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Cultism on the rise in secondary schools

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MEND cancels meeting as police take over venue www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 5 No. 29

Sunday, July 26, 2015

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Job racketeering scandal rocks prisons service … applicants pay millions for posts, promotions

Warders extort prisoners, relatives

P. 8

Police, NSCDC in shoot out over arrest of female officer P.9

Firemen save man from death by sex enhancer

PASSION e A Lifestyle Magazin

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) vaccinating his three month-old grand daughter, Zuleiha Bello Abubakar with oral polio vaccine to mark one year of free polio case in Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday. With him is the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammad.

Reps crisis: Supporters dump Gbajabiamila, back Dogara

P.9 25

Sunday July 26, 2015

APPLAUSE

‘Power of women should’nt be underestimated’ >>27

y I can’t dump m se u ca e Àancé b of a beauty crown

…declare disagreement over leadership resolved News Explosion at water board kills 8 in Plateau, 101 hospitalised P.7

>>26

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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What’s new Politics

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Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK

–Anthonia Jemilugba, ex-beauty queen

Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, MCN, Dr Samuel Kanu, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to carry all tribes and regions in the country along in his administration, if he must win the next general elections in the country.

The prelate disclosed this in Abakaliki shortly after dedicating Corper’s

lodge along Onwe road built by women fellowship of the church in Ebonyi State.

He advised the president not to see himself as merely the leader of his party, All Progressive Congress, APC, but as the leader of Nigeria and shun attempts, either by individuals or party, to control him.

‘Buhari should disprove hatred of Igbo’

If you have dumped your boyfriend because you are now a beauty queen and your levels have changed, then you need to read this story. Or better still if you are on the verge of dumping your fiancé because of a beauty crown, then this story of Antonia Jemilugba the Miss Nigeria International Tourism, 2014, and a super model is meant for you.

Wellness

Presidential Villa which was attended by state governors.

The vice president regretted that insurgency has affected the economic life of the North East and the country as a whole.

He also called for the council to speak as a team to put pressure on the new Service Chiefs to increase their effort in fighting insurgency, while also calling for increased sensitisation and education on channels like radio and television.

16

Vaginal infection in women Vaginitis is a medical term used to describe various conditions that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina. It refers to the inflammation of both the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals). These conditions can result from an infection caused by organisms such as bacteria, yeast, or viruses.

Nigeria celebrates one year without polio Nigeria today celebrates a year without poliomyelitis, popularly called polio virus, and is now on the verge of attaining polio free status.

If the current position is maintained, and immunisation of children is increased across the country, the nation would be certified polio-free by the World Health

Organisation, WHO, in 2017.

These were contained in a statement jointly released yesterday by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and United Nation’s Children Fund, UNICEF. The statement was signed by the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Ado Mohammad.

Saraki indicts NLC over $150bn oil theft Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday said Nigerian workers were complicit in the mind boggling corruption in the petroleum sector.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, this week in the United States, alleged that over $150bn in oil revenue was stolen by public office holders in the last decade.

But responding to a request by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, that the National Assembly should come up with laws to strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption agencies to deal with cases involving sleaze, the Senate President alleged that workers who are members of the labour movement at the nation’s terminals aided oil theft.

Land tussle: Feuding Enugu communities petition govt Traditional ruler of Neke Uno, Nike in Enugu East local government area of Enugu State, Eze Geoffrey Ogbu, has appealed to the state and federal governments to assist his community by demarcating the boundary between Neke Uno, Nike and Ukehe community in Igbo-Etiti local council.

Ogbu lamented that the two communities from different local governments had been at loggerheads over a parcel of land (Anaoji) for many years, and even gone to court over it. The royal father

made the call yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit on the House of Assembly Speaker, Edward Ubosi in his office.

Ogbu further lamented that the matter had been lingering in the courts whereas Ukehe people have continued to build on it.

To avoid escalating the matter, the royal father suggested that the government urgently wades in and demarcates the boundary to forestall possible breakdown of law and order between the two communities, Neke Uno and Ukehe.

Tokumbo Adeyemi MD/CEO TAZAL INITIATIVES

MON

I can’t dump my fiancé because of a beauty crown

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday disclosed that available security reports revealed that there are plots by the Boko Haram insurgents to use scavengers to dump refuseladen with bombs at the residences of top personalities in the country, calling for vigilance by all Nigerians.

Osinbajo disclosed this when he presided over the meeting of the National Economic Council, NEC, held at the Council Chambers of the

public contents of asset declaration forms filed by current governors, their appointees and immediate past governors.

The requests formed part of several prayers contained in the suit which is yet to be assigned to any judge at the time of filing this report.

The suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/607/2015 has 19 federal institutions, the two main labour unions in the country and incumbent governors, who are in their second term in office and their immediate past counterparts as defendants.

