The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • My only regret —100-yr-old relives life as a colonial police officer

    My only regret —100-yr-old relives life as a colonial police officer

    Alhaji Tijani Adamson is one of the very few people who are privileged to have lived for a century on the planet earth and still looking very good to live for many more years to come. He would be 100 years on May 29, 2013. During his hey days, he served the police force under the British Colonial masters for 33 years. He retired as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). In this brief but exciting encounter with INNOCENT DURU, he tearfully recalls the ugly circumstance that led to his mother’s death. He also speaks about his early life and other interesting issues. Excerpts: 

    SIR, can you let us more about your background?

    I was born in May 29, 1913 into the family of Adamo Mohammed Gborigi. My father was from Kogi State while my mother was from Lagos State. I went to St. Peter’s Primary School, Lagos. I passed my Common Entrance Examination into Christian Missionary Society (SMS) Grammar School, Lagos but there was a snag: I was denied admission on the grounds that I was a Muslim. I felt bad but I devised a means to secure admission into the school the following year. So, I changed my name to Festus Adamson the following year, so I was admitted into the school.

    After my secondary school I was with Habour Works briefly before I joined the Police Force in January 1936.

    Tell us the circumstances that made you to join police because I understand that people didn’t like joining the police then?

    I simply loved the police, there was no circumstance that prompted me to join it. It was basically the love I had for it and my burning desire to help my country under the British rule that made me to join it. In the course of my service, I attended so many courses abroad. I served the police for 33 years before I was retired in 1969 under the Inspector General of Police, Kam Salem. I joined as a recruit and I passed through the ranks until I retired as an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

    When I was in the police, there were hardly cases of armed robbery the way we have them nowadays, but there were cases of burglary but murder was very rare. Then government was able to control arms importation and smuggling of arms was almost impossible. The government was very tough with this.

    Can you recall some of your defining moments in the force?

    Yes, that was when I was deployed to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Police Force. There, I proved myself as a worthy officer, a dogged fighter officer so much so that I won the plaudits of my superior officers. I was assigned to investigate some criminal cases. I investigated the suspects and they were convicted. I was given a commendation letter duly signed by Mr. Hodge, a European officer, and an award in recognition of my courageous effort.

    I remember when I was assigned to investigate a case of treasury breaking in Ughelli, Warri. I was assigned with a police vehicle, a driver and four other members of the CID. When we got to Asaba, we went on ferry across to the other side of the road, where we entered our car. Eventually, we got to Onitsha in Awomana where the stolen money from Ugheli treasury was recovered. It was God who protected us.

    Also, I remember when I was transferred to Gboko Division of the Police Force in Benue State. Then, I was assigned to an area leading to Nsukka, where many saw an escape route. It was at the height of the political crisis involving the Sardauna of Sokoto, the late Alhaji Ahmadu Bello and Takar. During the period, the area was seen as the Middle Belt. They were not Hausa, so they wanted to break away from the Northern hegemony. But the Northern leaders didn’t take kindly to it and they wanted to prevent them from pitching their tent with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group. So, that led to a riot. I was sent with my team called Riot Team to disarm the natives who were fighting with bows and arrows in 1951.

    I was also the head of the team that was sent to Badagry when the British government introduced the payment of tax in the area. The indigenes kicked against it and there was heavy riot. One of our members was killed and we dealt with the indigenes seriously. We were able to subdue them, seized their guns and arms. When you paid your tax, you would be issued a receipt, which you must always carry with you always.

    You joined the police when Nigeria was still under the British rule and after the independence, can you tell us the difference that was introduced to the force then and the transformation?

    There was great change and transformation. We were trained to be very disciplined .But after the British left, we were not allowed to remain actively in the force, so we were posted out. I was the Chief Security Officer in Boston, an Indian textile company in Lagos. So also were many of my colleagues.

    At your age, there is no doubt that you have lived through many bitter-sweet experiences in life. Therefore, can you tell us your happiest moment in life?

    Ah! That was when I performed the holy pilgrimage to Mecca in 1961. It was when I travelled to Mecca for Hajj in 1961. I am a strong believer in Allah and He always answers my prayers. The more I call Him, the more He answers my prayers.

    As a man who has gone through so many things in life and as a staunch Muslim, is there anything you would have got that you never get?

    No, there is nothing I asked for that God has not granted me. If I ask for anything and He doesn’t grant me, it may be there is an evil or danger in it. I wake up in the middle of the night to say my prayer (Ta’jud). Every Sunday morning and Thursday night, I do it. It is a special prayer. When you stick to it, you will know and respect God and human beings.

    What about your greatest regret in life?

    My greatest regret, this is something I don’t like talking about, but all the same I will tell you. It was the circumstance surrounding the death of my mum. I had a brother, Abdul-Lateef, who was very stubborn and arrogant. He had misbehaved on a certain day and my father was trying to scold him. So, I intervened and chastised him. But he soon engaged me in a fight. In the process, my mum was summoned. But while she was rushing to separate us, she hit her feet against an object, fell down and then died. I don’t always like to talk about it because it makes me cry (Wiping welling tears from his face).

    As a young man then, full of life, can you tell us some of the antics you engaged in then maybe as a result of your youthful exuberance?

    As a young man, I had my own fair share of youthful exuberance . I remember this incident very well. As a police officer in charge of the Ebute Metta Division, Lagos, I was assigned to provide security to the Awori people who were celebrating the Elegba festival. While the ceremony lasted, the participants and guests were served assorted drinks, which they drank to their satisfaction. I first drank a bottle of stout beer. Then, they also served brands of whisky and brandy, which I also drank. Later, I left the venue and went back to the police barracks where I was living. When I got to the barracks, I started feeling dizzy and my steps were wobbly, so I fell down. I then began to vomit till the following morning. Could you believe I slept in that vomit? From that moment, I resolved never to drink again and my prayer was answered.

    It is very amazing that even at your old age you still have good memory, what is you secret?

    There is not secret behind it. This gift from Almighty Allah, I still do lots of things people consider as unique. I still bathe myself. I walk without the aid of walking stick and I see, read without eye glasses. Well, maybe I will consider myself lucky. I thank God for this gift He gives me.

