The Nation Newspaper

Tag: nightmare

  • Roads: The next nightmare

    Roads: The next nightmare

    After the weakening of Boko Haram whose fighters devastated the Northeast, residents of the region have another nightmare before them: damaged roads. Roads across the region are so bad that some states are in danger of being cut off from others. Gombe, in the heart of region, is one such state. Its roads are dilapidated, bridges failing.

    Some of those bad roads include  Gombe-Bauchi; Gombe-Biu; Gombe-Dukku-Darazo; Gombe-Potiskum and Gombe-Numan-Yola, among other roads.

    As population and human activities grow, so is the volume of running water on culverts, threatening and ultimately washing out the roads.

    Potholes are another worry.

    The Gombe-Numan-Yola Road is a known disaster. It is presently receiving attention. But how far the rehabilitation will go is what no one can tell because the one done three years ago stopped at Kaltungo.

    The most notorious bad spot is Km 34/200 on Gombe-Bauchi Road. Commuters have been crying out to the government for remedy. They say the road, which links Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states is on the verge of collapse.

    Motorists who spoke with The Nation described the road as a death trap. Now that the rains are here, the commuters have appealed to the federal and Northeast state governments to find a permanent solution to it.

    Km 34/200 lies between Bauchi and Gombe states and travellers to most other parts of the northeast use it regularly.

    For over four years now, this spot has remained a major threat to lives and property as a result of the rains and attendant erosion, which have swept the grounds and structures that hold the road together.

    In the rainy season, people are forced to wait for hours on either end whenever there is downpour or take the longer routes to their destinations. This automatically means paying extra money, extra fuel and extra hours.

    At the moment, both the retaining wall built to break the speed of water and heavy stones used to reclaim previously washed out portions are now being washed out. The NNPC pipelines around the area are exposed and may soon give way.

    “Do you know I spent the whole day there because we had to wait for the flood to recede before crossing, ” said Hajara Usman, who rushed to her home state Bauchi intending to return the following morning to Gombe where she worked in the civil service.

    Sometimes commercial commuters’ vehicle drivers truncate their journeys on either side of the bad spot and end up exchanging passengers across the spot, which becomes inaccessible when the rains are at their peak.

    Abubakar Yahaya Bula, a motorist, said he had been plying the road for the past four years and had known the spot to be like that.

    “Between God and man,” he said, “anytime it rains heavily, this place becomes a mini-motor park because we will drop our passengers, they will trek cautiously to the other side to join Bauchi vehicles; theirs too will in the same manner come and join ours to get to Gombe.

    “We thought the road would be repaired this last dry season, but it was not.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Erosion nightmare in Anambra

    Erosion nightmare in Anambra

    The threat of erosion in the Southeast, unattended to for decades, gets worse in Anambra State, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

    Life, property and virtually everything the people cherish are in danger in a community in Anambra State. Roads are threatened as much as bridges, farmlands and homes. The people of Ezira in Orumba South Local Government Area hardly sleep as a result of erosion.

    Many communities in the Southeast and Southsouth have been sacked by this monster, while governments at different levels have done pretty little to salvage the situation.

    Anambra was some years ago declared the worst erosion-hit state by the World Bank with over 1,000 gullies.

    Some of the affected communities are Agulu, Nnewi, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Onitsha North, Awka North and South, Oko, Ozubulu, Isuofia and Igboukwu, among others.

    Now, Ezira, an agrarian community made up of three villages namely, Ubaha, Obotu and Umuohia-Oki has joined the fray.

    The community produces yam, cassava, beans, plantains, okra and vegetables in large quantities but lacks access roads to evacuate them to major cities because of the erosion challenge.

    One of the community roads, a 7km stretch spanning Eke-Ezira Market, Uga and Ekwulobia through Onne, Agbudu, Umuchu and Achina communities, has been cut off.

    The two major bridges of Aghomili and Omumu that link those areas have equally collapsed.

    The residents of this sleepy community are in agony, saying they have been abandoned by  government.

    Some help has come. A philanthropist in the state, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo gave out N500,000 to the Ezira people, a gesture he described as his own widow’s mite.

    The chairman of Ubaha Ezira, Mr. Jude Umunna told The Nation that the community had sent save our soul (SOS) calls to the state government without any response so far.

    He commended Ezeemo for the cash donation to the community, adding that the community had already started some palliative work on one of their roads with their meager resources to make it passable.

    Umunna said, “It’s now the rainy season and tropical rains will continue to dump on the road till September or October, digging more ditches and causing more harm to the community.”

    “Our greatest regret is that our governor flagged off the road in March last year during the House of Assembly election.

    “He brought in caterpillars and bulldozers which motivated our people to vote massively for his party, APGA, but surprisingly, he removed those machines two days after the election till today.

    “Now, look at the problem we are facing to evacuate our farm produce and Ezira is one of the food baskets of the state.

    “We are therefore calling on the government at all levels to assist us as Ezeemo, an individual, cannot do it alone; let government come to our aid.”

    Another community leader, Ichie Christopher Mbah regretted that the bad condition of the area has stopped people in the cities and other communities from coming to Ezira to buy farm produce.

