Chelsea, Man United title chanceshampered by draws

Leaders, Chelsea could only pick up a
point as they were held by a resilient
Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium. Sadio
Mane gave the Saints the lead when he
pounced on John Terry’s hesitancy in
defence before lifting his shot past
Thibaut Courtois. Eden Hazard equalised
seconds before the interval when he
drifted in from the left before firing in low.
Saints finished with 10 men when Morgan
Schneiderlin was shown a second yellow
card for a foul on Cesc Fabregas.
However, Manchester United’s pursuit of
Chelsea and Manchester City in the
Premier League title race was hampered
by a frustrating draw at Tottenham.
United created several good chances in
the first half, with Juan Mata’s deflected
free-kick hitting the post. Home keeper
Hugo Lloris also denied Radamel Falcao,
Robin van Persie and Ashley Young as
Spurs offered little. Spurs’s Andros
Townsend saw two shots easily saved,
but the hosts rallied late on with Ryan
Mason firing over. Mauricio Pochettino’s
team had scored late winners against
Swansea and Leicester recently but,
despite enjoying almost 65 percent of
possession in the final 15 minutes, could
not create any last-gasp drama against
third-placed United. United boss Louis
van Gaal grimaced as he disappeared
down the White Hart Lane tunnel,
probably wondering how his side did not
close the gap on leaders, Chelsea, who
also dropped points at Southampton. The
Dutchman had been critical of the Pre­
mier League’s busy Christmas schedule,
but decided to name an unchanged XI
from the 3-1 home win against Newcastle
less than 48 hours earlier. Despite the
short turnaround, his players looked full
of energy as they dominated the first half,
moving the ball quickly – and with
purpose – as they picked holes in the
Spurs defence. Mata’s free-kick clipped
the home wall and deflected on to Lloris’s
left-hand post before only Vlad
Chiriches’s desperate lunge prevented
Falcao scrambling in the rebound.
Seconds later, Phil Jones thought his
close-range header had crossed the
Spurs line before Jan Vertonghen’s
acrobatic clearance, and although the
United defender was proved right by
goal-line technology, he was denied by an
offside flag. W hile t he p ossession and
territorial statistics were evenly matched,
United continued to create the goalscoring
opportunities. Falcao shot tamely at
Lloris, Van Persie could not convert when
clean through and the France keeper
brilliantly tipped away Young’s curling
shot. But United appeared tired after the
break, failing to have a shot on target, as
Spurs improved. Knowing they would
move into the top four with their fourth
straight win, Spurs pressed higher up the
pitch as the visitors were not allowed the
time or space that they enjoyed in the first
half.

Read More

Eaglets cry out over Kano house giftsagain

World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets stars,
Musa Muhammed and Zaharadeen Bello
have again cried out that they are yet to
receive the houses promised them by the
Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa
Kwankwaso a year ago.
Musa Muhammed, who led the Eaglets to
win the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the
UAE, was promised a house along with
fellow Kano State native, Bello by
Kwankwaso but a year later they are yet
to get allocations of the houses.
“We were informed that our houses are at
Amana Estate, but I have made countless
visits to the Kano State Investment and
Properties Limited and what they are still
telling me is that they are yet to allocate
houses there,” said a frustrated
Muhammed.
“I have met with the managing director of
the investment company and have been
in constant touch with Dauda Sheshe, the
principal manager PID of the company.
But still no hope in sight.
“We can’t reach the governor to alert him
of our situation, we don’t even know what
to do now.”
It was reliably gathered that a Chinese
group, who bought hundreds of units at
the Amana Estate had since been
allocated their houses.

