The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Boeing confident about 787 Dreamliner

    A senior Boeing engineer said the plane maker have “extreme confidence” in the 787 Dreamliner, despite three of mishaps this week, including a battery fire.

    “Clearly there are issues that we have to work through,” Mike Sinnett, vice president and chief project engineer for the Boeing 787, told reporters.

    “And just like any new airplane programme, we worked through those issues and we moved on. So while we’re happy with the level of the performance of the airplane, we’re not satisfied until our reliability and our performance is 100 per cent. We’re not happy until we’re perfect,” he said.

    Earlier on Wednesday, airlines played down safety concerns over the 787, with Qatar Airways’ chief executive dismissing recent mishaps as “teething problems.”

    Boeing’s stock closed up 3.55 per cent Wednesday after sinking nearly 5 per cent over the previous two days, its biggest such loss in 13 months.

    A fuel leak forced a Boeing 787 operated by Japan Airlines to return to the gate at Boston’s Logan International Airport on Tuesday, a day after a fire ignited in the cabin on a JAL Dreamliner at the same airport. A firefighter sustained minor injuries.

    Boeing said it traced the fire to a lithium ion battery in the plane’s auxiliary power unit.

    The transportation safety board of the United States of America (USA) said an auxiliary power unit battery had severe fire damage, and heat damage was found near the unit in the rear electronics bay. The investigation is continuing.

    “Nothing that we’ve seen in this case indicates a relationship to any previous 787 power system events which involved power panel faults elsewhere in the electrical equipment bay,” Boeing spokeswoman Lori Gunter said.

  • Why I was reluctant to become governor of Western Region—Adeyinka Adebayo

    Why I was reluctant to become governor of Western Region—Adeyinka Adebayo

    Major-General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd), was the military governor of the old Western Region the during the reign of General Yakubu Gowon. Except you have read about him or you were his contemporary, nothing about him, as he sits staring at you, depicts greatness. But he has seen it all. He staked his life for the unity of Nigeria. He ranks as one of the oldest surviving Civil War generals in Nigeria. Shortly after an introduction at a recent event in Ekiti State, The Nation’s DUPE OLAOYE-OSINKOLU met with him and had a very brief chat with him.

    THE retired General, picking his words carefully, recalled his military days with nostalgia, as he took this reporter down memory lane.

    He said Nigeria has departed from the good old days of secure and disciplined country, adding that the country needed re-adjustment if it would remain one. He was particular about loyalty and unity.

    His reminiscence brings to mind the slogan: ‘To keep Nigeria one, is a task that must be done’. Pa Adebayo thanked God for saving his life which he said would have been snuffed out by coupists in 1966, but for His (God’s) grace.

    “I was lucky the coup plotters did not know I was in the country. They would have killed me.”

    How did he escape their hot-red led? He explained that he was in England for training, courtesy of the Nigeria Army. He was the Chief of Staff, Nigeria Army Headquarters during late General Aguiyi Ironsi’s short administration. He was to go with other course mates from Imperial Defence College, London, where he was the only African officer. His college was to go on a tour of the world. He decided to dash home and consults the Head of State before embarking on the journey.

    His arrival in the country, however, coincided with the coup but his colleagues knew he was away in England, none of them knew he was in Nigeria, which turned out a saving grace for him.

    “We were to go on a tour of the world from my college in London. And I felt I should consult my head of state before going on that tour in order to know his policy and that of Nigeria. Unfortunately, I did not see him, the coup took place then. I was lucky the coup plotters didn’t know I was in the country. They would have killed me.

    “There was confusion because the military governor of Western Region, Col. Adekunle Fajuyi who was junior to me on the job was killed in the first coup and Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba, did not know who would take over the administration of the region. I went to the Yoruba elders whom I knew very well in Lagos before I went on that course. People like Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Chief Justice of the Federation, Chief S.L. Edu, Dr Majekodunmi. I went to discuss the situation in the country with them.”

    Pa Adebayo said they were surprised to see him because they knew he was on a course in England. The elders pleaded with him to take over as governor of Western Region but he refused, saying the assassinated governor was his junior. They insisted he must become governor of the region since the Northerners had insisted Gowon must take over as Head of State, following the killing of General Aguyi Ironsi by the coupists.

    “It took me three days to agree to become the governor of Western Region, again because of the seniority. I was senior to Gowon. He was working under me before I left for England. But the Yoruba elders insisted I must be in charge of the West. I agreed on the fourth day because I did not want more problems for Nigeria.”

    Looking at governance today, he said it is very different from what they had then. He said military governors in those days were good and disciplined. He added that security was also very good. He lamented the current state of security in the country.