    “Hunger is really dealing with us,” he said. “We cannot sell our produce to buy others that we do not produce; if not for the intervention of Ezeemo, I do not know what our fate would have been.”

    Also, Mrs. Nwano Rosaline and Susan Okeke, while commending Ezeemo, said access road and palliative measures in controlling the gully erosion are the basic needs of the community.

    On the importance of the road, Mr. Linus Okeke, reminded Governor Willie Obiano of his agricultural programme for the state, which he said topped his four pillars of development.

    He wondered how it would be realized with the condition of such roads in most of the rural communities said to be the food baskets of the state.

    According to him, “There is no incident of crime and criminality in Ezira and its environs because we are all farmers and our youths are serious with agriculture but lack of access roads to evacuate these products may make them lazy and so may resort to crime and that is why we are calling on the governor to come and help us”

    Speaking with the reporter, Ezeemo said he was motivated to make the donation because that road led to his primary school when he was growing up, and also to the local market where his late mother went to buy food items.

    He said, “So when I asked after the market, I was told that erosion had eaten off the road. I want to bring back the old memories of the area and again, I equally have a farmland that is about 2,900 plots in Ezira and Umuomaku communities.”

     

  • Every female’s greatest nightmare (II)

    Every female’s greatest nightmare (II)

    Last week, I began discussing tips on how to avoid being raped. Parents are encouraged to check their daughters’ bodies everyday for signs of violation and also embolden them to speak out when someone plays with them in the wrong places and assure them that no form of threat made to them can manifest. It is also very important for these kids to be thoroughly lectured about their body parts and let them know it’s a taboo for anyone to play with them. Today’s kids are very smart and have the capability to give us more information than we may ever need about everything they see happening around them but they also have the tendency to be terrified and silenced by threats or gifts and other forms of reward. All these are in the hands of the parents and the way they groom their children. Also, children should know a safe, well-travelled route to take to and from school. Isolated areas should be avoided. Now, the following tips would be helpful for every female.

     

    Safety at home

    • Ensure there’s a door eye-viewer in your door.
    • Never automatically open your door without knowing who is on the other side-talk through the door.
    • Ask for identification from service people and verify that the visit is a legitimate one.
    • Have someone present whenever a man is going to be performing a service in your home.

     

    Safety on the street

    • Be alert when walking.
    • Avoid walking alone.
    • Stay in well-lit areas, away from alleys and entryways.
    • Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace.
    • Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
    • If a stranger stops to ask directions, avoid getting near the vehicle.
    • Do not hitchhike and only accept rides from people you know well.
    • If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
    • If you are in trouble, attract help in any way you can. Yell, call for help, shout ‘fire’, or break a window.
    • Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, even those you know.
    • If possible, walk in pairs.
    • Plan your route ahead of time.
    • Know your neighbourhood – be aware of nearby businesses, their hours of operation and their locations.
    • If you sense you are being followed, immediately cross to the other side of the street and head for the nearest business or occupied dwelling.
    • When seeking help from the occupant of a residence, yell ‘fire’ as opposed to ‘help’, ‘rape’, or ‘murder’ and use any means necessary to draw attention to the situation.

     

    My darling sisters,

    So many of you are very vulnerable to rape because you have the tendency to get carried away when guys are all over you especially when you are new on campus having anticipated so much fun and freedom at last and this is why you need to be properly lectured by decent adults around you before setting out. On campus, never totally let your guard down until someone has earned your trust because you can’t avoid associating with guys especially in class. But assuming people you’ve just met will look out for your best interests can have dangerous consequences. Don’t be naïve. That seemingly-sweet and innocent-looking, mummy’s boy might not be as nice as he appears. The majority of sexual assaults these days are committed by someone the victim knows.

    Always trust your instincts. If you attend a social gathering and feel unsafe or uncomfortable, even when your friends are there, leave the gathering not caring what others would think or whose feelings would be hurt. Your safety matters most. Except you thoroughly screen your friends, there will always be a friend in your circle who could end up getting you into serious trouble. So, you need to be careful while choosing your friends. Also, don’t forget to have your cell phone with you always fully charged so you can make a quick call or send a text when you begin to sense you are in danger. Please stay away from alcohol and ensure your drink is opened in your presence because it could be spiked or tainted with drugs.

    Be mysterious online. Posting your whereabouts exposes details that are accessible to everyone, and allows people to track your movements. If you wouldn’t reveal the info to a stranger, then don’t put it on your profile.

    There’s more to discuss on rape. Let me leave you with this for now – no longer shall the sun be your light by day; or the moon by night, but the Lord shall be your everlasting light and beam His light on your path; thus says the Lord of Hosts. God shall send you help from His sanctuary and strengthen you out of Zion in Jesus mighty name. God loves you, so do I.

  • Every female’s greatest nightmare

    Every female’s greatest nightmare

    Dear Aunty Temilolu, I like your column in THE NATION on Sunday. It’s really inspiring. Keep up the good work. However, I need you to advise on how I can avoid being raped, precautions to take etc. I would be grateful if you could write on that. Thanks ma.

