₦airaland Forum

overnor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state was at the Port Harcourt International Airport to welcome President Goodluck Jonathan and later flew in the same chopper to Okrika town for the burial of the adopted mother of Mrs Patience Jonathan.
They were joined on the trip by Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson.
This fuelled excitement within the political circles, with speculations that President Jonathan and Ameachi, both politically estranged duo will use the joint flight to have a heart to heart talk.
Governor Amaechi and members of the state executive council had arrived Port Harcourt Airport and waited for the arrival of the President.
Supporters of Seriake Dickson,Nyesom Wike,the supervising Minister of Education, with his political group; Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDI), as well as members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state,all jostled for space and attention while also awaiting the president’s aircraft as it touched down at the airport at about 1:40pm.
Okrika town and its environs were choked with soldiers, policemen, men of the Department of the Secret Service, Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Commission,all strategically positioned.
There were several naval war boats patrolling the Okrika waterways.
There were also military fighter helicopters on air surveillance, just as there was an aerial camera bearing balloon, overlooking the perimeters of the area where the event took place in Okrika.
Mrs.Jonathan, was accompanied to the Port Harcourt Polo Club, venue of the service of songs, by the wife of the vice president, Hajia Amina Namadi Sambo.
Football and Nollywood stars were also at the service of songs to show solidarity with the First Lady.
Most of the women clad in specially designed apparels for the occasion went into a frenzy when Patience Ozokwu, made her appearance on the ground of the Port Harcourt Polo Club.
Nollywood stars present were Zachee Orji and Kanayo Kanayo,the Akin and Paw-paw fame.
The people of Wakrike,(that is the Okrika people)used the opportunity of the burial rites of Madam Charity Oba, the adopted mother of the First Lady in Okrika to confer Chieftaincy titles on the President and his Wife

CURRENT U 17 SQUAD


1 Dele ALAMPASU 24/12/1996 GK Football College Academy (NGA)
2 Musa MUHAMMED 31/10/1996 DF FC Heart Academy (NGA)
3 Samuel OKON 15/12/1996 DF Greater Tomorrow Academy (NGA)
4 Akinjide IDOWU 09/09/1996 MF Nath Boys Academy (NGA)
5 Denis NYA 01/12/1996 DF Canaan Football Academy (NGA)
6 Aliyu ABUBAKAR 15/06/1996 DF Mutunchi Academy (NGA)
7 Habib MAKANJUOLA 19/04/1999 MF Chelsea FC (ENG)
8 Abdullahi ALFA 29/07/1996 MF Football College Academy (NGA)
9 Success ISAAC 07/01/1996 FW BJ Foundation Academy (NGA)
10 Kelechi IHEANACHO 03/10/1996 FW Taye Academy (NGA)
11 Musa YAHAYA 16/12/1997 MF Mutunchi Academy (NGA)
12 Chigozi OBASI 15/06/1998 MF Fosla Academy (NGA)
13 Saviour GODWIN 22/08/1996 MF El-Kadme Academy (NGA)
14 Chidiebere NWAKALI 26/12/1996 DF Shuttle Spots Academy (NGA)
15 Raymond JAPHET 28/05/1997 DF NFF U-15 (NGA)
16 Abdulazeez ABUBAKAR 20/07/1999 GK Nath Boys Academy (NGA)
17 Chidera EZEH 02/10/1997 FW River Lane Academy (NGA)
18 Taiwo AWONIYI 12/08/1997 FW Imperial Academy (NGA)
19 Zaharaddeen BELLO 21/12/1997 DF Dabo Babes Academy (NGA)
20 Baba SALIHU 10/08/1997 MF Rangers Academy Bida (NGA)
21 Francis UZOHO 28/10/1998 GK Aspire Academy (QAT)

Dr. Abisola Clark, the new wife of octogenarian Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark was prominent among the Chairpersons and members of governing boards of 20 federal parastatals and agencies whose appointments were approved on Monday by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The appointments were contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
Clark, an Ijaw of South-south Nigeria origin like Jonathan is regarded as one of the most influential personalities in the present administration.
Clark wedded Abisola nee Harold Sodipo, a medical doctor turned businesswoman at a traditional ceremony in March this year.