    “Unfortunately, security now is a mixed situation. One can’t guarantee sincere security now. The loyalty is not there, no sincerity. There are too many political parties. Everybody wants to be president. We cannot achieve much unless there is loyalty and discipline; to have one Nigeria, we must have loyalty among the leaders, less number of leadership, less number of political parties. Think more of the country, then of your personal state.”

    He recalled that selflessness was a key word in his days in government.

    “When I was there, I never thought of myself as an Ekiti man or a Yoruba man. I thought of myself as a Nigerian.”

    Calling for the re-adjustment of the country, Pa Adebayo said people should put the country first before self. He said the country should rise above tribalism, as ‘united we stand.’

    On whether a woman president should be allowed to emerge, he allowed a smile and said: “That would depend on her party and tribe. No doubt, women are good. They should not be any difference between men and women. No discrimination.”

    Having served the country as a governor, how did he feel when his son also became a governor? He said he did not even campaign for him; he was only advising him behind the scene. He was, however, pleased with his son, Niyi, the first elected governor of Ekiti State “For copying good things from me.” Papa said the Ekiti people voted for his son because of the way he (his father) served them as governor of Western Region.

  • ‘Tanker explosion victim had just reunited with husband after four years of living apart’

    ‘Tanker explosion victim had just reunited with husband after four years of living apart’

    It was tragedy at nightfall in Ago-Egun, Idiroko, Ogun State, and it happened so fast on Wednesday January 2, 2013. Not a few residents were already in bed when a petrol tanker carrying about 33,000 litres of petrol to a nearby filling station skidded and fell on its back. A few minutes later, the petrol flowed into the street and a spark from the vehicle’s battery triggered an explosion that razed buildings, shops and vehicles.

    The horrific and repulsive incident also consumed a woman and her two children while many residents sustained various degrees of burns on their body.

    The fire, according to eyewitnesses, started at about 11:15 pm when the tanker driver was trying to remove the battery to stave off fire outbreak. The fire engulfed buildings and trees on two streets in the community.

    A transporter, Shittu Rasheed, who lost a row of shops to the inferno, recalled the event while bemoaning his loss. “A tanker fell on its back a few minutes after 11pm and fuel started gushing out into the street. A few minutes later, it caught fire and destroyed houses. I am one of the victims because my nine shops had been burnt into ashes and I am left with nothing. My property are worth about N2.5million. They include a hairdressing salon operated by my wife.

    “The question I want to ask is whether government is aware that some unscrupulous people are carrying fuel at odd hours into a community like ours?”

    Another resident, Saliu Oyegbile, lost his Jetta car marked DC 309 MUS and home in the fire. He condemned the location of fuel stations in the neighbourhood.

    “Any reasonable man should not contemplate building a fuel station in a residential area and it is so appalling that the reverse has been the case in our community lately. The development is encouraged by the smuggling of petrol into the neighbouring Benin Republic by unscrupulous businessmen. The fire caught everyone including myself, unawares and my car that was parked outside went with the inferno.”

    Worst hit by the incident is the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Kolade Amosun, whose nephew, Mathew Amosun, a Lagos-based automobile technician, lost his wife,Abosede,26, and two of his children- Joseph,9, and Serah,7, to the inferno. The fire also destroyed their home.

    In an emotion-laden voice, Chief Amosun described how the fire started and the failed rescue effort.

    “I was in bed around 11: 20 pm when I heard persistent knocks on my brother’s door. I came out of my house to the street and discovered that fuel was flowing into the street. That was when people told me a tanker had fallen in the street and its content was flowing into the community. We tried to pour sand into the fuel in order to prevent it from flowing further into the street.

    “A woman later instructed everyone to put off the light and I rushed back to my house to evacuate my family. But before I could step out of the house, the tanker had exploded and huge balls of fire engulfed my house. One of my nephews lost his wife and two children in the fire. “

    Chief Amosun gave a graphic account of how the deceased woman, who was said to be a fashion designer, lost her life while trying to save her children from being consumed by the fire.

    “After I had alerted everyone in the building, Abosede ran out with two of her children, Joseph and Serah and asked them to wait outside while she went inside the house to pick her last child called Israel. Unfortunately, before she could return, the balls of fire had consumed her two children outside the building. She was also burnt to death while trying to salvage her last born from the inferno. As we speak, her last born is lying critically ill in the hospital in Oke-Odan, a neighbouring community.”

    The late Abosede’s brother-in law, John Amosun, shared the horrific incident with our correspondent and fruitless effort made to save her life.

    He said: ”Immediately the tanker fell, we were asked to remove inflammable materials in sight. Everyone was running helter skelter and after about ten minutes, we heard a bang. I could not rush down to our family compound to rescue anyone because I was also busy trying to ensure my wife and kids were safe.