Read More

The changing face of Anambra

The end may have come for the dismal
look of Awka and Onitsha. Both cities
suffered near total neglect in the past,
and were almost given up or abandoned.
Neither the administrative status of Awka
nor the commercial strength of Onitsha
could earn them gubernatorial attention.
Past governments seemed obsessed with
other aspects of governance to bother
with their rustic state. An out of humour
critic of those administrations once called
Awka a bucolic town, mismanaged by a
line of do-nothing governors who wished
to change its looks by standing still.
The failure to transform both cities,
though inexcusable, might be as a result
of either of two things. One is the lack of
political will to embark on a capital
intensive venture such as building a new
capital city. Two is that past governments
were too conservative and blind to notice
the unbefitting status of Awka as a state
capital, and might have cared less about
the sprawling condition in which Onitsha
has lapsed. Accordingly, the long neglect
blotted the otherwise beautiful landscape,
and rendered incomplete whatever
achievements those governments posted.
Awka contrasts brutally to the least devel­
oped state capital in Nigeria. Its rustic
state very easily magnifies in
juxtaposition to the beautifully laid out
streets of Enugu while Onitsha is greatly
diminished by the emerging attraction
which Asaba has become in recent time.
A visitor to Awka or Onitsha from either of
the two adjoining state capitals would feel
a whiffling air of rustic neglect on arrival.
A certain columnist once described his
journey from Enugu to Awka as a descent
from light to darkness. All too often, the
neglect questioned the Anambra spirit of
enterprise, and pioneering streak, which
has seen to her people being in the
vanguard of developing cities outside of
the state.
The decrepit infrastructure was not helped
by the fractious nature of her politics.
Needless to retell the dreary story here,
but suffice it to say that it conspired with
the failed infrastructure to rob the state a
measure of respect in the comity of other
states. It is important to mention that the
lacuna in infrastructural development was
not because the state could not stump up
bills in transforming itself, but more for
the lack of vision and political will by past
governments to do so. The poor state of
infrastructure inevitably encumbered
development in other areas. In time, the
condition conduced to criminal activities.
The burgeoning commercial activities of
Onitsha very easily exposed it to tidal
surges in criminality. Awka, on its part,
held no better promise as it lacked the
enablers for transformation and stifled
growth in social interaction. Both repelled
rather than attracted visitors. Investors
whose activities should have driven
development, nibbled at the thought of
coming to the state. Those who did
refused to take up residence in it. Perhaps
only fly-by-night contractors and
wheeler-dealer business men could brave
the odds. A section of her citizens was no
less enamoured by the desolate
infrastructure and prefers to work from
the comfort of either Enugu or Asaba.
However, since no condition abides
forever something fortunate has come
swift upon the state. The Obiano
government has, since coming on the po­
litical stage, kept its nose to the
grindstone to change the old order. Today
Awka, the state capital, billows in dust of
reconstruction. The decrepit infrastructure
is now caving in to the menacing strides
of the contractor’s bulldozers. By the time
the dust settles, three flyovers at Arroma,
Kwatta, and Amawbia bypass would
stand firm to mark Awka distinctly out.
This is a precursor to building an entirely
new capital city in the ancient town. The
huge constructions (the flyovers), though
a prerogative of the federal government,
when completed, will achieve two things.
First, it will decongest the town and allow
for free flow of traffic that is fast forming
a tailback in the town. Secondly, it will
enliven Awka and make it attractive for
residents. No longer will the state capital
be passed unnoticed as was earlier the
case. Already a body (Awka Capital
Development Authority) has been
constituted and charged with drawing up
a befitting capital for the state. It was
also instructed to be as eclectic as pos­
sible in harnessing ideas in order to give
the state one of the best. Nothing could be
more compensatory, given the wasted
years.
In line with the transformation, an estate
developer, Rockland Builders, has been
commissioned to build over a thousand
housing units for the state civil servants.
This will help reduce exposure to risk by
some of the civil servants who shuttle
from Enugu and Asaba to work. A lot of
renovation work is also going on at the
State House in much the same way as
Onitsha is being renovated and lit up. The
Upper Iweka/ Bridgehead area has since
exploded in resplendent colours. What
makes the Onitsha case most gratifying is
that the transformation was not shabbily
wrought. It first dealt with the foundation
by routing criminals in the town. This has
not only allowed for luxury of
transformation, but also sane commercial
activities and a good repose. No longer
are people in breathless haste to escape
the menace of muggers who skulked in
shacks that abutted the expressway. Night
life is gradually returning to the town just
as parks, hitherto dens of robbers and
alcoholics are being renovated and new
ones built. All these are adorned with
flowers and lit up for aesthetic effect. One
good thing about the effort of the
government in the whole transformation
is that work is going on speedily at all the
sites. At the Zik roundabout, for example,
the park is nearing completion. Ditto for
all the others where the governor either in­
herited projects or is doing new ones.
It may not be presumptuous to say that
before four years of this administration
Awka, and indeed the state, will be greatly
transformed.
.Anyaduba writes from Abatete, Anambra.

