REINVENTING THE IGBO SPIRIT OF INDUSTRY

EMEKA OSONDU GOES BACK IN TIME TO LOOK AT THE ONCE MORIBUND SPIRIT OF INDUSTRY AMONG THE IGBOS AFTER THE CIVIL WAR AND CONCLUDES WITH THE RECENT RECOGNITION OF SOME IGBO INDUSTRIALISTS IN ENUGU THE ONCE COMATOSE SPIRIT IS STRONGLY BEING REINVENTED

The numerous exploits by Igbo indigenes in nation building since the pre-independence and post independence era in Nigeria are clear testimonies that the people are indeed ingenious and great entrepreneurs. And in fact, there are no tribe in Nigeria where you go without seeing an Igbo indigene engaged in one type of business or another and contributing effectively to the growth of the economy. But the tide suddenly changed for the Igbo entrepreneurs at the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970. Although the war ended on a “no-victor, no vanquished” note, the Igbo as a tribe was displaced in the Nigerian equation, economically and politically, just as the psyche was reduced to the rubble for losing the war.

Obalende: Kaduna’s Thriving Sex Market

Prostitutes

John Shiklam writes on how harsh economic condition in the country is forcing many young girls in Kaduna into prostitution

Some people call it ‘Free Republic’, but it is popularly known as ‘Obalende’.

For many years, Maiduguri Road, in the heart of Kaduna has carved a niche for itself as the most exciting place for the fun seekers.

On Maiduguri Road, there has never been a dull moment. The area is well known for its bustling night life. For those who are addicted to everything that takes place in the dark, Obalende is just the ideal place to go.

Unilag‘s Paradise By The Lagoon

Unilag Lagoon

Nfawa-Precious Offem reflects on subjective actives at one of the most popular leisure spots at the University of Lagos

A peaceful vantage of the massive, spectacular habitat that dominates and encircles the city of Lagos, over viewing perhaps, the longest bridge in Nigeria, is an achievable feat that the University of Lagos lagoon front affords. The waters claps gently against the stoppers, the atmosphere is one of cool breeze. People, young and old, students, members of the general public are patrons.

Obasanjo’s Introspection on Zakaria’s Night

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Nigerian subsidiary of the Indian telecoms giant, Airtel, last Sunday night brought internationally acclaimed scholar, Fareed Zakaria, to Lagos to share his thoughts on “Political Economy of Africa: the Challenge of Leadership”. Tagged a “Night of Influence”, Zakaria spoke to our failings as a nation (and a continent) as well as to the promise tomorrow holds if we begin to do the right things. But in a rare public moment of introspection, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remark after the lecture, tacitly admitted to leadership mistakes within the continent.

Onogoruwa, DG BPE Sacked

BPE Director General, Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa

By Muhammad Bello

The presidency Tuesday sacked the Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa.

Although no reason was given for her disengagement, THISDAY learnt that it may not be unconnected with the call by the National Assembly (NASS)  for her removal a month ago.

And Four Other Things...

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

And Four Other Things...

Cheerful Givers
My faith in this country was strengthened by the response to my last week’s article on the flooding disaster that ravaged 20 states. Nigerians are not bad people! Many have expressed their willingness to give, the only problem being how to get the materials across to the victims and avoid all the government “bureaucrats” (read: thieves) and many marauding NGOs.

Jonathan, Don’t Drop the Ball

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

Increasingly, it appears two major things will eventually define the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan: the power sector and the anti-graft war. Don’t misunderstand me – we need massive infrastructural development, a sound educational system, healthy hospitals and agricultural revolution. Jobs and jobs and jobs will be a natural consequence. But look at those things closely: they take time and require more than Jonathan to achieve. States and councils are empowered to build roads, run schools, equip hospitals and promote agriculture. That means all tiers of government must play their roles for us to see results.

Jonathan: Nollywood's Nigeria’s Greatest Ambassdor

President Goodluck Jonathan

By Muhammad Bello

Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry has been described  as the country's greatest ambassador, which projects its culture to the world in a manner that is positive.

President Goodluck Jonathan gave the description when a group of actors under the auspices of G20 paid him a condolence visit over the death of his brother who died last week at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The president observed that “these are the people who market this country positively in African countries and even outside Africa and even in the Carribean, where they appreciate Nigeria because of Nollywood.”

