A MUST READ: Celebrities and Their Financial Misfortunes

Over the years in Nigeria, we have seen artiste and sports men who were once living large as a result of their huge income, return to poverty within a decade. We observed that this trend is resurrecting again as some musicians and actors that were seen as comfortable few years back now struggle to feed.
This eye-opening piece will tell you why and how these things happen and what to do...
Legendary singer Dionne Warwick has filed for bankruptcy. In a statement last week, her publicist said the singer’s filing was “due to several consecutive years of negligent and gross financial mismanagement.”

Dionne Warwick’s success began in 1962 with “Don’t Make Me Over,” followed by 18 consecutive Top 100 singles. Her repertoire includes "say a little prayer", "I know I’ll never love this way again" and numerous others. Since she did not write her most famous songs she has not benefited from the significant royalties that songwriters, Burt Bacharach and Hal David did.

Even though the singer has worked for over fifty years and sold over 100 million albums and 30 million singles, it is alarming to read that she, at 72 years old, must continue to work hard and give live performances to keep earning to supplement her income from social security and a pension. Dionne Warwick will always be a legend; she is a truly gifted singer, and she leaves a legacy of some of the world’s greatest music.

This is yet another sorry tale that graphically illustrates the far too common “riches to rags” saga [of celebrities]. There are some common threads that run through the reasons why so many high earning celebrities such as musicians, actors, and sportsmen go broke.

Artistes and sportsmen are particularly vulnerable when it comes to their personal finances as they face unique challenges. When the funds start coming in, many don’t realise that they may be earning a lifetime of income within a relatively short time frame. Careers are often brief and uncertain particularly for sports men and women whose careers can come to an end in their 30s or sooner, and one serious injury could cut short a career overnight. Musicians cannot predict the popularity of their music, and an actress doesn’t know which will be her last role. Unrealistic assumptions about future earnings can cloud judgment when it comes to savings and spending.

Don’t neglect your education. It is very easy when the money starts rolling in to view education as a waste of precious time. This is a huge mistake, as the benefits of education will remain long after a career has ended. Many celebrities shortchange themselves by dropping out of school to pursue their celebrity and many more fail to return to complete their education. By getting a qualification, there is a better chance of being able to earn even when celebrity is waning.

Excessive spending is a reason for celebrities suffering financial misfortune. Regardless of whether you make N500, 000 or N50m a year there is the very real possibility of going broke. One Hollywood star is reported to have had 22 cars, four yachts and 15 expensive homes all over the world some of which he never visited.

Along with their large incomes, celebrities, and some Nigerian stars are no different, maintain enormous overheads that include large homes, managers, agents, stylists, publicists, bodyguards, assistants and hangers-on; they are besieged by family members and friends who regularly require assistance. Some are naïve and as they become very popular they fall victim to those who are willing to pander to their celebrity for financial gain. Members of their entourage constantly surround and insulate them from reality feeding their egos. “Untidy” personal lives are also a common feature with multiple relationships resulting in multiple children and the attendant costs of education and upkeep.

A lack of financial knowledge often makes celebrities vulnerable to business owners, financial advisors, bankers and stockbrokers some of whom may take advantage of them and who are eager to help them “invest” their fortunes. Most have never learned the basics of financial management and end up making poor investments and end up losing millions. One must bear some responsibility for not being more vigilant with one’s finances. It doesn’t matter how much money you make; if it is mismanaged or spent frivolously, it will be gone very quickly.

George Foreman appears to stand out from many sportsmen; he turned professional at 20 and displayed much financial acumen relatively early. He put aside about 25 per cent of what he earned at every fight into a pension plan. In spite of his commitment to investing he did expose most of his assets to significant risk in poor investments losing a fortune.

In later years he was to become wealthier than he ever was during his boxing career. In 1999, he sold his name and image to the manufacturer of George Foreman’s Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine for $137.5 million in cash and stock.

When celebrities are in their earning prime, spending rises to meet income levels. When income falls, it becomes difficult to curb expenses quickly enough either because they cannot break the spending cycle, or because they have already committed to large purchases and cannot meet debt payments. It doesn’t take long for one to be broke if income stops and spending continues. Sometimes one may be in denial and may be unwilling to accept the fact that the lifestyle must change. By limiting expensive fixed costs and overheads, one can adjust a lifestyle for the realities of inconsistent income.

One watches with rapt attention, the exciting growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, an increasing crop of outstanding musicians, actors and actresses, comedians, producers and directors, sports men and women. A word of caution is important however.
Artistes and sportsmen must plan for what could be an uncertain future by diversifying earning streams, investing and protecting the large sums of money earned today. Do not be complacent. Whether you are a celebrity or a successful business owner, learn from past examples and protect your future to avoid the well-trodden road from riches to rags

Father Of Former Speaker Dimeji Bankole Impregnates 3 Ladies At The Same Time

Wonders, they say, shall never cease, news broke out that the Ogun State political god father and father of the former Speaker of the Federal House Of Representatives , Dimeji Bankole, Chief Alani Bankole at 71 has impregnated a lady who recently delivered a baby for him.
Many were shocked because of his advanced age, all unanimous in their views about where and how the elder states man should channel his energy, which should be nurturing the older and existing of his off springs rather than making more babies.