    As a Muslim, how many wives did you marry?

    I married three, but two have died and I have 16 children. My first born, who is doctor, is now 73 years old. As an appreciation of the grace of God in my life, my children, friends and well-wishers will celebrate 100th birthday soon.

  • 68-yr-old man dies mysteriously after sex with mistress

    68-yr-old man dies mysteriously after sex with mistress

    IT was an illicit affair turned tragic on the Lord’s Day. Mother of three, Olaitan (surname withheld), and her lover, Kehinde, had stormed their love nest for rounds of sex but the 68-year-old man died during the process.

    The incident happened on Easter Monday April 1, 2013 in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State. While Christians were preparing for picnic, the deceased called on his mistress on the telephone at about 8 am to meet him at 003 Hotel in Itamaya, Oke-Ado. He went further to book a ‘short time’ accommodation at the hotel where they both hit it off.

    A few minutes later, Kehinde allegedly coughed repeatedly and his health took a turn for the worse. In the middle of this, his mistress reached for some water thinking that he was dehydrated. Kehinde had not taking the water before he gave up the ghost at about 10 am.

    A source, who spoke with our correspondent in confidence, explained that Olaitan had left her husband and children at home on the excuse that she was visiting a friend somewhere in town.

    “When she was leaving her matrimonial home that day, she lied to her husband that she was visiting one of her friends, not knowing she had a date with her lover. She was the one to first arrive at the hotel at about 9.05 am, while the deceased arrived a few minutes before 10 am. From the look of things, the said lover might have fallen victim of Magun, better known as ‘thunder bolt,’ because he was said to have started coughing during the sex romp.

    Kehinde, said the source, had barely finished the ‘show’ when he started gasping for breath and coughing.

    “The deceased did not waste time at all. As soon as he arrived the hotel, he beckoned on Olaitan and they both went into the room only for the woman to raise the alarm a few minutes later. Her distress was what attracted the hotel employees who dashed to the scene only to find the late Kehinde convulsing.

    Speaking with our correspondent, Olaitan, who is now in police custody, said she would not have indulged in extra-marital affairs but for her husband’s inability to satisfy her sexually.

    “I am a native of Igbajo, Osun State, and I am already married with three children. My husband is a generator technician and he also sells soap. I started having affairs with the deceased in April 2012 when my husband could not take care of my needs.”

    The 44-year-old woman recalled how she met her late lover through one of her friends and how they had hit it off immediately.

    “I met Kehinde (the deceased) through a friend and I agreed to date him because he told me he really loved me. I was forced to indulge in extra-marital affairs because my husband was always complaining of being ‘broke’. There was a time my husband didn’t give me money for upkeep for more than one month. He would complain about poor sales; hence, I would have to fend for myself and our children. The little money he makes from his businesses is not enough to feed the two of us, not to talk of our children. And if I complain, he would ask me to go back to my parents because he cannot give what he does not have.

    “Whenever Kehinde wanted to have sex with me, he would give me N500. Our love nest is a hotel in Itamaya, Oke-Ado .The day of the incident was the third time that we would have sex in one of the rooms in the hotel. Although, the cause of his death remains a mystery but it’s known to God. It was unfortunate that he was yet to give the money he had promised me before he died because I was already thinking of what to do with the money.

    Speaking further, she said: “On the day of the incident, Kehinde called me at about 8.30 am and asked me to join him at the hotel. I arrived late and we immediately had sex which lasted for just three minutes. He was about dressing up when he started coughing repeatedly. I ran to the bar tender to get sachet water but he could not drink nor walk and he was already foaming in his mouth. The hotel employees also tried to communicate with him but he could not talk any more.

    On whether she was laced with Magun, she said: “My husband could not have laced me with Magun. He also patronises the hotel because he smokes and drinks. He denied lacing me with Magun when he was asked by sympathisers. He repeated the same thing when I asked him too and that made me believe that Kehinde did not die of Magun.”

    It was gathered that the matter is currently being handled by men of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Iyaganku, Ibadan while the remains of the deceased have since been deposited in the mortuary. A top police officer who spoke in confidence confirmed the story but said investigation was ongoing.

    A community leader who simply identified himself as Elder Daramola, however, said the suspect’s husband was not saying the truth.

    “Do you expect the woman’s husband to own up just like that? I am a Yoruba man and I know that Magun is a deadly charm commonly used to deal with a promiscuous woman. As far as I am concerned, Kehinde was a victim of Magun and it serves him right for having an illicit affair with a married woman. I know the woman but I don’t know the man at all but I guess the woman’s husband must have suspected that his wife was cheating on and that could naturally lead any man to take extreme measures to punish such a wayward woman.”

  • Tower: London’s iconic bridge

    Tower: London’s iconic bridge

    It is one of the most iconic images of London. A tour of London would not be complete without a visit to Tower Bridge. Due to its popularity, many tourists have come to wrongly associate it with the famous song, London Bridge is Falling Down. London Bridge is a little further from Tower Bridge, but rather drab compared to the spectacular piece of engineering that is Tower Bridge of London.

    For an average tourist in London, the commonest and cheapest of transportation to its scattered tourist sites is through the underground trains. The nearest London underground station is Tower Hill on the Circle and District lines, and the nearest Docklands Light Railway station is Tower Gateway. Alighting from the tube station, one could negotiate one’s way through the old monuments of ancient London, that is, by the famous River Thames.

    Outside the aesthetics of the bridge, it also has its share of history being one of the early modern bascule bridges.

    The idea of building the bridge first came up in the in the second half of the 19th century.The increased commercial development in the East End of London led to a requirement for a new river crossing downstream of London Bridge. A traditional fixed bridge could not be built because it would cut off access by tall-masted ships to the port facilities in the Pool of London, between London Bridge and the Tower of London.