    A curious, teenage girl

    My darling, precious, glorious, dignified, world-famous and heavenly celebrated Nigerian sisters,

    Rape and other forms of sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person’s determination to exercise power over another. Neither provocative dress nor promiscuous behaviour is invitation for unwanted sexual activity. Forcing someone to engage in non-consensual sexual activity is violence with sex as a weapon.

    You must have realised by now that the masculine culture treat women primarily as objects of sexual desire and this can be seen in music videos, movies, magazines and other pornographic materials. Not only are we seen as sex objects but as legitimate targets in sexual pursuits always ready for sex, and being coerced or forced into sexual activity and we are assumed to enjoy it in whatever form it comes.

    Unfortunately, here in Nigeria, rape is not viewed with the severity it requires. Married women may get some sympathy but a young unmarried girl is often jeered at. She may end up being the butt of lewd jokes such as ‘was she a virgin?’  ‘Can she say that she did not enjoy it?’ She may be accused of having aroused the man with her flimsy dressing even when she was decently dressed. One could go on and on.

    This is one of the forms of oppression the female folk go through in a male dominated society. Victims are very reluctant to talk about it not to mention seeking redress for such violation of their rights because of being stigmatised and even being made to feel worse. We have heard of people whose lives went downhill and some who committed suicide because of the feeling of shame, guilt and unworthiness that enveloped them.

    No one ever asks to be raped but this is an occurrence better imagined than experienced. Every woman is a potential victim regardless of age, perceived degree of attractiveness or socio-economic status. And obviously the younger girls are more at risk. This is because young girls often yearn for so much love and attention and unfortunately, the sexual predator is often attuned to the emotional and relational needs of the potential victims.

    Let’s be frank with each other the world is changing fast. Today’s rapists are no more strangers. They are friends, family, associates, teachers, and clergy men, men we respect and even trust our lives with. A lot of them even watched us grow and developed wild desires and imaginations about us at every stage of our lives. They are snipers who prey on unsuspecting innocent girls. Not every man out there is sane so you really have to beware of men. Stop sitting on that uncle’s laps. Don’t let any man call you “my wife,” you are only wife to whoever you are properly married to. Enough of unending praises about how beautiful you’ve become- they could get into your heads and make you follow these wolves in sheep clothing to your doom. You don’t need to accept every invitation to be given a treat at the eatery or wherever. It’s no longer safe for you to go partying with guys. It’s not safe for you to go visiting a male friend, not even your pastor! Whatever deliverance or prayer session you want to do should be done in the church. It is not safe for you to have a male confidant or mentor in private. What are you confiding in him for and what is he mentoring you about in private? There are so many girls who fell in love with their so-called mentors and got raped by them. Don’t forget the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked-who can know it all? There are so many social and unsuspecting instances where a girl could be raped so you need to be extremely careful and trust no man. If fathers could brazenly rape their daughters then every man is a suspect! Next week I’ll highlight tips on preventing rape. May the mighty hand of God rest upon your lives and may He beam His light upon your paths. I love you my sweeties and look forward to hearing more of your stories. Your secrets are safe as usual and above all, with God, you are a champion for life. AMEN!

  • Nightmare on the other side of town

    Nightmare on the other side of town

    Driving is pleasurable in the swanky parts of the territory, dreadful in less graceful areas. Blame the bad roads, reports GRACE OBIKE

    When the roads are free in the glitzy districts of the nation’s capital, you could cruise in your car. In several outlying parts, though, driving is hellish no matter the hour of the day or season. In the rainy season, it is sheer agony in those less celebrated areas.

    Such parts as Maitama and Asokoro where the rich and powerful live are the stuff of dreams but in the wet season, parts of Durumi, especially Durumi II, for instance, are a nightmare for motorists. To get to the area, one will have to cross a small stream. In the rainy season, the stream overflows its banks and residents have to wade through its murky waters or pay some muscled youths to ferry them across on their backs.

    Roads in Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi and environs are bad. Even the main expressway that leads into Abuja from Nasarawa State is not in such great shape with patterns of potholes on it. The streets are worse.

    Mr John Bishop, a resident of Karu, said 90 per cent of the road is in complete decay and that it has become worse this rainy season.

    “I will honestly tell you that 90 per cent of the roads around Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi, Orozo and the rest are really terrible. Virtually all the roads are terrible, car owners like myself have to wash our cars everyday and even with that, people always ask us if we are coming from the farm with our cars; when it rains heavily, motorcycle operators refuse to ply some parts because they can get stuck in the road and some of the roads are so slippery that even vehicles get stuck in them.

    Papei, directly behind the famous Maitama, fares rather badly too. The road leading into it is awful in the dry season; in the rainy period it is worse. It hardly has any drainage. This leaves the area flooded.

    Galadima, near the popular Gwarimpa, has little drainage but it is not enough to de-flood the area. The road is very bad. Its wet orange clay soil makes driving a choking exercise. Garbage lines the road. Houses are built so close to one another and very close to the major road.

    Dutse also has its share of bad roads. Some residents claim that they have become tired of waiting for the government of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Area Councils which are supposed to be closer to the masses to do what they are meant to do. Kubwa is an area where only major roads are good; those leading into streets are very dilapidated and in some areas eroded my minor erosions.