And Now That We’ve Hit Rock Bottom…

The Wig & Skirt, By Funke Aboyade, Email: Olufunke.aboyade@thisdaylive.com

Last week, the EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit) released its 2013 Where-to-be-born index (http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/eiu-rates-nigeria-worst-country-to-be-born-in/131476/). Out of 80 countries surveyed, Nigeria ranked 80th. Accordingly, Nigeria is presently the worst place for a baby to enter the world – assuming of course that baby actually makes it into Nigeria or having made it, survives its first year. 

Graveyard Where the Living Relax Among the Dead

Graveyard entrace

Funke Olaode during her recent vacation to Aberdeen, Scotland discovered a graveyard where the living relax among the dead

What comes to mind when you hear graveyard or cemetery?  You cringe in fear.  But for St. Nicholas graveyard there is nothing to worry about as it has become a haven for fun-seekers and those seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the shopping area. It is also a meeting place for lunchtime workers when the weather is good.

Plateau Killing: CDS Charged to Investigate Soldiers

Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim

By Seriki Adinoyi

As the death toll from the Monday night attack on a beer parlour in Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area hits ten, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, has been charged to investigate the alleged involvement of soldiers in the incident.

Etiaba: My Entry into Politics was Unplanned

Etiaba: My Entry into Politics was Unplanned

Dame Virginia Etiaba

Dame Virginia Etiaba, the former deputy governor of Anambra State, has made her marks as a teacher, politician, and mother. She made history in 2007, when she was inaugurated as governor of Anambra State, as her boss, Mr. Peter Obi, was controversially impeached by the House of Assembly, thus, making her the first female state governor in Nigeria. In this interview conducted in Nnewi by Emeka Osondu, Etiaba speaks on her life, family and politics. The former deputy governor, who marks her 70th birthday with a ceremony today in Abuja, says her position as deputy governor and governor of Anambra State were a privilege and a divine call to service.  Excerpts:

SIMON KOLAWOLE: AND FOUR OTHER THINGS

And Four Other Things...

No INEC
Something always baffles me about the American elections. Every state conducts the presidential election by itself. There is no national electoral body like our own INEC. In fact, it was more or less the broadcast media that announced the results, not any Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). 

SIMON KOLAWOLE: Obama is an Inspiration Any Day

Obama is an Inspiration Any Day

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

No, no, no. I am not about to write a tribute to U.S. President Barack Obama for winning a second term, although he more than deserves some praise. In 2008, his victory owed largely to the novelty of his candidature. This time around, it is fair to say he has earned his stripes in a very tough battle with Mitt Romney.

FLOOD: HOPE, Succour for the Afflicted

FLOOD: HOPE, Succour for the Afflicted

Flood victims

An untimely humanitarian crisis has rocked the once peaceful riverine communities of Delta and Bayelsa and some other states of the nation. The region has been quickly and unduly thrown into chaos within the last few weeks, as floods have ravaged the two states and displaced thousands of residents in the Niger Delta region. A Non-Governmental Organisation, The Dickens Sanomi Foundation gave out a comprehensive funding package worth over N100 million to flood victims in Delta and Bayelsa State, as part of its intervention programme to mitigate the effects of the devastating flood on the people writes LANRE ALFRED.

Our Grouse Against Jonathan, By Tambuwal, House Member

Our Grouse Against Jonathan, By Tambuwal, House Members

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal


Chuks Okocha 

The Peoples Democratic Party’s intervention in the seeming cold relationship between the House of Representatives and President Goodluck Jonathan seems to be helping to unravel the annoyance of the lawmakers.

But the reasons alleged to be behind the intermittent faceoff between the president and the House, dominated by his party, may be creating other pressures for the president.   

Four Celebrity Bad Behavior’s... Four Ways to Fix ’em

Four Celebrity Bad Behavior’s... Four Ways to Fix ’em

Jim Iyke and Omoni

By Joy Bewaji
Some stars follow the path of wisdom and restraint—building sustainable brands, getting credible endorsements, and engaging themselves with uplifting courses—others manage to rumba with controversy ever so often; they are stuck on the mud path, getting their feet soaked in mire that messes up the ultimate perception they desire. Their lives always seem like one hand is dipped in boiling water and the other hand is forever trying to redeem/defend/fight-for-whatever-is-left-of-their-worth that has been reduced to crumbs!

