This is one hobby that I have long cultivated. I socialise as much as I can.

    I think there is no way I should be talking with you without asking after General (Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former Head of State); what kind of person is the General?

    (Laughter) Yes, he’s my husband who is a very good father. What do you really want t me to say about him other than the fact that he’s my husband? Okay, he’s a very generous, very considerate person and what is the word that I can use (to give a complete description)? Of course, he’s very kind hearted and he is somebody who has filial feelings for other people; he is very soft and very firm.

    How did General come your way or did you have the premonition that you were going to marry somebody like him?

    You know we all grew up here in Minna in the same neighbourhood and in fact, our family houses are a stone throw from each other’s about four or five houses away. Our parents were friends and you know in those days, it was a very close-knit society and our families were particularly very close. I grew up knowing him as an elder brother for a particular time until something changed (general laughter).

    What happened at that point that ‘something changed’ because this was somebody you used to see as an elder brother?

    Of course, the change did not come suddenly like that, you know what I mean. It didn’t come in one day rather it was a gradual process and our attitude towards one another changed gradually.

    How did it work since both of you were pursuing different careers since. He is in the military and you were pursuing your career in Law, did it affect the raising family?

    Actually, I did Law in his house. We got married in 1972 just before I went into the university. So I did by LLB in Law, NYSC and all that in his house. Obviously his attitude to life had a lot to do with my success because he gave me all the opportunity to do all that I wanted to do in terms of pursuing my education and my professional career. It was easy because he gave me the support all the way. In fact, I was actually having children while I was in the University and I didn’t employ a nanny, rather it was his step mother who actually brought him up that was taking care of my children. You know it was quite easy in those days and when I had my first child, his step mother came for the naming ceremony and she didn’t go back until she died. The same thing with my grandmother who came almost about the same time…so they were the people taking care of my children for me and that really helped because I can go anyway knowing well that they were in capable hands. My mother-in-law actually died about seven years ago but my grandmother is still very much alive, but of course, I have got nannies to take care of her now (general laughter).

    Longevity must be running in your family if you still have your grandmother around, how old is she now?

    Yes, I think you are right and we thank God for that. Definitely, my grandmother is well over 100 years of age; in fact we don’t know her exact age rather we just hazard a guess based on some of the things she had said happened when she was growing up.

    What about your mum, is she alive?

    My mum died in 2009…

    By the way, why didn’t you prevail on the General to stay a bit longer when he was the Head of State?

    My interest always is to do anything that would enhance my husband’s integrity and his welfare and I would never do anything or encourage what could jeopardise that. There is no way I could mount any pressure on him to do anything that is against his interest or anything that he is pursuing. That can never arise at all.

    But stories abound about some first ladies who mounted pressure on their husbands to extend their stay longer than necessary…

    I think there is no truth in some of these stories; it is all just about perception of people outside the corridors of power. There is no woman that would want to put the life of her husband in danger or put her husband in a position that would be detrimental to the welfare of her family. I want to believe that no woman would want to do that but people make a lot of conjectures and perception about some of these things.

    You actually spoke about the General as somebody who is nice and kind-hearted, but how do you respond to allegation that he had a hand in the death of Chief MKO Abiola?

    I have nothing to say about that because it is not part of my purview.

    As we are rounding off this interview, what are the things going through your mind?

    A lot of things are going through my mind and the most important is that I want to close and go to meet my family. But frankly, you cannot just sit down and start processing all what is going through the mind, my focus now is the interview with you.

    How do you define your fashion’s style?

    Style from me? I don’t. Anybody would tell you that they have come for fashion advice from me though I won’t say I’m not conscious of fashion. But I like wearing simple things; anything that suits me and I feel comfortable in it. Sometimes when I buy things that I thought they are very good and fine, my daughters would tell me that ‘ it is not okay because they are old stuff ’ and that is to tell you that I’m not a fashion follower as such. I love it simple and I like good things.

