Mr. Oma Djeba a former Thisday Editor and presently Commissioner for Information in Delta State in this
interview rebuffs allegations of fraudulent inflation of projects by the erstwhile administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, articulates the qualifications and experience of the former Delta helmsman for the job of Governor and outlines the rule of engagement with Uduaghan’s traducer, notably, Chief Edwin Clark.

FOR commuters plying the Lagos Badagry expressway, Thursday, December 1, 2010, is a day they will not forget in a hurry. Same applies to those who reside along the expressway, especially the Finiger-Alakija axis of the highway. Aside being trapped in the traffic for several hours, the sight of roasted human corpses, was one that will haunt them for years to come.

Physically challenged persons in Bayelsa State have appealed to the authorities of the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognize their political rights and include them in the processes that will lead to a free and fair election in 2011.

Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Joshua Igbagara weekend faulted the outcome of constitution drafting and amendment in the country declaring that the various drafting committees have failed the nation with the inclusion of immunity clause and constituency projects for governors and members of the National Assembly.

In 1986, when the first HIV case was reported, being told that one was infected with HIV was like handing out a death sentence to that individual. Not only was there barely enough information, there was no preventive medicine and we were told there was no cure. Fifteen years down the line, there is still no cure but infected persons don’t have to die anymore as the introduction of anti-retro-viral (ARV) drugs have helped to keep infected persons alive.

AIDS is thought to be caused by the human immune deficiency virus HIV. The virus destroys the body’s infection fighting T-cells. After exposure to the virus, 3 to 6 months will elapse before tests show evidence that anti-bodies to the virus have or have not developed in the blood. Until then, test reads HIV negative. Early symptoms appear as flu and may take 7 to 11 years to develop.

I was in company of a friend of mine, Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Oluyombo Oyekunle, nee Mabogunje, recently at the Island Maternity, Lagos when she asked me if I know what my HIV status was. I told her I do and that it was negative. Then, she asked me how long I had an HIV test to which I answered a year ago. She then encouraged me to have another one and that there was no harm in being sure that I was still negative. I did and guess what? Well, I will tell you the result at the end of this article. But, whatever I tell you, trust me, I have chosen to handle it well.

World AIDS Day offers us the opportunity to unite to encourage our human brothers and sistersPLWHVAthat is, People Living With HIV/AIDS, to deal with the day-to-day reality of dealing with this disease.

Even though it is one of the most tricky colours to wear, yellow is big this season with looks in belts, shoes, dresses, tops and even pants. You can be very stylish with yellow as long as you know how to coordinate this bright color with the rest of your outfit. The key to wearing yellow well is not over doing it.

Keeping to the promise of continuity made last year by wife of the governor of Bayelsa state, Mrs Alayingi Sylva to ensure that the economic standard of youths in the State is improved, the office of the First Lady in collaboration with Legendary Gold Limited, held the 2nd edition of the Bayelsa Fashion Week in Yeneagoa the state capital recently.