    “Unfortunately, by the time I got to our family house where my brother’s wife was staying with her kids, they had been burnt to death. The fire had gone out of control by the time men of the Ogun Fire Service Station in Ipokia arrived. It was indeed a major disaster to this community.

    “However, Abosede did not die on the spot; she would have survived if we had gotten prompt medical attention. I personally drove her to various hospitals in the community but we were turned back on the excuse that her condition was beyond what they could handle. I drove her at midnight to the Ipokia General Hospital but I was shocked to find out that there were no doctors on duty.

    “We met a nurse on duty who referred us to the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and when I figured out that the distance would be too much to cover considering her condition, we decided to seek treatment for her in a public hospital in Benin Republic. Sadly, she was again rejected when we got there at about 5 am on Thursday January 4.

    Immediately she heard that she had been turned down again, she told me ‘ O pari (It is finished) and she gave up the ghost.”

    An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, explained that the gruesome death of the woman had shattered her blissful reunion with her husband after his four years of sojourning in Lagos.

    “The woman’s death and that of her two children is so pathetic considering the fact that she laboured so hard to fend for her children. There was nothing she did not do to survive. Although she trained as a fashion designer, she took to some menial jobs to survive when things became difficult for her.

    “For about four years now, her husband, called Mathew Amosun, an automobile technician, had left her in the village for Lagos in search of the proverbial greener pasture while she borne the responsibility of caring for the children. For the first time in four years, however, he decided to reunite with his family for Christmas and New Year celebration and had looked forward to savouring the joy of the yuletide season with them.

    “The reunion, however, lasted only 13 days. Sadly, he entered 2013 without his beloved wife and two children; they had gone in an instant. But for people around, the woman’s husband would have jumped into the fire when he got to the scene and saw the remains of his children and wife. He has since been moved to an undisclosed location because of the psychological trauma of the incident.”

    A source, who also sought anonymity while recalling the last days of the deceased, said:” It was as if Abosede knew she was spending her last days on earth.  A day before the incident, she had sent for a photographer to take her pictures lavishly and she repeated the same thing later in the day using the camera phones of neighbours.”

    A sombre day it was on Thursday January 4, 2013, as a sense of heaviness descended upon the community during the burial of the deceased and her two children in their family compound. Friends and family members of the victims wept uncontrollably as their bodies were being interred.

    The funeral ceremony had barely ended when residents launched into a protest over the indiscriminate location of filling stations in residential areas. The particular fuel station where the tanker was headed before the explosion was partially destroyed by angry residents in the wake of the incident.

    A resident who identified himself simply as Ojulari said:” I wonder why some unfeeling businessmen would site filling stations in residential areas. As we speak, another filling station is being constructed by a local politician near the Ipokia Local Government Primary School. This shows that owners of such filling stations are more concerned with their business than the lives of other residents. You can imagine what the situation would look like should a fire outbreak occur in future at the filling station near a public school in session.”

    In his remarks, Bobajiro of Ikoland, Chief Julius Suru, condemned the building of fuel stations at the detriment of lives and property.

    “Building a petrol station close to a school is no doubt very unreasonable. The space between the school and the station is so narrow that it would be very difficult for tankers to navigate. We don’t want a petrol station near the community’s primary school and in residential areas within our community. Government should also stop giving approval for the building of petrol stations near residential buildings.”

     The Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, however, visited the scene of the incident on Friday January 4, 2013. The governor, who was accompanied by the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Area, Hon. Isiaka Aderounmu, while commiserating with victims, condemned the building of fuel stations in residential areas.

    “We have come to sympathise with you and to look at ways of assisting those who may have lost property in the incident. We are not against people doing their legitimate business but they should not endanger lives in order to make quick money. Although, I know that the council area will do something for the victims but I have also asked the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to collaborate with the council to bring succour to victims of the unfortunate incident. May God continue to protect and guide the family members of the victims.

    “I wonder who must have approved the building of fuel stations in residential areas and I want to assure you that the Ministry of Physical Planning will ensure that business owners comply with relevant laws in siting fuel stations”.

    Before leaving at about 3.30pm, Governor Amosun inspected a number of places where fuel stations are sited. He warned petrol tanker drivers against reckless driving, saying: “We will still continue to ask our tanker drivers to be extremely careful while on the road. And I don’t even think it is right to carry fuel in the midnight.”

    The traditional ruler of the community, Chief Amosun, thanked Governor Amosun for finding time to share the grief with his family and other victims.

    “I am so surprised that the governor could take some time off his busy schedule to sympathise with us. I feel a sense of personal loss having lost my family house in the fire and three members of my family in one day. The incident has got me so devastated that I have taken refuge in the home of my subjects. To this end, I want to commend Governor Amosun for his sense of duty and love for people of this community.”