    Finally, what will WRAPA be doing in the coming five years?

    As I told you earlier, we are networking with both local and international organisations in order to achieve our goals and objectives. At present, we are in partnership with the government of The Netherlands and we recently opened about 10 skills acquisition centres which we donated to communities across the country for women and we are going to continue to do more. We also act like a pressure group on gender issues so that government can put in place policies that are favourable to women. We would continue to do things within the limit of our pockets and pray that God continue to bless our modest efforts.

  • What can I do to have bigger breasts?

    Aunty, I’m in my 20s but I have small breasts and I have had to be using padded bras to hide my shame. What can I do to have bigger breasts?

    How to make small breasts look bigger

    By Ben Rubenstein Ideally, every woman should be happy and comfortable with the body she has. Unfortunately, many women are not. If you’re unhappy with your breasts and want to make them appear larger and firmer, read on for tips and tricks on how to achieve that without surgery, pills or the Boob Pop product.

    •Practice good posture. This is by far the least expensive and fastest way to make your breasts look bigger. Hold your head up, shoulders rolled back and down, chest forward and spine straight. This alone can make your breasts look bigger and perkier, as well as making you look slimmer and taller.

    Build up your upper pectoral muscles (working out lower pecs will actually decrease your bust size). Increasing the bulk of the muscles beneath your breasts will make them appear firmer and more rounded. Regular push-ups are one way to achieve this; build up slowly until you can manage to drop and do 15 push-ups all at once. There are also many weight training exercises you can do to build chest muscles.

    •Focus on your waist. Slimming and shaping your core (the muscles around your waist and ribs) will make your breasts appear larger by comparison, without actually adding any breast tissue. Try yoga and pilates exercises that can help you burn calories while simultaneously strengthening your core muscles.

    •Wear the right bra size. Sadly, most women wear incorrect bra sizes because they’ve never been appropriately measured. The right bra should sit snugly beneath your breasts and cup all of the tissue closely, as well as making it easier for you to stand up straight. Measure your bra size yourself, or go in for a free professional fitting at a department store. (Don’t feel shy about being professionally fitted––usually the ladies who do fittings are chosen for their warm and accepting demeanor. Remember, she’s probably seen it all.)

    •Know how to put on a bra correctly. Once you’ve been properly sized, check that you’re putting on your bra in a way that will achieve maximum lift and comfort. Slip the straps over your arms, facing forward, so that the unhooked clasps are at your back. Bend over so that all of your breast tissue falls forward, and maneuver the bra over your breasts. Still bent over, reach back and clasp the bra. Adjust the band and straps as necessary.

    •Wear bras that enhance your breasts. There are many options available, so the best way to work out what gives you your desired effect is to go and try lots of different types on. The following types of bras are the best for women wanting bigger breasts:

    Push-up bras are designed to push your breasts up (as the name implies), and move the breasts closer together, creating more cleavage. They push the breasts up using padding usually made of foam. The best known brand for making push-up bras is Wonderbra. However, most lingerie stores supply some variety of push-up bra.

    Padded bras, like push-up bras, contain foam padding in the cups. They are designed to give fuller-looking breasts to small-chested women, but don’t lift them or create extra cleavage.

    Gel, air or water padded bras are the same as padded bras but are designed to look and move more naturally, and to give a more noticeable enhancement. The only downside to these is that they often cost more money. Also, air padded bras often need the padding replaced as the air leaks out.

    •Wear clothes with a detailed neckline. Lace, ruffles and jewels, gathered material, pleats, ruching and twists are some examples of neckline details that enhance breast size appearance. These sorts of details provide a visual boost and help to make the breasts appear larger. When wearing ruffles, be careful that they are not so big that they overpower the size of your breasts; this risks going the other direction and making them look smaller!