I will like to introduce myself first. I’m an actor, model and a business man. Tazal Initiatives is about showbiz generally apart from the movie thing I do as well. I do modeling too and commercial adverts.

So, on Monday first of all, I do review of what I had done previously and make sure everything is in place before another week. And when I’m through with that, I will know what next to do and how to go about it and the jobs that I’m done with. That would enable me go in for another one.

TUE

Boko Haram plans to bomb VIP’s houses –Osinbajo

Nine members of a non-governmental organisation, Policing Nigeria Awareness Initiative, PNAI, yesterday filed a class action before a Federal High Court in Abuja to secure a mandamus order compelling relevant agencies of the Federal Government to disclose records of account showing allocations from Federation Account to the various state governors between May 29, 2007 and May 29, 2015 and their debt profiles.

The group is also seeking an order compelling the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, to make

This second day of the week, I’m set for the week already.

So, I get to visit whoever I want to visit, go for locations, studio sessions and do other things I have to do outside my office.

THU WED

26

Group wants AGF, others to disclose states’ debt profiles

I check all my details for the week and make sure it is going according to the way I planned them.

I will make sure everything is done by Thursday. Then, if it is not, I get to tidy up for the weekend.

FRI

Passion

come up with laws to strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption agencies to deal with cases involving sleaze, the Senate President alleged that workers who are members of the labour movement at the nation’s terminals aided oil theft.

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba visited the Red Chamber to meet with the leadership of the senate to deliberate on various economic issues as they touch on the plight of the Nigerian workers.

Friday, my week is done. I do light work on this day. I make sure it is a short working day for me. Then, in the night I go to club to dance away the night.

SAT

Counting the gains of Buhari’s visit to the US

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday said Nigerian workers were complicit in the mind boggling corruption in the petroleum sector.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, this week in the United States, alleged that over $150bn in oil revenue was stolen by public office holders in the last decade.

But responding to a request by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, that the National Assembly should

Saturdays, I relax for church. I get prepared I take my time to iron my clothes. Then, if there is any event or show to be attended later in the day, I do so.

SUN

Saraki indicts NLC over $150bn oil theft

JULY 26, 2015

I go to church. Then, I come home to relax and get prepared for the new week. *By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION JULY 26, 2015

Cultism on the rise in secondary schools The rate at which secondary school students are getting involved in cultism today is disturbing. How did these future leaders of tomorrow get entangled in this unholy union?

Paul Omo Obadan reports that if something is not done promptly to check the trend, society stands the risk of being saddled with the burden of a substantial dysfunctional youth population.

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he rise of secret cults in secondary schools is a recent disturbing trend that has left school administrators, teachers, parents and pupil themselves confounded. In schools known to have cultists, many pupils live in overwhelming fear. This is because occasionally there are mysterious illness, accidents, disputes, threats and even deaths. Serious academic work can hardly ever take place in a climate of fright and in-

security. Besides, many students become suspicious of one another.

The media has been awash in recent years with coverage of cult activities in higher institutions in Nigeria mostly especially when rivalries among the confraternities now known as cults descend in violence and deaths.

But as such reports decline, the cult culture which has gone down the ladder to secondary school is getting

‘DRUGS, PEER PRESSURE DRIVING CULTISM IN SCHOOLS’

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more attention.

In schools noted for cultism, teachers charged with discipline and strict classrooms teachers come under frequent threats. This leads to decline in the school tone and general academic performance. A good number of cultists have been accused of robbery, rape, harassment and intimidation of male teachers. Some have also been used by politicians to cause crisis in a bid to achieve their selfish gains. Thus, young secondary school children may acquire negative attitudes, which may manifest in all their lives.

Police foil cult initiation of 46 Ebonyi secondary school students Only a fortnight ago, Ebonyi State Police command foiled the cult initiation of 46 graduating students of a popular mission secondary school in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State.

The students, who just concluded writing their Senior School Certificate Examination, conducted by the National Examination Council, were said to be members of a cult group identified as Junior Vikings.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

‘MORAL EDUCATION NEEDS MORE EMPHASIS’

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The Big Read

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Drugs, peer pressure driving cultism in schools’

Jonathan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 They had gathered at a hotel in the metropolis located along old Enugu Road to be initiated into a senior group known as Senior Vikings when police swooped in on them following a tip-off.

During the initiation, the police stormed the venue leading to the arrest of over 15 of the students while the initiators flee.

The Police spokesperson in the state, Chris Anyanwu, said the initiators had dangerous items on them and added that the police have mounted a man-hunt to arrest the fleeing suspects.

He explained that the initiators who are members of the Senior Vikings mandated the graduating students who were dressed in white hats, red shirts and black trousers to be initiated into the senior team or face difficulties in their lives.