    Construction started in 1886 and took eight years with five major contractors – Sir John Jackson (foundations), Baron Armstrong (hydraulics), William Webster, Sir H.H. Bartlett and Sir William Arrol & Co. – and employed 432 construction workers. E W Crutwell was the resident engineer for the construction. The total cost of construction was £1,184,000, that is, £100 million as of 2013.

    It was officially opened on 30 June 1894 by the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and his wife, the Princess of Wales (Alexandra of Denmark).

    The bridge connected Iron Gate on the north bank of the river with Horselydown Lane on the south. The gate and lane are now known as Tower Bridge Approach and Tower Bridge Road respectively.

    Until the bridge was opened, the Tower Subway – 400 m to the west – was the shortest way to cross the river from Tower Hill to Tooley Street in Southwark. Opened in 1870, Tower Subway was the world’s first underground (tube) railway, but closed after just three months and was re-opened as a pedestrian foot tunnel. Once Tower Bridge was open, the majority of foot traffic transferred to using the bridge. Having lost most of its income, the tunnel was closed in 1898.

    Tower Bridge is one of five London bridges now owned and maintained by the Bridge House Estates, a charitable trust overseen by the City of London Corporation. It is the only one of the trust’s bridges not to connect the City of London to the Southwark bank, the northern landfall being in Tower Hamlets.

    The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers, each 213 feet (61 m) high, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet (61 m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves which can be raised to an angle of 86 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bascules, weighing over 1,000 tons each, are counterbalanced to minimise the force required and allow raising in five minutes.

    In 1974 ,however, the original operating mechanism was largely replaced by a new electro-hydraulic drive system, designed by BHA Cromwell House. The only components of the original system still in use are the final pinions which engage with the racks fitted to the bascules. These are driven by modern hydraulic motors and gearing, using oil rather than water as the hydraulic fluid.

    The original hydraulic machinery has been retained, although it is no longer in use. It is open to the public and forms the basis for the bridge’s museum which resides in the old engine rooms on the south side of the bridge. The museum includes the steam engines, two of the accumulators and one of the hydraulic engines that moved the bascules, along with other related artefacts.

    Vessels passing through the bridge had to display signals too. By day, a black ball at least 2 feet (0.61 m) in diameter was to be mounted high up where it could be seen. By night, two red lights were in the same position. Foggy weather required repeated blasts from the ship’s steam whistle.

    If a black ball was suspended from the middle of each walkway (or a red light at night), this indicated that the bridge could not be opened. These signals were repeated about 1,000 yards (910 m) downstream at Cherry Garden Pier where boats needing to pass through the bridge had to hoist their signals/lights and sound their horn, as appropriate, to alert the Bridge Master.

    The control mechanism for the signalling equipment has been preserved and may be seen working in the bridge’s museum.

    Tower Bridge is still a busy and vital crossing of the Thames. It is crossed by over 40,000 people (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians) every day.

    The bridge is on the London Inner Ring Road, and is on the eastern boundary of the London congestion charge zone. (Drivers do not incur a charge by crossing the bridge).

    To maintain the integrity of the structure, the City of London Corporation has imposed a 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) speed restriction and an 18 tonne weight limit on vehicles using the bridge. A camera system measures the speed of traffic crossing the bridge, utilising a number plate recognition system to send fixed penalty charges to speeding drivers.

    A second system monitors other vehicle parameters. Induction loops and piezoelectric sensors are used to measure the weight, the height of the chassis above ground level and the number of axles of each vehicle.

  • ‘A lot of investiments are being held down by the non-passage of PIB’

    ‘A lot of investiments are being held down by the non-passage of PIB’

    Dr. Kune Igoni is the Managing Director of the West Africa Conferences and Exhibitions, a platform for rallying players in the power, steel and home and office equipment sectors together through a yearly exhibition. In this interview with BIDEMI BAKARE, Igoni, who was the Special Adviser on Adult Literacy to President Goodluck Jonathan when he was the Bayelsa State Governor, bares his mind on salient issues. Excerpts:  

    What is your assessment of the electricity and steel industries? Quite frankly, I can say in the distant past the electricity sector, as we saw with NEPA and later PHCN, was synonymous with total darkness. But somehow in the recent past, successive governments have so far done well in improving the situation. The NIPP projects, for instance, have been going on well all over the country. Projects, supervised by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, are going on well, while new transmission, generation and distribution stations are built all over the place. But I believe strongly that in the near future, with the cooperation of NNPC through the gas delivery outlook, definitely the power situation in the country would improve.

    On steel, we know that Nigeria has one of the best steel industries in the world with Ajaokuta Steel Company of Nigeria. Ajaokuta is on record to be one of the best in terms of infrastructure, facilities and investment. Unfortunately Nigeria has not been able to exploit this advantage and that is why we are where we are.

    Because steel production has been recognised as the driver of growth, countries like Zambia, Uganda and South Africa continue to make huge investments in capital expenditures. They enact and implement various policies resulting in the increase in steel production capacities in their countries. Unfortunately Nigeria has not got the right chord. I believe if the steel industry is put in its rightful place, the country would move faster because steel is the driver of industrial revolution as well as the platform for modern technology to thrive.

    One cannot talk about infrastructural development without talking about steel first. You cannot talk about building materials without talking about steel first. Steel is tied to development. So I think if the steel industry is looked into properly, government can generate foreign earnings from it.

    What are the underlying issues affecting these industries?

    Well, I have said that the power sector is doing very well. As a Nigerian, I am hopeful that it would be better in the near future. One of the biggest problems we have in the power industry is the workforce. They are used to working as government workers. You can imagine a place where you have monopoly and are doing a job that is pretty difficult for somebody to dismiss you when you are found wanting. That is the situation we find ourselves. I believe that by the time would thrive. Government-owned parastatals are seen as assets that belong to everybody to exploit. So I think the government should go ahead with privatising these companies and get to the end of the reform process. But they should make sure that the workers receive their benefits because whether we like it or not, even in their imperfections, even in their unpatriotic behaviour, they have served their nation.

    The Ajaokuta Steel Company has been in the news for quite some time over its controversial sale.Do you think the sale of the company was justifiable in the first place?

