Prices Of Garri Within Reach

LAGOS – Garri, a staple food made from cassava flake and commonly found on the menu of nearly all Nigerian homes appeared to be within the reach of consumers owing to stability in its prices.

The commodity has continued to enjoy patronage from consumers especially from South-South/ East /West, being their staple food.

Prices of garri have persistently maintained a sliding trend since 2018 after hitting the roofs between 2016 and 2017.

The involvement of more farmers across the regions in the production of cassava when the prices were beyond the reach of many has helped the situation, making the product available and affordable to the masses.

The situation has made prices of the commodity not to be determined by seasonal factors. The stability in the prices of the commodity has enabled consumers as well as traders to up their purchases.

During the week, findings from a market survey across some states by the Business and Market Intelligence Unit of SUNDAY INDEPENDENT revealed that prices of the commodity have either remained stable or fell slightly in some markets due to availability arising from increased supply.

Checks at the Ogbeogologo and Igbudu markets, Delta State, showed that prices of yellow and white garri were still at a downward trend, of which many of the traders attributed to adequate supply and low patronage as some of the consumers are into the production of garri.

Prices of the white garri 60kg bag, that were earlier sold for N4,500 in May 2019, dropped slightly, currently ranging from N4,000 to N4,200 while that of the yellow garri also declined to N4,500 from N5,000 sold before.

Prices of the commodity at the Ose Market, Onitsha, was not different from that of Asaba, especially with the prices of a 60kg bag of the white garri still going for between N4,200 and N4,500 since the beginning of this year.

Likewise, that of the yellow garri are remaining stable at between N4,500 and N4,800, depending on the size of the bag and haggling power of the customer.

Mrs. Bose Edu, who retails the commodity at the Ose Market, Onitsha, said the steadiness in the prices of garri is a good omen, linking it to bumper harvest recorded by farmers coupled with adequate supply.

She, however, opined that the decrease in the prices of garri had not translated into impressive sales due to lack of money.

At the Oba Market, Benin City, Edo State, prices of a 60kg bag of the white garri remained stable at N4,000 while that of the yellow garri were steady at between N4,300 and N4,500 since the beginning of this year.

Many of the traders attributed the situation to improved supply and low demand.

The trend appeared to be quite different from what is obtainable in the Northern region as regards prices of the commodity; they seemed to be more expensive especially when compared with those of the South/South/East/ West.

For example, prices of a 60kg bags of the white garri at the Dei-Dei Market Abuja, that previously attracted between N7,500 and N8,000, fell in the week under review to N7,000 as well as the yellow variant respectively.

The same goes for Dawanau Market, Kano, as prices of a 60kg bag of the white garri remained unchanged at between N7,000 and N7,500.

Most of the traders at the Dei- Dei Market, Abuja, attributed the price to high cost of logistics.

Visit to King’s Market, Ado-Ekiti, showed that prices of the commodity were at a downward trend. For example, a 60kg bag of white garri sold previously for N5,000 dropped marginally, currently selling for between N4,500 and N4,800 while that of the yellow garri also reduced to N5,500 from N6,000 initially sold.

Mr. Abe Taiwo, who trades in the commodity at the King’s Market, Ado-Ekiti, in a chat with our correspondent, said prices of the commodity had been stable for sometime due to surplus supply, which had allowed him to increase his procurements.

For, Bodija Market, Ibadan, the price trend of the commodity has not changed. For example, prices of a 60kg bag of the white garri have remained unchanged at between N4,500 and N5,000. Also, that of the yellow garri during the week still went for between N5,500 and N5,700.

Mrs. Rafatu Azeez, who sells the commodity in bulk at the Bodija Market, Ibadan, said the steadiness in the prices of garri was as a result of sufficient supply especially from major sources.

In Lagos, visit to popular markets such as Mile 12 and Idi-Oro revealed that prices of garri maintained a downtrend, a situation which many of the traders at both markets attributed to availability and increased supply regardless of the season.

But despite the stability in the prices of the commodity, many of the traders complained of poor patronage, linking it to bad economy.

Prices of the white and yellow garri remained stable at the Mile 12 and Idi-Oro markets, Lagos. For instance, prices of a 60kg bag of white garri which previously attracted between N4,000 and N4,500 had not changed as at July 25, 2019.

That of yellow garri also remained at between N4,500 and N5,000, depending on the size of the bag and bargaining power of the buyer.

The decline also affected prices of small measurements as that of a paint bucket still currently go for between N350 and N500, depending on the location and market.

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Source: Independent

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The Founding Fathers

LEADERSHIP :

Hezekiah Oladipo Davies Early Life And Family History Chief Hezekiah Oladipo Davies was born in the southern city of Lagos, Nigeria. His maternal great-grandfather was the Oba of Effon-Alaiye. His maternal great-grandmother was the Owa (Queen reagent) of Ilesha. His grandmother was Princess Haastrup, the daughter of the Ijesha monarch, and his paternal grandfather, Prince […]

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Source: Leadership News

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Pinnick: Victim Of CAF Politics?

Lagos – Never in the history of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) that it has witnessed its ongoing changes at the top of its echelon. Not even under the ‘powerful’ Issa Hayatou.

As president of CAF from 1988 to 2017, Hayatou controlled the body with his iron hand.

The Cameroonian for 29 years, dominated CAF, ruthlessly sweeping away any opposition for seven tenures that he held sway.

The first real challenge to Hayatou in his 29 years as CAF boss came in 2017 when Ahmad Ahmad with the assistance of some stakeholders including Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick planned and executed his ouster.

A former footballer, Ahmad’s journey in football administration began in 2003 when he became the president of the Malagasy Football Federation (MFF). After watching from the outside, Ahmad started making the moves to become CAF president in 2013.

He first won a seat on the CAF Executive Committee because of a rule restricting eligibility to the CAF presidency to only members of the executive committee.

Immediately joining the CAF Executive Committee, Ahmad quietly began to pick his allies. The Malagasy started with his neighbours, members of Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA)-South African, Botswanan, Namibian, Angolan and the Zimbabwean FAs.

His ambition to become CAF president wasn’t secret at this point but Hayatou and his camp were not bothered. In their almost 30 years at the helm of CAF, they encountered opposition which they decimated ruthlessly.

Ahmad was going to be the next victim, no big deal.