Nigeriafilms gathered from close sources that two out of the three women the highly potent Egba High Chief impregnated, two delivered their bundles of joy early this year while the third is due to be delivered of her pregnancy soonest.
Bola Ewebiyi, a 26 years old Business Administration graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, the first amongst the three baby mamas was delivered of a baby girl. Likewise a 33 year old Indigene of Ilaro. They were both said to have delivered a week apart of each other in January

Controversial Adokiye returns with “Love you Better”

Until her controversial semi-nude pose for a United States based tabloid last year, Adokiye Kyrian Yvonne a.k.a Adokiye was relatively unknown in the Nigerian music scene. But today, she has become one of the rising female singers who are charting a new course for the industry.


Adokiye

Last Friday, while many Nigerians indulged in sober reflection, following the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, this sexy diva resorted to giving herself a triple treat. The Afro-pop singer did not only mark her birthday anniversary on that holy day, she equally triples it all with the release of her hit single titled, “Love Better ft Hot sensation Addiction” produced by Baby Rhymsz.

Also, to celebrate with the Aproko, Port-Harcourt based singer, CityFM 1051 held a live party in honour of the controversial singer.

Adokiye

Speaking on her new single, the diva said, ‘’ My song is all about preaching God’s Love and how to love your neighbour. I also want people to say positive things about me, see what I can do and not the negative side of my life. I promise never to disappoint you all.”

Adokiye last year posed semi-nude for a US based tabloid for the sum of $200,000. Her erotic pictures surfaced online, after which she started trending. Her first singles were released in August, last year, one of which featured popular rapper Olamide.

Nollywood Actress, Ebube Nwagbo Acquires N18million Porsche Panamera Car (Photo)

Nigerian actress Ebube Nwagbo has proven beyond doubt that she is a now a big babe.
The actress who got involved in a messy Porsche-Honda controversy on Twitter few weeks ago has finally acquired the luxury car.

In the controversial tweet, Ebube Nwagbo excitedly shared the photo of a Porsche car on her Twitter page but she tagged it 2013 Honda Cross tour.
Confused fans immediately hit her with series of questions, some even called her a village girl for tagging a Porsche car as Honda Cross Tour.
Ebube Nwagbo’s brand new wonder on wheels costs a whopping N18 million.
“It’s here finally!!!Loving my New Toy!!4Eva thnkful Lord!!” – said Ebube via her twitter page.

Mercy Johnson returns

Nollywood most-sought-after actress, and mother of one, Mercy Johnson who is currently missing on screen, following her continues sojourn in the United States after giving birth to her first child, Purity, is set to reconnect with her fans again through the release of last movie, “ Baby Oku in America.”

Mercy starred in the movie alongside, Chets Aniekwe and fast rising star Ani Amatosero before embarking on sabbatical leave few months ago.


*Mercy Johnson

The movie produced by Gabriel Moses, the CEO of Amaco Films and I-Com International Company is a comedy that tells the story of a newly married Nigerian couple that relocated to the United State of America, a move that brought out the ignorance and unpleasant character of the woman in the marriage as she strive to live and preach the gospel of gender equality in their marriage in the wrong way.

According to Gabriel Moses, the executive producer of the movie, the cast and crew had to work in Nigeria and the United States to show the beauty of both countries while taking full advantage of the cordial bilateral relationship that exist between the United States of America and Nigeria.

Meanwhile the ace movie producer who has produced films like One Dollar, Abandoned, Old School among others, has promised that Baby Oku in America will not be his last movie in the business.

Actress Mercy Aigbe Disgraced By Her Husband

 On Sunday April 7,2013 whilst you and I were going about our businesses,A little drama unfolded in Lagos between Actress Mercy and her hubby Lanre.

This is the gist from the beginning for those who will not understand if I start from what happened.
Sola Fajobi, that guy that organises NextMovieStar and Supermom has just floated 2 TV stations, V Channel and Oodua TV. So yesterday, he hosted Mercy Aigbe, its was a recorded TV Show for Oodua Amounmaworan (TV). It was a star studded show attended by Mercy’s husband and friends.
So slightly before the show ended, Mercy just vanished and everybody started looking for her including her hubby, Lanre Gentry.
After like an hour or so, the hubby forced the MC to announced that he was looking for his wife and when that didn’t work, he stood up a with fierce look and began causing a scene..when it was obvious he meant business,they later took him to a room where his darling wife who has arrived the venue in a short black dress with her back bare had changed to a night gown!!!
Enraged hubby Lanre dragged her out in the night gown and threw her into his SUV and drove angrily out of the venue whilst shocked onlookers looked on!”
As you read this now, Mercy’ s car a Nissan Solaria is in front of Sola Fajobi’s Troy Lounge in Ogba
and no tone word has been heard of what might have transpired last night.
The question now is..Why did Mercy change into a night gown in a room whilst her hubby was in the recording room watching the show being recorded?
Why did the couple arrive the venue in different cars?…To pose?
What could have happened?Was the actress in the room making a movie unknown to the hubby?
I hope she is okay sha and has not been pummelled by hubby indoors last night.
I no fit answer any of these question but denials are free of course!