She was appointed the Chairperson of the Governing Board of National Ear Centre, Kaduna.
Also prominent on the list is Dr. Ahmadu Ali, former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party who was appointed the Chairman of the Governing Board of National Universities Commission.
Ali was a former federal commissioner for education during the military era of Olusegun Obasanjo.
And his tenure was marred by the students’ demonstration nationwide in April 1978, over the 300 per cent hike in accommodation and feeding costs introduced by the Obasanjo regime. The students wanted Ahmadu Ali to be sacked and thus the demonstrations became known with the marchers slogan: ‘Ali Must Go’.
The full list of the Chairmen and non ex-officio members of the Governing Boards is as follows:
1 Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
i Maj. General Barau Said [Rtd] Chairman
ii Chidi Ovunda Amadi Member
iii Alhaji Tanko Yusuf Member
iv Dr. Emmanuel Anteyi Member
2 National Ear Hospital, Kaduna
i Dr Mrs Abisola Clark Chairman
ii Chukwuka Daniel Nwokolo Member
iii Barrister Mathias Eze Member
iv Dr. Charles Anokwa Member
v Mustapha Aliyu Ibrahim Member
3 National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Abakaliki
i H.E Mrs Josephine Elechi Chairman
ii Yeye Bola Dare Member
iii Nze Imo Umunna Member
iv Paul Obanuwa Member
v Mr. Diamaro Patrice Ayaebi Member
4 National Universities Commission
i Senator Dr. Ahmadu Ali, GCON Chairman
ii Dr. Mohammed Salisu Mijinyawa Member
iii Arc. Adamu Jumba Member
v Engr. John Ayere Member
vi Barrister Chris Ekwomadu Member
vii Amb. Godson Echegile Member
5[b] National Open University of Nigeria[/b]
i Sen. Ameh Ebute Chairman
ii Prof Godwin Soglo Member
iii Dr. Usman Matazu Member
v Hon Chudi Offodile Member
vi Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Kaita Member
vii Dr. Ahaziah Umana Member
viii Mr. Funsho Owoyemi Member
ix Mr. Peter Aboyeji Onyiloye Member
x Mrs. Lilian Nwankwo Member
xi Dr. Ojong Achigbe Member
xii Senator Babale Maikarfi Member
xii Senator Bright Nwanne Member
xiv Moshood A. Salvador Member
xv Prof S.O. Igwe Member
xvi Dr. Kachi Ononuju Member
6 National Board for Technical Education
i Mrs. Yejide Ogundipe Chairman
ii Hamidu Mamuda Member
iii Hon. John Tor-Akume Member
iv Mrs. Angela Ajala Member
v Barrister Oscar Onwudiwe Member
7[b] Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Niger State[/b]
i Col. Theophilus Bamigboye (Rtd) Chairman
ii Abubakar Gambo Adamu Member
iii Aminu Mohammed Ashiru Member
iv Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu Member
v Chief Daniel Yusman Ogwola Member
vi Hon. Bisi Kolawole Member
vii Christohper Ornijie Member
8 Federal Polytechnic, Birnin – Kebbi
i Adamu Maina Waziri Chairman
ii Razak Gbadegesin Member
iii Hajia Maria Umar Waziri Member
iv Abasiubong Okoko Member
v Sir Ambrose Ejiogu Member
vi Muzakkiru Sidi Bawa Member
vii Chief Fred Kpakol Member
9[b] Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Taraba State[/b]
i Pastor Yusuf Alfa Chairman
ii Hon. Nuhu Bobbo Gurin Member
iii Shuaibu Garba Farinruwa Member
iv Mohammed Babangida Wambai Member
v Alh. Adamu Mohammed Member
vi Chief Vero Tangbowei Member
vii Arc. Inno Agbo Member
10 Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure
i Senator (Engr) Onyema Amadi Okoroafor Chairman
ii Hon. Zailani Mohammed Member
iii Hon. Benjamin Sylvanus Obayi Member
iv Arc. Mohammed Isa Umar Member
v Hon. Joseph Oforkansi Member
vi Mr. Tanimu Adamson Member
vii A T Ahmed Member
11 Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State
i Dr. Christian Azubuike Odukwe Chairman
ii Mrs. Blessing Ijebuonwu Member
iii Mr Anthony Odiadi Nyemike Member
iv Tanko Isyaku Gwamna Member
v Mrs Patricia Aina Member
vi Mr. Tsho Usani Member
vii Ahmed Sulieman Leda Member
12 Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State
i Mr. Bekeakpo Etifa Chairman
ii Tijjani Uba Abdullahi Member
iv Ashiru Abdullahi Bomo Member
v Major -General Olakunle Akiinyemi [Rtd] Member
vi John Ezievuo Member
vii Chief Dick Bekeme Member
13[b] Federal College of Education (Tech) Gusau[/b]
i Hon Bala Bawa Ka’oje Chairman
ii Dalhatu Ibrahim Demeji Member
iii M. Ashiekh Umara Member
iv Hon. V. Olumide Bamidele Member
14 National Broadcasting Commission
i Dr. Herbert Orji Chairman
ii Hon. Kabiru Umar Member
iii Hon. Mike Iheanetu Member
iv Yakubu Busa Buji Member
v Hon. Ebenezer O. Ayorinde Member
vi Isa Badamsi Dahiru Member
vii Dennis Sami Member
viii Jude Nnorum, SAN Member
15[b] Nigerian Press Council[/b]
i Chief Yinka Akintola Chairman
ii Chief Ferdinand Uzodinma Member
iii Mr. Chidi Abaribe Member
iv Hon. Alfred Sunday Bello Member
v Ibrahim M. Boyi Member
16[b[b]] Nigerian Centre for Metallurgical Development[/b][/b]
i Hon. John Ikemefuna Chairman
ii Segun Osifo Akpata Member
iii Salisu Bagudu Member
iv Ibrahim Lolo Member
v Chief Sam Iwuchukwu Member
17 [b]West African Examination Council[/b]
i Professor Tunde Adeniran Chairman
ii Igwe Cyprian Ije Member
iii Mrs Ebun Ilorin Jegede Member
iv Hon. Uchennia Orji Member
18 [b]Teacher’s Registration Council[/b]
Prof Greg Iwu Chairman
19[b] National Council for Arts and Culture[/b]
i Professor Nelson Branbayefa Chairman
ii Alhaji Saidu Gwadabe Member
iii Emma Okafor Member
iv Nneka Igwe Member
20[b[b]] National Centre for Women Development[/b][/b]
i Chief Dr. Mrs Becky Ketebu-Igwe Chairman
ii Hajia Meiro Momoh Member
iii Hajia Binta Kuraye Member
iv Hajiya Zulai Bello Member
v Ms. Alice Ochai Member
vi Sulieman Lawal Jarman Kaura Member
The statement added that membership of each Governing Board shall include all the institutional members in accordance with the Enabling Law of the Parastatal/ Agency. The dates for the formal inauguration of the Governing Boards will be announced in due course by the supervising authorities and Ministers.