The game changer for Ahmad was to convince the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss, Amaju Pinnick to be on his side.

Ahmad and Pinnick first sat down to discuss this issue at the 66th FIFA Congress in May 2016. The NFF boss quickly got on board and started to rally some other federations.

Pinnick in July 2016 hosted the president of FIFA -these were allies of Pinnick. That was one of the first moves in making the FIFA boss a supporter of Ahmad.

With Ahmad absent from that meeting in Nigeria, Hayatou did not suspect any foul play.

At the CAF level, the growing Ahmad movement was still unknown until the turn of the year when several federations publicly backed Ahmad. South African and the Nigerian federations did not join in the public support of Ahmad. They held back.

Ahmad needed more federations, so with the help of Pinnick and the South African FA, he convinced some of the North African federations to join them. The likes of Egypt and Morocco did.

Despite the rumours of Nigeria’s backing Ahmad, Hayatou wasn’t sure. He asked Pinnick, but the NFF boss denied. The Cameroonian was, however, shocked when Ahmad in an interview, claimed that he had the support of Pinnick.

“NFF president Amaju Pinnick is a close ally and he supports my bid to head CAF,” Ahmad said in a February interview with an agency.

A week later, Pinnick confirmed it, saying that he believes CAF need a ‘new generation’ and also praised Ahmad’s courage in challenging Hayatou

Ahmad finally got Gianni Infantino’s support as the FIFA boss visited Zimbabwe one of the major backers of Ahmad. Infantino made that visit in the disguise of coming to celebrate Zimbabwe Action Forum (ZAF) president Dr. Philip Chiyangwa’s 58th birthday.

Pinnick, South Africa FA boss, Danny Jordaan and Liberia FA president, Musa Bility were the influential leaders from the 24 federations that were present.

It was at this meeting that strategies were planned and concluded for the election.

Hayatou was beaten but he wasn’t out yet. He went through the Cameroonian government to reach out to the Nigerian government and South African government.

Both governments made attempts to force Hayatou on their federations. They ignored and stood by Ahmad. Ahmad won. Hayatou was beaten and out for good.

That scenario cemented the relationship between Pinnick and Ahmad with the two seen in football circles as ‘brothers’ from different mothers.

When FIFA’s axe hacked down Ghana FA boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi, as CAF First Vice President in June 2018, over a corruption case, it was not difficult to replace him with Pinnick and the Nigerian happily jumped at it with all hands and to the admiration of Ahmad.

Ahmad did not stop at that. He ensured that Pinnick as well as his subordinates in the NFF were placed at every ‘juicy’ position available in CAF.

Few months ago when financial allegations were leveled against Ahmad within the CAF body, things started falling apart between the two administrators as renowned poet and writer of blessed memory, Chinua Achebe wrote in his book: ‘Things fall apart and the centre cannot hold’.

Thereafter, CAF politics crept in and the ‘falconer cannot hear the falcon any longer’ between Ahmad and Pinnick.

Ahmad, we gathered ‘fingered’ Pinnick in the allegations leveled against him as it was alleged that Pinnick was scheming to become the CAF president once the financial allegations consumed Ahmad.

This did not go down well with Ahmad and he was looking for every opportunity clip the wings of Pinnick and put him in his place.

The opportunity eventually came on Thursday, July 18, eve of the final of this year’s AFCON final and closing ceremony in Cairo, Egypt.  It was at the CAF Congress and Ahmad despite pleas by FIFA President Infantino, went on to ensure that Pinnick did not return as CAF First Vice President following a litany of allegations brought against him.

However, senior CAF sources told Reuters: “Pinnick was standing up to Ahmad and taking him on in many issues and Ahmad felt it right to get rid of him.”

We gathered that Pinnick was opposing Ahmad in a crunch meeting by CAF executive members earlier in the day (Thursday, July 18) about the woman FIFA has planted in CAF to oversee the affairs of the Association.

Pinnick, we learnt, was against the motion to either agree that the woman leads CAF executives in decisions making.

Ahmad has in the space of three months fired his General Secretary, who reported him to FIFA, his Finance Director and now Pinnick.

“It has been an excellent opportunity to serve as the number two football administrator in the entire African continent,” Pinnick said in a statement, when it became glaring that he would not return as CAF first Vice.

“My commitment to the game is perpetual while my support for my colleagues in the Executive Committee remains steadfast.”

The positions of First, Second and Third Vice Presidents are appointed by CAF President and not elective.

Pinnick’s post has now been taken up by Constance Omari of Democratic Republic of Congo (DR of C), while Fouzi Lekjaa from Morocco is now the Second Vice President.

South Africa Football Federation (SAFA) President, Danny Jordaan has been appointed the CAF Third Vice President.

Jordaan was widely considered to have a bigger profile than the Nigeria FA boss after he organised the hugely successful 2010 World Cup for the very first time in Africa.

It was learnt that Infantino asked Ahmad “to reconsider” his decision to remove Pinnick, but the CAF boss it was also learnt was not prepared to be undermined by lieutenants he previously trusted.

“Pinnick was a changed man days leading up to his sack,” a top official said. The man that oozes arrogance was suddenly as humble as a chicken.

“In the past week he begged everybody and anything to ensure he was not ‘disgraced’, but the President was unmoved.”

We learnt that he made several overtures to Ahmad to soft pedal on firing him.

Only penultimate week CAF disowned claims by the Pinnick-led NFF that $565,473 was spent for them to attend a CAF Congress in Egypt in 2015. But NFF denied this claim saying the body spent a meager $19,000 on their members that attended the congress.

Pinnick, after his dismissal still has to face corruption charges back home in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government has brought a 17-count charge against him and four other top NFF officials.

The ‘free fall’ from grace to grass continued for him after he was dropped from all CAF standing committees including the all-powerful AFCON Organising Committee, which he headed.

A top CAF official exclusively said:”Amaju has been stripped of his membership of all CAF committees including being President of the very important AFCON Organising Committee.

“He is now just an ordinary floor member on the CAF Executive Committee.”

Besides previously holding down the Presidency of the AFCON Organising Committee, Pinnick was also a member of the Emergency Committee, which is widely regarded as the engine-room of the continental ruling body.

We further gathered that two of the other NFF officials– Seyi Akinwunmi, Shehu Dikko – may also suffer the same fate.