Omawumi, Timi Dakolo, Gordons, others storm Eko hotel for Vanguard Personality of the Year award

Nigeria’s pop diva, Omawumi Megbele, Timi Dakolo, Temi Sax and ace-comedian, Gordons will be leading other entertainers to the maiden edition of Vanguard Personality of the Year award ceremony holding this evening, in Lagos.

Other top entertainers who are billed to make the event colourful are Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) President, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Segun Arinze, Ejike Asiegbu, Monlaisa Chinda, Zik Zulu Okafor, Kate Henshaw, Emem Isong, Ireti Doye, Gabriel Okoye a.k.a Gabosky and Victor Osuagwu. Others are Ebube Nwagbo, Bukky Wright, Desmond Elliot and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.


Omawunmi

The event which promises to feature politicians, bankers, business icon,celebrities will be hosted by multi-talented artiste, Basorge and comedienne cum broadcaster, Helen Paul a.k.a Tatafo.

Vanguard Media Limited would be honouring the duo of Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Executive Governor of Rivers State and Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, GMD/CEO, Access Bank, for excellent strides taken in public service as well as in the private sector.

The occasion, slated for today, at Expo Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be chaired by former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida with Senator, Edwin.K. Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information being the father of the day. The event which is strictly by invitation opens by 6.00 pm.

However, explaining the essence of the award ceremony, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Eze Anaba who doubles as the Chairman, organising Committee said, the event is billed to celebrate Governor Amaechi’s achievements in the last one year.

“After a rigorous selection process, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State emerged the winner of the organisation’s Personality of the Year award alongside MD/CEO, Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. We just want to celebrate them today.” he explained.

Meanwhile, pop diva, Omawumi who is billed to stage a special concert for the launch of her new sophomore effort, “ The Lasso of Truth, at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, tomorrow, will thrill the audience with her imitable dance steps, and vocal dexterity as she adorns the same stage with her 2007 Project Fame Reality show rival, Timi Dakolo. Celebrated stand up comedian, Gordons will also be on hand to spice up the glamorous event with his rib cracking jokes just as Temi Sax will bring his artistry to bear on stage

Foods that boost virility

Food performs various functions in the body, the most basic of which is keeping us healthy to be able to meet other obligations, including sexual obligations, especially for men.

Nutritionists say food can boost or bust a man’s libido, depending on what he ingests. Indeed, researchers say it’s impossible to build manly vigour on a diet of denatured foods like processed meats and other junk foods that fill the space these days.

Experts warn that to boost manly strength behind closed doors, men need foods that are well supplied with the elements that give strength and stamina.

Nutritionist and weight loss expert, Dr. Oluwakemi Oluwa, says all foods that are best for building health, pure blood and vitality are also best for virility building, most especially when eaten in their natural form. Indeed, she nails foods that have undergone “processing, refining or improper cooking,” such as refined flour, refined sugar, and polished rice, among others. These foods, she contends, are only filled with pure starch or other carbohydrate, literally starving the nerves, bones and blood vessels of the elements which they need most.

In terms of warning, researchers recommend this diet for the impotent and sexually debilitated men, especially those over 40 years of age. Young men in their prime who scientists consider already sexually overstimulated are advised to use less of eggs and meats — especially red meat, because of its stimulating character.

They also advise that, where possible, a breakfast could consist of mainly fruits and vegetables, with two small portions of solid foods to round off the day.

This being the case, what foods do we have within reach which can give men the sort of strength they always dream of?

Nutritionists recommend full diet for this category of men, with a fairly liberal allowance of meat, eggs and other proteid (protein-rich) foods. Poultry, fish and sea food are said to be of little help here, though their dietary value cannot be contemned. More important, they also advocate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables eaten “as is.”

Top on the list is watermelon. Currently in season and sometimes throughout the year, this fruit is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also considered as a good source of potassium, and a very good source of vitamins A and C. Its crowning glory, however, is citrulline, an amino acid that stimulates nitric-oxide production and increases blood flow to the male organ, strengthening erections.

For those with sweet tooth, it seems to pay off here. Researchers at the University of California say the flavonoids usually found in dark chocolates improved blood-vessel dilation by more than 10 per cent among men that ate it. The result is an improved blood flow to the nether region, with the attendant boost as needed.