The candidates
Okeke Chika Jerry (AA)
Chukwuemeka Nwankwo (ACCORD)
Dr Ifeatu Ekelem (ACD)
Engr Anthony Anene (ACPN)
Comrade Aaron Igweze (AD)
Chief Anayo Arinze (ADC)
Patrick Chukwuka Ibeziako (APA)
Senator Chris Ngige (APC)
Chief Willie Obiano (APGA)
Chief Austin Nwangwu (CPP)
Chijioke Geofrey Ndubuisi (DPP)
Christian Ikechukwu Otti (ID)
Chief Dennis Nwaforka Oguge (KOWA)
Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (LP)
Pastor Simon Okafor (MPPP)
Okoknkwo Webster (NCP)
Prince Leonard Uchendu (NNPP)
Nicholas Ukachukwu (PDP)
Godwin Ezeemo (PPA)
Hon Basil Ijedinma (PPN)
Onuarah Onyeachonam (SDP)
Barr Okoye Godson (UDP)
Prince Akaneebu Ogochukwu (UPP).

A controversial penalty decision helped Burkina Faso sneak victory over Algeria in the first leg of their World Cup play-off in Ouagadougou.
Algeria had twice come back from behind and looked set to take a 2-2 draw back to Blida for next month's second leg when Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe awarded a late spot-kick to the hosts, penalising Essaid Belkalem for handball.
It looked a harsh decision as Belkalem had his arms folded behind his back and was looking away from the ball, which was struck against him from about five yards away.
Aristide Bance, who had missed a penalty in the first half, stepped up and hit a powerful shot that keeper Rais M'bolhi got a hand to but was unable to keep out.
Algerian players had protested fiercely when the decision was made and there were confrontations between the players immediately after Bance's strike.
The goal changed the face of the tie, which had been tipped in Algeria's favour thanks to their two away goals.