Akinwunmi is a member of the Organising Committee for Youth Africa Cup of Nations U17, U20 and U23, while Shehu Dikko is on the Organising Committee for Inter-Clubs Competition and Club Licensing System.

According to our source, CAF are currently reworking their various standing committees to be more effective and take in persons of proven integrity.

FIFA will next month take over the running of CAF in what is seen as a compromise agreement with Infantino, the president of world soccer’s ruling body, for Ahmad to stay in power.

It would be recalled that Ahmad was detained by French police in June and questioned over a sportswear deal between CAF and a French company in which the African body is said to have paid exorbitant prices for equipment it could have got much cheaper directly from the manufacturers.

FIFA is sending its Senegalese Secretary General, Fatma Samoura on a nine-month secondment from August 1 to overhaul CAF in accordance with an 11-point plan that includes possible changes to the format of competitions, a review of refereeing and a task force to improve stadium security.

He will also oversee a review of CAF’s judicial bodies, full transparency of money flows and implementation of good governance principles. CAF has been plagued by a series of scandals in recent times.

“We all suffer when we see what is going on here (CAF),” Infantino told the presidents of Africa’s member associations as they gathered for a General Assembly in Egypt on Thursday, July 18.

The FIFA president also addressed comments made to BBC Sport by former FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, who said that Samoura move flouted the statutes of football’s world governing body while also representing a ‘new aspect of colonialism.’

“What does it mean colonialisation?” the 49-year-old asked. “I don’t know. It’s not part of my vocabulary. But I do know what it means to team up.”

For Pinnick, this is not the best of time for him in football administration.

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Fed Cup Finale Sets Kaduna Alight

The Final matches of the men and women competitions of this year’s Federation Cup will take place at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna today, setting alight the former administrative capital of northern Nigeria.

In the women’s final, Cup holders Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt will play Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in a match that kicks off at 2pm.

Angels have maintained a vice grip on the women’s trophy, having won eight of the past nine editions, with only Sunshine Queens of Akure (2015) breaking their streak.

Ibom Angels, from Uyo, were going to make it a third successive final against Rivers Angels, before losing to Nasarawa Amazons in the semi-finals, paving the way for the 2005 champions to constitute the opposition to Rivers Angels on Sunday.

The men’s final known over the years and decades variously as Challenge Cup and FA Cup will see 2017 losing finalists Niger Tornadoes play last year’s losing finalists Kano Pillars.

Pillars’ faithful are perhaps yet to recover from last year’s shock, when threw away three goals lead against Rangers, winning on penalty shoot-out.

Tornadoes, from Minna, have their own ghosts to exorcise. Having played delightful football under floodlights at the Agege Stadium, Lagos in 2017, they were put to the sword by Akwa United after penalty shoot-out following a scoreless regulation period.

Additionally, the boys from Niger State have their fans to appease after surprisingly losing their Nigeria Professional Football League status at the end of the recently –concluded season.

Tornadoes have a lone previous triumph in the competition, after defeating Rangers International 1-0 in the 2000 final. But Pillars are still looking for their first win in the oldest competition in the land and the second oldest in Africa, with only two runners-up position to their name.

With Pillars finishing third in the Nigeria Professional Football League and already guaranteed a spot in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup, Niger Tornadoes are guaranteed of the second slot in the continent’s second club competition no matter the outcome of Sunday’s game.

At stake are prize monies of N25 million for the winner of the men’s competition and N10 million for the winner of the women’s competition. The runner –up for the men’s competition will pocket N10 million, with the runner –up for the women’s event going home with N5 million.

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Africa Cup Track: Nigeria Top Medal Table

ABUJA – Team Nigeria are leading the medal table with 11 gold, 12 silver and five bronze medals after the conclusion of events in the second day in the ongoing African Track Cycling championships in Abuja.

The championships, which started in Abuja on Friday, saw favourites, Egypt placing distant second with five gold, four silver and four bronze medals, while Burkina Faso are third with five bronze medals.

The Nigeria team show great strength winning gold in the Ominium Men Elite, Ominium men, women Junior, Dominium Men junior, Team Sprint Women Junior, Team Sprint Men Junior, Team sprint and Team Sprint Men Elite.

Meanwhile, the arrival of three ex- world cycling champions, Andrea Tonti, Roberto Chiappa and Giorgia Brozini from Italy, added colour to the excitement that marked the ongoing Africa Cup -Track at the Abuja Velodrome.

The former championships came at the invitation of Cycling Federation of Nigeria to grace the event, the first of its kind at the state of the art facility and inspire the riders with the presence.

Tonti who has been regular visitor to the country said he is excited that after all the the facility has come alive and expressed hope that world beaters would nurtured here.

He congratulated the federation for hosting the maiden Africa Cup- Track hoping it will be the beginning of greater things for Nigeria Cycling.

Giorgia Brozini, former women world champion and two time world champion Roberto Chiapa also expressed excitement for part of the epoch making event.

The Cycling Federation of Nigeria extended invitations to the ex world champions to inspire the riders by their presence.

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Enyeama Joins Dijon On Trial

The Reds confirmed the arrival of the 36-year-old at the club, where he will train with the rest of the team for a specified period.

Vincent Enyeama has joined French second-tier club Dijon on a three-day trial.

Enyeama has been without a club since he left Lille at the end of his contract in 2018, and is set to prove his fitness in an attempt to earn a deal ahead of the 2018-19 season.

His last competitive match dates back to March 2018, when he played for Lille’s reserve team in the Championnat National 2.

Enyeama will be will tested by the Ligue 2 outfit from Friday through till July 31.

“Vincent Enyeama will be tested by the Dijon. The former goalkeeper Lille, will train with the DFCO from Friday,” read a statement from the club website.

“He will also be present at Vittel from Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 July.”

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Akinloye Oyebanji Dies At 62

Nigerian veteran sports journalist and retired Director of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Akinloye Oyebanji, has died at the age of 62.

His family confirmed that Oyebanji passed on at National Hospital, Abuja, on Saturday morning after protracted battle with heart failure.

Mr Bukoye Oyebanji and Dr Steve Olarinoye, family member and close friend, disclosed that Oyebanji had been ill for almost four months now and the family had spent millions of naira to save his life without any improvement.

They said some time ago, he had the misfortune of losing his kidneys, and they were replaced successfully through a transplant in India.