Other sources of flavonoids are green and black tea, apples, apricots, blueberries, pears, strawberries, cabbage, onions and tomatoes.

It’s not just the phallus shape of bananas that make them a fruit of interest. Their libido-boosting values are also of great importance. Said to be high in potassium, nutritionists say this lush fruit relaxes blood-vessel walls, allowing for better blood flow throughout the body. Indeed, a study published in the journal, Hypertension, claims “it offsets a high-sodium diet, keeping the blood pressure in check.

Though smelly, the influence that garlic has on men’s sexual well-being overrides its obnoxious smell. This is because this vegetable boosts blood flow to the penis by increasing nitric-oxide production and relaxing the blood vessels.

Walnut is another rich fruit that scientists say boost the libido. In separate researches, the European Food Safety Authority, and researchers at the University of Malaya in Malaysia say L-Arginine, an amino acid found abundantly in the fruit, is one of the building blocks of nitric oxide. As such, they say, a diet that includes these nuts with the rock-hard shell makes for consistent, rock-hard erections.

Ginger is spicy and can be used as food seasoning, meat tenderiser or taken in juice form. Whichever way you like it, a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology claims that ginger rids the blood vessels of free radicals and decreases inflammation, thus relaxing the arteries and improving blood flow. The researchers say just about one teaspoon of ginger (in powder form) a few times a week is all you need to reap its cardiovascular rewards.

Better still, a Nigerian scientist at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Yinusa Raji, reportedly fed rats ginger extract for eight days. At the end of the experiment, he found that their testosterone levels had increased, while their testes had gained weight. The jury is still out on these findings, though.

Nutmeg is also a seasoning agent and it is available in powder or block form — all in its natural state. In a study of natural aphrodisiacs published in the journal, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers say nutmeg increases libido and erectile performance, what with its myristic acid, which they say stimulates the production of nitric oxide, “the key to a healthy erection.”

Olive oil is not only good for anointing, as a study published in the journal, Lipids, seems to suggest. The researchers claim that the revered oil helps increase testosterone production. And when the testosterone level increases, we know better.

So, as the world marks the 15th ‘birthday’ of Viagra, with its controversial side effects, the uplifting — literally — derivable from the aforementioned foods can be indulged in, with no fear of untoward side effects except, possibly, that of a quick visit to the labour room by Oga Madam nine months after

Mo’Cheddah joins others ‘missing’ in action

Mo’Cheddah joins others ‘missing’ in action

CHUX OHAI takes a look at some wave-making music artistes that are less visible on the entertainment scene


Mo’Cheddah

Modupe Oyeyemi, aka Mo’Cheddah, has won some awards and proved herself a worthy artiste. Since scandals are also part of the game, this pretty singer has had her fair share of darkish tales.

In one of such scandals, a naked photograph of the singer suddenly popped up on Twitter. She was said to have mistakenly tweeted the picture while trying to send it to another artiste named ElDee da Don.

As expected, the picture, which showed Mo’Cheddah in her natural ‘swim suit’ posing before a mirror in her bedroom, and an accompanying message to ElDee urging him to pretend that it was sent by one of his pals, went viral on social media and attracted shocking reactions from her followers and fans.

Embarassed, Mo’Cheddah had tried in vain to deny the tweet. But the damage had been done. The tweet subsequently fuelled the rumour that she was actually neck-deep in a sizzling romance with ElDee. Some followers of both artistes were further convinced that the photograph was a clear evidence that she was in love with him.

More important, however, is the fact that the singer, who arrived the music scene at the same time as Wizkid is far from being active in recent times. Indeed, while Wizkid and her other contemporaries including Davido and Tiwa Savage, seem to be everywhere, many fans are simply asking, “Where is Mo’cheddah?”


Ruggedman

Rapper Micheal Stephens, aka Ruggedman, was recently the special guest of V-Channel, an entertainment cable TV channel on Startimes at its weekly ‘Celebrity Night Out’ party at Troy Lounge in Ogba, Lagos.

The event had fellow music stars, such as Kenny Saint Brown and Essence in attendance. Many music fans turned out to express their love to the rapper and Ruggedy Baba, as he is fondly called, partied the night away with attention-grabbing dance moves, amidst cheers from gathering.

It was Ruggedman’s first real public appearance in a long while. The last time he had a real outing was in 2012 when he performed alongside other artistes in a concert in Asaba. The show was hosted by the Delta State Government to celebrate its success at the last National Sports Festival.

Always controversial, the rapper was said to have almost started another controversy after he goofed during a recent appearance on TV continental. The subject was his much-publicised breakup with erstwhile pal, 9ice.


Paul ‘Play’ Dairo

Not long ago, Paul Dairo reportedly sued MTN Nigeria and Ultima Limited for allegedly infringing on his copyright. Both companies were said to have used his song ‘Angel of my life’ for the MTN-sponsored reality TV music talent hunt show, Project Fame without his permission.