And Burkina Faso will look back with relief, having defended poorly throughout and failed to take their chances at the other end as they clearly missed injured striker Alain Traore.
The first real chance came when Jonathan Pitroipa was felled in the area near the end of the first half and Sikazwe awarded a penalty. But Bance's effort was easily saved by Mbolhi.
Then in first-half stoppage time the hosts did make a chance count when Pitroipa headed in from an unmarked position, continuing his fine form over the past year.
However, Algeria emerged in determined mood after the break and were soon back on level terms when Islam Slimani slipped a pass to Sofiane Feghouli and he cut inside a defender to slot home into the corner.
Soon after, Feghouli missed a good opportunity to put his side ahead when he shot straight at Daouda Diakite - a rare moment of certainty from the Burkinabe keeper who looked shaky throughout.
And instead, Burkina Faso regained the lead thanks to some powerful play from Djakaridja Kone. The midfielder took the ball down on his chest about 25 yards out, pushed the ball past the defender and rifled a low, left-foot shot into the far right corner.
However, the lead lasted only three minutes, the hosts again punished for sloppy defending as Carl Medjani ghosted in to head in and restore parity once more.
It looked like Algeria would go into November's second leg in the ascendancy, until referee Sikazwe's intervention.
And while Bance took the chance to redeem himself, Algeria's players were given a reminder of just how cruel football can be.

Nigeria has embarked on an international campaign to press Liechtenstein to return the €185 million ill-gotten gains linked to the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, which is still harboured in the tiny principality nearly 14 years after recovery proceedings began.

The Nigerian government first requested assistance from Liechtenstein in returning the assets in 2000, two years after Abacha’s sudden death paved the way for the return of civilian rule.

A report by the Financial Times yesterday, stated that criminal investigations and subsequent forfeiture proceedings established that the funds originated from bribes paid by Germany’s Ferrostaal AG to companies, whose ultimate beneficiary was the late head of state. According to the newspaper, the transactions were related to a grossly inflated contract for the construction of an aluminium smelter.

Liechstenstein’s constitutional court ordered the confiscation of the funds in 2012 and in March 2013, dismissed a final appeal against the order by companies linked to the Abacha family, clearing the way for restitution of the funds.

But the Liechtenstein government has declined to accept written guarantees from Nigeria that it will compensate the country in the unlikely event that it should incur any liabilities in a further suit that had been filed by the Abacha-linked companies at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

This could delay the return of the funds for several more years.
The late Abacha was the penultimate and most brutal of Nigeria’s military rulers, the newspaper said.

The late head of state and what Switzerland’s Supreme Court dubbed the “Abacha family criminal enterprise,” the newspaper alleged, amassed a fortune worth several billion dollars from misappropriation of public funds during his 1993 to 1998 rule. The lawyer representing the Abacha family could not be reached for comment.

It quoted the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to have described the delay as “outrageous” and accused the Liechtenstein government of being uncooperative.

She told the Financial Times that she plans to appeal for support for Nigeria’s claims at the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings.

“This is about funds that were stolen by a corrupt dictator. We have spent nearly 14 years trying to get them back and we are pleading with the Liechtenstein authorities not to aid and abet the continuation of that corruption,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

On their part, Liechtenstein officials defended the delay as the result of the case in Strasbourg which would, if the court accepts to hear it, address the plaintiffs’ rights to a fair hearing under article 6 of the European convention on human rights. The European court cannot overrule Liechtenstein court rulings restoring the funds but officials in the principality fear they could be laid open to compensation claims from the Abacha-linked companies.

“Unfortunately, now we are in a situation where we have a final judgment, we have the assets and the government wants to return those assets to Nigeria, but four entities have filed a case at the ECHR,” Liechtenstein’s attorney-general, Robert Wallner said.

Wallner added: “Even though their chances of winning are low we lawyers know we can never be sure of the outcome.”

Also, a Swiss lawyer working with the Nigerian government, Enrico Monfrini, traced $2.4 billion of assets linked to Abacha, most of which were channeled through European banks.

Nigeria has recovered $1.3 billion, the largest tranche of which – $500 million – came from Switzerland in 2005. A further $1.1 billion – in France, the UK, Luxembourg and the Channel island of Jersey – is still tied up in legal proceedings.
“Every other country where a final court decision was taken, paid back immediately,” Monfrini said, taking issue with Liechtenstein for failing to accept the Nigerian guarantee relating to the Strasbourg case.

“They don’t want to trust these people because they are Africans, although the balance sheet of Nigeria is a lot better than France or Spain. I would call this a neo-colonialist attitude,” he added.