    Pipeline is one of such areas. Although the area is directly behind the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) ýcamp, the road leading into the area is really bad. Surprisingly, the area boasts lovely private houses and the residents ride lovely vehicles. The problem is driving to their homes. The road is so bad that sometimes residents have to fill the road with sand, which is quickly washed off again.

    Uzodinma Oko, a resident of Pipeline, told Abuja Review that they were all required to contribute money to repair the road but nothing came out of it.

    •Another bad road in Kubwa
    •Another bad road in Kubwa

    She said, “This road is so terrible, everyday, people pack out of this vicinity because of the road, the houses here are actually nice and affordable but the road will not allow people to stay. The area association made each house in every compound contribute N9,000 and even car owners were asked to pay again differently for the rehabilitation of the road, because everyone is tired of the suffering; we all paid but that was since last year. When we asked, we were told that the man who collected the money from everyone had embezzled everything, he did not even think of doing the road even a little, recently they returned with another demand for money but no one will pay because our job is not to provide them with money that they can embezzle”.

    Byahzine, another popular part of Kubwa, has the most dilapidated roads. At night, people pay motorcycle operators double the normal fare to take them to their homes.

    The FCT administration is known to give the six Area Councils their due allocations at all times and in most cases, it is the job of these area council chairmen to provide simple amenities like roads.

    Bwari Area Council roads are awful right up to its secretariat.

    Esther Isah, a resident of Dutse, described how she and the motorcyclist ferrying her fell on a slippery dirt road.

    “I had gone to Bwari and I was still on the motorcycle in the market when the bike man lost control because of how slippery the road was and we fell. It was so embarrassing and as people pitied me and said sorry because not only was my dress ruined but most of the products that I had purchased in the market were all over the road I wanted to be angry at the bike man but I realised that it was not his fault. The road is slippery since our government has refused to repair it. These bad roads are really dangerous and cause a lot of accidents. The government honestly have to come to the aid of the masses and provide the necessary amenities.”

     

  • My past relationship was a nightmare

    My past relationship was a nightmare

    Nigerian-American actress, Jennifer Oguzie, is not swayed by the glitzy life of Hollywood, California, U.S., as not to remember her root. Currently on a visit to Nigeria, the multi-talented artiste and mother of one is literally very much in love with her country home in Owerri, Imo State.  In this interview with VICTOR AKANDE, she talks about her attraction to the local environment, despite her international exposure, and her interest in the 2015 general elections in Nigeria.

    Could you explain why you have remained in your home town since you arrived Nigeria?

    Nigeria is a country I proudly call my home. I always have the adrenaline rush to visit Nigeria, regardless of any other business or vacation agenda. Also, I have chosen to witness the elections first-hand and exercise my most powerful weapon as a citizen by voting. Secondly, I received a call from my dear friend and movie director, Mr. Obi Emelonye, that he had a project for the African Magic channel and that he would want me to be a part of it.

    So, does it mean you are around now primarily to vote for your preferred candidate(s) in this election period?

    Yes, I came back to support and show solidarity to a very close friend of mine who is running for a political position. Despite all the rumours of violence being envisaged during the presidential election, I still want to be a part of the history. Nigeria deserves more than what it is today. So, I believe with free and fair elections, our country will move forward. That stigma of one must win by rigging the election has to be ‘buried’ for good. Let the people’s voice and choice be heard for a better Nigeria. We are one nation. Therefore, as the Mother Land of Africa, divided we fall, united we stand.

    Would you say most Nigerians in America are really concerned about how the elections will turn out or do you think some of them don’t care what happens back home, as long as they are doing well abroad?

    I can’t answer to anyone’s desire, but I can tell you that it will be foolish for any citizen of our country not to want to see our nation flourish. We are the giant of Africa. We have the money, infrastructure, lands etcetera to make our country a tourist attraction. But man’s greed and corruption are the cause of our socio-economic challenges in this country. At the end of the day, anyone abroad who thinks they he or she is doing well and doesn’t care about what goes on in our country is putting a curse on the future generation of our country. Of all the beautiful places in the world, there is no place like my home: Nigeria.

    As an actress who is conscious of her shape, how do you marry your taste, food-wise, with the discipline that your outlook requires?

    Knowing full well that I am particular about my diet, I still look forward to my favourite delicacies whenever I am home. Besides, the more exciting part of it is that they are all organic, unlike the food abroad, which are all processed. For example, among the foods I usually crave for when I am in Nigeria are: Ukwa, an Igbo delicacy, which is a source of protein and iron; roast corn and pear as well as Udara and Opioro Mago. Back home in Hollywood, California, I throw them down in my kitchen because if you know the history of any Owerri woman, you will find out that we have the master key to kitchen when it comes to cooking.

    So, this is not always about quantity, but the nutritional value of what is eaten?

    Yes. I live and preach fitness as a lifestyle. You just mentioned the key word, which is ‘discipline’. In the entertainment industry, you will find people of different shapes and sizes, but it is left for you to choose where you want to belong. I love looking good because looking good is good business. My personality and image are a key part of who I am. It gives me joy and great confidence. And even as a mother, I can still fit into any crowd. I say to my friends: you are what you eat. So, if you don’t feed the stomach well, then, the result will be quite devastating. Don’t get me wrong; eat right, but stay fit and active.