Read More

Anambra attracts $1.65bn investments as Oduah heads Anambra airport project

In keeping with his avowed commitment
to achieve increased investment inflow to
the state, Anambra State Governor, Chief
Willie Obiano, said the state has attracted
about $1.65 billion investment from
investors since March 17, 2014 when the
new administration was inaugurated.
These investments, he said, were
attracted to key areas covering
agriculture, hospitality and tourism
industry, power generation, trade and
commerce, among others.
Obiano, who addressed journalists on the
various programmes and achievements
as well as challenges facing his
government, also disclosed that he had
appointed former Aviation Minister, Prin­
cess Stella Oduah, as head of Anambra
State Airport Development Agency based
on her wealth of experience and track
record of turning around the country’s
aviation industry, noting that his
administration had distributed high-
yielding seedlings to farmers and en­
couraged the formation of cooperative
societies for easy access to farm inputs
and credits.
The governor stated that through the
Anambra State Investment Promotion
and Protection Agency
(ANSIPPA), investments had flowed in
from the Coched Farms $175 million,
Ekcel Farms Limited ($150 million) and
Grains and Silos Llimited ($11 million).
Others are Delfarm Limited and Songhai
Regional Centre from Benin Republic with
$200 million investment, West Africa
Inter-continental Trade Centre ($320
million) and Cardinal Developers and
Trust which took over the completion of
Anambra’s four-star luxury hotel in
Onitsha, among others.
He stated that the investment feat
recorded by his administration in a few
months in office was made possible by
well-deserved appointment of competent
professionals, especially in the areas of
financial investment and banking as
board members of the Anambra State
investment Promotion and Protection
Agency (ANSIPPA), led by Cyril Enweze,
traditional ruler of Umuoji and an accom­
plished professional of international
repute.
The governor pointed out that
consideration was being given to an idea
of expanding Onitsha Main Market to the
River Niger, stressing that four other
urban markets had been proposed for
urban settlements of the state.

Read More

We have no hands in recent bombings – FG

The Federal Government has debunked
insinuations that the administration of
President Goodluck Jonathan is
responsible for the spate of bombings that
have been rocking some parts of the
country in recent times.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed,
yesterday declared, in Bauchi when he led
a Federal Government delegation to the
Central Market, Bauchi which was rocked
by bomb explosion last Monday evening,
that President Jonathan had no hand in
the spate of bombings rocking parts of the
country
Bala said: “I seize this opportunity to
debunk some of the insinuations and lies
being peddled around that the Federal
Government has a hand in some of these
bombings. It is unheard off; it is unfair for
anybody to use the blood of people to play
politics. Cheap popularity that can be
achieved, using mischief and treachery is
not good. Certainly, we are not going to
join issues with anybody. The Federal
Government is a beneficiary of the people
because you have voted for us and you
will continue to vote for us. It can be seen
during the last Christmas which was free
of any crisis and this will continue and be
sustained.”
The minister, who made a donation of
N20 million to assisted the affected
traders of the market, called on Nigerians
to eschew all forms of sentiment that were
being expressed in order to repeat what
happened in 2011, particularly in Bauchi
State where so many people died,
including corps members during the post-
election violence.
“It was all the working of those
mischievous people who are selling
information that are not true. Certainly,
Mr. President bears with you and I bear
with as your representative in Nigeria to
make sure that we give you the kind of
solace and encouragement whenever it is
required,” he added.
The minister later visited the Emir of
Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Zsuleiman Sdamu,
in his palace in company with the Director
General of NEMA, Dr. Mohammed Sani
Sidi, where he commiserated with the
traditional ruler and the people of Bauchi
over the incident.
He promised to mobilise support for the
reconstruction of the damaged market
and compensation to the affected traders
and victims.
Responding, the emir thanked the federal
Government for identifying with the
people of Bauchi during the trying period,
saying what happened was destined by
God.
Speaking with journalists at the Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa University Teaching
Hospital, the NEMA director general said
the government would donate drugs and
consumables for the treatment of the
victims of he blast that were receiving
treatment in the hospital.