Nigeria has engaged the World Bank’s Stolen Asset Recovery unit, Star, set up by Okonjo Iweala herself when she was at the bank, to monitor the use of the funds once they are returned – as it has done with other recovered assets. But Liechtenstein wants the World Bank to play a greater role as guarantor.

“We want the World bank to discuss with us and develop different opportunities to how we can bring the money back,” a senior official at the justice ministry said.
“We are okay to pay the money back but we want to have an opportunity to be on the safe side. It is a long process but it is a fair proceeding,” the official added.

Tags: News, Nigeria, Featured, Abacha, Liechtenstein

RIP

Angry Levski Sofia fans force new coach Ivaylo Petev to take off the team's shirt at his first news conference, before escorting him out.

The fans were unhappy at Petev's appointment at the Bulgarian club as they believe he is a supporter of arch city rivals CSKA Sofia.

Several dozen hostile fans burst in shortly after the start of Petev's first news conference, making him remove his shirt before ushering him out of the room.
Ivaylo Petev, 38, left on Wednesday after what he described as an "ugly" encounter the previous day.
Levski fans were protesting at Petev's reported allegiance with arch city rival CSKA Sofia.
"What happened yesterday is extremely ugly and I would not like to work in such an environment," Petev said.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=vyW_gGz7lZY

start at 4.30



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A1i8K_xksI?t=4m35s

Qatari club El Jaish have announced the signing of Nigeria forward Kalu Uche from Kasimpasa on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old becomes the club's fourth signing of the season.
"I have been in Europe for 12 years now and this was a great chance for me to play in another continent with such a big club," Uche told BBC Sport.
"I am delighted to have joined El Jaish because I am still hungry for success and hopeful I can make a big contribution to the club."
The Super Eagle landed in Doha on Monday and put pen to paper after completing a successful medical.
He scored 19 goals for Kasimpasa to end a single season in Turkey as the second top scorer in the Super Lig.
A widely reported wage dispute led to an unceremonious exit, but Uche said he can only take positives from a successful campaign in Turkey.
"I had a fantastic one season in Istanbul and Turkey. The fans and team-mates were extremely nice to me and my family," he said.
"I can only wish the team all the best this season and for the future."
Uche, who has played in Spain, Poland, France, Switzerland and Turkey, said he is happy with his latest move.
"Everyday is a new beginning and what you've done elsewhere is in the past," he added.
"I'm happy that we could sort everything out before the end of the Qatar transfer window [at midnight local time on 30 September]."
Uche and El Jaish refused to disclose financial details, but Turkish media say Kasimpasa will get between US$4m and $4.8m.
The Super Eagles forward scored two goals for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, against Greece and South Korea.
He has been absent from the Nigerian squad since he scored alongside his younger brother Ikechukwu in the country's 2-0 friendly win against Zambia in November 2011.

osaze shld have been recalled..

Golden Eaglets' U-17 gaffer, Manu Garba has listed 21 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at the 15th FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in the United Arab Emirates between October 17th and November 8th, 2013

Captain Mohammed Musa, 2013 U17 African Championship topscorer, Isaac Success and playmaker Idowu Akinjide lead the pack of the youngsters who will be aiming to make Nigeria the first country to lift the trophy for a fourth time.

Nigeria were grouped alongside reigning world cadet champions Mexico, Sweden and Iraq in Group F of the tournament.

Eaglets’ first game will be against the Mexicans coming up in Al Ain City on 19th October.

The certified fighters:
Sunday Alampasu, Bello Zaraddeen, Japhet Raymond, Musa Yahaya, Chidera Ezeh, Isaac Success, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alfa Abdullahi, Chigozie Obasi, Abubakar Abdulazeez, Baba Salihu, Godwin Saviour, Habeeb Makanjuola, Okon Denis, Uzoha Odinaka, Mohammed Musa, Chidiebere Nwakali, Abubakar Aliu, Idowu Akinjide, Godwin Samuel.

http://futbalgalore..com/2013/10/manu-garba-lists-success-and-20-others.html

Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas is a household name in Nigeria. He was the Minister For Youths Sports and Culture and Minister of Aviation during Retired General Ibrahim Babngida’s regime. In 1999, he was also appointed Minister for Labour and Productivity and in 2000, Minister of Tourism in ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet. At his Port Harcourt GRA residence last weekend, Sunday Sun engaged him in an exclusive interview during which he reflected on his early life, lifestyle, family and other issues. Excerpts:

Have you ever been betrayed by those close to you?