“But one of the side effects of kidney transplant is heart failure, which he had experienced on two occasions and survived.”

Oyebanji served the NTA for 35 years in different capacities, including being a sports broadcaster, and later as General Manager (Sports).

He retired as Managing Director of NTA Properties at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja.

Oyebanji, who hailed from Kwara, is survived by four children and a wife.

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Akeredolu To Senate: Ignore Faceless Group, Confirm Alasoadura

LEADERSHIP :

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has appealed to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ignore any malicious opposition to the nomination of Senator Tayo Alasoadura as a member of the Federal Executive Council. Akeredolu, who also asked the senate to ignore a call from the faceless group by the name APC […]

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Source: Leadership News

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It’s Illegal, Unconstitutional To Ban Shi’ite Movement – Ozekhome

LEADERSHIP :

”Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has described proscription of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) as illegal and unconstitutional. Ozekhome said the Shi’ite group is a religious group, like the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Sunni group, and as such, cannot be banned. “It is not an Association that could be banned. […]

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Source: Leadership News

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WHO Commits To Eliminating Viral Hepatitis By 2030

LEADERSHIP :

As Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating this year’s World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has pledged commitment to the elimination of viral hepatitis across the region. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who stated this at a press conference, yesterday, in Abuja, identified testing and treatment as a public […]

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Source: Leadership News

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End Fuel Subsidy

LEADERSHIP :

The policy of government to subsidise the price of petroleum products has continued to generate controversy and for the right reasons. The policy, from whichever angle it is analysed, have been so thoroughly abused that it has out-lived the initial good intentions that necessitated its introduction. President Muhammadu Buhari, as part of his next level […]

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Bandits Open Fire On Travelers As Killings, Abductions Resume On Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Highway – BEPU

The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) on Saturday stated that killings and abductions on Birnin Gwari-Kaduna highway have resumed in full force by armed bandits.

Barrister Salisu Haruna, Chairman of BEPU, in a statement sent to DAILY POST, said on Saturday criminals opened fire on some travelers along the highway killing one person and injuring others.
He lamented that the highway cannot be used before 9 am and after 9 pm on a daily basis, while there is no adequate security personnel.

Haruna said: “BEPUalso observes with dismay that some of the security personnel deployed at…

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Source: GistMania

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Davido Buys 13 Million Luxury Diamond Neck-Piece For Producer; Shizzi

Shi’ites proscription: FG should exercise caution — Raji, SAN

Tribune Online
Shi’ites proscription: FG should exercise caution — Raji, SAN

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Ahmed Raji, has called on the Federal Government to exercise caution on the planned proscription of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites group, advising it to look for a more holistic approach towards addressing the Shi’ites challenge and other social problems.

This approach, according to him, would entail, among other measures, providing jobs for the teeming youths of the country, who are ready recruits for various organisations in conflict with the state, noting that the problems would only go away if it solved holistically.

Describing the Shi’ite issue as delicate, Raji noted that the Federal Government would have to be wary so that its action on the matter does not isolate the country as a colony of terrorists and scare the international communities from investing in the country.

Raji, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner, while speaking with Tribune Online, in a reaction to a Federal High Court order issued to the Federal Government to proscribe the sect, said: “We should avoid a situation whereby we will isolate ourselves as a colony of terrorists. I sympathise with the Federal Government, especially Mr President, because I am convinced that he means well for this country and most of these problems predate his regime.

“But proscribing Shi’ites will seem like treating the effect of what is on ground without addressing the cause. Boko Haram has been proscribed; are we not battling with Boko Haram till date? IPOB has been proscribed, are we not battling with the issue today? These are social problems, which need a holistic approach to look at the root causes and look at what can be done to tackle the social problems.

“IPOB and Boko Haram have been proscribed but they are still here with us, so if you proscribe the Islamic Movement of Nigeria otherwise known as Shi’ites, where is the assurance that the proscription will achieve the desired result or the objective? Should we not sit down and look at all the problems and see how we can tackle them holistically, even it means bringing in external people to come and advise, guide or superintend. Will it not be better than to say we are now running a country of terrorists?”

 

Shi’ites proscription: FG should exercise caution — Raji, SAN
Tribune Online

Source: Tribune

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“Wizkid Now Charges N100M For A Show” – Nigerian Singer, Skiibii Reveals

Nigerian Singer, Skibii have revealed that famous Nigerian pop artiste, Wizkid now charges 100M for a show, nothing less.

This was revealed in an Instagram post he shared.

Watch the video below;

https://ift.tt/32UpDYL

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Source: GistMania

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Arewa Pastors Caution CAN Over Attacks On PMB

LEADERSHIP :

Arewa Pastors Non- Denominational Initiative for Peace (APNIP), has cautioned the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), under the leadership of Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle and Rev Dr Yakubu Pam, over their multiple attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari. The national chairman of the Arewa Pastors, His Lordship, Dr John Abu Richard, who made the call during […]

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Source: Leadership News

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Eight killed in quake and aftershocks in Philippines, 60 injured

An initial quake of magnitude 5.4 that struck the Batanes islands was followed shortly by an aftershock of magnitude 5.9, according to Philippine government data. Another big aftershock struck a little later.
Source: CNBC World News

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Doctors remove 69 chains, 80 earrings, 46 coins from lady’s stomach

Managing female celebrities has made me a better person — Chiazor

Tribune Online
Managing female celebrities has made me a better person — Chiazor

Chiazor Daniel,  a talent manager and entrepreneur has said a lot has happened since he came into talent management and the PR industry.

Daniel, the founder of Tribeman Global Solutions; a talent management and PR organisation which houses management agency, Tribeman Agency recalls his journey into the industry and how it has affected him in a recent chat with Inside Nollywood.

“I think a lot has changed about me since I got into this management industry. Management has helped me become a better version of myself because of the level of trust people have in me.

“I  have so far managed top notch talents including, Uche Ogbodo, Ifu Ennada (Ex Big brother Naija housemate), Realwarripikin, Lynda Dozie, Kevwe Ogunje and Val Obil and Reverend Sista, a fast-rising Yoruba female comedian.

Release El-Zakzaky to us for medical attention, Iran tells Buhari

“The journey started some years ago in the university. I have always seen a need for creating that helps showcase creative and talented people.