Mr. Anyanwu, who said he regrets that cult activities have increased in the state in the last few months, announced that the command will embark on sensitisation campaign to various schools in the state to enlighten the students on the need to shun cultism.

He noted that if not checked, cultism can lead to violent crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping, describing it as a societal problem. The above lends credence to the fact that today, thousands of teenagers as well as primary school pupils have been exposed to cultism. Sunday Mirror gathered that this ugly trend has not only contributed to moral decadence, but has also increased the spate of thuggery and violence witnessed in the country.

Who then can be blamed for this? Could it be the parents, the teachers, the school authorities or lack of moral values in the society? Everyone has a role to play in making the future better. If something is not done soon to check cultism in primary and secondary schools, then both the family and the greater society are at great risk of social insecurity.

How It All Started Despite concerted efforts by government and concerned stakeholders to provide Nigerians with quality education, a few have chosen to toe the line that leads to destruction through voluntary initiation into different cults, which has eaten deep into the education system.

What is known as secret cult in tertiary institutions started at the University College, Ibadan in 1953 when Prof. Wole Soyinka, Aig-Imoukhuede, Pius Oleghe, Ralph Opara, Nat Oyelola and Prof. Muyiwa Awe formed the Pyrates Confraternity also known as the National Association of Seadogs with the objectives of abolishing convention, reviving the age chivalry, and ending tribalism and elitism.

However these objectives have been jettisoned as thousands of lives have been lost and properties worth millions of naira lost due to the sinister activities of cult groups in the nation’s tertiary institutions. As a result, the National Association of Seadogs ordered a cessation of all its activi-

Jemibewon

Osarenren

HE NOTED THAT IF NOT CHECKED, CULTISM CAN LEAD TO VIOLENT CRIMES LIKE ARMED ROBBERY AND KIDNAPPING, DESCRIBING IT AS A SOCIETAL PROBLEM.

THE ABOVE LENDS

CREDENCE TO THE FACT THAT TODAY, THOUSANDS OF TEENAGERS AS WELL AS PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO CULTISM

Kemmer

ties on campuses of higher institutions effective 1984.

Unfortunately, primary and secondary schools are veritable grounds for breeding cultists.

According to Professor Ngozi Osarenren, of the department of Education Foundations, University of Lagos, the involvement of secondary school pupils in secret cultism “tells you the level of debasement in our society today”.

According to her, the issue has reached an alarming pro-

portion in Nigeria society today. The last two decades have witnessed secret cult violence in higher institution in Nigeria. And this has spilled over to the secondary schools leaving in its trail, bloodletting and waste of human lives.

Her words: “As a people, we have lost it. We have failed to do the needful as parents. We have also failed to do the needful as government. If all parents have been able to look after their children, teach them the right values, we won’t have the incidence of cultism in our secondary schools. Secondly, when you talk about cultism in secondary schools, were did they get it from. You have to think back. Maybe some of their parents are actually cult members. So it is like passing on the baton. It’s a family tradition, because children are impressionable and because they are impressionable, it is what they see that influences them. Some parents have been bad role models. If my parents are doing it, then it is good, I have to do it. And if their parents are not doing it, their friends are doing it.

Peer pressure. The period of peer pressure is a very critical period whereby there is increased reliance on friends than family. And they long to belong to that which their friends belong. And they would do everything possible to be members of that clique.

The way out is for us to tell ourselves some home truths. There are so many parents who delude themselves that their children are bigger than them. Your child can never be bigger than you. It is when you don’t want to tell yourself the truth. The only way out is for parents to start doing what they ought to do. Care and attention for their children. In schools, the teachers, the Principals should start focusing on school itself, not school as in quote.

Most teachers that are supposed to be foster parents, but they hardly play that role. We have to look at the school again;what kind of teachers do we have. Do we have committed teachers? Do we have motivated teachers? Do we have teachers who have job satisfaction? Do we have teachers who look forward to going to school to impact on the children? When you look at all these variables, the teacher factor is very critical in ensuring that the incidence is reduced in our secondary schools.

A child psychologist, Professor Ibinabo Agiobu-Kemmer of Head of Department of Psychology, University of Lagos agrees with Prof, Ngozi Osarenren. According to her, parents have abdicated their roles as parents.

“Parents are not checking or monitoring their children or don’t have time for their children as they should have.

Some are delegating or abdicating their responsibilities to others. Those who still want to keep the values are probably getting fewer and fewer. Also, as adults in the house, if one adult wants to correct the child so that we can maintain the value and what is right for their sake, the other one is contradicting and saying leave them alone, this a new world order, that is old school. The children don’t want to get conflicting messages.

