My life with Mandela –Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

A former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday joined other world leaders to pay tributes to the late ex-South African president, Nelson Mandela.

Obasanjo in a statement he read to newsmen at his Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta on Friday said Mandela lived an exemplary life.

Obasanjo relived various encounters he had with Mandela saying that his style of leadership helped South Africa to overcome the pains of apartheid. He described Mandela’s death as a loss to his family “who would miss a caring patriarch, the people of South Africa, who would miss a guide, Africa who would miss a role model and the world who would miss a leader.

The statement reads in part: “One of my earliest contacts with Nelson Mandela was in February 1986 when I visited him at Polls-moor Prison in my capacity as Co-Chairman of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group on Southern Africa. He dressed defiantly in ANC belt and reminded me of his visit to Nigeria in 1962.

Though appalled by Apartheid, I left his prison cell deeply convinced that the history of South Africa and, indeed, Africa would be worse off and would not be complete if the purpose for which he was in jail – elimination of apartheid – did not end for him to be in a position to lead his country from racial and tribal division into a rainbow united society.

“As we discussed during the visit, Mandela mentioned in passing that ‘if he got out of prison’…I interrupted him that ‘it was not if, but when…’ From that moment on, I resolved to do everything humanly possible, personally and working with my group to facilitate the release of Nelson Mandela from jail because South Africa and the world needed Mandela to be alive and released to be able to give South Africa the smooth transition it would need from an apartheid system to popular participation by all South Africans in their own governance.

“The eventual release of Nelson Mandela from prison was inevitable. On a visit to South Africa, I called on Mandela after he was released from prison on Sunday, 11 February 1990. He pulled me out of the hotel and made me to stay with him and his family in their house in Soweto.

“During the first non-racial democratic elections in 1994, I was on election observation assignment in South Africa and was there for his campaign and when he, Nelson Mandela, cast his own vote in a post-apartheid South Africa.

“He was devoid of bitterness or anger against anybody except he hated apartheid system. He won the election and more importantly led South Africa to the extent that the country was able to cast aside its apartheid legacy and take its place in comity of nations.

“Certain that his task was completed, Nelson Mandela modestly refused to seek re-election after his first term in office as his presidency elapsed. I still recall his pragmatic words when he said to me ‘Olu, show me a place in the world where a man of 80 years is running the affairs of his country.

‘This, to me, reflects an unequalled sense of modesty for a man who spent 27 of the prime years of his life in prison for a just cause and still kept a calm and peaceful disposition to those who took away his freedom for all those years of his life.

“The last time I saw him was about two years ago. I went to visit him at his Johannesburg residence. His health had deteriorated somewhat but he was still very alert but did not talk much during our discussions; Graca did more of the talking.

“As the whole world pays tribute to Madiba, I join them in celebrating the life of a man who raised the beacon of human struggle to lofty heights of nobility and whose life is an example of what we should all aspire for. His struggle and our struggles remain the same and as we all seek for answers to deal with today’s challenges.

“In all situations, he lived nobly and died in nobility. Let us bear in mind that we all have the opportunity to act nobly in whatever position we find ourselves. When we teach our children the lessons for tomorrow, let us be reminded of the lessons Mandela gave the world in forgiveness and forbearance. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Iyayi: ASUU members boo reverend father

Prof. Festus Iyayi

A cross-section of members of the academic community, joined by members of civil society organisations, booed one the officiating clergymen, during the lying-in-state ceremony held for late former President of the Academic staff Union of Universities, Prof. Festus Iyayi, which held on Friday, at the Akin Deko main auditorium of the University of Benin.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Obiyan, one of the seven officiating priests at the ceremony, which was attended by a record that continued to swell as the programme wore on, drew the ire of the virtually all in attendance, when he veered of his main business, to tell ASUU about having a rethink about their over five month-old strike.

The priest said many of the lecturers were already wary of the “fight.”

Reading from portions of the bible, Obiyan praised Iyayi’s tenacity of purpose, courage and sense of dedication to duty, all of which he said contributed to the “hero” he became, both in life and in death and went on to call on ASUU members to consider their position in order that they not continue to be at the receiving end.