“After few attempts to break into the industry as a writer, I decided to become a talent manager to help fight for the right of the artiste. That was where the idea for my talent agency Tribeman Agency was born,” he recalled.

Speaking on his new project, he said: “I just finished writing my first book which is currently being edited. In fact, I have a lot on my shelves currently. I am taking my artiste, Realwarripikin to her first official solo comedy tour in Senegal entitled, ‘Realwarripikin Live In Senegal’. I have a lot of projects I am yet to unveil.”

Managing female celebrities has made me a better person — Chiazor
Tribune Online

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I can’t date a man with questionable wealth —Omalicha Elom

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I can’t date a man with questionable wealth —Omalicha Elom

Light skinned Nollywood actress, Omalicha Elom has expressed disappointment at the way some Nigerian ladies glorify internet fraudsters also  known as Yahoo boys.

The Anambra State-born script interpreter,  who is currently on set shooting her new movie, ‘The Survivors’, disclosed that she was averse to questionable wealth.

“I honestly don’t understand why some girls are dating yahoo boys, after they know the source of their wealth. I hear them say, ‘na dem dey spend pass’. They steal from people and spend on you? I pity your generation. My dear, I have never in my life supported internet fraud and till I die, I will never support them. As long as I know you are into any fraudulent activity, I will never give you my attention. These guys are destroying lives and giving our country bad name. I can’t date or have anything to do with any of them.”

On her relationship status,  Elom admitted she’s still single, but have learned certain lessons about relationships.

“I’m not in any serious relationship at the moment. The sad part is that, sometimes you break your own heart by falling in love with people you should have just had sex with and moved on,” she said.

I can’t date a man with questionable wealth —Omalicha Elom
Tribune Online

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China's industrial profits fall in June, add to fears of slowdown

Profits earned by China's industrial firms fell 3.1% in June from a year earlier, reversing gains in May, the National Bureau of Statistics said.
Source: CNBC World News

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Two South Koreans dead, several aquatic athletes hurt in nightclub collapse, official says

Two South Koreans died and several others, including athletes attending world aquatic championships, were injured when a structure collapsed in a nightclub in the city of Gwangju, an official said.
Source: CNBC World News

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Without Obas’ input, war against insecurity may not be won —Alepata

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Without Obas’ input, war against insecurity may not be won —Alepata

Oba Joel Olalere Olawuwo ascended the throne of the Alepata of Igboholand in May 2019. He speaks with MOSES ALAO on his journey to the throne; his plans for the historic town and how traditional rulers in the country are indispensable to the return of peace and security at a period in which the country is ravaged by insecurity. Excerpts:

 

You ascended the throne of your forbears in May 2019 three years after the death of your predecessor, the late Oba (Dr) Johnson Oyeyiola. What led to the delay and how was the journey to the throne? The general impression is that the race for Obaship is always tortuous and involves deaths and other losses.

As you said, I ascended the throne of my ancestors three years after father, Oba (Dr) Johnson Olajide Oyeyiola, joined the pantheon of the gods. You know it is not right in Yoruba culture to say that a king died and if you are conducting an interview in English, there should be a way to respect Yoruba culture too. Now, back to your question, I was presented with the instruments of office precisely on May 24, 2019 and I can tell you that the journey to the throne was not tortuous as you insinuated, rather the process of electing a new Alepata was allowed to take its full course. Every eligible prince was allowed to signify the intention to ascend the throne, we all made consultations and in some cases compromises. And there was an election in which I emerged winner. So, what you referred to as the general impression that the race for Obaship is always tortuous and has to take life or involve other losses does not apply to us. The pattern of ascension to the throne of Alepata throne is clear; all princes are brothers from the same forbear and we do not fight to the death like it is the custom in some other places.

Abuse of paracetamol can cause hepatitis —Expert

It is commonplace to ask a new occupant of any office what his plans or agenda are. So, can one extend the same question to you, knowing that apart from the position of an Oba being about tradition, it is also an office that comes with perhaps the highest responsibilities?

I appreciate that question. Had it been that you were present during my coronation ceremony, you would have known that I, indeed, have great plans for Igboholand. In the speech I delivered on that occasion, which I entitled “Reformation Era,” I pointed out how many things have fallen out of place in the town and I noted that under my Obaship, we would explore all ways to rebuild the fallen fences, standards and values. For instance, many chiefs in the community had been doing whatever they wanted and there is so much discord that the spirit of oneness, which is necessary for the progress and growth of any community, is no longer there. But I have prayed to God to help me to mend the fences and make everyone come together again to move Igboholand forward.

I must tell you that as the Alepata, the paramount ruler of Igboholand, the permanent chairman of the Oorelope Local Government Council of Obas and the permanent member of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I have been visiting all the chiefs in the town to talk to them and bring them together so that we can unite to move Igboho forward.

 

You talked about being the paramount ruler and permanent member of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, but there seems to be controversies over who the paramount ruler is…

There is no controversy; everyone in the town knows that the Alepata is the paramount ruler but politicians, because of votes and other things, brought about the disorganisation of the system such that they could attain their aim. But as they did that, they destroyed the system and set brothers against one another.

So, as I have said, I have been visiting all the chiefs: Onigboho, Ona Onibode, Iba Bonni, Alomo, every one of them. They are all under my leadership. It is the politicians that have destroyed everything. They have done many things in Igboho such that everybody from different quarters is now trying to make his own quarter more paramount than the others instead of seeking to build the entire Igboholand.

Whatever they are doing, I cannot be distracted. I will face the agenda of uniting Igboholand and bringing about growth and progress. Igboholand has a great history and an array of successful sons and daughters and I have been talking to them to come together and join hands to move the town forward. If they start with establishing small scale businesses in the town, the course of things will change.

 

But there is confusion outside the town as to the authentic traditional ruler…

There is no authentic or inauthentic; this matter has been settled. The Alepata of Igboholand is the paramount ruler in Igboholand; it is settled in law. Maybe if I give you a bit of historical background, you will understand the situation better. Igboho was founded by Alaafin Egunoju and several Alaafin reigned and passed on here and when Alaafin Tella Abipa was moving to the present day Oyo, he handed over the leadership of Igboho to the Alepata. So, till the world comes to an end, Alepata of Igboho will be the Oba of Igboho. Those people that are parading themselves as Obas are Part II Chiefs and there are some circulars from the state government that have warned them to desist from parading themselves as Obas. But when politicians see these things, they will not do anything simply because they are looking for votes.