The development implied that Paul, who was in the USA, had finally recovered from a spell of ill-health that kept him away from the music scene and the limelight for a while.

The singer has been reportedly struck by a strange illness that almost ended his career. Last year, after leaving his hospital bed, he had promised to head straight to the recording studio and out with two new albums at once. But so far, his fans are still waiting for the fulfilment of that promise.


Tony Tetuila

Tony Tetuila was one of the groomsmen of Tuface Idibia during the latter’s recent wedding to actress Annie Macaulay in Dubai. It was an indication that both artistes had remained close friends despite the challenges that they had to face these past years.

But, while Tuface’s career appears to be constantly on the rise, it seems that Tetuila’s quiet struggle to regain relevance is yet to yield positive results.

Meanwhile, the singer, whose last successful album was recorded a couple of years ago, has been spotted in some fun spots in Lagos simply idling away. Last year, he was rumoured to have impregnated a young lady living in the United Kingdom.


Olu Maintain

After recording ‘Nawti’, his last album that enjoyed tremendous reception from music fans here in Nigeria, Olu Maintain sort of faded out of the entertainment scene. Lately it was rumoured that he had dumped his American girlfriend, Natalie Nunn, for a Nigerian female artiste.

If that story is anything to go by, it is possible that the singer, who rose to fame with the success of the hit-song, ‘Yahoozee’, is too absorbed in his new relationship to realize how much music fans yearn for his return to the scene.


Bouqui

Fans of self-styled rapvangelist Bouqui (real name is Bukola Folayan) were pleasantly surprised when she brokered a new deal with the American records label known as Xist Music, which is guaranteed to launch her career to greater heights. Even they felt better when it was announced that the award-winning rapper planned to release a double CD album titled ‘Marks of a General and Eve of Independence’. But that was where the excitement ended.

The truth is that Bouqui has been ‘missing in action’. Many fans think she has skipped too many A-list concerts in town and she has been lying too low for comfort. Although she released a single album early this year, it was hardly noticed.


Faze

Having joined his pal, Tuface Idibia, at Musiz Records, one would have expected Chibuzo Orji, aka Faze, to have upped his game. But the R&B singer and ex Plantashun boy appears to be having a tough time turning his career around. Not even the arrival of his fourth and most recent album, ‘Refazed’, in which he tries to reassert his relevance on the music scene, has made a difference.


Eedris AbdulKarim

Ex-Remedies star, Eedris AdulKarim, can be seen here and there. But his efforts to reclaim his former position as a foremost rapper has not yielded results. Beyond his last single CD, in which he carried on his private ‘conversation’ with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, it is certain that Mr Lecturer ought to prepare more punchy handouts for his fans.

Can this APC cure Nigeria’s headache? (1)

As the merger of the country’s major opposition parties crystallised a few months ago into a mega party known as All Progressives Congress, known better by its catchy acronym, APC, I received an email from my friend, Richard Mammah, who wanted to get my opinion on the new party. “Is the new mega party in Nigeria a marginal improvement over where we are coming from?” Mammah asked pointedly. My immediate response was emphatic: “It is (if it succeeds). It is important that genuine democrats and progressives find a way to key in as soon as possible”.

Since then, there have been debates (among progressives) about the desirability of “joining” the new party. Expectedly, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party responded to the news of the merger with disdain. “No merger will succeed against us in 2015”, was the party’s official position through its former national secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who spoke to journalists in Abuja. Oyinlola dismissed the merger as “gang-ups”.

“We don’t think we are threatened by what we would call gang-ups”, said the former governor of Osun State who was sent packing by the court in 2010 before he could complete his second term. “In those days when the National Party of Nigeria and Nigerian Peoples Party closed ranks, it was called an accord. When the Unity Party of Nigeria and Great Nigeria Peoples Party did the same, they called it a “gang-up.”

“Honestly speaking, ganging up is an indication of some weaknesses. Why can’t a party stand on its own and contest elections if it is sure that it would be acceptable to the people? You don’t need to gang-up. If you are ganging-up, then you don’t have the strength. The only true national party today that cuts across every nook and cranny of the Nigerian federation is the PDP. A gang-up has never succeeded; it will not succeed.”

Oyinlola’s diatribe was upped by Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State who described the opposition parties as “inventions of the last two years”. “They are the invention of pain, agony and anger”, Lamido said, adding, “They thought the PDP is like them. We have political party history from 1998 when they were not in existence. Those who were talking in the ANPP, ACN and CPC were formally PDP members that were flushed out in the field by the party (PDP).”

Bamanga Tukur, the national chairman of the PDP, in his now infamous reaction to the merger, described his party as the “Messi of Nigerian politics”. “If you go for a contest, you have the striker. You know Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentine football star)? The PDP is Messi in that contest. They (opposition) are no threat at all. It is better, it inspires the PDP to action. In that contest, tell them the Chairman said the PDP is the Messi”. Football lovers in the country must feel insulted and incensed by this laughable comparison.