     The beleaguered residents took their protest further on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, when they marched on the streets calling for a halt to the building of fuel stations and tank farms in residential areas. Chanting solidarity songs, the residents also stormed the palace of the traditional ruler of Ikolaje-Idiroko, Oba Olakunle Ojo, to demand his intervention.

    Speaking with our correspondent, one of the protesters, who identified himself simply as Akinlabi, said: ”We can no longer tolerate a situation whereby our lives would be endangered by petrol explosion. The tanker explosion that occurred a few days ago had resulted in the gruesome death of a woman and her two children.

    “We are therefore carrying out this peaceful protest to drum home our demand for the removal of fuel stations from residential areas and we will not relent until the concerned authorities do something drastic about it.”

  • I’m always having sex in my dream

    My name is Stamina, I’m 22 years old. I’m always having sex with a girl in my dream.

    •Dear Stamina, as your name implies, you should have enough stamina to tackle your sexual needs in and out of dreams; don’t you think? Jokes apart, there are many reason why people dream of having sex in their dreams. It could be psychological, it could be spiritual and it could just be the physical need for sex that is being presented in the dream.

    According to a recent study by psychologist, Jennie Parker of the University of the West of England, women’s sex dreams tend to include lots of kissing and fantasies about other dream characters, while men report more actual intercourse. The University of Montreal in Canada found women’s dreams include romantic storylines and celebrities, while men’s include multiple partners. Boys can dream! This research shows genders conform to their stereotypes even when they are deep in their own personal kaleidoscope of images and colours.

    Sex dreams are so common that some people have them as often as once a week. Such dreams sometimes tell us a lot about ourselves, particularly our unfulfilled desires and fears. Surprisingly, some dreams aren’t even about sex – no matter how saucy they might be and if in your own case you don’t even know the particular girl(s) you have been having sex with, you may need to pray against some spiritual manipulations and desires.

  • ‘How I overcome temptations’

    ‘How I overcome temptations’

    Prof. Dosumu Emmanuel Adesina is a professor of Medicine and Pulmonologist, Delta State University, Abraka, and former visiting Chief Consultant Physician and Pulmonologist, National Hospital, Abuja. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, Adesina shares his insight on Nigerians’ attitude to free medical care, why health policies have failed in Nigeria and his personal life. Excerpts:

    Working with the opposite sex ladies could prove enough distraction. How do you cope with advances from nurses and female students?

    Temptation always comes, but the way out is that I have a beautiful wife in Dr. (Mrs) Funmi Dosumu. Before I can approach another lady, I will think of my wife and see if the person is as beautiful as my wife at home; if not, what then am I looking for? The Lord has been my source of strength.

    Has your faith or religion helped you in your medical profession?

    My profession has also helped me to have greater believe in God.

    What is that fashion item you can’t do without?

    I am addicted to putting on suit with my tie in place. This is a culture that we were taught from the first day in the medical school.

    What was growing up like?

    Growing up was very interesting. I started school at the age of five at my home town, Otan Aiyegbeju in Osun State of Nigeria. I attended St. Nicholas Primary School. There was plenty of food in those days and I can remember that it was pounded yam at night throughout my stay at home till I left for secondary school.

    What is your greatest fear in life?

    My greatest fear in life is old age, when, unlike now, you become helpless and unable to do many things for yourself.

    Are you fulfilled at 60?

    I am fulfilled at 60. I have no regrets about anything I did in the last 60 years. This is because every challenge that came my way, I did my best to manage every situation to the best of my ability. God has been my strength.

    What is that greatest lesson you’ve learnt about life at 60?

    My greatest lesson at 60 is that challenges will always come, but when they come, identify what you should do to solve the problem. Pursue these identified ways so effectively, aggressively and consistently so that you will forget the initial challenges. Then leave the rest to God. Also pray as if prayer is the only solution to any challenge and work so hard as if working hard is the only solution to that problem. In order words, work and pray without ceasing.

    How do you unwind?

    I unwind by taking a holiday. This has taken me to all continents of the world and at least 10 states in the USA. I watch wrestling and visit my country home and my country home farm and garden. I also stay with my family.

    Despite the avalanche of specialists in Nigeria, yet Nigerians go abroad for treatment on a daily basis. What is responsible for this?

    I must admit that the infrastructure is simply not there in the health sector. The number of hospitals is so few. We need at least one general hospital in each of the 774 council areas in Nigeria. We need at least three teaching/specialist hospitals in each state of the federation.