Similarly, there are many judgments on the matter, which settled everything in favour of the Alepata. The Onigboho and the Onibode families have severally challenged the status quo in court and on each occasion, the judgments were in favour of the Alepata. In fact, there is a judgment of the High Court between the Onibode family and the Alepata of Igboho. In that judgment, Onibode was reaffirmed as one of the traditional rulers but it was settled that he has no right to assume the leadership of Igboho. The judgment followed the report of the Aderele Enquiry. The Onigboho had also approached the High Court on the report of the enquiry but he was floored and he approached the Court of Appeal, where he was floored again and then approached the Supreme Court. But in 1994, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Appeal Court, which had earlier affirmed the decision of the High Court in support of the Alepata. So, the court has already settled everything.

The call for traditional rulers to be given a constitutional role has been ongoing for some time, with the new governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, recently noting that traditional rulers will be carried along in his vision to secure the state. As a traditional ruler, how do you think Obas in the state can partner with the governor in this regard?

The traditional ruler in every community is closer to the people and people listen to them and believe them more than they do most of the political office holders. If traditional rulers can be given a function in the constitution, I think it will even be easier to administer government. As you have said that Governor Seyi Makinde is willing to carry traditional rulers along in securing the state, I think that is a step in the right direction. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate him and to commend him for his readiness to accord the traditional institution respect and I must say that traditional rulers will be willing to work with him to ensure peace and security in Oyo State, because as the Yorubas will say, Omo onilu o ni fe ko tu.

Let me also add this, in Oorelope Local Government here and I think to some extent, the adjoining local governments, there is a system in which local hunters have been formed into vigilantes and they protect our people on the inter-local/inter-state roads. The heads of the vigilante come here to give me situation reports and I can say that the model has helped to stem the tide of insecurity and I am recommending it for the state’s consideration. The state can have a robust set-up where hunters and responsible individuals willing to partake in the effort of securing our lands will be brought together to work with the police. The local governments can be made to take responsibility for the running of such set-ups. That is one of the advantages of having a bottom-up approach to security. Without giving due recognition to the traditional institution, the South-West may find it difficult to overcome its security challenges. It is abundantly clear that the police alone can no longer handle the security situation in the country.

I salute the courage of the South-West governors on the issue of insecurity, but they should be guided that any effort that does not involve Obas and their inputs may not yield much result in terms of securing our lands. The Yorubas will say that Enikan kii mo iya Osho, ju Osho lo and also say that Agba to mo oju ogun, nii pa obi n’Ire. Obas and the traditional institutions are important if we must get our acts right on the security challenges facing the South-West and even Nigeria.

Without Obas’ input, war against insecurity may not be won —Alepata
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Missing out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was a big disappointment for Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi.

Onazi ruptured his Achilles tendon in a Turkish Super Lig game against Rizespor in December 2018 which ruled him out of the rest of the season and the African tourney in Egypt.

He has since returned to training after the six-month injury layoff, as he was captured jogging in a video.

Reflecting on the injury and missing the AFCON 2019, the Trabzonspor midfielder said the situation broke him down so much, but he had to move on.

“I cannot deny how I felt about it. I almost got crazy but I had to just control myself, keep training and avoid distraction to focus on my club,” he said.

Nigeria emerged victorious in the third place match of the tournament after beating Tunisia 1-0 courtesy of a third minute goal by Odion Ighalo who announced his retirement from international duties after the competition.

The post Onazi: ‘Missing AFCON 2019 Was Heartbreaking’ appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

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Should couples have separate rooms/ beds?

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Should couples have separate rooms/ beds?

EVERY marriage comes with the clause :“what God has joined together let no man put asunder”. This has always been a warning signal to third parties, friends, family and even parents who might want to come in-between the couples. However, little or no attention is paid to inanimate objects that are severing the oneness of couples.  This prompted the question: Should married partners have separate rooms/beds?

On WhatsApp Conversation, these are what those who joined the conversation and our expert said on the issue

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Sympathy Habu

I see no reason that can justify this, is it privacy? Then why are we husband and wife? if he wants an office/prayer room in the house, it is fine but not a separate room.

 

Egbeyale Daniel

If necessity demands, it shouldn’t be under lock. In marriage, you’ve given up your privacy by saying I do.

 

Olumide Adeniran

Sleeping in the same room does not in reality , mean deeper connection. Most times people need their space. No matter how in love you are, there would be time you feeling like staying alone that is what different rooms are meant for.

 

Bamidele Segun

Separate rooms?  No.  Separate beds? Maybe,  the bed can be for convenience and all but the room is no way!  We are partners and we should be together, a head cannot do without the neck. Separate rooms could result to a total fall out of a peaceful marriage.

 

Omolola Saka

If they have separate rooms, they automatically have separate beds. I do not see anything wrong with this, if it’s a result of their discussion. That is, both parties talked about it and they are fine with it. They could have separate rooms for privacy sake, to create boundaries and to make them comfortable.

 

Momoh Charles

It’s very good for couples to share one bedroom  as it’s interesting to tell the whole world that my wife and I share the same bedroom.

However, it’s never a condition for strong love as many would want to postulate. Sharing one bedroom together doesn’t stop quarreling or misunderstanding. With maturity and understanding, couples staying in different bedrooms can still be in love. One partner can always go and meet the other one if need be or an issue to be resolved. Finally, there may be need for some privacy once in a while. Let’s remove some religious sentiments here please.

 

Lanre Oseni

Married partners having separate rooms/beds – as much as having same room or/and same bed shows spouses’ love. It is not out of place to have separate rooms /beds for occasional once-a-while “strategic or/and deep faithful thinking.” Living does not end in sleeping together, entering same room together or/and eating together! There should be time to think, strategically.

However, for “other room” strategic togetherness, same room is recommended!

Dayo Aluko

Having separate bed’s is good as there are times when what your body needs is a deep sleep that would be void of cuddling and caressing. Understanding cannot be undermined in any aspect of relationship and that includes the bed sharing aspect. Having separate beds may even save you from unnecessary arguments.