Yes, especially by those who I helped. They eventually betrayed me and let me down. I would say my compensation is that I’ve lived long enough to be able to surmount betrayal.



What are your challenges in life ?

No human being can say he doesn’t have challenges. I started my career in the oil industry and after I rose to the top, some intrigues and conspiracies began to surface largely because I was highly favored by the authorities. Some myopic character saw me as a traitor, especially in those days when the expatriates were in control and before we came up with the Nigerialization of the industry.



So what has life taught you?

Life has taught me to be cautious and steadfast . If I have confidence in somebody, I’ve learnt never to betray that person. I’ve also learnt to be cautious of tale bearers. Today, people might say I’m their enemy. I’m not an enemy to anybody. If someone tells me stories about anybody, I call the person and tell him and as soon as the person explains I know what to do. I’m very careful of such tell tales . My house is open to everybody but I’m very cautious.



At what stage in your life did you become famous?

Right from secondary school. Then I went round the country. I schooled at Abeokuta, so I’ve experienced the Yoruba culture . I had a lot of friends. I had my primary education at Government School, Okesuna Lagos. I attended Abeokuta Grammar School to do science after a brief stint at Baptist High School also in Abeokuta. I made a lot of friends in secondary school.



What does Alabo mean?

Alabo means chief. I had the opportunity of being the traditional head of my unit. Everybody was answering chief and I felt it was too common. So, I decided that I was going to take the native interpretation of the chieftaincy, which means Alabo . I answered that name on radio and television interviews I granted.

When anybody says Alabo, I like what you are wearing, I tell them, I will send you yours. Subsequently, I bought them theirs with jewelries to match. You can say I’m fashionable and I love setting the pace in fashion.

Ibos dress like us but they’re not as flamboyant. We embellish our dressing with studs which cost as much as $30,000 dollars. They are made of eighteen carat pure gold and with very expensive stones. They are also made of rubies, sapphire and diamonds. These are things that make me stand out and give me dignity.



How do you unwind?

In school, I used to go to nightclubs a lot. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke but then we were good playboys.



What are you doing now that you’re retired?

I enjoy jazz and contemporary music. When I retired, one of the things I did was to have a nightclub in a hotel I built here in Port Harcourt. I have handed it over to my wife to manage, but she doesn’t like the nightclub, so the nightclub is not there now. I had a casino and cinema all in one place too . The nightclub was very popular.



Sir, you’re a handsome man. How do you cope with women ?

It affected my family because my wives felt slighted. I had a lot of good women friends, but as the years went by I got over it. Due to ill health I became very careful, reserved and cautious. My first and second wives could not tolerate it , but my present wife doesn’t mind. Our parents were very devout Christians. My grand father brought Anglicanism to my town, Abonema. He donated a very large chunk of his land to missionaries when the church came over to this part of the world. That affected our upbringing, all of us. We are all achievers in my family.



Really?

My elder brother is a doctor and was the first secretary of the Nigerian Medical Council. They were the people who set it up. He was a great surgeon at the Hammersmith University Hospital in London. He organized medical services in Rivers State and was also the brain behind the teaching hospital in Rivers State.

One of my brothers was the federal attorney general during General Yakubu Gowon’s regime. He was first the attorney general to Odumegwu Ojukwu . When Ojukwu launched his rebellion , he opposed it and told him “We should try to keep Nigeria one. On that note he resigned though he was almost killed. When Rivers State was created, Gowon enjoined him to come and set up the Ministry of Justice.

Still another brother was the Chief Judge of the Rivers State . These two brothers were Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Today in my family, there are over 10 doctors and over 38 graduates with the grand children. So it’s a great dynasty.



What’s your relationship with your children like ?

I have 12 kids and I trained all of them in England. They are like trained unionists. They love one another very much and you can’t tell that they are from different mothers.

It’s just a blessing to me. One is working as a special assistant to a federal minister and another one a special assistant to the governor of a state.

My daughters are okay too. One is working with Central Bank of Nigeria and one is an actress and a lawyer. My eldest daughter has four kids and she is married to a Kogi man. She is now doing executive MBA at Oxford University.



How did you meet your beautiful wife?

We both attended St. Cyprians Anglican Church in Port Harcourt. My office used to be close to the church. I saw her and I liked her. She doesn’t give me problem. I don’t give her problems too, but I’m strict. That’s all.



What advice do you have for married couples ?