    Many of the hospitals lack the critical equipment and specialists for them to function maximally. Many of the people have lost the confidence in the Nigerian health sector. These account for why many troop abroad for specialist medical attention. Again, majority of those seeking medical attention abroad are government civil servants who usually use free government money with estacode. Most Nigerians cannot afford treatment abroad on their own.

    Many people have argued that our teaching hospitals don’t have what it takes to graduate medical students. How true is this?

    I do not agree with this assertion. The standard in many medical schools in Nigeria are still good. There is need to sustain and improve the standard. However, if the standard has fallen grossly as alleged, how come that many of our medical graduates are in the USA, UK, South Africa etc., and they passed the qualifying exams and are doing well in those countries? Medical graduates from Nigeria are like hot cakes in many countries.

    How would you describe the health sector in the country?

    The health sector in the country is in a bad shape no doubt. This is due to the very few hospital facilities compared to the population. The vote for health is grossly low. The Federal Government is trying, but most states that control the general hospitals and the local government councils that control and run the primary health services are doing close to nothing to improve the health services. Lagos State alone has just one federal teaching hospital and a state teaching hospital at its early stage. A state requires at least five teaching hospitals with about 20 general hospitals.

    If you were not a medical doctor, what would you be doing?

    I wanted to be a medical doctor. I thank God that I got into the very profession that I prayed for and that I have passion for. When I applied to the university to study Medicine 41 years ago, my first choice was Medicine, second choice was Medicine and third choice was Medicine. If people come back after death, I will still want to study Medicine.

    You have different governments with different health policies, why do you think our health policies have not been working?

    The basic problem is the allocation or vote for health on a yearly basis. It has been grossly too low, especially at the state and local government levels. The health policies are good but no money to execute any meaningful health services.

    If you were to proffer solutions to our health problems, what would that be?

    All Nigerians should have a mandatory health insurance scheme. There is need for a legal backing for a mandatory health insurance scheme for all Nigerians. This will allow a qualitative, affordable, available and effective health service for all Nigerians.

    The one year mandatory training for resident doctors undergoing their specialist training in Nigeria should be reintroduced and executed effectively. The allocation for health should be increased to a minimum of 15% of the total annual budget of all the three levels of Government in Nigeria.

    Would you support free medical care?

    Free medical care cannot work. There is no way in Nigeria with a population of about 170 million people that free health services can work. Even if we stop all expenditure on all other critical areas and we use all our resources on health, we cannot effect or deliver good health free of charge. No country has been able to achieve this all over the world.

    It seems we can’t win the war on fake drugs. What is the way out?

    NAFDAC is doing very well. NAFDAC should be encouraged. I am convinced, with time, we will get there.

    What is your attitude to traditional medicine and do you believe in local midwives?

    Traditional medicine is fraught with a lot of secrecy. There is need for their products to be subjected to scientific analysis. We need to find out the active reagent or substances in them. The active potent reagents in them need to be compared with the existing similar drugs. We need to find out their side-effect profile and their dosages. To just make a wide claim without scientific proof is barbaric, primitive and stupid to say the least.

    The traditional midwives issue came up during the time of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti. Years later, we now know that its support and propagation has negative effects as many of them exceeded their limits and consequent complications and increasing further, of Maternal Mortality Rate for the country.

    Alternative medicines, especially herbal products, have taken over our pharmacy, how healthy is this?

    Herbal products marketed by “native doctors” have doubtful efficacy and have not been properly studied scientifically. They should not be allowed to be used by Nigerians.

    Do you see the alternative medicine taken over in the nearest future?

    As the level of education improves among Nigerians, the use of herbal medication of unknown efficacy and unproven active ingredients will dwindle to a vanishing point. Alternate medical practice of proven efficacy etc. might increase in usage by Nigerians as the level of education of the populace increases.

    What is the future of medicine in Nigeria since many people are gradually abandoning hospitals?

    A number of people patronise spiritual (church) healing homes and native herbal preparations because of the level of poverty in a gullible population. As the economy improves, more people will come back to the orthodox method of treatment.

    Why do you think that doctors always feel slighted each time a pharmacist is made either health commissioner or minister?

    All members of the health team are important and have a definite and unique role to play in the management of the patient. So, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers, laboratory scientists etc., are all very important as much as doctors, nurses etc. However, there must be a leader in any organisation. Since the training of the doctor stands him out among all other members of the health team, the doctor is in the best position to lead. His training encompasses almost all that the others know. The doctor is the one that sets all others to work. He sees the patient first and decides who works and who does not work. Also, all over the world, the doctor leads the health team.

    People say tribalism and ethnicity are one of the problems militating against the development of the country. Do you agree with this assertion, given that you are operating outside your geopolitical zone?

    I feel it is to a greater extent true. However, this applies to everywhere in the country.