Again, Police Kill Another in Lagos

Again, Police Kill Another in Lagos

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The incessant killings of commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada was again brought to the fore yesterday when some policemen attached to the Ketu Police Division shot yet another commercial motorcyclist.

SLUM TO SCHOOL PROJECT 'NET A CHILD'

NET A CHILD PROJECT

 

Research has shown that malaria remains the foremost disease concern in Nigeria – with an estimated 300,000 children dying of malaria each year.  And Uberfact says malaria has killed more people than all the wars in history. Malaria accounts for over 25% of infant mortality (children under age 1), 30% of childhood mortality (children under five), and 11% of maternal mortality. 

Ijeoma Ukwadinachi: A LITTLE ACT OF KINDNESS

It all started in a very mundane manner but here is how the story goes:

Our work entails visiting slum neighborhoods most of the time. I have come to discover that no two visits to the same neighbourhood are ever the same. On this particular day in 2009, I went on a field visit to Ikota.

Ikota is a high-density slum neighbourhood situated along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. This community plays host to over ten thousand people of which children and women constitute a greater percentage of the population. It is a cultural melting point hosting communities of diverse tribes and nationalities, amongst which are Ibos, Yorubas, Bini, Efik, Itsekiris, Ijaws, as well as Ghanaians.

THE ARTS: An Igala Legend in Israel

An Igala Legend in Israel

Some cast members of the African-Israeli Stage

By Olufunke Adepuji
A play by Emmy Unuja Ikanaba Idegu, a professor at the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, recently thrilled an Israeli audience. This was on Tuesday, October 16, at the ZOA Theatre, 26 Eben-Gevirol Street in Tel Aviv. The play, The Legendary Inikpi was staged as a command performance during the commemoration of the 20th years of the restoration of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Israel as well as the celebration of Nigeria’s 52nd independence anniversary.

THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE: Long, Slow Journey to Normalcy

Long, Slow Journey to Normalcy

Traffic on Third Mainland Bridge

After four months of repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos residents who commute across the lagoon using the roads linking the bridge to their destinations are happy that the long and slow journey is gradually giving way to normalcy, writes Adeola Akinremi

Until last week, connecting Lagos Island from its Mainland and other parts of the state was like reminiscence of Thomas Stearns Eliot’s Journey of the Magi. For a journey, such as Ikeja to Marina was long, hard and tough.  Though, no Carmel galled for as long as it lasted, it was the commuters, Lagos yellow bus drivers and private car owners who pinched.   Hard and bitter agony for everyone with businesses and schedules across the ocean, it was just the worst time of the year.

Why There is Poor Quality Telephone Service, by Omobolaji

Why There is Poor Quality Telephone Service, by Omobolaji

Mrs  Omobola  Johonson

Muhammad Bello in Abuja
Poor quality service being experienced by mobile telephone users across the country has been attributed to system overhaul by the service providers, aggressive promotion of their brands and preponderance of attacks by Boko Haram adherents as well as  the effects of flood that ravaged many communities.

Obama: Campaign Made Me a Better President

Obama: Campaign Made Me a Better President

President Barack Obama hugs his daughters Malia (R) and Sasha (2L) as First lady Michelle Obama looks on during his election night victory rally in Chicago

NEWSDAY.COM

President Barack Obama has won re-election to a second term, overcoming voter doubts about the slow economic recovery on his watch to defeat Republican Mitt Romney.

Obama took the stage to thank his supporters in Chicago shortly after 1:30 Wednesday morning, reports .

AGAIN: Police Allegedly Shoots Commercial Motorcyclist in Lagos

Police Allegedly Shoots Commercial Motorcyclist in Lagos

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Pandemonium erupted at the Ilupeju area of Lagos State yesterday when some policemen attached to Ilupeju Police Division, allegedly shot a commercial motorcyclist in the chest.

THISDAY gathered that the policemen were on duty enforcing the recent ban by the Lagos State Government restricting commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada from 475 roads in the state.