He said, “The death of the faithful is precious in the eyes of God, so I want to admonish the family not to think of the pain of death, but think about the bright promise of immortality.”

Threading on what was to irk the crowd, he said, “Finally, I want to thank God because (ASUU) you have become the voice of the voiceless today. May that voice never die. But I want to remind you that there is no success without sacrifice; for Jesus to gain the whole world he had to give up his life. We give up to go up.

“My humble appeal to you as a minister of God is to kindly request you in the name of God to please surrender the tool of power. Do not give the federal government the privilege of satisfaction of fighting and defeating you. I encourage you to surrender first in this fight. You have made your point eloquently and clear enough.

“Sincere and intelligent Nigerians will consider will consider what you have done and will forever appreciate you for it. Your surrender at this time as a tool of power is the sign of strength, it’s not a sign of weakness. Our relationship with God our father shows that faith and trust navigate.

“We may not trust the federal government owing to their antecedents, but I humbly request you to please trust them now.”

Speaking with journalists at the end of the ceremony, ASUU President, Dr Nasri Fagge said reaction from the crowd was enough attestation to the mood of majority of union members on the matter.

He said, “We were told here at this gathering there were some fundamental issues that bother the mind of our late comrade, as to the future of the struggle. For me, it is left for us to rally round those ideals and advance his legacies. You saw the reaction of the crowd to what was said about suspending the struggle, and that to me said it all.”

Recalling some of his past encounters with the late professor of business administration, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said, “Iyayi spoke truth to power, just as much as he spoke truth with his colleagues.”

Oshiomhole offered to support in building of ASUU secretariat at UNIBEN, as a way of immortalising Iyayi.

Those sex tapes made me more popular –Chidinma

Kora award winner and Ex Project Fame winner, Chidinma Ekile

Kora award winner and Ex Project Fame winner, Chidinma Ekile, tells ‘Nonye Ben-Nwankwo how she has been able to manage the recent controversies surrounding her

You won Kora Awards last year and this year again, you were nominated for an international award, Channel O Awards. Did you ever imagine that you would get to this stage?

No way. I never imagined it in any way. All I did was just to be focused. I knew this was what I loved doing and I decided to just keep doing it. I didn’t expect that it would get this big. Sometimes I sit back and I think back of how it started.

But did the awards have any impact on your career?

Oh yes. When I won the Kora and got back to Nigeria, it was a whole different experience. People started treating me differently. They wondered how ‘small’ Chidinma could go to Cote D’ivoire and bring the Kora home. It added to my profile. Being nominated for the Channel O Award is a big deal for me even if I didn’t clinch the award.

How has it been since then?

It has been good and challenging. It has been a lot of work.

Did you go back to school?

Oh yes. I am managing my career and my studies. I don’t have a choice. I wake up every day and I realise I have a lot of things to do. This is really the best time to tidy up my education. This is my youth. I get busier by the day. It will get tougher. I have to do what I have to do before time gets tougher.

Are you not scared or intimidated competing with other bigger female artistes in the industry?

I have never been a competition person even though I am a product of a competition. But I didn’t see Project Fame as a competition. I was doing what I love doing. In the industry, I am not in any competition. I am just Chidinma. I have tried to carve a niche for myself. I try to be different all the time. I don’t like a situation where somebody will say ‘Chidinma sounds like this person or that person.’ When that comes, competition arises. I am not in for that. I just want to be me and I always try to improve. I want to be versatile. I don’t want to be put in a box. I am here to have fun and make money at the same time.

But you must look up to some of the female artistes…

Definitely. Most of the time I was preparing for the Project Fame competition, I listened to Omawumi a lot. I followed her right from the time she came out of West African Idols. I just loved her kind of music. It is African and she has lots of messages at the same time. I love Onyeka Onwenu as well. I can learn from any one. I am still able to talk and ask question. I am still their baby.

Do you owe Project Fame all you have achieved?

I owe it to Project Fame to a reasonable extent. I don’t think I would be here if not for Project Fame. I didn’t take music seriously. I felt it was something I could do during my leisure. I didn’t know it would become a profession.