 

Tolulope Adeleke

A marriage should not be on the line because of issues of bed (rooms), except one or both parties are immature. Couples should understand that they were first individuals and marriage won’t change that-there will still be preferences, and differences including such career, prime time, study time and even sleep time differences, thus requiring individual “me” time, space and boundaries. However, there could be weightier matters, especially if the separation is as a result of childbirth/children issues, relatives or guests, quarrel, sickness or threat to life.

 

Expert speaks

Ifejola Akintunde, a marriage counsellor is our expert on this issue.

The answer can be found in a simple and concise statement of the Almighty in the Garden of Eden when He said “for this reason shall a man leave his father and his mother, and cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh. “This statement is critical and crucial to answering the question of this discourse. Because of the importance of the above-mentioned, these Bible commands were repeated in four different occasions. Accordingly, I feel compelled to review these keywords to answer the question: Leaving: moving not only from the geographical location but to move away from emotional ties of a father and mother relationship.

Cleaving: entering into a new husband / wife relationship, and one flesh: consummating the new union by the act sexual intercourse.

This is a life-long commitment. Anything that will constitute a threat to this divine mandate to bring about division to the loyalties and fidelities to the marriage union must strongly be resisted.

Cleaving is a very strong factor in the marriage equation. It’s not good for a husband and wife have to separate room and bed. It’s indeed tragic for husband and wife to have separate room / beds. How will married partners fulfill the mandate of cleaving together when they have separate bed? Love in a marriage is more than feeling; it’s a commitment that dedicates to moving to a higher and more meaningful conjugal level. Husband and wife that separate room and bed are not fulfilling their divine mandate of “cleaving.” The only thing that can separate married partners is death of either partner. Separating rooms and beds will quietly lead to a gap in the marriage. For instance, fellowship by the partners will suffer a reversal; there will be dysfunctional children development, wandering affection, constant quarrels and possible separation. What God has joined together let no room or bed put asunder.

Next week on WhatsApp conversation: what will you do if you discover your spouse’s private bank account?

Join WhatsApp Conversation every Sunday by 8pm or send in your comments via Whatsapp or SMS to 07031811214, Twitter @whatsappconvs and email above.

Should couples have separate rooms/ beds?
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Lampard Wants Bakayoko Out Of Chelsea

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for Tiemoue Bakayoko as new boss Frank Lampard attempts to trim down his squad.

The former Monaco midfielder spent last season on loan at AC Milan after struggling to adapt to the Premier League following his £40 million move.

The 24-year-old has been involved in the Blues’ preseason preparations but according to The Telegraph, Lampard has not been sufficiently impressed amid constraints on his squad.

Lampard will need to omit a senior foreign player from his 25-man Premier League squad ahead of the new season, while the Blues will need to include at 17 homegrown players in their Champions League squad.

Chelsea are reportedly willing to consider allowing Bakayoko to head out on loan again next season, or move permanently.

Paris Saint-Germain were among clubs said to be interested in the player, however it remains to be seen whether they will bid for the player following the arrival of Everton’s Idrissa Gueye for £28m.

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Source: Independent

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Guardiola Need One More Signing

Pep Guardiola remains hopeful of adding one more signing but insisted Manchester City have enough depth to defend the Premier League title.

City parted ways with Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph this summer and brought in Rodri and Angelino.

Guardiola is still hunting for a central defender and has an interest in free agent Dani Alves if Danilo leaves for Serie A.

But the City boss believes they can go again without any further additions.

‘It won’t be many,’ Guardiola said. ‘The market is so difficult but the team is really good enough. Maybe zero, maybe one, maybe one-and-a-half.

‘If we believe we can do it then we will but we can survive.’

John Stones candidly admitted to making too many mistakes earlier this week and Guardiola pushed him to improve.

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Liverpool Monitor Sporting’s Idrissa

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool boss is reportedly keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon youngster Idrissa Doumbia.

The Reds boss is believed to be after at least one more new player before the transfer window closes, but he has ruled out any big-money signings.

Portuguese outlet Record reports that Doumbia has caught Klopp’s attention and he has earmarked a move for the 21-year-old, who impressed for Sporting in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool earlier this week.

Doumbia made 14 appearances for the Primeira Liga outfit last term after arriving from Akhmat Grozny in January.

Liverpool have made just one signing during the off-season, bringing in Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle for £1.3m.

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Party time for Odion Ighalo

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Party time for Odion Ighalo

Super Eagles goal poacher, Odion Ighalo was in party mood a few days ago. The striker, who announced his retirement from the Super Eagles after the AFCON competition in Egypt, where his team clinched a bronze had an exciting moment upon his return to Nigeria.

Ighalo, 30, took Lagos by storm recently as he joined another ex-footballer, Obafemi Martins for a night of fun and excitement.

The two friends, who had to their records some amount of goals for their country, combed a number of highbrow hangouts on the Island where they had some thrilling moments.

Ighalo, who won the golden boot after scoring the highest goals in the just concluded Nation’s Cup had 35 appearances for Nigeria and scored 16 goals.

 

Party time for Odion Ighalo
Tribune Online

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Lille Agree £72m With Napoli For Pepe

Gerard Lopez, Lille president has confirmed that a £72m agreement has been reached with Napoli for the sale of in-demand winger Nicolas Pepe.

The 24-year-old scored 22 times in Ligue 1 last season – a total only bettered by Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe – and set up 11 more.

Pepe’s form earned him links with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, but Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti hinted on Thursday that his side were close to signing the Ivory Coast international.

An agreement is now in place between Lille and Napoli, but personal terms must still be thrashed out.

“Napoli have satisfied our request of €80m. Now it will be up to the player to decide where to go, also on the basis of other proposals that his agents received from four clubs,” Lopez told Tuttosport.

“Pepe will return from his holidays on Monday and I think that he will make his mind up halfway through the week. We asked him to stay last year and promised him we would have let him go during this transfer window.”

Adam Ounas is expected to make the switch to Lille as part of the agreement, according to reports in Italy

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Nigerians’ hassle and toughness dazzle me — Adhiambo Owuor

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Nigerians’ hassle and toughness dazzle me — Adhiambo Owuor

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor is a Kenyan award-winning author, screenwriter, creative writing teacher and regular TEDx speaker. 2003 Caine Prize for Literature winner for her short story ‘Weight of Whispers’ and 2015 Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature winner for her novel ‘Dust’, she has written three novels, ‘The Dragonfly Sea’ (March, 2019), being the most recent. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her life growing up in Kenya, her mentor Binyavanga Wainaina, her new novel and her visit to Nigeria.