They should be patient and tolerant as well as be good friends of their spouses, especially as they advance in age. I’m 74. She’s just barely 50 years. I was sexually mature when they gave birth to her. That respect is there. Women have a role to play to keep a man like me. You must manage a house well. I’m a bigamist. I can’t eat alone even if it’s groundnuts. I have to share it. It’s been like that all my life. When I was at school, once my brother gave me my school fees, I used it to pay a friend’s school fees.

One day, my brother asked me what happened to the money he gave me. I was a bit petrified to tell him. Eventually, when he heard of what I did, he was happy. From there on, he started paying my friend’s school fees. That was our upbringing and my children have imbibed it.

My children and I devote the first Sunday of every month to fasting . Anywhere we are, we fast and pray to God. We phone round to break the fast. It’s inculcated in their psyche and habits. God has helped us as a family.



What’s your favorite food?

I used to be a voracious eater. I love good food. When I travel out, I take my friends to the best restaurants.

I love going to restaurants that have the best of cuisine but with my health, I’m very careful of what I eat.

I have to curtail what I eat but my kitchen is still very vibrant. When I’m in Port Harcourt, Abuja or Lagos, about twenty people eat with me everyday.



What are your favorite books?

I like to read biographies of great people. You can see, I am a collector (pointing to his shelves) but I watch a lot of movies for relaxation. Perpetually, there is music in this house, my sitting room and bedroom etc.

Also, I love action movies but then I want to relax and not over excite myself. I watch intricate plots which I find difficult to unravel.



Tell us about your childhood

I’m the last of my father’s children and I was a spoilt child. I had everything I needed in life as a child. From the first day I was born to the day I graduated from the university , I had a very easy life and I was given everything I wanted.

CLUELESS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QcQ06729RU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUb9oo8oiZ9UVTLSAzXM7QcQ

rare opportunity to catch on tape this never before seen footage of the first training session for the Super Eagles vs. Malawi World Cup qualifier in Calabar. Delivered in pidgin English with such eloquence, the 'Big Boss' Stephen Keshi inspires his team to reach for perfection and dominate the match against Malawi.

berem: I thought Chris Anyanwu is an Owerri woman? never heard she is from Mbaise. please who's the present Senator representing Okigwe zone?

Matthew Ifeanyi Nwagwu

Should Ngige Get A Second Chance As Anambra Governor?




https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4YZUHR7b-2U

Senate President, David Mark, said yesterday, that political jobbers and war-mongers have seized the Nigerian political space ahead of the 2015 general elections which is still two years away. The Senate President made the observation while welcoming Senators at Tuesday’s plenary after a seven-week recess.

Mark noted that the antics of those agitating for political office ahead of 2015 was to unduly overheat the polity, adding that beating the drums of war and making treasonable comments were well-worn antics that would not work.

“Distinguished colleagues, more than ever before, our countrymen and women are looking up to us for leadership, redemption and stability. The polity is assailed by political tremors, all on account of the 2015 elections. Here, in this chamber, we are first and foremost, Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and though not impervious to the present centrifugal political pulls, we must put the interest of Nigeria above every other consideration.

“We must not only rise above narrow, parochial and partisan considerations, we must also very eloquently, by deeds and words, demonstrate the capacity and willingness to moderate national discourse and balance the polity. This we can only do by always standing with the people and on the side of truth and by painstakingly striving at all times to do what is legally and constitutionally right and morally justifiable.

“It is disheartening that even though the general elections of 2015 are two years away, political jobbers, sycophants and hustlers have prematurely seized the political space and are being allowed to set the tone of national discourse.

“This is an unnecessary and avoidable distraction by characters or hirelings, who are desperately in search of relevance. They are only out to feather their own nests and in the process unduly overheat the polity. They employ every weapon, including threats of war, and open saber rattling, to advance their partisan causes.

“I am, therefore, compelled to urge restraint and to call on all putative contestants to various political positions in 2015 to advise themselves and call their various supporters to order.

My prayer is to see our democracy advance to a level where those who lose elections would stoically accept the verdict of the electorate, congratulate the winners and forge ahead.

Beating the wwdrums of war, chanting war songs and blackmailing the nation with fire and brimstone are outdated and unacceptable tools of political brinksmanship.

“Political jobbers and war-mongers do not serve anybody’s interests, but theirs.

They exploit our collective fears and fan the embers of hatred, acrimony and division. But like I have said in the past, Nigeria is greater than any of its parts and it is in our collective interest to promote her unity based on the ideals of love, peace, patriotism, faith, compromise and sacrifice.