    It’s good to know that our local delicacies do some good to the body. So, apart from your passion for fitness, do you have any training on health, beauty and related areas?

    Yes, I took some classes in food and nutrition at a very young age and it has really helped me along all my adult life. I am also a part of a programme called the ‘Weightwatchers’, which basically teaches you how to eat and how to count the calories you take daily. The beautiful part of it is my love for arts, so I transitioned it to the body. I did professional makeup for different occasions. I did it for a while when I was in college, but I don’t do it anymore due to constraint of time. I do not eat foods that will affect the appearance of my skin or cause acne. So, I will say I know beauty and beauty knows me.

    How are you able to cope with the village life, knowing that America, where you are based, is in sharp contrast to your village in terms of social amenities?

    (Laughs) I am a village chic nah!! Just kidding… I can adapt to change to an extent. Gone are the days when people couldn’t afford generators to power electricity. I thank God for that and the fact that we can afford to buy loads of Eva water to avoid getting sick. My prayer for our country is that, someday we will boast of reducing the sharp contrast.

    Did you bring your son, Obama, with you and is he in anyway irritated by the environment, particularly the foods and other things?

    The last time I checked, no one travels without his or her hand luggage. Our son, Obama, is my ‘Gucci hand luggage’ and I can’t leave him behind. He is a true son of the soil and he loves everything about the food and the environment. Obama’s best food is Fufu and Okro soup. And this is so because I instilled it in him when he was five months old. He was raised with the real culture of Igbo land. So, there will be no second-guessing as he grows to love the foods. Mind you, this is the fifth time he has visited. So, it’s not new to him. He understands and speaks Igbo too. I guess that makes him a village boy too (laughs). In all, I thank God that he loves Nigeria, just like me.

    Talking about you constant training in martial art, aren’t you bothered that it may give you some masculine looks or at best a “tomboyish” feature?

    (Laughs) That’s a typical stereotype question of an African man. I can confidently tell you that I am a tomboy and there’s nothing wrong in looking fit and toned. I say tomboy because the type of training and sports I do is not so loved by most women. It’s only in this part of the world that people will discourage you from working out because they fear you will start looking like a man. But in other parts of the world, you are like a hot cake and everyone prays to have your physique. I admire my muscles and toned body. I will never trade it for anything. If the masculine look is what it takes to keep fit, then, I’m in it for a lifetime.

    On the issue of muscles, isn’t this too much power for you, given that America already gives so much power to women?

    There’s no such thing as too much power. Power means advancement, growth, confidence and the ability to defend oneself in any circumstance that arises, physically, mentally, emotionally and otherwise. That is my personal definition of power. With such a notion in mind, all you do is to want more power. America is a diverse country that does not discriminate against women and it also gives equal opportunities to both sexes. That’s why African men feel intimated about such acceptance of women in the Western world. Any man who is confident of himself should admire a powerful and fearless woman like me. I don’t see anything wrong in that. Abusing, suppressing and intimidating a woman is a disease and should not be accepted as a culture or a norm. The time is now for every woman out there to be allowed to contribute to the well-being of her family, the society and the country as a whole. Without us, the history of men will not exist because through Christ, Our Lord and personal saviour, we gave birth to all the powerful men in the world. So, much respect should be given to us.

    Given your American accent, how long have you lived in California and how convenient is it for you now to speak Igbo with its proper intonations?

    You are very right about my American accent. I am very fluent in it and that has not affected my ability to teach our son Igbo. It’s my heritage; a link of chain that can never be broken. I have been in the U.S. for a very long time. I moved from Baltimore, Maryland to Hollywood, California, in 2007.The weather is just like Nigeria’s.

    Your friend, Obi Emelonye, came out with an Igbo movie, which won an award at the AMVCA. Do you look forward to acting in an Igbo movie in the near future?

    Yes, I was there to celebrate with him at the Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos. The following day, we commenced with his new film titled Love Struck. As an actress, you have to be ready and open for any challenge you come across. So, I look forward to any project that requires a foreign language-not just Igbo, but even Chinese, Hindi, Swahili etcetera.

    Now, let’s talk about the glamour of the job. Do you think that Nigerian actors actually strike a balance between professionalism and glamour? I mean, people’s works should speak for them than their expensive dresses and dazzling appearances on the red carpet…

    When it comes to the glamour of the job, I think it should be 50/50, which means striking a balance between professionalism and glamour. Don’t forget that most actors do have 9.00a.m. to 5.00p.m. jobs or constant businesses that put food on their tables. The reason is that it might take a while to come across a good script that pays you well. However, most actors and actresses are ambassadors of some collections or designers. So, the dresses are not owned, but they are a way of showcasing the brands they represent. Also, some use their personal wardrobes in most cases. It all depends on the look you want to achieve on that particular red carpet event. So, one can’t be really judged by a certain look; it’s just a part of the industry.

    You looked quite glamorous at the last AMVCAs. So, what defines your style?