    It is very necessary for government to divest from major sectors. Like I have said, if you have civil servants running the place, they don’t run it professionally. If you like get the best person and make him the GM of the place. The person cannot run it the way a private investor will do it. For instance, Dangote is doing well in major sectors of our economy .As a matter of fact, I think government should hands off these strategic sectors. It should get itself busy with providing infrastructure alone and not doing business because government is not good at doing business.

    Look at the fertiliser plant at Onne, for instance, the plant was before seen as patronage for politicians. But as the government hands off, it is now one of the best and infact it is going to be the biggest in West Africa because it is now in private hands. So government should concentrate on defence, providing infrastructure, housing, good roads and good education rather than doing business. It cannot be doing this and do business at the same time.

    The controversy on Ajaokuta is the same politics of government. During our power and steel event last year which Ajaokuta Steel Company attended, what we saw was an eye opener. When we spoke to them, it was surprising to know the fact that there are other minerals apart from steel which Nigeria has in abundance. But government is not looking at those minerals with the intention of developing them by inviting investors like they did in GSM and all that. The government can do an international publication on all the minerals for would-be investors to get the idea of the minerals that can be invested on. But first and foremost, I believe we need subsisting laws like the Power Sector Reform Act 2005 for the power sector in this country for this to be possible. Nobody would come and do business when the law is not clear.

    Perhaps, that takes me to the issue of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). I have always said it that the thinking of so many of us is that some people are just throwing up issues to frustrate the passage of the bill. When you look at the PIB, interested parties, whether from the North or South, are just playing politics with it. This is because when you go to the NNPC, for instance, you would not see more Niger Delta people than people from other parts like the North. Nobody takes statistics of who are employed in NNPC. So I am at a loss when some senators say the 10 % fund for the host communities is too much. I see it as funny. One thing we must understand is that a lot of investments are being held down due to the non-passage of the bill. Brass LNG and Olokola LNG are typical examples of investments being held.

    As much as we have our different opinions on the bill and its interpretation, even at this level of its non-passage, I believe that it is not a matter of tilting to any area. The most important thing is for us Nigerians to get the industry working. It is a highly competitive industry. For the past 10 years, the industry has been virtually stagnant. The IOCs are making new and huge investments in other countries, and more countries are joining the oil and gas producers train. I think the various versions of the draft bill have clauses protecting the immediate environments, I mean the oil and gas producing areas. Even if it is not adequate for now, clauses in the bill ranging from setting up the Petroleum Host Communities Fund in which some percentage of the net profit of the oil and gas companies operating in the area is set aside for the development is highly welcome. The Bill also sets out to end gas flaring by a flare down date to protect the health and safety of the environment.

    Therefore, Nigeria cannot afford to continue losing investments in the hydrocarbon industry by not passing the bill into law as the bill has in place reforms to take full advantage of our resources and potential to drive the industry to benefit all Nigerians in all facets of developments. The non-passage of this all important Bill has only succeeded in driving away investments to other investment friendly countries like Ghana, Angola, Libya and even South Sudan

    Could it be right to say that the economic non-viability of Ajaokuta was a reason for its sale?

    Irrespective of the factor that led to the sale, what I am saying is privatisation is the way to go. Even with the current state of Ajaokuta, I believe experts would have come in to ascertain what part of it is still okay. The experts would also have discovered the aspect of it that cannot be managed because of modern technology. So it is a matter of government calling international bidders and putting it on sale. Again, I understand that some Indian companies bought it sometime ago and there was controversy as the succeeding government came in and cancelled the transaction.

    What I think is required is for the government to come up with a strong policy backed by law through the National Assembly to protect the sanctity of any Backed by law through the National Assembly to protect the sanctity of any contract that is entered into by any government whether in or out of power. No doubt, before any such decision on sale is made, I am sure due process would have been followed. So a strong policy would have prevented the current controversy going on.

    Do you think proper independent study was done on the viability or otherwise of Ajaokuta steel by both local and international professionals before the recommendation for sale?

    I think this is not even the issue. The recommendation for sale should be the policy of the government. If government agrees today that we cannot do this power thing and wants to sell it off, it can go ahead provided there is a policy. Once you have a policy in place, it is the bidding thing that would then follow. Government cannot even appoint people to dictate to her how much her assets should be sold. Even if it is appointing people to look at the cost, it is the international bidding price that would determine how much the asset is to be sold.

    Take for example the GSM, when the government was issuing these GSM licences at very high costs, a lot of people were wondering and saying nobody would be willing to buy. But today if you consider how much these telecom companies have made, one would understand why the companies went for the licences despite the supposed huge costs. They knew how much they were going to make. Right now, more people are interested in investing in the sector because of the huge potential returns in it. So whatever it is, it is the government policy protected by the law that matters in the end.

    For the steel industry to attain its full potential, it is believed that issues of infrastructure, power and utilities must be adequately addressed. How can we address the issues?

    That, to me, is simple again. The only problem Nigeria has is power. There is no other problem. We have got the market, we have got the purchasing power, we have got human resources, the only problem is power. And I believe the government is doing something about this.

    Yes, there could be the security problem, but there are countries with worse security situations and their economies are thriving. I believe that power is number 1 and security is number 2. Once these two things are taken care of, Nigeria would be one of the best environments with the favourable investment climate in the world. At least to some extent, we have been able to prove that we have political stability. Infact, I want to give kudos to the president and his team for that. Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world where anybody can abuse the president anyhow he likes and gets away with it. To me, that is the best dividend of our democratic experiment. So we are not doing badly; the problem is just power which I said if the government goes ahead with what it is doing, things would change for better for the country. So, in a nutshell, I support government’s decision to sell these assets for private people to take over.

    Do you think we have proper and adequate planning in the execution of our power projects?

    The term proper planning is a relative one. What is proper planning to me may not be the same to you. But I believe strongly that having planning is one thing but the actual thing is implementation. Because, to me, I have said government must have the political will to open up and privatise these industries. No matter the amount they want it sold, let there be a proper bidding process. There should be transparency and openness in the process of handing over the process of international companies bidding for these assets and the process of paying wisely for these projects. So it is not a matter of planning to me; it is a matter of getting the right things done by the right people and government divesting and allowing private investors to come in.