“We have to restore the family alter. Restore prayer time, sitting together and defend family values, defend CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, July 26, 2015

The Big Read

5

‘Moral education needs more emphasis’ Human rights activist and former Prison Chaplain of the Federal Government Prisons, Ikoyi Command, Lagos command and General Overseer of Open Channel Bible Church, Gowon Estate, Pastor Darlington Ajitemsan throws more light on the involvement of secondary school pupils in cultism in this interview with Paul Omo Obadan.

Secondary school cultism is gaining ground in Nigeria.

What do you think has led to this descent?

Cultism in Secondary schools has been in existence way back the 90’s. In 1994, as a Prison Chaplin, I came across a related matter in Ikoyi Prison. A little boy of 12 years was in our remand home in Ikoyi Prison.

This steered my curiosity and I drew close to him and interviewed him. The boy told me some mind boggling story. He said he was involved in kidnapping as a cultist in one of the secondary schools in the East. I asked him about the whole gamut of cultism and initiation.

He said they drank human blood mixed with kola and pepper. I followed up on the boy, did some counseling and because he was of non-prosecutable age, he was not charged to court and was eventually released.

That was how I got interested in secondary school cultism. And for some time now, I have been counseling youths on the adverse effect of cultism and drugs, which I call Siamese twins, because the main ingredient of cultism is drug addiction.

Also way back, there is this school in Yaba. I don’t want to mention the name. One of the most famous schools we have in Africa. Those girls were also involved in cultism way back. And in their own cultism, initiation was by lesbianism. And they also go out to have sex with men and collect their semen and did all sorts. The bottom line is that this movement is Satanic.

What in your own opinion has led to the increase in cultism in secondary schools and the way out?

When Prof. Wole Soyinka formed the Pyrates confraternity, it was to distinguish them from the rest and there was no clandestine operation then. Now the reverse is the case. Some of the teachers in secondary schools are cultists. That is the principal thing. And they must bring certain percentage of these youths to their clique. This is authoritative and what I have seen with my eyes. I told you earlier on that I counsel students who have renounced cultism. Secondly, peer pressure. Two companions are best of friends. One is a cultist and the other is not. Definitely, the cultist will lure his or her best friend into it. If you want to be my friend, you have to join me too.

Then, the negligence of mummy and daddy, the rat race of getting money and neglecting their kids. You put your kids in boarding school, you don’t go for visiting you don’t school your kids and advice them. These kids are totally uncared for and unloved. The definition of love and care is paying their school fees. That is where it ends. They live the rest for the teachers. The bible says train up your child in the way of the lord, so that when the child grows up, he or she would not depart from that way. But parents of today are training their kids in the way of worldly things.

What does this portend for Nigeria, because these are the future leaders of tomorrow?

I suggest that for anybody to vie for any honourable post, from chairmanship to presidency, he or she must go for psychiatric test. Remember I said cultism and hard drugs are Siamese twins. This should be enshrined in our constitution. There is no how that anyone involved in these vices and is in leadership position, can make an impact. Remember Colombia and Venezuela under leadership of drug barons then. That country never knew peace until they were deposed. When they were fighting drugs and drug barons were at the helm of affairs, that nation never knew peace. Same as cultists. All manner of retrogression will be the order of the day. Now if teenagers are hooked to cultism, at that

Jemibewon

tender age when they become lecturers, governors, or presidents, then you can imagine the negative impact of their tenure.

How do you identify cultists in secondary schools?

Parents are not helping matters in the society because they don’t even have time to give their children the moral training they need in life.

They hardly stay in class to study and are fond of moving aimlessly trying to recruit new students or trying to disturb the peace of the class and also disturb the students who refuse to join.

They don’t obey laws and rules that have been laid down by the school authorities. If it is a mixed school, they are fond of toasting girls and any who refuses would be beaten seriously.

They are known to put on certain colours of attires like black, red, green and yellow berets, so also they put on mufflers with different colours, depending on the cult gang they belong to. Some put on the chaplet, it is either yellow, or those mixed with different colours, with the same bangles especially yellow, depending on which group they belong to.

A cult is a small group of people who have extreme religious beliefs and not part of an established religion, which original object has turned into destruction? Cultism has destroyed so many lives, wasted so many fami-

lies, aborted so many futures, and makes our school or institutions of learning uncomfortable. Therefore it has to be completely eradicated totally from our society but without knowing the cause of a problem, there is no way such problem can be solved. One major problem is the lack of proper moral education by the parents, which contributes largely to the quality of products turned over to the universities by primary and secondary schools. Universities are for men and women of quality. It is an institute for learning and character.