Read More

2015: Don’t use insurgency, oil price tojudge Jonathan –APGA BoT member

Nigerians have been urged not to support
the call by some people using the fall in
oil price and insurgency in the northern
part of the country to campaign against
President Goodluck Jonathan in next
year’s election, saying such move is
cheap, anti-progressive and
undemocratic.
Speaking yesterday at his Rojenny tourist
village, Oba in Anambra State, where he
hosted the All Progressives Grand
Alliance (APGA) candidates in next year’s
election, APGA’s Board of Trustee (BoT)
member, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, said
the fall in oil price and insurgency were
two major global issues facing almost all
countries of the world, stressing that for
some people to now use it as a campaign
against President Jonathan, who he said
had transformed the country in the last
five years, was callous and wicked.
“Every right thinking person is aware that
the fall in oil price is affecting almost
every country, Nigeria inclusive. The pres­
ident and his economic advisers are doing
everything possible to ensure that the
economy stays afloat. Terrorism is a
global problem. The developed countries,
with all their advancement in technology
and warfare are not spared, as these
sons of the devil have penetrated their de­
fenses numerous times, including
America and the United Kingdom. So, why
should Nigeria’s case be different? The
Federal Government and the Army should
be given thumbs up. They are doing a
wonderful job in fighting Boko Haram and
soon, it will be over,” he said.
The Ogirisi Igbo also warned those trying
to destabilise APGA in the South-East to
desist or be ready to face God’s wrath.
“As Ogirisi Igbo, I hereby call on those
Abuja politicians who think they can sit in
Abuja and dictate to the people who
become their representatives to desist or
face God’s anger. Primaries have been
held and the people have picked their
candidates. With APGA’s adoption of
President Goodluck Jonathan as its
presidential candidate, we urge the presi­
dent to reciprocate by giving our leader,
Chief Willie Obiano the necessary support
so that he can deliver the region to him in
next year’s presidential election. We call
on the president to be careful of those
who claim they can help him deliver
APGA. They are not our party members
and cannot offer any help. Chief Willie
Obiano has the authority to do that, as
party leader and governor of Anambra
State,” he said.

Read More

PDP has nothing more to offer Nigerians–Bakare

Pastor of The Latter Rain Assembly (End-
Time Church), Tunde Bakare, yesterday
threw a punch at the leadership of
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning
that economic dangers loom in the
country.
At the church’s last-Sunday-of-the-year
service in Lagos, the cleric said after PDP
had dominated political power in the
country for 15 years, the party had shown
that it had nothing to offer than poor per­
formance.
He told the congregation that the nation
needed a change in leadership, adding
that the time was now. On the kind of
leadership needed, the pastor, who turned
60 recently, promised to address Nige­
rians on the state of the nation by the first
Sunday in 2015.
“After 15 years of PDP dominance and
about five years of President Jonathan’s
rule, what else can they offer? There had
been so much giving and little return for
the people. It is time for change and what
kind of change do we want? I will
dedicate first Sunday of next year to find­
ing the way forward out of the situation.
There is danger ahead. It is like a time
bomb ticking. Those who have ears would
hear and I pray that God will preserve our
lives till that day,” Bakare said.
The cleric, who was the presidential
running mate to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari
under the defunct Congress for
Progressive Change (CPC), described the
country as a jungle. He lamented that it
was difficult to do business in a legitimate
way in the country without bribing one’s
way through.