    Stay away from low V or low scoop necklines, as give the appearance of shrinking the size of your breasts. Instead, wear moderately high, asymmetrical, crew or gathered necklines. These are the most flattering for women with smaller breasts as they enhance their shape and make them appear bigger.

    •Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing. Obviously, such clothing reveals all––what is and what is not there. Loose, roomy tops and layers are a better choice when you don’t want to draw attention to smaller breasts.

    •Live with the reality. Small breasts aren’t the burden they may seem to you. For starters, not everyone loves large breasts. Indeed, it’s an exaggeration that men only like women with large breasts––everyone has their own preference. Moreover, small breasts tend to hold up best over time, and gravity tends to be lot kinder to the small-breasted woman as you age; you’ll sag a lot less than your big-breasted sister. As long as you are healthy, try to be happy with your body.

  • Hadur packages special tours

    Hadur Travel and Tours has put together

    special private tour packages to Israel. The tour packages, according to the company’s CEO, Mrs. Olufunke Taiwo, are made to suit individual clientele, groups or families.

    This is part of the efforts of the agency to develop private pilgrimage to Israel in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Taiwo, in an interview, said: “ The market for wholesale private pilgrimages by Nigerians is fertile. We are poised to give excellent tours to meet the needs of interested Nigerians.

    “The tours are designed so you can travel freely in a safe, organized and flexible trip with the free individuals from other countries.

    “ Hadur Travel and Tours is strategically working at making the Nigerian private holy land pilgrimage more flexible, affordable and attractive to all segments of the economy .”

    Mrs. Taiwo said the new packages will start running from September. “ These visits will be to all very important sites in Israel, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth ,Jordan, among others,”she said.

     

     

  • Diabetes

    The term diabetes,when not specified, refers to Diabetes mellitus, a serious metabolic disorder characterized by defects in the body’s use of carbohydrates. The other kind of diabetes is Diabetes insipidus, which is quite a different and relatively rare condition, in which an individual passes large quantities of pale, dilute urine, with consequent dehydration and excessive thirst.

    Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome in which the basic defect is the absence or shortage of the hormone called insulin. This hormone is carried by the blood to the kidneys, where it limits the outflow of water in the urine.

    The great majority cases of Diabetes insipidus are due to a tumour or inflammation in the region of the pituitary gland, thereby suppressing ADH production. Physical damage in form of fracture of the base of the skull or surgery in the pituitary area can also cause Diabetes insipidus. In addition, there is a rare inherited form of Diabetes insipidus where the production of Anti-Diuretic Hormone is normal, but the kidneys do not respond to the circulating hormone.

    As earlier stated, in Diabetes mellitus, an organ in the body (called the pancreas) is found not to be functioning properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the Beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin is carried by the blood to all parts of the body. The body’s cells use glucose (blood sugar) as their fuel. They have receptors to which insulin becomes attached. This binding of insulin enables the cells to use glucose by converting it into energy or storing it as fat. Any defect in this process, either in the pancreas, where insulin is being produced, or at the sites of attachment of insulin to the cells, would interfere with the body’s use of fuel to produce energy.

    Apart from the malfunctioning of the Pancreas, one other cause of this disorder is unbalanced diet. Most of us consume denatured food in one way or the other. Also, food additives and unhealthy drinks, whether soft drinks, teas, coffee or liquor may predispose one to metabolic imbalance.

    The symptoms of diabetes include: frequent urination, loss of flesh, inordinate appetite, constant hunger, mental depression, progressive weakness, great thirst, dry tongue and impaired vision. The person could be irritable, restless and morose. The loss of energy is due to the loss of sugar, which is needed to generate the energy for daily activities.

    In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advised that imported styles of living (i.e. cooking, eating & drinking) must be looked into especially on the use of food additives and colourants in fast foods and so-called take-away. Heavy starchy foods should be cut down drastically, if they cannot be avoided, pending total recovery from the ailment.