    It was an anathema of a sort for a medical student to cheat, but nowadays you hear medical students being caught cheating during the exams, what future does this portend for the profession?

    It is very rare for medical students to be caught cheating in examinations. In my 26 years of teaching in medical schools, I can count the number of such cases I have seen. The way the examinations are conducted, that is orals and clinical makes it difficult to cheat.

    What has been your greatest challenging in medical profession?

    There have been several challenges that I have witnessed in the profession, but the guiding principle is to do my best professionally for my patient and leave the rest to God. I go home at the end and sleep like a baby.

  • Borderless West Africa, USAID Information Center promote seamless trade at Seme

    A new information centre, opened at the Seme border in Nigeria and Krake border in Benin Republic by the Borderless West Africa and USAID, is promoting seamless trade across the two borders, OLUKAYODE THOMAS reports

    KNOWLEDGE is power goes the saying and nothing illustrates this better than the success recorded by the Borderless West Africa and USAID when they opened two information centres across West Africa to assist in seamless movement of goods and people across the region.

    The success, recorded with the first established at Aflao, Ghana in August 2011 and the second at the Burkina Faso-Ghana border with offices in Paga and Dakola respectively, motivated the Borderless West Africa and USAID to open the Seme and Krake Border Information Centre, the third in the region recently. And since then, the centre has been a beehive of activity as traders and tourists are assisted with vital information that is facilitating better trade across the region.

    Impediments to trade across West Africa, mostly caused by official and unofficial bureaucracy, have led to loss of many lives, property and billions of dollars in revenue. A general survey of traders across the region conducted by the USAID shows that West Africans could do more business, if delays and cost of doing business were reduced.

    With population of about 400 million people, West Africa, according to a USAID survey, is a huge market. However, barriers to trade effectively make it challenging for a company to take advantage of a single market. Many companies compete locally, foregoing regional sales because of the barriers.

    Seme and Krake Border Information Centre, an initiative of the USAID West Africa Trade Hub, is partnering the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Benin National Shippers’ Council.

    The centre is sponsored by the USAID Business Environment for Agile Markets (BEAM) project. The Borderless Alliance is a broad coalition of public sector partners committed to increasing trade in West Africa. The new centre provides practical information to traders where they need it most at the border. The new centre is now open Monday through Friday, 9a.m to 5 p.m.

    Speaking during the inauguration, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria stated that economic growth is a key pillar to the U.S. Government’s African development policy. Rolf Olson, U.S. Embassy Political-Economics Counsellor, who represented the ambassador at the event, said: “The Border Information Centre initiative, launched with the ECOWAS and other partners, represents our commitment to working alongside African countries to promote and advance sustained economic development and growth”.

    Olson noted that the delays and cost of doing business in West Africa are a serious impediment to the region’s economic growth and development, and the costs incurred are preventing businesses from expanding. As a result, businesses are unable to create jobs that reduce poverty.

    Said Olson: “The U.S Government has a strong interest in seeing trade succeed and businesses expand in West Africa. As much as any business is the sum of its employees, it is important that we recognize that each job in a factory or workshop, in a restaurant or hotel, is a death knell to poverty. Further, jobs give people dignity and lay the foundation necessary for stability and progress in every society.”

    He revealed that West Africa has entered a new era and the most commonly cited indicator is the annual increase in GDP. On average, the region has experienced an expansion of GDP by four per cent annually over the last decade. This, he said, has set up a dynamic and virtuous cycle. Now a strong middle class is emerging across West Africa which attracts even more investment and further business expansion.

    “GDP growth is not the only indicator. As economies have strengthened, the number of conflicts witnessed in West Africa has decreased. Conflict is bad for business and should motivate us to pursue other initiatives that facilitate trade,” he said.

    Olson said President Barack Osama’s strong interest in Africa has led to its development as one of the U.S.Government’s top foreign policy priorities.

    “Working alongside African countries to promote and advance sustained economic development and growth is important to the continent’s future success and its global importance. Africa has made measurable inroads to increase prosperity. Yet it remains the poorest and most vulnerable continent on the globe.

    ”In addition to the African Growth and Opportunity Act which eliminates tariffs on import to the U.S. from eligible African countries, President Obama has made the expansion of small and medium enterprises in Africa a key objective of U.S Government policy in Africa. The initiative we have inaugurated represents a commitment to that objective and also reflects the commitment to strong partnership. The Border Information Centre idea actually began here in Nigeria at a meeting between the USAID and ECOWAS in Abuja and was based on a comprehensive study of regional trade policy embodied in the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme. That study identified access to information as a key gap in the implementation of the Scheme,” he said.