Read More

Leave me alone, I’m not a lesbian! –Okoli

Actress, Lillian Okoli, is not happy at the
moment because of a purported rumour
associating her with lesbianism. The fair
complexioned thespian angrily responded
to the rumour thus: “I just want people to
know that I am not a lesbian and by the
grace of God, I can never be a lesbian. I
am from a Christian home and I know
that it was because of these unnatural
acts that made God destroyed Sodom and
Gomorrah.
“People get it twisted when they see my
pictures with my sister. And I think not
many of them know that she is my sister.
They write nonsense to me on facebook
and I don’t even know how they got my
number asking me out on whatsapp.
“I am not a lesbian and I do not have any
intention of becoming one. I love my
sisters, they are my friends; we grew up
together. They should let me be because
the disturbance is getting out of hand.”
Okoli however hinted that she will travel
abroad to rest for the yuletide season and
return early next year to begin the
production of her new movies.

Read More

Buy me a Mercedes 2014 C Class for mybirthday –Bardia Olowu

Bardia Olowu, popularly known as
ILLRymz in the entertainment circle is a
man of many parts. He is a radio and TV
personality and also a businessman. At
the auditioning of Star Rising Talent hunt
in Lagos, he was the chief judge. ILLRymz
is also host of Nigeria Idol and Star Gist
on Africa Magic. Talking about his
involvement in Star Rising talent hunt, he
said “ What we do there is creating an
enabling facility. We are talking of
grassroot kids of between the ages 7 and
17. With the proposed skill centre, they
can come in there and have full
mentoring by industry leaders and
teachers to help them with their
academics. No matter where you are
coming from, you can be successful. Star
Rising is a talent hunt where they can
show their creativity and the second is
Master Mind to test their intellectual
acumen.” The encounter was an
opportunity to know his favourites.
Excerpts:
What’s your favourite colour?
My favourite colour will probably be
white. You always catch me wearing a
white shirt. I like to keep myself very
simple and very clean.
Favourite food?
My favourite food , I would say is pasta. I
can eat a bucket of pasta.
Favourite holiday spot?
My studio. I’m always working but I like to
travel.
Favourite book?
It used to be John Grisham novel . He
wrote Runaway Jury . I talk a lot, every­
body thought I was going to be a lawyer. I
really like his book.
Favourite leader?
I’m not really politically inclined but I
would say one of my favourite successful
people is Richard Branson. He is not just
a wealthy man, he is somebody who lives
an ideal life.
Favourite car?
Hmmm, I don’t want to sound like a great
guy, but I’m into cars. I really like the
Mercedes brand. My favourite everyday
car now will be 2014 C Class. So, if you
want to buy me a car for my birthday ,
buy me a 2014 Mercedes C Class.
Favourite quote?
It will probably be mine and it says
“Identify your passion and turn your
passion into your profession. What I do is
what I love.”
Favourite weather?
I like the winter. Funny enough, I like it
when it’s cold because I don’t like to
sweat.
Favourite outfit?
Sweat pants and a T-shirt. It’s my most
comfortable outfit. I don’t wear suits
except to a meeting , when hosting any
event or doing a show like Idol, where
you have to be formal and classy.

Read More

I had crush on Omotola –Mykey

New kid on the block, George Michael aka
Mykey, has revealed that he once had a
crush on screen goddess and super mom,
Omotola Jalade Ekehinde. Mykey
described Omotola as an actress he looks
up to as far as Nollywood is concerned.
“Yeah, I once had a crush on Omotola
Jalade Ekeinde. I hope she is reading this.
She is one actress who has successfully
written her name into the annals of
Nollywood and besides, she is a Time 100
girl. She is one of those I look up to in the
industry,” the up-and-coming act said.
Born into a family of six, Mykey had to
take decisions for himself very early in life
after he lost both parents at a very tender
age and ended up in an orphanage.
“Growing up for me started off very
rough. I lost my parents at a very early
stage and so I had to be a little more
matured while making decisions on my
own. But things began to change when
Little Saints Orphanage picked me up and
helped me redirect my life and that was
when everything changed.” Mykey says.
On his kind of music, the indigene of
Etsako West Local Government, Edo State
says: “I am a very versatile artiste. I am
interested in all kinds of music. As long
as it sounds or feels good to me, I’ll flesh
it up with lyrics and make me a song. I
am comfortable with R&B and soul music
because it allows me to express my vocal
dexterity.”
To date, Mykey says he has recorded
about 12 songs but work is still in
progress: “My latest single entitled Amen
is getting appreciable airplay. I intend to
record more songs and choose the best of
them for my fans. However my focus is to
always pass an inspiring message to
listeners.”