Cult activities have continued to thrive in Nigeria due to the enormous impression of the seeming invisibility of cult and their members. A major factor working in the favour of cult group is mass ignorance on the part of students especially the new students who are hoodwinked and deceived to join them, The pertinent question that one may ask is the phenomenon of cult just entering our institution of higher learning Additionally, what should really capture the attention of the government and the society at large is the introduction of violence, savagery and terrorism into the present day cults, a diametrical contrast to what obtained in yesteryears.

Many lives have been terminated prematurely in spite of measures put in place by the various arms of government and social administrators aimed at combating the ugly trend of cultism. The phenomenon seems to be gaining more popularity and prominence on our secondary schools.

What could be responsible for students belonging to the secret cult could it be that they want to acquire power, wealth or influence? Could it be influence from the peer groups, could they be acquisition for protection? Could it be that their parents influence them?

In a bid to eradicate cultism, government and authorities of various higher institutions adopted several mechanisms which included stringent sanctions against cultists, yet the menace had persisted over the years.

Despite the various measures, it appears the proliferation of cult groups and their dastard acts continue unabated. However to curb this menace, the following are suggested.

Government and non-governmental agencies and the media should step up their campaigns against cultism and its destructive tendencies. The evil nature of cultism should be explained to young people in schools at all levels through sensitisation, seminars, workshops, symposium, posters, handbills and public lectures.

Parents should desist from being members of secret cults and also prevent their children from joining bad groups. Religious and moral instruction and education should be re-introduced in all spheres of lives and the decadent society should be spiritually reawakened by joint effort of parents, religious organisations, and government. Parents should be more vigilant concerning the activities of their children within and outside the home.

Also, there must be improved facilities and improved living conditions on campuses so as to minimize perceived strain in the social system which underlines cultism on the campuses.

The school authorities must show their readiness and determination to eradicate cultism. They must brace to the challenges of the cultism, which have become one of the most potent evils of the recent time.

It is very necessary for the committee of vice chancellor of the Nigerian universities to adopt a common and uniform approach to solving the problem of cultism.

The issue of former cultists, who sometimes return to universities as staff must be looked into.

Students who do not belong to cults and some security agents can be organised into anti-cult vanguards or groups to watch or monitor and check the activities of cultists on campus and report cult members to the university authorities or to law enforcement agents.

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The Big Read

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Govt must act in a decisive manner’

IGP, Arase

Secondary school pupils mudered by cultist

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 scriptural values. It is sad to say but some of the other religions sometimes protect their morals and values more than so called Christians do. How do we correct it, in other words, I am saying you start from the home. What is happening to our families? Somebody must keep the home.

We wake up in the morning; they don’t even see each other because you have to be on the road by 4am. You come back again in the night at 11p pm, you are all tired and go straight to bed. There is no family life again. At the weekend, everybody is trying to go to the salon, party etc. what you could not do during the week to get ready again for the rat race. Nobody is paying attention to the babies, the children. Children need somebody to pay attention to them. Children need boundaries, and they need parents to give them the boundaries. Nobody is setting the boundaries. The Parents are not setting the boundaries. Maybe because nobody set it for them”.

Worried by the rise in cultism in primary and secondary schools, former President Goodluck Jonathan had called on the National Assembly to enact tougher laws against cultists and those engaging in examination malpractice.

He had said the eradication of cultism was a national project for all stakeholders in the country as campuses of higher institutions had been turned into breeding ground for cultists, an avenue for the practice of immoralities and a base for grooming terrorists.

Speaking with Vanguard Learning at the 3rd national conference on Strategies for Eradicating Cultism in Nigerian Educational Institutions organised by the University of Ibadan in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission in Abuja, the former Minister of Education, Prof. RuqqayatRufa’i, said there had been recommendations in the past to curtail cultism but the greatest challenge was implementation.

“If we must succeed in eradicating cultism in Nigerian institutions, all hands must be on deck. Parents, religious organisations and both members and non-members of the government are to work jointly on this measure.”

Attributing the rise in cultism to the complicity of some desperate politicians, President, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Com. Dauda Mohammed, said: “It is frightening to see the depth at which the menace of cultism has eating deep into our educational system, particularly with its incursion into the secondary school levels, and we expect government to take a decisive

step in checkmating cult activities on our campuses and also taking practical steps in bringing the sponsors of these cult groups to book.

“The presence of cult groups in our secondary schools is a spillover of the prevalence of cultism in our tertiary institutions. The first practical step that government must take is the promotion of Students Unionism as cultism took an increased dimension from the point when unionism became voluntary and union activities were facing repression on our campuses.”