Of course, the PDP is grandstanding and its disdain for the APC is borne out of fear more than anything else. I can understand the position of the Oyinlolas, Lamidos and Tukurs. It is one that demands no response. For them, there is no meaningful job other than being in the corridors of power. And that has to be done by any means necessary. I felt differently, however, when I read a response on the merger from a much younger former colleague, Ohimai Amaize, who “joined” the PDP by way of political appointment about three years ago.

In his piece, “The APC, is it a merger or ‘maga’?” Amaize asked, “What is the core ideology of this new contrivance? What is its blueprint for Nigeria’s regeneration? An existing manifesto or some consultants are still working on it? When will it be ready? Perhaps, a few months to the next general elections! And this is part of the problem. Contrivances don’t work”.

According to Amaize, “The assumption by some of our youths that Nigeria will be transformed simply because some ‘big guns’ within the political class have assembled under the toga of a new opposition party remains nothing but an illusion. The notion that a group of recycled politicians uniting against the ruling PDP in the name of ‘opposition’ will present an already-made change, is at best, a hasty journey to a land of frustration. It is not that simple. There is nothing like already-made change. Nirvana does not exist. We must humble ourselves, bury our pride and work under existing political platforms no matter how educated and enlightened we think we are”.

Amaize admonished Nigerian youths to be wary of the APC. “When this new opposition party was being formed, what was its agenda for the youths?”, he wondered. “Is there any or will it hurriedly cook up one within the next few days? Which of the pro-APC youth activists on Twitter can confidently tell us the youth agenda of their new party? How many of my fellow Twitter busybodies were consulted to share their ideas for this merger before it was hatched? None! Because as far as they are concerned, you are not important in the scheme of things and do not exist”.

These are legitimate questions from a very “concerned” young Nigerian knowing Amaize’s antecedent before he joined the “transformation” wagon. However, the analysis shows a shallow and opportunistic reading of history. It presupposes Amaize is “happy” with the way things are in the country and if ever there is any talk of change, it can only take place “under existing political platforms”. And by this I am sure he means the PDP.

Of all the arguments in support of the emergence of the APC, or what the response of genuine democrats should be to the new party, two stand out. In his piece, “APC and the continuing crisis of Left politics in Nigeria”, Adagbo Onoja concluded that, “As long as there is no Left party or a broad-based democratic coalition in Nigeria, comrades would have no option but spread to whichever platform they find space to continue the struggle in whatever ways possible”.

In his article, “Reflections on party combinations”, The Guardian, March 7 & 14, 2013, Edwin Madunagu noted: “The announcement of a merger of the leading opposition parties in Nigeria is a development which no serious political formation or tendency in the country can ignore or dismiss with cynicism of the type: ‘They always do this whenever a major election approaches’”.

“Yes, ‘they’ always announce coalitions, alliances, mergers, working agreements, etc, and the more uncharitable commentators may also remind us that they almost invariably fail to achieve their minimum post-announcement objective, that is, to actually deliver a living (and not a still-born or mortally sick) child”, Madunagu wrote. “When we have granted the cynics and pessimists their due, we may still insist that we are confronted with a development, which rules out the option of ‘Siddon look’.”

These two arguments speak for themselves and capture, to a great extent, what the response of radical and progressive elements, particularly youths and students, should be with regard to the APC as we head toward 2015

Rape: NGO takes custody of minors

The orphanage

The two minors, allegedly raped by the Director of Light of Hope Orphanage, Mr. Atunde, have been taken into custody by a non-governmental organisation, Project Alert on Violence against Women.

The teenagers were taken in by the NGO after Atunde was arrested by the Zone 2 Police Command on Wednesday.

Project Alert had on March 26 written a petition to Zone 2 after officials of a private secondary school where the minors were students made complaints that both girls had been sexually abused by Atunde.

A copy of the petition made available to us read, “On Friday last week, 13-year-old (name withheld) came late to school crying and not walking well. On close observation, they saw a trickle of blood coming down her legs. When asked what happened to her, she said, ‘Daddy forced me to have sex with him.’

“She pleaded with the officials not to tell Mrs. Atunde; she was afraid Atunde would be informed and could drive her away from the orphanage,” the petition said.

The petition also claimed that the NGO had earlier received a complaint from a former cook of the orphanage, Mrs. Akintunde, concerning Atunde.

Akintunde had alleged that she was fired by Atunde late last year when she stumbled upon him having sex with one of the female orphans.

We gathered that Akintunde, representatives of Project Alert and Atunde met investigators at Zone 2 on Thursday.

Executive director of Project Alert, Mrs. Josephine Effuah-Chukwuma, said, “The girls are presently in our care, we have taken over their welfare. We got a document from the police to have them examined at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. They have been examined by doctors today but still have to undergo more tests tomorrow.