    Let’s talk about your upcoming electricity, power, modern homes and furniture exhibition and conference; what is the event meant to achieve?

    The Annual Electricity, Steel, Modern Homes & Offices Exhibition and Conference 2013 Event with the theme ”New Markets, New Possibilities,” which is in its second year running is geared towards bringing together all power, steel, modern homes and offices equipment manufacturers and industry players across the globe to the heart of Africa, Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, from 28-30 May.

    With Nigeria recording a current trade surplus of about 9.2 Billion USD and balance of trade of 14.6 Billion USD, investment in the sub-region is taking a new turn as the market is becoming more attractive to global economy key players looking to reach developing economies for business.

    So,the forum intends to encourage the fostering of partnership of all key players to bridge the gap between the demand and supply infrastructure and services delivery through competition and responsiveness to opportunities.

  • Sexual harassment? It’s everywhere

    Sexual harassment? It’s everywhere

    Over the years, the Nigerian music scene has witnessed the emergence of divas who have held sway over the stage and remained relevant part of our musical lives. Stella Monye came on stage in 1984 when singing and being a female professional musician was almost like a cultural taboo. But like the teenage sensation that she was, her music wormed itself into the hearts of the Nigerian populace and went even beyond the shores.. With positive engagements by the Nigerian government, Stella became a musical ambassador for Nigeria, representing the country in many climes. She recalls the consternation on her parents faces when she told them at 14, she was going to makeher first appearance on television. And she did, on the Art Alade Show. So, come next Sunday, Stella Monye will celebrate her 30th years on stage along with the Nigerian government, the international music community, corporate organisations and the music industry. She will be lavishly hosted with songs, dance and merry making. PAUL UKPABIO spoke to her as she approaches this land mark celebration. With few days to go to Stella’s great celebration, the ‘Samba Queen’ as she is popularly known, was all about the place with her team, trying to ensure that preparations were in top gear. The interview was slated for Stella’s studio in the outskirts of the city of Lagos. But just an hour to the appointment, Stella informed us that we should rather meet at The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. By the time we got there, Stella was in a wheel chair, heading for the ward with loads of medication by her side. The Samba Queen’s blood sugar had risen to an all-time high and the doctors were perplexed that she had not collapsed hours earlier! Infuriated that Stella still had the nerve to drive herself to the hospital, the nurses administered on her various medications, including that which would make her drowsy and off to a goodnight sleep, compelling her to rest for a few days before her show. But the Samba Queen waved away their panic, as she hosted friends, some of who flew into the country for her up coming show, right there by her hospital bedside. And of course, she insisted that the interview must be taken as she couldn’t guarantee another time for it afterwards. Excerpts: 

    In a few days time, you’ll be celebrating your 30 years on the musical stage, how do you feel?

    It is a joyful thing. It is a time for reflection. Some people never live to see any of their anniversaries to celebrate, but here I am, I have been able to get to that point where people are saying that Stella, we have to celebrate you, because you have done so much. I am grateful to God and I look forward to the grand show, which will take place at the Bespoke Centre, right in front of House on the Rock, Lekki, Ajah Expressway.

    What should we be expecting at the celebration?

    There is going to be lots of highlife music, the best of Stella Monye’s album! A lot of groups, musical groups are doing different versions of my various works. The Steel band is doing their own. Disc Jockeys are doing their own version. The new generation artistes are doing their own version. Yinka Davies is doing the jazz version. So we have different versions of my songs that will all be unveiled that day.

    I have been inundated severally over the last weeks by friends here and abroad. Who want to be a part of the event. People are coming from overseas. Of course, when the idea was brought to me, I wanted to bring Boney M, the biggest black group to Nigeria, to witness this great upcoming event. But we had issues of logistics, there are five of them in the group, so we needed five tickets, top accommodation, and all that. Luckily for us, they did not charge us anything. But even then, we didn’t get a corporate organisation to sponsor that, I mean to pick up the bill. But on that day, I will be doing a special choreograph dance with Jeffery Daniels of Shalamar fame. Jeffery is in town. I’m excited because, its going to be great. We are also expecting a female new generation artiste from Kenya.

    Can you look back at those years again?

    Yes, looking back, I see the the good, the bad and the ugly; all the ups and downs, all the fame, all the open doors, it had its pros and con, all these has eventually made me what I am today.

    How did it start for you?

    It started from school, though for some other people, it started from church choir. The traces just started showing in my case while I was in secondary school. I was in the literary and debating society then. I was in dramatic society too. I was shuttling between the two. When my friends see me at the literary and debating society, they told me, go to the dramatic society. They said that it was there I belonged. I liked the literary and debating society because I loved to argue. That was one of the reasons that my father wanted me to be a lawyer. I never became one though. One day I returned home from school and I did a song and then everyone was telling me that the song was lovely. Before I knew it, I was being encouraged to take it to a recording company. I was stunned and did not really understand it. However, I took it reluctantly to EMI, the then known recording company. I dropped it with them and forgot about it entirely.

    But then, one day I came back home from school to find that a letter was waiting for me at the house, the content of which was that my demo song was chosen as the best at the constituted musical panel at the company. They requested that I should come and sign a contract with them. That was it. It was as straight forward as that. So I went to EMI still puzzled at what they meant by a contract. I signed the contract to produce an album with the company. That was how Oko mi ye came out and it was an immediate blast. It went on to be a platinum in 1984.

    How was the feeling like for you, becoming a star with a hit song at that time?

    It was a shock, I used to stop and wonder out loud. I could not imagine that I could sing a song that could become so popular that people were playing it and singing everywhere. It was regular on radio and virtually everywhere. It was nice.

    Did it go into your head?

    No it didn’t, stardom did not change me because I was still living with my parents even when I was the music rave . I was everywhere, going out to entertain and taking interviews. My parents were somewhat worried that, ‘Is this the life you want to live?’ But then, I must say that they understood somehow.

    Who were your music contemporaries then?