Suggesting how to effectively combat secret cultism, he said Nigerian universities must enjoy improved funding, especially recreational/academic facilities must be improved and virile students union activities must be al-

WE HAVE TO RESTORE THE FAMILY ALTER. RESTORE PRAYER TIME, SITTING TOGETHER AND DEFEND FAMILY VALUES, DEFEND SCRIPTURAL VALUES. IT IS SAD TO SAY BUT SOME OF THE OTHER RELIGIONS SOMETIMES PROTECT THEIR MORALS AND VALUES MORE

CHRISTIANS DO. HOW DO WE CORRECT IT, IN OTHER WORDS, I AM SAYING YOU START FROM THE HOME. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR FAMILIES? SOMEBODY MUST KEEP THE HOME. WE WAKE UP IN THE MORNING; THEY DON’T EVEN SEE EACH THAN SO CALLED

OTHER BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO BE ON THE ROAD BY

4AM

Soyinka

lowed to thrive.

Mohammed urged the National Assembly to also repeal the military decree of the recommendations of the General Abisoye panel, which made student unionism voluntary rather than compulsory for students in our higher institutions.

Proprietor of Jemibewon International Academy and former Minister of Police Affairs, retired Gen. David Jemibewon in a recent media interview on the involvement of secondary school pupils in secret cultism said it is a tragedy. According to him, it is a shame and tragedy to have such at that level. According to him, “It boils to the fact that some parents and teachers are not showing enough concern and attention to children. Also some children are also not showing great enthusiasm in their studies. It is a reflection of the low level to which our society has fallen. There is hardly anything that works well in this country anymore. Otherwise, I cannot imagine a primary or secondary school boy being involved in cultism. It is a tragedy! Efforts should be made to ensure that it is corrected. The idea of child abuse should be clearly defined.

Things that will help children become good citizens ought not to be seen as child abuse.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEWS

Sunday July 26, 2015

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Reps crisis: Supporters dump Gbajabiamila, back Dogara TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives members sympathetic

to the All Progressives Congress’ endorsement of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the Majority Leader havewith closed ranks with the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara in his choice of principal officers.

In a statement titled: “The Disagreement is Over” and signed by Hon. Abdulmumuni Jibrin (APC-Kano), the spokesman of the Consolidation Group said both camps had settled their disagreement with the Dogara camp.

The Dogara camp had rejected the choice of Hon. Gbajabiamila, preferring Hon. Ado Doguwa instead as

House majority Leader.

At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the Consolidation Group spokesman and Hon. Pally Iriase (Edo-APC) a representative of the Gbajabiamila Support Group, all threw their weight behind Dogara, describing his approach to leadership of the House as mature.

In his briefing, Jibrin said both camps have decided to collapse into a single group now called the Equity Team to choose principal officers in line with the Federal Character provision in the 1999 Constitution as amended that would reflect the six zones of the Federation.

“Permit me to point out, however, that the intense consultations carried out by Speaker Dogara are what eventually led to the birth of the Dogara Formula that saw the emergence of what

Boko Haram kill 15, injures many in Borno villages INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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uspected members of dreaded Boko Haram sect at the week end invaded Kwata Mai Kadir and other surrounding villages of Askira- Uba local government area of Borno state killing 15 people and injured unspecified number of armless residents.

The insurgents also went away with two vehicles, after looting foodstuff and animals in the affected communities.

Askira - Uba shares a border with Adamawa State and some parts of Sambisa Forest, a fortified camp of Boko Haram. It is about 240 kilometres drive to Maiduguri, the state capital that has suffered series of attacks by insur-

gents including the sacking of the whole council area, before it was recently liberated by military troops.

A resident of Kwata Mai Kadir village, Mr. James Ayuba told our correspondent that the insurgents came all the way from the Sambisa forest and killed 10 people in the village before storming another nearby villages of Yasa, about two kilometres to Mai Kadir and slaughtered five residents.

A reliable source said the insurgents invaded the communities at about 8:30am on Friday using Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles armed with AK47 rifles and petrol bombs where they wrecked havoc on innocent civilians.

Osinbajo advises states on concessionary loan opportunities KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday called on states that owe salaries to explore the opportunity provided by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration by accessing the concessionary loan through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

He said this while addressing journalists shortly after attending the 90th birthday service of Mrs. Mojisola Adedayo at the Cathedral of St. James, Oke Bola Ibadan.

According to him, the present All Progressive Congress APC government has considered the plight of states that

had experience about 40 per cent reduction in allocation, which has prevented them from meeting their financial obligations.

He said President Buhari had initially ordered the sharing of about $2.1bn proceed from the NLNG, adding that the states are also allowed to access loan at a concessionary rates to reduced the burden on the borrower states.

Osinbajo added that the Buhari-led administration has also negotiated with commercial, banks in the country to allow states that are indebted to them to allow the debts be converted into bonds which can be spread over a long period.