    MamaBama defines my style. I wanted to make a statement about how comfortable I am in my skin, while also showing off my toned legs. As I was told on the red carpet, “Angelina Jolie aint got nothing on you girl.” But frankly, I work hard to stay fit; so, why don’t I use it now that I am fit and able? I had my smashing abs and see-through mesh wrap skirt. The Afro was custom-made for me by my cousin, who is a celebrity hairstylist in Hollywood. Her store is called Chikaodi’s World. All my accessories were provided by her too. At the end of the day, I think I achieved the fashion statement I intended to make and I made several front cover pages with that outfit. Thanks for the compliments; I am used to it (Laughs).

    But how did you come about your outfit for the AMVCA?

    Honestly, that outfit was a gift from a very close friend and colleague, Jackie Appiah, the Ghanaian movie sensation. She admired the dress and asked if I would wear it, if she bought it for me. And I replied: “Try me”. So, I had to put the rest of the looks together. I personally call it the ‘Try-it-if-you-can look’. You have got to have the body and the confidence to dare such an outfit.

    Does acting and film production pay your bills all the way?

    I believe that soon, I will be able to comfortably say that acting and film production fully pay my bills. But for now, my answer to that will be no. And this is because I am not doing it full-time. I know quite well that it will spin around if I dedicate 100% to my acting and producing work; it will surely generate more suitable income.

    What else are you into that complements your financial inflow?

    I think it’s fair to say that I am a jack-of-all-trade person. My main job deals with law enforcement and security at both the federal and state levels in the United States of America. And that’s what pays my bills. I am also a fitness trainer and a professional massage therapist. I also produce low-budget independent films, but I am yet to receive the proceeds. Of course, I do some other businesses by the side like buying and selling of cars.

    Could you tell me some of the films you have featured in that are dear to your heart, in addition to your own personal productions?

    Funnily, I can’t list all the movies I have featured in because it’s been a while. However, they include: Close Enemies, My American Nurse 2, Okoto the Messenger, Far from Home Part 1, 2 & 3, Stubborn Grasshopper, CIS Las Gidi, Thorazine, Last Flight to Abuja, Miles Away, Love Code, Mira, Only you & Me, and Love Struck,  which we just wrapped up a few weeks ago. I can tell you that out of all, the most dear to me is Last Flight to Abuja because I have received two awards from it- the last award was an African Oscar as Best Promising Actor in a film, which was held in Beverly Hills, California, in September 2014. Every actor’s dream is to be highly recognised with a trophy. That motivates you to keep striving for the best and makes you stand out. So, now that I have an African Oscar in my name, I can proudly say that I am one step closer to winning the American /Hollywood Oscars- and that will be a dream come true.

    Is your hair-do the signature you want to be known for?

    It is, indeed, a MamaBama signature look. Many have tried and failed to replicate my Afro. As I said earlier, it’s personally custom-made. And quite frankly, it is a super-size Afro and I have a unique facial structure that suits the hair-do. Anything less than a person with my kind of personality will look like a masquerade. So, be warned (Laughs)!

    How did people react to the style on the day of the AMVCA and afterwards?

    Whenever I arrive on the red carpet, all the cameras turn to me. The people are like, “Oh, my God! You are pretty… I love your hair… you have a beautiful smile… I love your eyes… Girl, you are rocking that outfit… lovely legs and so on.”  I have never received any negative statement. I can tell when I see some ‘chics’ are jealous of my body and I give back to them the ‘I-don’t-care look’.

    Indeed, you are a very fun and jovial person. But when is your off period and what could trigger a bad mood in you?

    It really costs nothing to smile.  I can honestly tell you how many doors that sparkling smile has opened in my life. My God has been so good and generous to me; so, I have every reason to be happy and share the joy amongst close family and friends. I am a very respectful and honest person. I like transparency and expect that back from anyone I am dealing with. I love to spend time with my family on my off days. I catch up with my son and watch movies…. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I hate liars and cheaters. You only get one chance with me to tell the truth. I can’t stand lairs. The truth is bitter, but I prefer to be told.

    Are you in any relationship at the moment or are you all for your career as many would choose to do?

    I don’t discuss my personal relationship in the media; it’s private and should be left alone. At least, I have one thing that keeps everyone on the edge.

    Is there anything you have learnt in your past relationship that you believe has made you a better person?

    My past relationship was a nightmare. I thought I was in love, but never knew it was lust. What can’t kill you will only make you stronger. That was a big lesson learnt.And to all the women out there, change is a personal choice. Don’t ever believe you can change a man from his old behaviour.

    I hope the disappointment you suffered then hasn’t made you to be uptight with men and relationships?

    Oh, not at all! It has enlightened me more on how to understand the curriculum in a healthy relationship.

    So, from your new curriculum, what is the most probable way to a man’s heart?

    A probable way to a man’s heart is understanding, respect and mutual compatibility. With all these, love will follow naturally.

    As an African woman, to what extent do you believe in the tenet of submissiveness?

    As an African woman, I believe in 100% of submissiveness, but not submissiveness to abuse and cruelty.

    Don’t you think that Obama is old enough for a sibling?

    Obama is two and a half years old. And there is no rush for another at the moment, though he loves babes so much. And with time, he will get one.