The incident has brought the total number of commercial motorcycle riders shot by the police in two weeks to four while enforcing the ban.

According to eyewitness report, the victim was shot in the chest at Ilupeju By-Pass off the Ikorodu Expressway, for refusing the directive from the gun-toting policemen to stop.

Although he was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital by sympathisers, as at press time, his health condition was yet to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, the policemen immediately took off in their White Hilux Van as soon as the crowd started to converge at the scene of the incident.

However, angered by the incessant killing of their colleagues, commercial motorcycle riders went on rampage at the Ilupeju and Magodo areas of the state to register their displeasure.

Speaking to THISDAY on conditions of anonymity, an eyewitness said the police shot the commercial motorcyclist because he tried to evade arrest.

He said, “Since morning, the police team had been patrolling the Ilupeju By-Pass looking for defaulters of the ban. Suddenly, the commercial motorcyclist breezed into the road only to run into the enforcement team.

“To be fair, the police actually ordered him to stop but he refused and attempted to escape. It was then one of the policemen shot him in the chest.”

He added, “Immediately they shot him, the sped away because people had started gathering. They didn’t even wait to find out whether he was dead or alive.

“As much as the police are expected to carry out their constitutional responsibilities, they are to do so without taking people’s lives. The commissioner of police should please caution his men.”

Just last week, a yet-to-be identified policeman attached to the Agege Division of the Lagos State Police Command, allegedly pummeled a commercial motorcyclist, one Omo Saki to death with a baton.

In a similar development, another motorcyclist, one Dare Ajayi, was allegedly beaten to death by policemen from the same division at Haruna Street, Fagba Road, Ifako Ijaye.

FEATURES: The Bitter Taste of Lagos-Badagry Expressway

The Bitter Taste of Lagos-Badagry Expressway

Bad Road

Charles Ajunwa writes that the Lagos-Badagry Expressway  has turned to a gruelling passage for  motorists and commuters plying through the transnational highway

The Lagos-Badagry Expressway as a transnational highway leading in and out of Nigeria should provide easy passage for nationals of other West African countries such as Ghana, Benin and Togo that share common boundaries with Nigeria, but rather than provide easy passage, it offers a nightmare. Foreign nationals from these countries, oftentimes arrive Nigeria through Lagos using the approved land entry points, a showcase of Nigeria to the outside world.

ROTIMI: DEFENDING THE DEFENCELESS THE OPD WAY

Defending the Defenceless

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Created in 2000 by the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state’s Office of the Public Defender (OPD), was geared towards rendering free legal services to all regardless of one’s status especially the less- privileged in the society.

With special focus on cases like domestic violence and child abuse, the OPD is however not restricted to that as it continually evolves to mediate in cases of compensation, unlawful harassment of civilians and wrongful dismissal amongst other cases.

FEATURES: Five Months After Dana Crash

Five Months After Dana Crash

The mangled fuselage of the crashed plane and the rubbles from collapsed buildings may no longer clutter the crash site. But a visit to Iju Ishaga, the Lagos suburb that bore the brunt of the fallen plane’s weight five months after the crash reveals the hidden face of the tragedy, writes Lanre Odukoya

The news of the Dana Air Flight 992 crash on Sunday, June 3 was received with shock by Nigerians. The aircraft, a McDonell Douglas MD-83, was conveying 146 passengers and seven crew members from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when it crashed into three-storey building housing residential apartments, furniture factory and a printing press on Popoola Street, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos. 

Police Arrest Mushin Jungle Justice Culprits in Lagos

Police Arrest Mushin Jungle Justice Culprits in Lagos

To discourage jungle justice, The Lagos State Police Command, yesterday arrested some persons believed to be behind the death of four persons in the Mushin area of the state.

Police sources said the State Police Command upon getting the information ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter, while ordering for the arrest of the culprits behind the death of the deceased persons.

Pregnancy Mess: Will Dino Melaye Undergo DNA Test?

Pregnancy Mess: Will Dino Melaye Undergo DNA Test?

Ex-Kogi Lawmaker, Hon. Dino Melaye

So much has been said about the Ex-Kogi Lawmaker, Hon. Dino Melaye and his controversial relationship with top Yoruba movie actress, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe. There have been allegations and counter allegations on the paternity of the unborn baby but there is definitely more to these than meet the eyes.