    Quoting President Obama to conclude, Olson said: ”I want to close with a quote from President Obama’s speech in June 2011, when he visited Africa. “We believe in Africa’s potential and promise. We remain committed to Africa’s future. We will be strong partners with the African people. Africa is essential to our interconnected world, and our alliance with one another must be rooted in mutual respect and accountability.’’

  • Fashion designers to watch in 2013

    Fashion designers to watch in 2013

    THE fact remains that the story of the fast -growing fashion industry is not complete without the contributions of highly creative and talented fashion designers whose works are earning the respect and admiration of fashion stakeholders at home and abroad. We present to you some fashion designers who will set the pace in 2013.

     

    UGONNA OMERUO OF HOUSE OF NWOCHA

    Ugonna Omeruo broke into the fashion scene and took the fashion community by pleasant storm. She sparked a new revolution in red carpet couture by embellishing her collections with mesh fabric, feathers, layers and the like. She made a name by churning out fantastic designs. That she draws inspiration from a myriad of sources is evident in her skilful blending of styles, textures and fabrics. Her designs rocked on and off the fashion runway in 2012.

    OLAYINKA FASHOLA OF MOOFA

    Moofa is one of the most incredibly talented young designers around. This creative designer knows the ABC of the fashion industry. Within a short period, she has carved out a niche for herself on and off the runway. Moofa worked with high quality and exquisite fabrics, showcasing the beauty of velvet, chiffon, satin and lace. She uses quality vibrant fabric to produce contemporary pieces designs that are her signature. Almost all the women of calibre have two or more of her designs in their wardrobe. She’s one lady who’s changing the way we look at lace and satin fabric.

    MAI ATAFO INSPIRED (MAI)

    A senior Brand Manager turned luxury designer! His work ranges from pretty red carpet glamour to trendy statement casuals pieces. Mai Atafo established and ran his clothing line Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI) which he ran as he worked in a full time job. Mai Atafo Inspired (MAI) specialises in glamorous red carpet dresses for women and suits for men. His designs are versatile, timeless andnotably classicist.

    OLAKUNBI OYELESE  OF APRIL BY KUNBI

    With a vision to be ranked among the best 10 designers in Nigeria, Olakunbi Oyelese boasts a large number of celebrity figures in Nigeria. April by Kunbi is a fashion label that specialises in couture and ready to wear fashion for women who place a premium on the principles of fashion, fit and functionality.

    April by Kunbi is one that came to our awareness with sparkling form-fitting dresses that radiate much sexiness as well as confidence. Her wide ranges of highly versatile and wearable collections have lots of shiny sequined fabric the brand is well known for.

    TOLANI NKILI ONAJIDE OF NKILI

    NKILI is a women’s luxury shirt-making brand focused on bringing light to the traditionally neglected, yet single most important garment in a wardrobe, the shirt. Each piece goes on a journey, from design and print to production, nurtured by the highly skilled production team in Scotland. American celebrity, Angela Simmons, has been spotted wearing the NKILI Tattoo Shirt and British singer, Lianne La Havas, performed in the black NKILI butterfly shirt on her world tour.

    HAKEEM BALOGUN OF KIMONO KOLLECTION

    This London-trained designer has a multitude of talents. His label caters to the needs of the modern man. Whilst the structured tailoring adheres to the principles of a bygone age, the brand’s appeal is to the diverse, multi lifestyle of the modern day gent. As a student, he said he schooled himself in the vision of the craftsmen at Saville Row as well as keeping a sharp eye on the edgy East London fashion scene. A combination of both disciplines meant he rapidly became renowned for his own unique personal style.

  • Radiant in the Harmattan

    WE all want to be radiant, smooth, and wrinkle-free all year round. But as harmattan months set in, your skin goes through a transition, and this is not always easy to achieve. The once hydrated and healthy skin and lips become chapped and dry. Looking after your skin in this season is very important, as we all know that the harmattan season is always characterised by dryness of the skin and intense cold. And if you are the type with the tendency to suffer from dry skin patches, the harmattan will certainly make your problems worse. All skins need tender loving care (TLC). A lifetime of healthy practice is the best route to a beautiful skin.

  • Skin care tips

    Water therapy

    Drink plenty of water as this will hydrate the skin

    Glycerin and rose water to the rescue

    Add some quantity of glycerin and rose water to your body cream, but if you can afford it, let the glycerin and rose water be your body cream for this period. It will make your skin smooth, glow and wrinkle-free, despite the harsh weather.

    Avoid hot bath

    According to an osteopathic physician and dermatologist, avoid hot showers and baths. As tempting and as enjoyable as it is to jump into a hot shower on a cold winter day, don’t. Bathing in hot water breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin which causes a loss in moisture.