    When you talk about Obama being an Igbo boy, are you trying to steal him away from his main nationality, which is America?

    See me see wahala o! I am his mother; I am also an American and we are blessed with the liberty of dual citizenship. So, I can never deny him of his nationality.

    Could you tell me briefly about your family background?

    My family upbringing is something that I hold very dearly. I was raised in a Christian home, Anglican Church, to be precise. Education was a key achievement that all my siblings had to accomplish. We were taught to be family-oriented in our doings and to love our neighbours as ourselves.

    And on a final note, what do you say to your fans?

    To all my fans out there, you can find me on Facebook: Jennifer Oguzie Official; Twitter: @jenniferoguzie and Instagram:@joguzie.

  • My nightmare is over – Moses

    My nightmare is over – Moses

    Chelsea winger Victor Moses is determined to put his Liverpool nightmare behind him and force his way into Jose Mourinho’s first team this season.

    The Nigeria international made his first appearance for Chelsea in a year when he was introduced for Azpilicueta on the hour in their 2-1 victory over Hungarian side Ferencvaros Sunday night.

    The 23-year-old is aiming to rebuild his career after making just six Premier League starts at Liverpool last term after being sent to Anfield on a season-long loan.

    He looked certain to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but Mourinho is having second thoughts about the Nigeria international because he counts as a home grown player in the Premier League and Champions League.

    Moses, who played for his country at the World Cup this summer, is hoping to take the opportunity despite being linked with a loan move away and said: “There are a lot of quality players here but I will keep giving it all I have got.

    “I just have to forget about last season and think about this season, concentrate and keep working hard.

    “What happened at Liverpool – that’s football for you. It was a loan move, I wanted to play football but I unfortunately didn’t get as many games as I expected.

    “My fitness is getting there. It was my first pre-season game – I came back injured after the World Cup. I couldn’t join up with the lads and was just getting treatment at the training ground.”

    “I’m delighted I got on (against Ferencvaros) and had the minutes I had. You’re looking at three-four games before you get back to full fitness. I’m enjoying my football at the moment and will just keep working hard,” he further told London Evening Standard.

  • ‘Life has turned a nightmare for me’

    ‘Life has turned a nightmare for me’

    •Woman needs N2.5m for ‘decaying hips’

    Life has become unbearable for Mrs Oladipupo Muinat Olabisi, a 34-year old petty trader since she was rendered bed-ridden by “bilateral avascular necrosis of the femoral.”

    The disease has to do with the decaying of her hips. It started with the left hip and is eating into the right hip.

    Mrs Oladipupo needs N2.5 million to be able to walk again. She has been nursing the pains for over four years.

    Her husband, Mr Yussuf Hammed, cannot help her because of his meagre income from his printing is barely enough to feed the family.

    Her doctors have advised her family to look for the money to save her life.

    She is calling on well-meaning Nigerians to assist her.

    Mrs Oladipupo has become jittery since doctors told her she might lose both hips if she does not operate the troubled part as soon as possible.

    She was treated by experts at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) before she was referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Yaba, for advanced treatment.

    “I have been nursing injuries on my hips for the past four years. I was referred from LUTH to the Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, where I am currently receiving treatment; but for me to stay alive, I was told a surgical operation must be carried out on both hips at a total cost of N2.5million,” she said.

    “I am appealing to well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to come to my aid in Allah’s name. Each day and night, I am under serious pains on both hips and most times. I hardly work as life has become a nightmare for me,” she added.

    The patient said she could be reached on 08029012433, 08161603237 or through her husband’s phone number, 08022666049.

    She gave her bank details as: First Bank; account number 3008519813 and name: Oladipupo Muinat Olabisi.

  • FIFA free Aneke from ‘Egypt Nightmare’

    FIFA free Aneke from ‘Egypt Nightmare’

    FIFA have freed Nigeria striker Jude Aneke from what his representative described as “Egypt Nightmare”.

    Nigeria all-time leading scorer in the Nigeria league Aneke has quit Egyptian club Al Masry under a cloud and as a result can now feature for Spartak Semey of Kazakhstan.

    “Jude (Aneke) has joined Spartak Semey in Kazakhstan. It is important that he returned to the game after the Egypt Nightmare. Jude was freed by FIFA. It was a long fight, but at the end we won and Jude can play again,” his representative Hasan Egilmez told AfricanFootball.com.

    “His fitness is not in doubt and I am sure he will be a big hit in Kazakhstan. He signed a six-month deal.”

    He had struggled to establish himself at Al Masry and injuries also did not help his cause.

    Three years ago, 24-year-old Aneke set a new all-time record of 20 goals in the Nigeria league, beating the 18-goal mark set by Ahmed Musa. He has played for Anambra United, Ebonyi Angels, Kaduna United, Warri Wolves (all in Nigeria) and  Al Masry of Egypt.

  • Filaria worms, nightmare of N70m Nigerians

    The rains are signaling their intention to return, after a few months of break. And soon, the fields will become greener again, food crops will abound and there should be lots for the hungry Jack to eat. But, so, too, will be many mosquitoes, dangerous specie of insects. Many people know and fear the mosquitoes because it causes malaria fever which traumatises many people whose genotype is AA, before they learn to deal with it. But not many people know about the other far more serious troubles the mosquito can cause in its search for human blood to make its eggs mature.