If you hadn’t won, you wouldn’t have been bothered?

It wouldn’t have mattered. I didn’t even know I was going to win. I felt I was having fun and if I got money, it was okay. I didn’t want to be the winner. I didn’t want everybody’s eyes to be on me. But it happened and I didn’t have a choice. I decided to give it a trial. That is why I am here today.

You eventually came into the spotlight and it opened doors to controversies and scandals…

I have been in the news lately. My manager told me that I am a balloon on top of lots of needles. People want me to drop on those needles and get deflated. He told me to be careful. The first time was when my nude picture went viral. I actually went for a photo shoot for my friend. I wore a tube dress. Some mischief makers actually cropped off the lower part of the picture and posted it on the Internet. It was as if I was nude. I wasn’t happy at all. I had that picture. I had to post the real picture on the net and people now got convinced the nude picture wasn’t original. I thought that was the end, I didn’t know a bigger scandal was coming…

You mean the sex video?

Oh yes. I woke up one morning and I was greeted on the internet with ‘Chidinma and sex tape’.  I was worried primarily because of my mother. I didn’t let her see the video but I had to show her the photos. I didn’t want to go out that day. I couldn’t go out. But my mum felt otherwise. She told me to ignore the mischief makers. I almost took some actions but I thought against it. I met Sound Sultan on a set. He told me, ‘Babe, you are now a star. I welcome you officially into the industry.’ I trended for three days. Even people who didn’t know me got to know me. My fan base grew. And then, I was happy because more than 90 per cent of the public didn’t believe I was the one in that video. There were people who didn’t need to see the video to believe I couldn’t have done such thing. I am just grateful to everyone who didn’t believe the story. My twitter account was hacked and the people created another account. They kept releasing nasty pictures and they were even responding to the tweets as if I was the one doing it. I was just watching and laughing. It put me in the spotlight. I used it for good.

But such scandal shouldn’t be good for your career…

Ever since I started, I have been scared of scandals. I didn’t want to have any. But I realised that I cannot run away from it. It is just normal. It is not everybody who is happy seeing me rise. Some people are trying to do something to stop me. But sex tape is not enough to stop me. They should bring up something else. The sex tape just took me to another level in my career. It moved me up. This is no more ‘little’ Chidinma. It didn’t bring me down in any way. I am still doing a lot of things.

One of the Skuki boys said he is in love with you and would want to marry you…

Oh yes. Everybody wants to marry me but I am not ready for marriage.

But the boy came out publicly and declared his love for you…

I laughed when I saw that story. I have not considered his request. I still have to make more money before I consider marriage. He is actually my friend and he never told me something like that. I have been linked with so many people. People cannot imagine me being a saint. They are just looking for something to attach to me.

How does it feel like being a star?

It is a lot of work. People see me and envy me and say ‘ohhh, she is now a star and she must be enjoying’. I am not enjoying. The more you are there, the more you do things. The expectation is now so high. Being a star is not so much fun because you have to do more work. You have to please people. You have to smile even when you are not in the mood. It is so frustrating. But then, you owe it to some people, you have put yourself out there. This is what I have signed for. Nobody begged me to do this.

Incredible truth about the penis

Funmi Akingbade
| credits: File copy

Even though a penis is controlled by the nervous system, it also has a mind of its own. Erections can occur at random due to some impulses firing from the brain during sleep and that is why most mornings, men experience ‘morning glows.’ The penis is turgid without a prior sexual arousal trigger. In fact, the penis does not need the man’s brain before it climaxes. It is basically the function of the penis than the brain of the man. Orgasm actually starts with the spine; the signal to ejaculate is the result of muscle contractions in the spinal cord and pelvis, not the brain. But amazingly, simple things like having a rough day at work can lead to a man not gaining an erection for a week.

On average, adult penis typically measures between four and six inches when flaccid and six to nine inches when erect. So typically, most penises are created equal in almost all men. Human penis still weighs and looks bigger than that of other animals. Many men worry so much about the look of their penis but the truth of the matter is curves are common in penis. The vast majority of penises lean ever so slightly to the left or right when erect (you are probably just too distracted to notice). However, some bend so dramatically (or curve up or down) that having sex is almost impossible. This is known as Peyronie’s Disease and it happens when the penis doesn’t expand evenly during a hard-on.