    As we make efforts to repair a malfunctioning pancreas, there are some fruits and vegetables known to be helpful. These include carrots, paw-paw, cucumber, onions, garlic and lettuce, combined with soya-milk mixed with guinea-corn pap or porridge.

    Control: The Holistic remedy that has been popularly suggested for the control of Diabetes is a combination of the natural extracts of some herbs scientifically called Anchomanes difformis, Pergularia daemia, Vinca rosea and Viscum album.

    For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

  • The tycoon’s son (3)

    Selina sat at a corner table, quietly sipping a cold drink. She had arrived at the country club some minutes earlier so as to be fully prepared when Chief Agbah arrived.

    “Every Friday evening at 6 pm, he comes to the club to play a game of tennis. The only time he doesn’t come is when he’s out of the country. So, be there this week and try to meet him,” Lexie had told her a few days before. With a contact he had at the exclusive club, Lexie had arranged for admission for her.

    Selina brought out her small compact powder from her bag and studied her face in the mirror. She had taken great care with her appearance and she knew she looked really ‘hot’ as Lexie liked to say.

    Just then, a small group of men entered the large lounge of the club where she sat. Two of them, who looked like bodyguards, were dressed in dark suits and dark glasses. In their midst was a well-built, slightly tall older man wearing tennis gear- white shorts and T-shirt. Selina instantly recognised him from the pictures she had seen of him. Chief Agbah! For a man in his 60s, he looked fit, she thought.

    She watched surreptitiously as he stood talking with another man who had come up to greet him. As one of the men in his group walked towards the bar, Selina made her move. Picking up her drink, she went in the direction of the bar as if to order for another drink.

    She met the other man who was returning to his boss and ‘accidentally’ bumped into him, spilling her drink on her white blouse.

    Selina looked down at the large spill that had spread and stained her pretty top and glancing up furiously at the dark-goggled man exclaimed:

    “Oh my God! Look at what you have done! Why don’t you look where you are going?”

    “I’m sorry, Madam. It was an accident. I didn’t…” the man began to apologise.

    “You are sorry? Is that all you can say after ruining my top. You think it’s any ordinary top? It’s a Prada and you know how much I bought it in London? How could you…” She continued talking to the man in such a loud voice that it drew the attention of Chief Agbah and the others in the lounge…

    ***

    “Men! That was some good acting! You deserve an Oscar for that!” Lexie said some days later. She had just recounted to him the incident at the club and the outcome.

    “Yes! I never knew I was such a good actress. Perhaps, I should join Nollywood and become a star like Genevieve!” she stated smugly, remembering with pride her performance that day. Chief Agbah had come up to where she stood arguing with his man. He had settled the matter amicably, apologised on his man’s behalf and even promised to pay for the ruined top. But Selina had graciously declined his offer of payment, insisting the apology was enough. He had looked at her with something like admiration. And something else; the kind of look she had seen in most of the men she had met who wanted to possess her.

    Later, as she was getting into her car at the car park, one of Chief’s men had run up to her with a card and had taken her number and contact details. That morning, a parcel had been delivered to her apartment. It was from Chief.

    “It’s an IV for the birthday party of one of his friends,” and she mentioned the name of a top politician in the country.

    “This came with it too,” she announced, flashing her left hand in his face. Lexie studied the bracelet on her hand, noting the expensive-looking stones on it.

    He smiled.

    “You must have really made an impression on him for him to go to all this trouble for you,” he said. “But you can’t attend the party. And you have to return the gift,” he stated firmly.

    “Why not? How do I get close to him if we don’t meet up?” Selina protested.

    “It’s like this,” he said and went on to explain his father’s attitude towards women. Due to his status and wealth, women were greatly attracted to him, he said, with some even throwing themselves at him.

    “My father sees most women as playthings, to be used and discarded when he’s tired of them. He keeps a string of girlfriends and mistresses whom he changes often as he soon gets bored with them. To keep his interest for long, you need to be different, be less easy to get. Don’t make him think you will jump to attention whenever he snaps his fingers. And when you return his gift, you will send the message that you are not interested in his money. That will pique his interest, make him want to know you more,” Lexie said.