    Exfoliate

    The top layers of skin cells are either dead or old and make your skin look dull. Exfoliating gets rid of the dead skin cells and reveals newer, healthier-looking skin.

    Moisturize

    Moisturize and don’t pick at dry skin. Peeling off dead skin is dangerous and will not help to revitalize new skin cells and skin moisturizer that is oil-based, not water-based, to nourish skin from the inside and help balance natural oil production is your best bet. So, slap on plenty of moisturizer.

  • Street party at People’s Paradise

    Street party at People’s Paradise

    Finally, Nigeria could boast of a holiday destination in Cross River State.

    It was really refreshing once again seeing families troop in large number on the holiday trip to the country’s local destination, Calabar. As it was in Lagos, so also from other major local airports.

    As always, Calabar did not disappoint. Arriving at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, the first thing that hit one was the feeling of calmness, coming out of the arrival hall. The decorations around the airport and, of course, the small carnival train playing and welcoming guests to the People’s Paradise. Calabar created the unique ambience, making every visitor felt at home. As visitors come out of the airport building, they swayed to the music as they head for their waiting cars. The holiday had already started.

    Despite this seeming normalcy, there was a thing of unease by this reporter, being afraid that this year, the normal Nigerian factor may likely come in, being mindful of the absence of the substantive chief executive of the state and the Nigerian tendency of tying activities around the governor and once he is not around, almost all things grand to a halt.

    Thankfully, all the fears were unnecessary. The 32-day fiesta held with the Carnival Calabar as the climax.

    The 2012 Carnival Calabar was probably one of the most keenly contested in the history of the carnival. The carnival float, although kicked off unusually late, right from the outset, it was clear it was going to be a show-stopper when the tall elegantly costumed girls stepped out with the flag of the different corporate and government agencies that sponsored the carnival. The state’s acting governor, Mr. Efiok Cobhams, flagged off the carnival.

    The level of creativity in costuming was probably the best the carnival had seen. The choreography had touches of professionalism. Bands like Masta Blasta had to hire a seasoned choreographer to teach band members the dance steps. Live bands were always used to add flavour to the showpiece.

    The float decoration was not the best one has seen in the carnival in the past years, but the costumes of the carnival kings and queens, both the junior and senior categories were out of the world. It must have been very difficult for the judges to make their choices.

    The level of competition was so high that past top pacesetters such as Passion Four, Freedom Band and Seagull were faced with a serious competition.

    There were logistic problems at the flagging off, but these were quickly over-comed and everything went on smoothly.

    The position within the tourism circle had always been that for a tourism product in Nigeria to truly establish itself as one, it must go beyond the overbearing influence of the government executives and strike a life of of its own. For example, the resurgence of the Argungu International Fishing Festival was tied to the whims of the then Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Aliero. However, with him out of office coupled with the current security challenges in the north, the festival has been jettisoned.

    Currently, the most successful festival in the country is the Osun Osogbo cultural festival. It is a festival not tied to the government of the day. It has a life of its own that with or without the support of the state government, the festival would still go on. Only that the level of success might be reduced. That was the level of consistency that many tourism enthusiasts were hoping for the annual Calabar Festival, especially Carnival Calabar.

    Right from the first edition of Carnival Calabar, the sing-sung had always been that the carnival was a key tourism product that destination Cross River tried to build other products around. As such, the incumbent state executive always pulls every string to make a monumental success.

    One major development in the growing reputation of Carnival Calabar was the presence of contingents from three countries: Brazil, with Vaivai Tobais Band, Trinidad and Tobago with a steel band and Botswana.

    At the end of the carnival, Masta Blasta Band deservedly won the 2012 Carnival Calabar Competition, thereby carting home the star prize of N10 million as Band of the Year.

    Announcing the  results of the competition, the Chairman of the State Tourism Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, said the second position was won by Passion 4 Band, while the third place was won by the Freedom Band and went home with N5 million and  N3 million respectively.

    The Masta Blasta Band also  won the  Carnival Float, Best Band on the Move, Carnival Spirit, Best Interpretation of the  Carnival Theme and Best  Costumes and received  N2 million respectively.

    In the Junior Category, the Band of the Year was won by the Seagull Band,the second was Masta Blasta, while the third was Passion Four and they got N3 million, N2 million and N1 million respectively.

    The Seagull Band won the Carnival Spirit, Best Interpretation of Carnival Theme, while Masta Blasta Band won the best costumes.

    The Junior King was won by Masta Blasta and Queen by Seagull, and each went home with N5 million.

    Once again, Calabar has done what it knows how to do best, hosting people and giving them a good time. As long as Cross River continues to offer leisure and succour during the Yuletide, the people that troop to Calabar will keep on increasing.