The structure of the penis does not help men to finish slowly; rather they are programmed to finish quickly. So wives, don’t take it personal. One of the purposes of intercourse for men is pleasure, then procreation. In fact, 85 per cent of men think of pleasure first before procreation while having sex.

 Penile rupture is very real; it tends to happen mostly during vigorous sex and also overly enthusiastic solo action like masturbation. Most men who have experienced this unthinkable breakage always report hearing a cracking noise, followed by excruciating pain.  It is always advisable to get treatment on time because an untreated fracture can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction (ED).

Penis size, thickness and shape are not genetic. Penises are actually formed in uterus when the male hormones are in active service. Penises have a ‘seam’ as all men have a line going down their penis and over their testicles. It’s more a ‘seam’ on the underside of the penis. It forms when the foetus is in the uterus. In women, the seam becomes the inner lips of the vagina. In men, the seam encloses the urethra along the length of the penis. Penises contrast in colour to other body parts; penises are generally darker in colour than the bodies they hang from. Why? It’s part of the sexual maturation process. Every penis experiences a degree of shrinkage on a daily basis, especially when it is very cold. In other words, cold weather and cold water are a penis’ mortal enemies. A typical testicles need to be warm to effectively make sperm and testosterone.   So when you stay too long in a chilly air-condition room on a daily basis, try to take a ten minutes’ walk in a warm environment away from the cold. But there is no correlation between penis size and shoe size, hand size or wallet size. And the worst exercise for the penis is masturbation.  Masturbation is not healthy at all. Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it is also bad for the penis. It’s no secret that smoking clogs the arteries, including those that fill the penis with blood, especially at the initial stage of ejaculation. This means the penises of smokers may have a harder time rising to its full potential at the occasion of sexual activities. Also, men will go limp if they drink too much.

Men really do get ‘blue-balls, technically called ‘prostatic congestion which is caused by ‘trapped’ blood in the testicles. It has been discovered that a lukewarm shower or aspirin will also do the trick. With a vasectomy, a man can still be a father because some sperm cell can still hang around, ready, willing and able to cause a woman to be pregnant two weeks post operation. So, it’s important to use some kind of protection until your family doctor says the coast is clear.

Please note that if an erection comes on and refuses to go away, this is not a miracle, but a medical emergency. This means that the blood flow that causes an erection doesn’t eventually leave the penis. Serious complications can result, like blood clots and some major damage.

Questions and Answers

Should I or should I not?

 Seven months ago, my wife of 11 years suddenly left my home unannounced with my seven-year-old last child. I was so worried I had to report the case to the police who after series of searching, eventually discovered that she actually moved to the house of one of my church members, a wealthy business tycoon. This became a court case and when she was asked why she left without traces, she said it was on the basis that I do not satisfy her sexually. Now, she is begging to come back. Should I take her back? Her insatiable sexual craving has been a big issue since the inception of our marriage. I can’t satisfy her even if I over try.

Peter Ajukochi

This is a case of libidinal mismatch leading to unfaithfulness, I think you both can still sit and talk things over. There are quite a lot of things to do together when couples’ sex drive do not match. Amazingly, every human being has untapped sexual potential in us. If she has been complaining from the outset of your union, what have you done to rectify the situation? Bear it in mind that your low desire affects your wife immensely; so you must stretch yourself to take time to enhance your libido. This will bond the two of you together the more and grant you some discoveries about your own sexuality. Take quality time to discover your wife’s sexual peculiarities. It is very wrong and unethical for your wife to abandon her matrimonial home in search of a momentary pleasure. But I would also plead for your forgiveness. Since she has discovered her mistakes, I am sure she will make it up to you.  Please take her back and in future, don’t ignore her complaints.

Why should I be careful about semen analysis?

 I have done quite a number of semen analyses, yet I can’t make my wife get pregnant. Why should I be careful about semen analysis or continue to carry out the same test?