And Nigeria is certainly greater than any position any politician will ever occupy.”

In order to contain their antics, Mark has urged security agencies in the country to fish out and prosecute anyone found making treasonable comments.

“I, therefore, strongly advise the security agencies to take any threat bordering on treason very seriously and to thoroughly investigate such and take appropriate measures irrespective of who the culprits are.

“The greatest legacy we can bequeath to posterity is to collectively build a Nigeria that is more functional, more united, more dynamic, more peaceful and more democratic. Our objective should be to build a nation whose unity is an article of faith based on equity, fairness, justice and equal opportunity; a nation where injustice to one is injustice to all. I know it is a herculean task, but it is one that can be attained by steely resolve.

“As Senators of the Federal Republic and as stabilizers of the polity, we must sound it loud and clear to all our elected and appointed officials and indeed to every politician, that to divert attention from the core task of governance to desperate political permutations, is a great disservice to our nation,” Mark told his colleagues.

GEJ needs the governors on his side to fulfil his 2015 ambition.

FACT: Alaba wanted to play for nigeria years ago he wanted to play for golden eaglets at the time. but was turned away hence his decision to represent Austria

Emmanuel Omoyimni

Nicky Ajose

Marvin Ogunjimi

Jordan Ibe (liverpool f.c.)

Striker Joseph Akpala says a lack of first-team chances at German club Werder Bremen led to his season-long loan move to Turkish side Karabukspor.
The Nigeria star only signed a four-year contract with Bremen in 2012 after moving from Belgium's Club Brugge.
But he made just 21 appearances, mostly as a substitute last season and scored just once last season.
"Regular football is top of the agenda and of course the main reason for moving.
"Every footballer desire to play regularly in the first team and Karabukspor provides that opportunity."
Akpala played for the Super Eagles at the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil but is not in the squad for the current round of World Cup qualifiers.
But he insisted that the move was not motivated by trying to earn a recall to the Nigeria squad.
"As a professional you want to play regular football at the top level," he said.
"The main reason I have joined Karabukspor is not to try to help my Nigeria chances - I know that will come if I am playing consistently well for my club.
"When you are in great form with your club, scoring goals and in good condition, you know the opportunity can come.
"I have been called up recently and I know that with the talents available to the coaches you'd need to play games to get into the squads."
Akpala trained with English Championship side Reading earlier this summer, but was unable to secure a move to the Madejski Stadium.
According to Werder Bremen manager Thomas Eichin, the Turkish club Karabukspor does not have a buy-out option at the end of the season.
"Joseph Akpala has great skill, but so far he has not been able to break into our first team regularly," Eichin told the club website.
"Now, he will get the chance to play regular first-team football in the Turkish league. There, he can pick up the self-confidence every striker needs."

Nigerian club Warri Wolves explain they have rejected an offer from French Ligue 2 side CA Bastia for Sunday Mba.
The midfielder, who scored the goal that won the African Nations Cup for Nigeria earlier this year, agreed personal terms last week.
The 24-year-old was even pictured in a local newspaper with a CA Bastia shirt.
"I sincerely felt sorry for the player, but when we couldn't agree on their proposal we had to pull the plug," Warri chairman Amaju Pinnick told BBC Sport.
The Corsican club had proposed to pay the transfer fee of €250,000 in three instalments which will be spread across 2014 and 2015.
But Wolves rejected the terms outright and pulled out of discussions, according to Pinnick.
"We completely rejected their offer and that's the end of Sunday Mba proposed move to CA Bastia," he explained
Mba himself was philosophical about missing out on his desired switch to Europe.
"I guess Warri Wolves have done everything within their means to try and fix this unfortunate outcome without success," Mba told BBC Sport.
"This is not the end of the world for me. I can handle this difficult time and hope to continue to explore alternative opportunities out there.
"I must work hard and I know God will make another way for me."
He is part of the Nigeria squad that is preparing to face Malawi in Calabar on Saturday in a crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier.

e concern u

Nigerian attacking midfielder Abdul Jeleel Ajagun has joined Greek Super League side Panathinaikos from Nigeria's Dolphins FC.
The 20-year-old has signed a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
He captained the Nigeria team which finished third in this year's African Under-20 Championship.
At club level, Ajagun played for Dolphins FC for five years between 2008 to 2013, making 92 appearances and scoring 39 goals.