…declare disagreement over leadership resolved

is now known as the Equity Team. In line with the Formula, the Equity Team has Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano, North West) as House Leader, Hon Buba Jibrin (APC Kogi, North Central) as Deputy Leader, Hon Pally Iriase (APC Edo, South South) as Chief Whip and Hon. Chika Okafor (APC Imo, South East) as Deputy Chief Whip”.

He said that a the presence of key people in the Gbajabiamila camp showed that the crisis has been resolved in favour of the zonal arrangement put in place by Hon. Dogara as against the party’s earlier arrangement insisting Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila must be Majority Leader.

“Interestingly, both the Speaker and a great majority of the APC caucus in the House including gladiators in the Gbajabiamila’s

group like Hon Mongunu, Hon Doguwa and Hon Pally support and stand by the Equity Team”, he said.

According to him, Hon. Gbajabiamila and Mohammed Monguno (APCBorno) would also be compensated some other ways when the House resumes.

“We have commenced collection of signatures, which has reached advanced stage to affirm the Dogara Formula. All other interests, including those excluded from the principal offices specifically Hon Gbajabiamila and Hon Mongunu will be duly accommodated with commensurate responsibility to serve. Since the Speaker has about 200 positions to share out, many members will have the opportunity to serve the country.

“In light of this development, it is heart-warming

to announce to you that the disagreement in the House, which many have erroneously labelled as crisis, has finally come to an end.

“We hereby express our deep appreciation to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition during this disagreement. We also commend our party for its patience and understanding and re-affirm our continued support for the realisation of its objectives.

We thank Speaker Dogara for his maturity and gentle disposition towards ensuring that the disagreement is amicably resolved”, the stated.

Speaking further, he added “In the interest of peace, unity and harmony in the House, Speaker Dogara reached out extensively to individuals and groups and committed lot of energy and time toward finding

an amicable solution to the nagging issue.

“This became extremely necessary in order to actualise the needed for peace and unity in the House so as to commence work for the Nigerian people and provide support for our President, Muhammadu Buhari. Let me reiterate our resolve that President Buhari is going to enjoy the maximum and unprecedented support of the APC caucus in the House in order for him to achieve all the laudable programmes of this government”.

Pally Iriase, Monguno and Hon. Doguwa, who also took turns at the briefing to speak, all corroborated the Dogara Group’s position, pledging to sheathe their swords and work for the success of the Green Chamber and the government of President Buhari.

L-R: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi; Olori Omowunmi; Olori Abosede; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akinolu (right), during the 25th coronation anniversary celebration of Oba Sonariwo in Sagamu, Ogun State, yesterday.

Explosion at water board kills 8 in Plateau, 101 hospitalised JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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n explosion, which occurred at the Plateau State Water Board treatment plant in Jos the Plateau State capital early yesterday morning has left at least eight people dead while several others were injured.

Sunday Mirror also learnt that over 100 persons living within the premises have been hospitalised as a result of excess inhalation of chlorine fumes oozing from the scene of the explosion Initially, the explosion which shook buildings around the area was thought to be a bomb but was later discovered to be chlorine gas which went

off in one of the chemical plants within the premises of the board located along Murtala Muhammadu Way. State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos yesterday. He said the incident was as a result of chlorine explosion from a treatment plant at water board.

Abu said the treatment plant had been cordoned off while management of the plant has been advised to take necessary precautionary steps.

He said a number of persons had been injured in the explosion and were presently receiving treatment at the Plateau Special-

ist Hospital.

“Our anti-bomb squad took control of the area and they evacuated the affected persons to the hospital.

Sadly, five persons died in the hospital while others are receiving treatment,” the Police spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has described the explosion as unfortunate while sympathising with the families of eight victims who lost their lives as a result of the excess chlorine inhalation.

While wishing the affected persons currently receiving treatment at OLA Hospital, Evangel Hospital (Jankwano), Plateau Specialist Hospital

and Air force Military Hospital, a quick recovery, the governor assured the public that government has already contained the situation and further added that the contamination has not affected the water which has been supplied to the public through the main water pipes and it safe for human consumption.

The governor who spoke via a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Nanle, also said immediate measures have been put in place to address the issue of expired components of the treatment plant which will guard against future reoccurrence of the incident.

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NEWS

Sunday July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Job racketeering scandal rocks prisons service … applicants pay millions for posts, promotions

GEORGE OPARA ABIA

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thriving payment-forjobs racket has been uncovered within the Nigerian Prisons Service that has left junior cadre officers disgruntled and is largely responsible for periodic jailbreaks, mass violation of prison rules and regulations, extortion of prisoners and relatives and drug dealing right within prison walls.

Insiders said the senior officials brazenly “sell” job opportunities for amounts such as N1m, N700,000 and N350,000/400,000 to desperate unemployed degree holders, HND holders and school certificate holders respectively through periodic backdoor recruitment exercises.