    Selina glanced at the bracelet, feeling sad that she had to return such a nice looking piece of jewelry.

    Lexie was right. A day after she returned the bracelet, she got a call from Chief.

    “It seems you are still angry about the incident of the other day,” were his first words to her.

    “Why do you say that, Sir?” she said, smiling to herself. She felt elated that he had called her himself and not an aide. “If he calls you directly and not through a staff, it shows you’ve really got his attention,” Lexie had said some days before.

    “You returned the gift,” Chief simply stated.

    “I had to. I feel I haven’t done anything to deserve such a costly gift,” she explained.

    “Ok, then. Can I see you this weekend? I’m having a little party at my guest house in G.R.A. I want you to come,” he said.

    “Ah! I would have loved to. But I will be in Abuja this weekend. On business,” she said. She was not going anywhere but it was all part of the game of being elusive.

    “When will you be back?” he asked, sounding disappointed.

    “I should be back by Monday.”

    He told her to call him when she arrived the city before hanging up. She smiled. She had no intention of calling.

    A week later.

    Selina was at home one evening watching a movie with her friend Tricia when the door bell rang.

    “Are you expecting anyone?” her friend asked as she took a sip of wine.

    Selina shook her head. Greg, one of her regular boyfriends was out of the country on a business trip. He was the only one she allowed to visit her without prior notice.

    Selina opened the door and was greatly surprised to see the man standing there.

    “Chief!” she exclaimed…

    •To be continued

    •Things heat up between Chief and Selina next week. Keep a date with us next Saturday!

    •Names have been changed to protect the identities of the individuals in the story.

    •Send comments/suggestions to 08023201831(sms only) or

  • Benefits of garlic in human body

    Garlic is an herb. It is best known as a flavoring for

    food. But over the years, garlic has been used as a medicine to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. The fresh clove or supplements made from the clove are used for medicine.

    Garlic is used for many conditions related to the heart and blood system. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis). Some of these uses are supported by science. Garlic actually may be effective in slowing the development of atherosclerosis and seems to be able to modestly reduce blood pressure.

    Some people use garlic to prevent colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. It is also used to treat prostate cancer and bladder cancer.

    Garlic has been tried for treating an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia; BPH), diabetes, osteoarthritis, hayfever (allergic rhinitis), traveler’s diarrhea, high blood pressure late in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), cold and flu. It is also used for building the immune system, preventing tick bites, and preventing and treating bacterial and fungal infections.

    Other uses include treatment of fever, coughs, headache, stomach ache, sinus congestion, gout, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, high blood sugar, and snakebites. It is also used for fighting stress and fatigue, and maintaining healthy liver function.

    Some people apply garlic oil to their skin to treat fungal infections, warts, and corns. There is some evidence supporting the topical use of garlic for fungal infections like ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot; but the effectiveness of garlic against warts and corns is still uncertain.

    There is a lot of variation among garlic products sold for medicinal purposes. The amount of allicin, the active ingredient and the source of garlic’s distinctive odor, depends on the method of preparation. Allicin is unstable, and changes into a different chemical rather quickly. Some manufacturers take advantage of this by aging garlic to make it odorless. Unfortunately, this also reduces the amount of allicin and compromises the effectiveness of the product. Some odorless garlic preparations and products may contain very little, if any, allicin. Methods that involve crushing the fresh clove release more allicin. Some products have a coating (enteric coating) to protect them against attack by stomach acids.

    While garlic is a common flavoring in food, some scientists have suggested that it might have a role as a food additive to prevent food poisoning. There is some evidence that fresh garlic, but not aged garlic, can kill certain bacteria such as E. coli, antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis in the laboratory.

    Courtesy: MotleyHealth.com