 

W HAT was life like growing up as a young girl in Kenya? And, when did you know you would make a career from writing?

I grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, in a home environment inhabited by the books of parents who were universalists, who adored books. They brought the entire world into our home walls through books, art, music, discussions. They took us into nature and revealed to us the book of nature, of landscape. I was lucky in the school I went to where teachers nurtured small strangenesses like the shy girl who always found a corner to hide in in order to read stories. I should have understood that writing was my vocation, given that it brought joy to my spirit. But it took years and years of doing a whole load of other things, useful things, before I understood that writing was the way I would read and navigate the world and figure out my place in it.

Leave Yoruba land now or face confrontation, Afenifere tells killer Fulani herdsmen

What motivated you to go for an MA in Television and Video Development? Between screenwriting and prose writing, which one comes easily to you?

I should have gone straight into creative writing rather than that M.A. I wish I had been braver and dared to enter straight into what I really did want to do: write stories. I did that degree because it seemed to sit well at the cusp between social development and creativity.

 

How would you describe the late Binyavanga Wainaina’s influence in your writing career?

That man, that wild, unruly, disruptive, mad, beautiful, gifted, visionary beloved man, that prophet, that midwife and seed-giver, the story-whisperer showed up like firelight for me in a season of floundering. He was mentor, believer, champion, critic, first-line editor. I am a writer because he believed I was a writer. I wrote ‘Weight of Whispers’ to get him off my back. He would call me about seven times a day to ask for a story. It is the story that also lunched Kwani Trust. It opened the doors that set me on a literary trajectory.

 

What is your writing process like? The themes of your novels are mostly about loss, sacrifice and survival. Why is that?

Writing process: Get moved by an image that won’t go away. Pursue the muse. Procrastinate. Make excuses. Set deadline. Research and research. Sit. Write and write. Get edited. Write again. Ask select friends to review what is written. Implement suggestions. You get the picture. About my story themes: I wrestle with those twin questions of what does it mean to be human/what does the humanity of the other mean for me. I am scoured by my African living, its complexities, its beauties, its paradoxes. The themes include sacrifice and loss, less survival as much as resolution or transcendence. But there are also themes of love, desire, homecoming, discovery, plurality, family, what might happiness mean. Life, I guess.

 

Briefly tell us about your new novel ‘The Dragon Sea’. How is the novel faring in the market?

‘The Dragonfly Sea’ is a coming-of-age story set on the island of Pate, off the coast of Kenya. It focuses on Ayaana, her mother Munira and the father Ayaana adopts, Muhidin. It is a story I enjoyed writing as I explored notions of our Eastern African oceanic imaginary, our relationship with the seas, and what China’s return to our part of the world portends for intimate, personal histories. Where the novel is available, it seems to be gathering quite a good number of friends. I am delighted.

 

Why were you named the ‘Woman of the Year’ by Eve Magazine? Have you thought of setting up a literary magazine or foundation in Africa?

The magazine wanted to honour the surprise of having a Kenyan woman being recognised elsewhere for contributions to art and literature. I am a contributor to magazines, sitting on the boards of a few. But my calling and metier is story creation. There are others who are better trained and ‘called’ to do these. Who knows the future? But I do intend to have something established to support the writing hopes of the many in Africa and beyond—resources and time permitting.

 

As a creative, in what ways do you think African literature can help address African essential challenges?

This question speaks directly to what I regard as the primary crisis in our beloved continent—that of the imagination, not only for ourselves but for the whole world, for the galaxies. Of all the places in the world ours is the one blessed with the best and greatest of the earth’s bounties. Yet, it has indeed been the most afflicted by all sorts of external and internal wounds that seem to paralyse its essential being. Take off requires a deep, volcanic re-imagining, a re-telling of us in the world, and of the world in us. Story, daring, bold, immense, all-encompassing truthful story, should we so desire it, will help our glorious, gifted continent realise its grand destiny.

 

You live in Australia. What necessitated your residency there? And, how does the country remind you of Kenya?

No, I live in Kenya. When ‘Dust’ was published I was in Australia then, doing my MPhil. But I am Kenya born, bred, fed, nurtured, dwelling, living, fully identified. Having said that, Brisbane’s climate mirrored Nairobi’s. The landscapes were a delightful invocation of home. There are also resonances of habits shared that probably come from the British connections.

 

What is your impression of Nigeria? If you were to visit the country, where would you like to visit and why?

The places in Nigeria I have been to: Lagos, Abuja, Abeokuta. My experiences were exhilarating. It is like travelling across landscapes to arrive at a place not dissimilar to the home you left. I am struck by the hassle, the joy, the toughness, the beauty, the humour, the immensity, the wealth, and oh my, my…the food, the art, the giftedness. It cannot be known after a mere glance. I think one must immerse oneself for a few years before having the boldness to say; this is what Nigeria also is.

 

What are you currently working on? Do you see yourself winning Nobel Prize in Literature in the future?

New Book. The Future is like night. Who knows what the dawn might show up with?

 

What is your greatest challenge as a creative? And, what do you like doing at your leisure?

Discipline to deliver to deadlines. Governing the self to work according to schedule. Avoiding the feast of distractions that offer themselves to you every day you promise: Today I shall work. Leisure? Outdoors stuff. Hike, swim, run, read, travel. Watch Korean drama. Eat good food. Catch up on the latest news (aka palaver/gossip).

 

What advice do you have for young people, especially the female ones, who are aspiring to be like you?

Read widely, wildly. Ask strange and big questions. Dare to ask yourself these two questions often: What does it mean for me to be human/what does the humanity of the other mean for me? Find your voice. Talk to the elders. Listen. Learn the things that delight you, annoy you—turn them into characters. Write out your fears—turn these into a tale. Observe life, humanity, your own heart. Get experiences. Whatever task you are given to do, use it to study human interactions, relationships, voices. All of these will inform your story journeys. Then, when you decide to write, write. Write because if you don’t write you will suffocate. And if the accolades and applause come, nod at these. But, keep vulnerable as you write. And may your stories nourish you and the world. Oh yes, and do have fun while doing so. It is not a grim race to some fantasy finish.

Nigerians’ hassle and toughness dazzle me — Adhiambo Owuor
Tribune Online

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