    A lot of us were on the scene then. I can recall that Kris Okotie was on the scene. Jide Obi was there too. Onyeka Onwenu was there. So also was the Late Christie Essien Igbokwe as well as Funmi Adams, Dora Ifudu and Martha Olaeto. We were meeting at different concerts, music then was very interesting, the lyrics were positive and influencing the people and society. These days, the lyrics are not worth holding unto, all they say now is shake your bum bum, pop your boobs. Show your ass. I was lucky, as soon as I record an album, before you know it, a particular song there becomes a hit and you find out that it is what is played everywhere, just like it happened with Ife and Kilode. Meanwhile, there were other songs therein those same albums. So I can say that, I recorded lots of songs.

    So how are musicians in the country making it now?

    I’m puzzled, but I know that we are all digressing into other things. In 2008 for instance, I went into making shirts and tie for the working class from African fabrics. I called it ‘Samba Wears’. I also started a perfume line called ‘Stella’. The fragrance is being re-packaged and produced in France. So some musicians are persistent to their calling. And some of the new generation artistes are carting away all the money. We did all the work, while they are carting away the money now.

    What is their own magic wand?

    There is no magic wand whatever, it is just the trend. The corporate bodies have decided to favour them more than us. The branding is where the money is now, it’s either you get branded or you do huge concerts or face Alaba. Though I hear that Alaba boys buy the tape off you, but I still think that it is a rip off because after buying your tape, he can take it to anywhere in the world and make any amount of money he likes with it. It is like selling out your soul. It is ridiculous.

    As a woman who has strived in the music industry, how easy would you say it is for a woman to survive in there?

    It depends on the woman’s focus, how determine she is, her state of mind and her nature. That’s because whatever she does or aspires to become depends on the individual, it has nothing to do with the gender.

    How about sexual harassment in the industry?

    Oh, that one is everywhere, it is in all the professions, someone will harass you sexually. It is not peculiar to music. A woman has to handle that too in the best way that she can handle it. You have to be diplomatic.

    Do women in the music industry take after drugs like their male counterpart?

    In this part of the world, that is not common. But it is not as if it is not there, but it is not common. It is not necessary that a musician whether male or female should get high before performance anyway, but again, people get high differently. You can get high without even taking anything. Some people drink alcohol before getting on stage because they think that will stop them from being shy because some people are actually shy. But I don’t think it is a must.

    What makes you go high when you want to get on stage?

    It’s like asking a soldier what inspires him when he wants to go and shoot. He is a soldier, he knows he is a soldier, so he has to shoot somebody. Once it’s time for me to get on stage, I key in. it’s my job. I ask myself, will I be able to put smiles on the faces of these people in the audience? I study the psychology of the audience. I know I must move them from their seats or it means I have failed.

    You work with a band, how easy is that?

    Your ability to work with a band shows that you are matured in the music business. It shows professionalism and shows that you are truly talented. If not, you can’t work with a band. It is not easy to sing with a band, it takes a whole lot of expertise. I work best with a band and on stage. I have had a band since 1990, the band is always there for me, but these days, we act more professionally, we gather when there’s work to be done.

    Can you share some of your glorious moments with us?

    I have done a lot of work for Nigeria, instead of me to get angry that Nigeria is not rewarding me, I think it’s better to say thank you to Nigeria because those experiences I gathered travelling around the world to represent my country, just being an ambassador for my country, are the most glorious moments I’ve had. The way professionals are treated out there is wonderful, and I enjoyed it all. I’ve enjoyed the ambience of the best and best in my job and I think that has been a beautiful experience. I have been lucky to have been in all the national musical engagements too. I was at Abuja at 30, I was at Nigeria 99. I was at COJA, while at the University of Lagos Centre for Cultural Studies before I went to University of Ife for a degree in Theatre Arts, I acted Oya in the play Sango Olukoso which was presented at the Horizonte World Festival of Arts in Berlin, Germany. The play later toured many European countries including Switzerland and The Netherlands.

    I was also at the all African Universities Sports Festival in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire, to sing the Nigerian national anthem besides the University of Lagos team. In 1999 I was part of the team that produced and presented the theme song for the Coca-cola World Junior Football Championship in Nigeria. I also remember during the early years of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), I did produce jingles, wrote and recorded several songs that promoted the objectives of the commission. I was at a lot of other things like that. My career has been full of national and international assignments for the country. It has been a rare opportunity.

    What has been your relationship with other musicians?

    Funny enough, I have been getting along with everybody satisfactorily, from the older generation to the newer generation, I get along with everybody despite the various divisions that have characterised the musicians’ body. I was with Ara and Kenny Saint Brown the other day, it was most wonderful. When I see Omawunmi or Kefee anywhere, it is ‘Oh my sister!’ When I come across Waje, she kneels down to greet me, it’s wonderful. That is also probably because, when it comes to issues of politics within the musician’s body, I never get involved.

    Regrets?

    I don’t have any. Why? What for? All the experiences that I have had, good, bad, ugly, all make up for the life that I am spending. All the things I have gone through make me. So I look back and it gives me the courage to tell some other person that I have been there, and I have been here too. I can tell you with authority when you ask me, that some things will go this way, if you do them and some things will go that way when you do them. That is the beauty of life.

    What does the future hold for you?

    It’s definitely going to get better. I am optimistic because music is becoming more dynamic. I am happy that gradually, the younger generation are going back to play our kind of music, old wine inside new bottle. They have realised that they have to do what we did to move forward. It’s beautiful and the public is accepting it.

    Still looking sprite, just the way the public used to know you many years back. How do you keep fit?

    Nothing, though I know that I am very energetic but I do not know where the energy comes from. I bubble with life, I move around a lot. I’m supposed to be sleeping right now, but I am talking, that’s the way it is. It is nature I guess, my mother must have been a Fulani descendant because she looked more like the Fulanis. I used to tease her that ‘Are you sure that your mother did not go and do a Fulani man?’ (laughs). Even my grand ma looked like a Fulani woman. So we have that trait which keeps us looking fit.

    Do you look forward to retiring someday soon from professional engagements?