Matins Matins

Are you sure you are carrying out the necessary test? Frankly speaking, semen analysis is not a measure of fertility; rather, it is a measure of sperm production and sperm delivery. So, a single semen analysis really does not mean everything is normal or abnormal. It just means there’s normal production, normal delivery of sperm. Most men, when there are concerns about fertility, will be told to get a semen analysis. It is a good thing but it is important that if a man has concerns over fertility, he has at least two and probably three separate semen analyses, each one after three days of abstinence, each about six to eight weeks apart. And then, and only then, can you say you have successfully completed the test.

Is it advisable to send a spy after my partner?

If a husband or wife notices some suspicious moves, activities and behaviour in the life of his or her partner especially sexual life, Is it advisable for the suspecting partner to send spies to get adequate information before taking necessary action, If no, why?

Simian Jubilee

I do not think it is a wise idea. One thing is certain, there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed over a period of time. And from observation, when you are not too sure of something, it is either you patiently wait for a proper timing or you wisely confront your spouse. And if he or she denies the confrontation, you can just keep your calm. Things will definitely reveal themselves sooner than you think. But if you start sending spies here and there, searching for information, digging up stories, you may end up destroying the very thing you want to protect. Where mistrust, doubt, and suspicion reign, every air that blows is a potential danger bomb.

Can erectile dysfunction prevent pregnancy?

 Apparently yes but this depends greatly on the degree and level of the erectile dysfunction challenge. If it is a chronic erectile dysfunction, it has 75-83 per cent of preventing pregnancy, especially when the erection is not hard enough for effective ejaculation or when the man ejaculates just at the tip of the vagina. If it is an acute erectile dysfunction [ a sudden event of either premature ejaculation or quick ejaculation], there may be a likelihood of the man being able to impregnate his wife when  the man is treated on time.

Jonathan arrives Paris after private visit to Germany

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Patience; little Miss Awele Njokama, who presented flower to the president; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and Nigerian Ambassador to France, Hakeem Suleiman, during the arrival of the President at the Le Bourget Airport, Paris for the Elysee Summit on Peace and Security in Africa… on Friday.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday arrived Paris, France after his two-day private visit to Germany.

Jonathan, who arrived in company with his wife, Patience, is in the country to participate in the Summit on Peace and Security in Africa.

Although the nature of his private visit to Germany was not disclosed, there were indications during the week that he and his wife would undergo medical checks. An online report claimed that they both checked into a German hospital.

The President and his wife, who were both decked in winter jackets, were received at the airport by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Muhammed Nurudeen.

They were accompanied by some presidential aides and security chiefs.

They did not show any sign of ill-health.

Spokesman of the President’s wife, Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, later issued a statement indicating that Mrs. Jonathan attended First Ladies’ meeting at the Elysee Summit for Peace and Security in Africa with the theme “Acts Of Sexual Violence Against Women In Africa” hosted by the First Lady of France, Ms. Valerie Trierweiler.

The statement quoted Mrs. Jonathan, in her remarks at the event, as describing the late President of South Africa, Dr. Nelson Mandela, as an icon of peace for humanity.

She said Mandela’s life as an epitome of peace and compassion reflects the principles of the African First Ladies Peace Mission which she chairs.

The statement read, “Dame Jonathan  stated that the late South African President, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 jointly with Frederik Willem de Klerk, was a great bridge for promoting peace because of his forgiving spirit and also because he lived his life in a way that respected and enhanced the freedom of others.

“She stated that as a proponent of peace, justice and social inclusion, Dr. Mandela was a towering iconic figure in life and an even greater figure in death.

“The AFLPM President  noted that the late Dr. Mandela is indeed a hero of all time who was held in the highest esteem by not only people on the African continent, but the entire world.

“She said that Dr. Mandela would be greatly missed but observed that his impact would be felt forever. She added that the activities of the AFLPM would continue to draw inspiration from the remarkable life of Dr. Mandela.”

The African First Ladies Peace Mission, which is open to all first ladies of Africa, has the mandate of conflict prevention and management, as well as the making, keeping and building of peace through various means including civil, humanitarian and diplomatic action.