Review: When Love Tastes Like Vinegar...

When Love Tastes Like Vinegar...

Mr. & Mrs

By Joy Bewaji
When a movie plays an opening sequence where a husband bullies the wife from the minute he walks through the door, you know the film is going to be touching on very sensitive nerves and exposing the insolences and audacities that are buried in many marriages of our time.

Entertainment: Craig Beat Superman, Perseus to Win Bond Role

Craig Beat Superman, Perseus to Win Bond Role

Sam Worthington, Daniel Craig & Henry Cavill 

Though Sean Connery is solidly cemented in cinematic history as the original 007, it's become a well-known bit of Bond lore that some legendary actors were initially considered for the part, including Cary Grant, David Niven, and Richard Burton. However, not so well-known are the talented actors that current Bond Daniel Craig beat out to become the fresh new face of the aging franchise.

Features: Thoughts on First Ladyship

Thoughts on First Ladyship

Edifying Elucidations By Okey Ikechukwu. Email, okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

First Ladyship! Even with no clear conception of the term among those from whom the world inherited it, First Ladyship stands as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar everywhere. Thus the Americans who began the tradition, and who transmitted its more modern version, are under
pressure to redefine it.

 

Ouch! We are not Nigerians, the Williams Sisters Insist

Williams Sisters Debunk Nigeria Connection, Insist: We Are Full-blooded Americans

 

Williams Sisters

By Kunle Adewale

Against the backdrop of insinuations that the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, have their origin from Nigeria, the sisters have debunked the claim, insisting they are Americans.

While reacting to a question at a media parley Wednesday at the Federal Palace Hotel on whether they originated from Badagry, in Lagos, the sisters who were in company of their mother, Oracene Price, said: "We surely have an African roots, but we are from America. My mum just named our late cousin, Yetunde, after a Nigerian, but from America," Venus affirmed with a grin on her face

Di Matteo: Cup Win Justice for Sunday's Injustice

Di Matteo: Cup Win Justice for Sunday

 

Chelsea celebrating their League Cup victory over Manchester United

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo said his team's 5-4 League Cup win against Manchester United emphasised his view that Sunday's result was unjust.

The nine-man Blues lost 3-2 to United at the weekend with Javier Hernandez's winner coming from an offside position.

Disney Buys Firm Behind Star Wars

Disney Buys Firm Behind Star Wars

George Lucas says Star Wars would live on and flourish with Disney

BBC

Disney is buying Lucasfilm, the company behind the Star Wars films, from its chairman and founder George Lucas for $4.05bn (£2.5bn).

Lucas said: "It's now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of film-makers."

In a statement announcing the purchase, Disney said it planned to release a new Star Wars film, episode seven, in 2015.

Rage of Strange Fire In Lagos

Rage of Strange Fire In Lagos

As Nigerians grapple with flood disaster across the country, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that outbreak of fire disaster is baring its teeth on Nigerians, even when the harmattan season is still months away

The fire starts small. The people rescued themselves first before their goods. But, hours after the fire incidents, they counted losses in millions of naira.

Gunmen Kill 20 in Zamfara Robbery

Gunmen Kill 20 in Zamfara Robbery

 

The National Chairman of the All Nigeria People's Party, Ogbonnaya Onu.

By Chiemelie Ezeobi, with agency reports

Some bandits, in a rage on Tuesday, attacked some communities in Zamafara State, killing 20 people. This area has perennially been plagued by violent clashes between vigilante and criminal groups, an official said.

“Twenty people were killed today (Tuesday) and two others were badly hurt by a gang of bandits in a raid on Kaboro village,” the state government spokesman Nuhu Salihu Anka, told AFP.

Why Ministers of State for Power, Niger Delta Were Swapped

Why Ministers of State for Power, Niger Delta Were Swapped

 

President Goodluck Jonathan

By Muhammad Bello and Chineme Okafor

President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday rejigged his cabinet by swapping the portfolios of two ministers of state.
In the minor cabinet reshuffle announced during the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, was moved to the Ministry of Power in the same capacity.