    (Laughs) Mariam Makeba died on stage, I’m still bubbling with life. I’m just starting, I’ve not done anything yet. After all, Madonna is still singing; Mary J Blige is still singing; Tina Turner is still on stage. If Whitney Houston didn’t die, she’ll still be singing, these are inspiring female singers that relate to me. As long as I am fit to get on that stage, the music continues…

    What next after this celebration?

    Hmm, we are having a stage players concert which will grow into a bigger thing. It is meant to bring the icons and the new generation together in a happy celebration. I thank my fans who have kept me going over these years.

  • Ethiopian Airline eager to get Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying

    Ethiopian Airline eager to get Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying

    The chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines says it is seeking approval from America’s Federal Aviation Administration and from Boeing to put its grounded Boeing 787s back into service.

    Ethiopian Airlines chief executive officer, Tewolde Gebremariam, told agency press that the company expects FAA approval within a few days.

    Meanwhile, FAA Administrator, Michael Huerta, told lawmakers on Tuesday that the Chicago plane maker “has completed all required tests and analyses” of battery fixes to its 787 Dreamliner, including providing an extensive set of documents intended to demonstrate their safety.

    Mr. Huerta in written testimony told the Senate Commerce Committee that the agency is reviewing Boeing’s submission and will give final approval to put the planes back into commercial service when the agency is satisfied that the redesigned battery system meets FAA requirements.

    Without providing a timetable for allowing the planes to resume commercial flights, Mr. Huerta said Boeing and the FAA had negotiated the specific fixes and had agreed on detailed ground and airborne testing procedures to ensure “maintaining the highest levels of safety.” Under the best-case scenario, some airlines that operated 787s have said they anticipated a limited return to passenger service as soon as next month.

    After the hearing, Mr. Huerta told reporters he expected the decision to come “very soon,” though he didn’t elaborate.

    Mr. Huerta’s testimony came amid growing frustration and concern expressed privately by some senior Boeing executives about what they said was the government’s extended decision-making process.

    After a seemingly successful test flight on April 5, Boeing had hoped that the FAA would give a mid-April go-ahead to start helping carriers install the new battery systems. But many Boeing and airline executives now anticipate a delay until the end of the month, if not later.

    The final decision is up to Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, who on Monday said it would come “soon,” but suggested that he wouldn’t be rushed.

    Senator Jay Rockefeller, the West Virginia Democrat who chairs the Senate panel, said the redesign of the 787s lithium-ion batteries “is a perfect example of where the regulators identified and acted swiftly to address a serious safety problem.”

    But in other testimony Tuesday, the committee heard criticism of the FAA’s overall approach to certifying the safety of new aircraft and cutting-edge technology, such as the 787’s batteries.

    The FAA relied heavily on Boeing’s expertise and allowed the company to run all testing before the agency gave the initial green light for the 787 batteries six years ago.

    The FAA faces significant budget constraints and other challenges in “maintaining up-to-date knowledge” in its role of approving new equipment, according to prepared testimony from the Government Accountability Office, a congressional watchdog.

    Gerald Dillingham, a senior GAO official, reiterated that FAA experts broadly “have not been able to keep pace with industry changes” and, therefore, may face a “struggle to understand the aircraft or equipment they are tasked with certifying.” Those difficulties will grow, according to other experts, as industry activity ramps up, but government spending on certification is unchanged.

    Written testimony by the Department of Transportation’s inspector general’s office criticized the FAA for, among other things, failing to ensure the competence of company staff who were designated to certify aircraft or components for the agency. The statement also said that FAA headquarters hadn’t issued “clear, written guidance on how to oversee” choosing such industry employees.

    Mr. Huerta for the first time also said that the FAA is reviewing whether the 787 should be permitted to resume flying routes over water that would take it up to three hours from airports suitable for emergency landings. Industry experts generally expect the FAA to reinstate that approval, though Mr. Huerta declined to tell lawmakers his position.

  • I’m not a member of robbery gang, I’m only their friend

    I’m not a member of robbery gang, I’m only their friend

    Following a tip-off by members of the public, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested a robbery suspect at Orisunbare, Ayobo area of Lagos. The suspect, named Kazeem Adebola, was said to be acting as the armourer for a robbery gang.

    A SARS operative, named Charles, was said to have stormed Kazeem’s one-room apartment at Orisumbare after he got information that he was in custody of weapons belonging to the gang. His adventure did not yield immediate dividend because he did not find any incriminating item in the house.

    He was, however, perturbed by the fact that the one room the suspect lived in had no burglary proof, a situation that could help a criminal to easily escape arrest by jumping through the window into the nearby bush.

    Adebola was said to have denied being an armed robber or having any gun in his house. The policeman, however, proceeded to the kitchen to carry out a search. As he searched the kitchen, he saw a sack and opened it only to find two AK47 rifles. He then threatened to shoot the suspect dead if he did not tell the truth.

    At that point, Adebola said the rifles belonged to his friend named Asumo who he said also owned a car parked in front of the house. He swore that he had not stolen a pin in his life.

    The SARS operative ordered the suspect to move to the car purportedly owned by Asumo and a search on the car revealed three other AK47 rifles and 16 magazines fully loaded with 30 live ammunition each.

    Charles immediately whistled to another SARS operative who had come with him to search the ceiling of the house, while he kept watch on the suspect to prevent him from escaping. In the ceiling of the house, 17 other magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition were said to have been discovered.

    The SARS operatives then took the suspect, the rifles, magazines and the car, a Honda Civic Coupe with registration number EST 592 BC, to Scorpion House at the Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, for further investigation.

    Adebola said: “I live in one room in Orisumbare area of Ayobo. The house has no street address because most houses there have not been given street names. But I work at Olusola area of the same Ayobo. I can swear by anything, that I am not an armed robber. I have not stolen anybody’s money or property. I am only a hustler.

    “I am not the owner of the rifles. I have a friend called Asumo. He is a very close friend. Last week, he visited me, and I am such a person my friends like to even sleep in my room, no matter their number, so far as they are not armed robbers.