    One of this is Denge Fever, which may cause bleeding from the eyes, nostrils, ears and mouth, before it kills.

    There is also Filaria Worm infection from which millions of Nigerians suffer, sometimes without knowing that is the cause of their problem. When a mosquito bites an infected person and then goes on to bite another person, It may infect this other person with the Filaria worms.

    When an infected mosquito bites a person, microscopic forms of filarial worms are deposited inside the skin through the bite. There, the worms continue to grow, for between five and seven years sometimes causing itch, and sore, which may be localised or generalised. Some people develop no symptoms. These microscopic worms may end up in the bloodstream from where they may end up in some organs, such as the breast or, scrotum, the brain, and, finally, in their preferred abode, the lymphatic system, where they cause blockages and swellings and elephantiasis.

    Lymphatic system

    This is the second circulatory system not well-known by many people. The better known system is blood vessel circulation which takes the blood from the heart round the body. The colour of the blood is not red, according to many researchers. The blood in blood vessels derives its red colour from the red blood cells which are abundant in them. At a point in the circulation of blood, the “white” of the blood, the real blood separates from the red cells and flows through certain channels called the lymphatic system, drainage or vessels, to take nutrients, including oxygen extracted from red blood cells, to the immobile cells in tissue and organs, and to remove their waste. The lymph, as it is called, rejoins the mainstream red blood circulation at certain points in the body.

    Lymphatic Filariasis

    Being microscopic, young filarial worms are able to follow from the lymph into the lymphatic vessels where they grow into adult worms. These adult worms cause the blockages known as elephantiasis, either in the foot, arms or thighs, or in the breast or scrotum.

    Many people infested with these worms but who do not develop symptoms may suffer lymphatic system damage before there is trouble in the roof.

    From the lymphatic vessels, adult filarial worms, discharge millions of microfilaria worms into the bloodstream every day. These worms are more active at night, which is why they are best detected in blood samples taken at night. An immune battle rages against them which leaves poisonous debris in the bloodstream aid cause pain and damages.

    From global research reports, more than 130 million are infected in the tropical world, Asia and the Caribbean. Of this number, Nigerians account for about 100 million infected persons, which is about two in every three Nigerians. The frightening aspect of this report is that 70 million of these 100 million people are said to be at the risk of sudden death. Such death is aided, say, the reports, by many lifestyles which encourage the influx of bacteria viruses and fungi into an already compromised internal environment. Two cases mentioned include walking barefoot on red earth, and the wearing of poorly ventilated shoes which promote sweating in the foot, the presence of fungi and such ailments as athletes foot.

    Symptoms

    Many of the early warning signs are taken for granted by many people or misdiagnosed by doctors. Doctors write anti-itch prescriptions without investigating cause. The given skin ulcer ointments for skin blotches without much ado. These conditions include

    • Fever

    • Pain

    • Chills

    • Vomiting

    • Sweating

    • Headache

    • Abscesses

    • Joint pain

    • Exhaustion

    • Skin ulcer

    • Inflammation

    • Malaise

    • Shortness of breath

    Some natural solutions

    As the worms exist in the skin, bloodstream and lymphatics, natural remedies which have affinity with these regions of the body should help. Some of these are

    • Amazon skin – P

    • Amazon A – P

    • Colloidal silver

    • Black Wallnut

    • Indian goosebeny

    • Clove oil or herb

    • Marking nut

    • Butterfly pea

    • Yellow dock

    • Poke weed

    • Neprinol

    • Systemic enzymes

    • Grape seed extract

    The legendary Maria Treben, one of Austria’s greatest herbalists of our time, left some recipes in her HEALTH THROUGH GOD’S PHARMACY. For lymphatic system diseases, she recommends as follows…

    “Three tablespoons of Swedish Bitters, 300 grammes of calendula / 100 grammes of Horsetail /100 grammes of Yarrow / 100 grammes of stringing Nettle”.

    She says one and a half litres to two litres of tea made from these herbs should be sipped throughout the day. If there are swollen organs, she suggests that Marjoram and Olive oil be left to stand in the sun or near a stove for 10 days and massaged into the ailing parts. Alternatively, St. John’s ceil wort may be massaged into the affected gland.

    Also helpful are Marigold, Cleavers, Chickwee, Wormwood, Blue flag root, Echinacea rot, Nettle root, Golden seal root.

    I would like to suggest that all symptoms of this disease described earlier should be taken far more seriously than hitherto done, in view of the information that 100 million Nigerians are affected by filarial worm infection, which may take five to seven years, to strike, and that 70 million of these stand the risk of sudden death. Recent cases of the death of even young people from organ failure, such as kidney failure, suggest that filarial worm tests, and not just typhoid tests, be routinely carried out, as is not currently the norm. And, as the rains come, and with them the mosquito, nothing should be left undone to protect oneself against mosquito bites.

    Remember: Malaria fever is not the only result of mosquito bite. Denge fever and filarial worms come with it as well.