Read More

I still don’t know why I fell in love withmy wife – Righteousman Erabor

Gospel singer, Righteousman Erabo is one
person who is very sad about the state of
the music industry right now. He is deeply
disturbed that the society prefers secular
music to Christian music. He is miffed
that companies favour secular artistes for
celebrity endorsement of their brands. In
this interview he bares his mind on this
and reveals how he has safeguarded his
marriage and kept it from hitting the
rocks.
Excerpts…
What project are you currently working
on?
I have so many projects at hand. I am cur­
rently the President of Praise Affairs Inter­
national and I aIso preside over a
movement called Tongues of Unity. I am
in partnership with Now Musik. We are
working on Save Nigeria Project. We all
know the situation of things in our
beloved country. People are being
bombed daily and children are slaugh­
tered like chickens. We should not be smil­
ing about it, even if it isn’t raining in this
part of Nigeria, but for the fact that it is
raining in the north and this rain can
change direction any sooner. The song,
No, isn’t just a song. It is a song that
documents the conscience of the nation,
and it is the responsibility of all
entertainers to speak one voice, the voice
of the common man.
So the song ‘No’ featured 60 artistes. You
had people like Tuface, Pasuma, Buchi,
Sound Sultan, Daddy Showkey, Dele
Taiwo, Terry G, African China, Carol Cece,
Keppy Ekpeyong, Osita Iheme, Sunny Neji
and so many others. They all keyed into it
and it is all about saying ‘No’ to
terrorism, corruption, rigging etc. Another
serious project is the media tour of
Awesome, a single from Carol Cece, one
of the artistes of Praise Affairs
International artiste, whose video is
gaining massive airplay in the country
and the Web.
Which of these particular crises really
inspired you to do that?
When those four guys were burnt in Aluu
community, Rivers State, I wept all
through the night. Man-to-man is so
unjust. It was a sad experience that can
never be erased from my heart. I am an
advocate of love, peace and justice but
there can never be peace until there is
justice in the land.
What does it take to be successful as a
gospel artist? Any tips…?
For me, the grace of God is number one
then quality, distinction, integrity and
humility.
How was your growing up?
My growing up was beautiful, both the
positive and negative vibes brought about
the light that is shining today. I knew
what I wanted, my direction and goals as
a little child.
Though, I was the opposite of my name.
Gangsterism was the game, but I never
gave up my purpose in life. I was focused
and the grace of God prevailed. Like in
one of my songs I would have been dead
but HE SAVED ME.
Was there at any time when you thought
about pulling out from the industry?
I have been paying dues and still paying
till date. There was no time I ever thought
of withdrawing from the music industry,
because music has always been my life. If
you want to kill me take music away from
me. I started playing music at a very
young age, mastering the guitar when I
was 14 years old, appearing on NTA
Benin music panorama at age 16. I knew
at that time that I was not game for
white-collar jobs. A lot of water passed
under the bridge; it was like using fire to
refine gold but music made me stronger.
There was never a time I thought of
quitting music for any reason.
When was your turning point in music?
My turning point was when I met pop
icon-turned-pastor, Felix Lebarty, who
signed me on his Liberty Records label.
He is the one God used, who brought the
ladder in 1990 that I am still climbing on
till date.
What were the challenges you
encountered?
Life itself is challenging. David who killed
Goliath didn’t get to the throne
immediately; he still had to pay his dues.
So I see challenges as the ladder of life.
You can’t run through it but walking
carefully and prayerfully. I can’t start
counting my encounters; instead I count
my blessings.
What is the source of your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from God and things I
hear or see around me. My choice of mu­
sic has never been displeasing to God. I
was conscious, inspirational and
motivational, but the choice of brand is
from Bob Marley, Steel Purse and
Fellowman.
What made you to move from secular to
gospel music?
I never for once changed my style of mu­
sic; even I didn’t change my content. I
have always been a preacher. What I
changed was my lifestyle. Change is one
thing that is constant in life. It will
surprise a lot of people to know that when