    “So, last week, Asumo came with the Honda Civic. When I opened the car, I saw two AK47 rifles. I took them to the kitchen and hid them there so that the police would not pay me surprise visit and see the rifles in my room.

    “I am telling you the truth; the rifles belong to Asumo. I did not know that there were more rifles and loaded magazines in the car and in the ceiling. I don’t know how the magazines entered the ceiling.

    “There was a time Asumo came with some of his boys but I was tired and slept off. It might be that time that they hid the magazines and ammunition in the ceiling.

    “To prove my innocence, the five rifles and 31 AK47 magazines fully loaded and neatly parked and concealed in a specially constructed compartment in a silver colour Civic Coupe belong to Asumo and his gang members.

    “I know that Asumo is an armed robber, but he is my friend. I cannot deny him. I kept the weapons for him for good three days so that he would make time to come and carry them.

    “Even whenever they hold meetings in my house, I never cared to pokenose. I am not a gang member but a mere friend to Asumo. I kept weapons for them temporarily. Therefore, I am not qualified to be addressed as the gang’s armourer.”

  • Ncpc boss John Opara honoured

    Ncpc boss John Opara honoured

    The Executive Secre tary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara, was honoured with an award of the Champion of Above and Beyond by the Centre for Africa Development in collaboration with Feed One Feed A Family recently in his office in Abuja

    At the presentation of the award, the President of the centre , Pastor Sally William Chinebu, said “God has used the NCPC boss to touch the lives of many Christians and has impacted positively on the Christian community in Nigeria.”

    She said “the administration of Mr. Opara has added more value to pilgrimage than it used to be.A lot of Christians in Nigeria are eager to visit the holy land to see for themselves that the Bible is real”

    While presenting the award, the President of the Feed One Feed A Family, Bishop Amen Howard, stated that the award was meant to honour Mr Opara for his efforts in making pilgrimage in Nigeria become valuable.

    In his words, “you have made a dilapidated system functional and back to life”.

    He also commended the Executive Secretary for enlarging the scope of pilgrimage to Rome and Greece and other holy lands linked to God.

    He assured the NCPC helmsman that his ministry would continually pray to God to strengthen him and give him the vision to carry on in his work

    In his response, Mr Opara thanked the President and the members of his ministry for the award. He appreciated them for their commitment to God’s work.

    The NCPC boss stressed the need for every Christian to strive and live in uprightness and integrity.

    He emphasized that our lives should be such that would draw people unto God.

    In his words, “the greatest gift you can give to anyone is bringing him to God”.

    He encouraged Christians to evangelize the gospel to the world because “we are all supposed to be preachers and evangelists through the lives we live”.

    Mr. Opara told his guests that the theme “for our pilgrimage is “Pilgrimage as a Tool for Transformation and Spiritual Rebirth”.

    He stressed that it is the believe of the Commission that as many people that would have the opportunity to go on pilgrimage would have a spiritual rebirth and in turn come back to affect the people around them positively.

    The NCPC Chief Executive promised that the Commission would be willing to support the Ministry whenever the need arises.

  • Should I accept his request or endure my boredom?

    Hi Mrs. Deola, I am 19. I am in love with a guy who already has a baby from another lady (now his ex). Though I love him but I am afraid he might dump me because he is in his final year in the university and I am yet to gain admission. Should I accept his request or endure my boredom?

    I know a lot of girls/women make the mistake of dating out of pity and sometimes boredom, but in the long run, it won’t do you any good. If you’re not too sure about this guy, remain friends with him and I think being friends is enough to kill boredom. For the love of yourself, always remember that this guy is still in school and so, unable to plan for a future with you, if that is what you’re hopingf or. He has a baby to plan for and for him to have told you about his child means he loves the baby and would put him/her first. Whatever he does with any lady now may be a game because even his parents would frown at him starting something with someone new which might result in another unplanned baby. Think well and make up your mind on the consequences.

  • La Campagne Tropicana’s package

    La Campagne Tropicana’s package

    La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos last Easter hosted a four-day package for guests of the Nigeria’s foremost holiday resort by inviting a group of musicians who came all the way from the United States of America [USA] taking up African names on the beach front.

    The group, Club Nouveau R&B-pop band members- made up of Jay King [Kolawole], Samuelle Prater [Seun] and Valerie Watson, put up a superlative performance to the delight of the several guests and people within the Ikegun environ.

    The Easter package, which was put together by Wanle Akinboboye, founder of the resort and the Tourism Ambassador of World Conference of Mayors for Africa, commended the management’s generosity for bringing the American group and Nigeria’s top acts.

    Apart from Club Nouveau that thrilled the crowd, Iyanya Mbuk [popularly known as Iyanya], in-house super star, Oluwatoyin Oluwaferanmi Akinola [Afe Onikoko], world’s known only female potter, Ibukun Ayoola, fondly called [Olo], and Anu Azigbu, both of Atunda Entertainment also performed.

    The Easter celebration was an unforgettable one for fun lovers.

    The package tagged “Easter and More” was a mixture of music, beach fun and culinary experience.

    Apart from the aforementioned, the beach offers opportunity for nature walk on the mangrove forest at the beach front.

    Like Akinboboye often says, “As our tradition, La Campagne will always offer exquisite experience”.

    He said: “The Easter festivities, which kicked off on Good Friday when the guests started arriving for the weekend of fun, ran through Monday for the main performance when Club Nouveau and Iyanya mounted the stage.

    “Activities for the first day included dance aerobic, swimming, canoeing, among other outdoor sporting activities. The atmosphere was a mini-carnival in which people paraded on the beach front and danced to good music.”

    Akinboboye, who is also the CEO of Atunda Entertainment, stated that Club Nouveau R&B was picked among the very many artists considered for the Easter celebration because the group possesses one of the most memorable, distinctive music ever heard in popular music with their hit song, Lean on me.

    One major aspect of the Club Nouveau group activities was their adoption of African [Yoruba] names, a function performed by His Royal Highness, Musiliu Habib Sanni, Bale of Ikegun in the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.