“We intend to notify the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs formally because they licensed Atunde to operate that orphanage. It is important that the ministry investigates what is going on there because the girls have already said they are not the only victims there.”

The Police Public Relations Officer Zone Two, Mr. Femi Balogun, when contacted said, “The investigation is ongoing; Atunde is in our custody.”

Fire displaces 5,000 in Ogun community

Fire displaces 5,000 in Ogun community

No fewer than 5,000 people were rendered homeless on Wednesday night folowing a fire outbreak in Kara, Isheri area of Ogun State, where properties worth several millions were destroyed.

The makeshift structures, opposite the cattle market, popularly called Zaria Estate, were razed, but no live was lost in the incident.

The fire, which eyewitnesses said began around 6.30pm, was said to have been caused by one of the residents, who was preparing a meal.

The fire reportedly caught one of the wooden rooms, and spread through fuels which some of the people stored in containers in their rooms.

Kola Akanmu, a supplier of water and drinks, who said he lost all his sources of livelihood including N100,000 cash said, “We thought we could easily put out the fire. All our effort was abortive as the inferno spread further. If I had known, I would have gone to evacuate my things. I am in deep trouble now because I don’t know what to tell people from whom I just got goods which I am yet to pay for.”

Another lady, simply called Hajia, who sells food, was said to have lost over N300,000 in the fire.

One Garba Yamzani, a resident, who spoke with our correspondent said, “I have lost all my property and goods. I don’t have anything again, except the cloth I am wearing.”

Kehinde Oriola, 37, who works with the popular DMT mobile toilet, was one of those who joined in the local effort to put out the fire.

How safe is Lagos from Boko Haram?

Is Boko Haram planning a major attack on Lagos or any other South-West city or state? This is one puzzling question that has dominated the headlines and the minds of residents of Lagos, its government, the media and law enforcement agents since the sect began its terror campaign. The terrifying suicide attacks by Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria often sound like tales from distant lands. But an echo of the terror the sect is capable of and its capacity to infiltrate its targets was brought close home recently.

Last week, the riddle of a possible attack came close to being resolved with the discovery of the sect’s cell in Lagos-at Ijora Badia to be precise. The news of the arrest of some suspected Boko Haram agents has since filled Lagosians with horror. The publicised arrest and the discovery of explosives also further confirm long-held speculations that an attack on Lagos by the Islamist terrorist organisation may be imminent. As Boko Haram bombs continue to claim lots of innocent lives in the North, one cannot but spare a thought or imagine the possibility of these horrors playing out in Lagos.

In recent days, since the news of the arrest broke, I have been gripped with the thought of potential suicide attacks in this bustling city. Now, I am daily haunted by the delusions of horrifying scenes of bombed-out cars, mangled flesh and the cries of innocent victims that would be unlucky to be caught in this madness. It is sad that the terror campaign of Boko Haram and the spate of senseless killings have earned our country the tag of one of the most dangerous countries in the world according to Forbes Magazine.

A successful attack on Lagos will further cement our place in the global hall of infamy. However, the threat to Lagos is real. To ignore its possibility will be foolhardy. There are several reasons why the Boko Haram threat must be taken seriously. The news of the arrest is one obvious reason. Like most terrorist organisations, Boko Haram has recently been attracted to the idea of the big hit. In the last three years, it has demonstrated its capacity to take on big targets. Without mincing words, Lagos will be a choice target.

There are several reasons for this.

For those who have followed the bloody trail of bloodletting by the group, nothing can, or must be ruled out. Its alleged links with the Al Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb and the Al Shabab in Somalia has added sophistication to its campaign. One strategic motivation for an attack on Lagos is in furtherance of their jihadist manifesto. Let us not forget that at the inception of Boko Haram insurgency, the sect had announced their intention to islamise the country. The ultimate aim of which is to impose strict Sharia law. Most Nigerians have often dismissed the sect’s agenda as a figment of their fanaticism. But if we remember what the jihadist ambition of the Al Shabab and the Taliban have done to Somalia and Afghanistan, we might not be too quick to dismiss the sect’s intention. Lagos, being the political and economic epicentre of the entire South-West is strategic to the actualisation of Boko Haram jihadist campaign. The city presents a chilling launch pad for the second leg of the sect’s terror campaign. To underscore its resolve to make the entire country the hotbed of radical Islam, Boko Haram has gradually gained ground and expanded beyond its areas of operation in recent years. In 2011, the sect’s violent activities were largely confined to Nigeria’s northeast; by the end of 2012, its operation had covered all of Northern Nigeria. Since 2011, Boko Haram-related attacks have occurred in 14 out of the country’s 36 states, including all the 12 states that have already adopted Islamic law, and in the Federal Capital Territory. Boko Haram has also claimed responsibility for attacks in central Plateau State, which has been torn apart by ongoing communal violence. Up until now, Boko Haram has been largely confined to the North rather than Western targets of the international jihad.