I recorded the song (Who that man?) I
was not the Righteous Man of today but a
month later things began to change. It is
the present life that is reflecting in my
music today as a gospel artiste. I was like
a banker who counts people’s money in
millions and does not have millions in his
own account.
I know the name Jesus; I sing about Him
but do not have Him in my life. That was
the difference between my secular life and
gospel life, it’s a life transformation not
music per say.
How do you see the future of gospel
music?
Great. Things are changing fast;
platforms are being created, not waiting
for God to bless us with bread but bless
our bread. At least last year I was on
MTN Load in Naija tour as a gospel
artiste, first in the history of Nigeria. So,
expect more great openings. The future is
very pregnant.
As a gospel artiste, do you go to clubs to
have fun?
That depends on what you call club. If you
are talking about nude (strippers) club, I
can’t go there because I don’t have that
calling, and you know people are called
into different ministries. My wife and I
attend events done in clubs and music
premieres and so forth, but if it’s the
other way round, my answer is capital
NO.
What is your philosophy of life?
The only way forward is forward.
What is your advice to those who look up
to you?
My advice to those who look up to me is
to warn them not to look up to me, but
look up to God.
You have been in the industry for ages
now, what has been your most
embarrassing moment?
It is so embarrassing to record a song
with the feeling that it would be the next
big thing. It is passion that keeps us
going.
What naughty thing have you ever done?
I was a very stubborn youth, and I did a
lot of things of which I can’t even
remember.
Many young men find it difficult to find
wives. Now using yours as a case study,
did you go through prayers before finding
your wife?
No, I didn’t pray. I made lots of mistakes
but the only thing God did was to convert
my mistakes to miracles. God doesn’t give
anybody a wife these days because of the
experience with Adam, in the scripture.
God says, ‘He that finds a wife finds a
good thing and obtains favour from God.’
So, it is left for man to go find his own
wife. I went for my friend, I got married to
my best friend and I am enjoying every bit
of it and God is blessing our union on
daily basis.
Who is your mentor?
Jesus Christ is my all in all.
How did you meet your wife?
We met in a recording studio. My backup
singer who happened to be her best friend
brought her to the studio. She is the best
gift from God to me.
Ask and it shall be given but you need to
knock and seek. It is a process that
should be followed squarely. So I followed
mine diligently.
What attracted you to her?
It is a difficult question; it is hard for me
to tell you categorically what made me fall
in love with her. Many people set
standards and parameters and in doing
that, you will love that person only when
that thing is present and when it expires,
you will lose your love.
You might even end up falling in love with
all those who have the same
characteristics. So, I don’t really know
what made me fall in love with her. Maybe
that is why I am still stuck to her.
How do you handle female admirers?
Where do you draw the line?
It takes the grace of God not because one
is super human; it is what your heart
desires that you will always attract to
yourself but God has been faithful.
How have you been able to manage your
marriage and keep it from failing as has
become common among celebrities?
I am a favoured man; everything revolves
around me. I have an understanding fam­
ily that loves what I do, and we also have
friends and people who love what we do
and support us. The most beautiful of all
is that I have my studio in my house; so I
don’t really leave the house except for
events, location and church.
You have been able to sustain your
marriage very well. What advice can you
give to celebrities who are going into
marriage?
I am still counting; keeping relationship is
not about the years involved. We see
people that broke-up after 40 years; some
others are in the marital union, but aren’t
in the marriage: they are just tolerating
each other. How long can you tolerate
someone that you intend to spend the rest
of your life with? Marriage should not be
built on tolerance; I can only tolerate my
friends because they come and go.
My wife and I correct each other rather
tolerate our errors. My advice is that you
shouldn’t learn to tolerate because as a
human, you can only tolerate for a short
period. You don’t manage a life support
machine.

Read More