But that has also already changed.

In a video released in 2012, Abubakar Shekau, the late Muhammed Yusuf protégé, made hostile references to the United States and Britain. Even the US is increasingly worried that Boko Haram is collaborating with the al-Qaeda-linked Islamist regime in northern Mali which was recently routed by a combined French and African forces. The sect has also been associated with the kidnap and murder of foreign nationals in the North. While victims of Boko Haram’s terror campaign continue to be almost exclusively Nigerians, the sect has expanded its focus within the country. In 2011, a large percentage of the victims were Muslims, who were closely associated with the government. However, since Christmas 2011, Christians have been a growing percentage of victims.

Boko Haram method has also evolved.

Since 2012, the sect has targeted churches and mosques. The use of suicide bombers which had been previously unknown in Nigeria has been the preferred method by the sect. The two high-profile attacks in Abuja — the June 2011 Police Headquarters bombing and the August 2011 United Nations headquarters bombing — were carried out by suicide bombers. Since then, suicide bombings have taken place with regularity, leaving thousands of people dead.

The scope and method of attack by Boko Haram; their resolve to entrench their jihadist ideology should make the threat on Lagos a real concern for the state government. The probability of terrorists targeting Lagos is high. Indeed, Lagos will be a prime target for any radical organisations which want to give a voice to their ideology. This city is home to important foreign missions and several international organisations. The sect has proved this already with the attack on the UN building in Abuja. I was quick to remind some doubters who thought Lagos was immune to terror attacks recently about how easy it was for the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta to attack the Atlas Cove. That MEND attack in 2009 caught the Police unawares and left Lagosians in shock. The attack also jolted the authorities to the risk this city faces in the hands of radical organisations.

An ideological group like Boko Haram, for example, will find Lagos attractive and, make no mistake, it is coming here. This has become evident in the Ijora arrest. Its intention is to destabilise and destroy the thriving economic base of the South. It has achieved that already in the North. It wants to strike at the root of its targets’ economic, social and religious institutions. Is Lagos ready? Do the authorities anticipate an attack on this city? What is the present state of security in Lagos especially preemptive intelligence gathering that would detect and ward off dangerous extremists?

The recent killings by terrorists in some cities in the North should keep the state government on its toes. There is a possibility of this happening here soon and that is why the police must take preemptive measures to safeguard the lives of residents. Emphasis must be placed on intelligence gathering that will neutralise potential attacks. Of greater concern is the threat posed to the security of Lagos by undocumented immigrants. It is instructive to note that one of the suspected terrorists arrested in Ijora was a Chadian.

This poses a real threat. While it makes sense to round up and deport foreigners as panicky immigration officials have been doing since the Ijora discovery, it will also be appropriate to question how our borders have become so porous that dangerous elements can just stroll in and out as they wish. The arrest of suspected Boko Haram elements is commendable, but I am still apprehensive of the capacity of our law enforcement agencies to contain an all-out attack on Lagos. This city cannot afford to fall into the hands of murderous extremist groups.

Taribo was 40 while claiming 28 –Ex-Partizan president

A former Nigeria defender Taribo West has been accused of serious age fraud by some of the clubs he played for during his professional career in Europe. A Daily Mail (Mail Online) of England publication on Wednesday attributed the statement to ex-president of Partizan Belgrade, Zarko Zecevic.

The former Nigeria centre half, now retired, joined Serbian team Partizan Belgrade in 2002 after leaving Derby County and told club bosses he was 28 when he was actually 40, the paper reported.

Zecevic, has accused him of lying, saying the former defender with Derby County, Plymouth and Inter Milan was lying about his age while insisting that Taribo was actually 40.

Zecevic said, “He joined us saying he was 28. We only later found out he was 40, but he was still playing well so I don’t regret having him on the team.”

But according to the Croatian media, the former defender known for his colourful hairstyles also lied when trying to join Croatia’s Rijeka club. At the age of 44, they said Taribo told club doctors he was only 32. It was only after an examination that the doctors raised suspicions with the club because Taribo’s knees suggested he was older.

He wasn’t signed to the team but later joined Plymouth and then Iranian side Paykan FC, where he ended his career at the age of 46 in 2008.

The retired player, who now works as a pastor in the ministry he started as a player, told us on the telephone on Wednesday that it is very suggestive that such matter would be coming up about 10 years after he left that team.

“I don’t really know what they are talking about and that’s why I don’t really have anything much to say. But it is curious that they are raising such matter about 10 years after I left the place. Why was the matter not raised while I was there? Why talk about it long after I retired from the game,” Taribo said.

Age-cheating has been a serious issue in Nigerian football especially since the world football governing body FIFA introduced age-grade competitions. Even though some of the foreign clubs have treated some of the country’s players with suspicions, this is the first bold and direct accusation made against a Nigerian player.

It was not immediately clear under what circumstance or forum that Mr. Zecevic raised the matter