Job positions allegedly being sold include Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, ASP, Inspector of Prisons and Prisons Assistants, PA, which was said to have adversely affected upgrading and promotion of serving officers.

It was learnt that posting of senior officers to man sensitive positions in prisons across the country was also influenced by how much money the prospective officers would pay and not by merit, a practice that has corrupted many of the Deputy-Comptrollers of Prisons, DCPs, Chief Warders and Yard masters who man prison yards and has resulted in the poor quality food being served to inmates, reckless extortion of money from inmates, poor maintenance of facilities and gross abuse of prison rules.

In most cases, it was said that the inmates are made to pay for the maintenance of electric appliances and boreholes just to recoup the money officers had paid as bribes before postings.

The Controller-General of Prisons, Dr. Peter Ezenwa Ekpendu, is being blamed for the rot allegedly perpetrated in the system.

Wanton corruption was alledged to be pervasive in the system ranging from maladministration, to poor welfare programme implementation, reckless extortion, indiscriminate promotion and postings of staff among others.

Some officers who spoke with our correspondent claimed that those recruited since 2009 with school certificate as prisons assistant and supposed to be promoted at the end of every three years even after obtaining their first degrees for six years running, were neither promoted nor upgraded but subjected to series of fruitless promotion interviews as a matter of formality.

Other reliable insider sources disclosed that they are not being paid salaries commensurate with other sister organisations like Customs, Immigrations and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, yet, junior officers are subjected to pay deductions and non-payment of allowances over the years.

Some of the junior cadre officers, who spoke to this newspaper under condition of anonymity, regretted that even though the junior workers are the main workforce of the service, they are being suppressed, marginalised, neglected and voiceless.

“We are not being paid as uniformed officers like our sister organisations, our promotions don’t come as and when due. We observe almost regularly, deductions from our salary monthly.

“The incessant jails breaks and riots we experience in prisons yards are because of the negligence we suffer, we hold the keys to the cells, operate the normal prisons rules and nobody comes to work happy because of the way we are being maltreated. We know the normal duties of prison officers but they lay the whole blame to terrorism and riots without finding out the root causes.

“We have actually lost confidence because of the problems the authority imposed on us and, thus derive no pleasure in doing the job which we have been assigned to do”.

But Ekpendu in his recent familiarisation tour of prisons in Owerri, capital of Imo State had said while fielding questions from pressmen that the incessant jailbreaks were caused by the use of mobile phones by inmates and explained that it was the reason why he banned the use of cell phones in prisons.

The corruption in the service trickles down to the in-

•warders extort prisoners, relatives

mates according to findings by our correspondent.

It was gathered that many inmates who are awaiting trial or jailed for serious offences like armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, drugs and human trafficking among others are found right inside the prison yards, smoking and trading in Indian hemp with the connivance of the prisons officers in-charge of the yards.

Most worrisome is the criminal conspiracy between some unscrupulous prisons officers and lawyers who defraud inmates and

their parents or guardians of huge sums of money for bail applications.

Other types of extortionsalleged in the yard are payment of sums of N50, N100 and N300 to warders before they would allow inmates to walk or exercise within the perimeter of the prison yard.

“Parents, guardians, friends and other relatives of inmates are made to part with N400 or more on each visit before they would be allowed to see or give food to their beloved ones. Inmates pay money to get mattresses and are incessantly harassed

and dehumanised.

They are served poor quality food even dogs cannot eat”, one source said.

Part of the problem it is was learnt has to do with high rate of congestion, which puts pressure on the system.

Random visits to some prisons across the country such as Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Anambra revealed wanton maladministration and neck-deep corruption. In all cases, the prisons accommodate inmates beyond their capacities. For instance, Umuahia prisons in Abia State

was built for 500 inmates but it keeps about 1,000 as at the time our reporter visited.

Efforts to get the NPS head quarters to comment of the allegations were not successful.

However, the Abia State Comptroller of Prison, Mrs. Nnenna Kalu, in an interview with Sunday Mirror however denied all the allegations of extortion and maladministration rocking the system.

She said the prisons were being run based on extant rules spelt out by the service.

Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John-Kennedy Opara (middle), inspecting candidates that are writing online selection examination for 2015 Christian pilgrimage exercise in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Buhari pledges end to polio scourge OMEIZA AJAYI

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to do all within his powers to ensure the total eradication of polio in Nigeria.

He said never again will any Nigerian child be stricken with polio, declaring that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that no Nigerian child is ever infected with polio again.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Pub-

licity, Femi Adesina quoted the president as saying this at a brief event in the Presidential Villa to mark Nigeria’s successful completion of one year without any reported case of the wild polio virus.

According to him, the president pledged that the Federal Government will mobilise and deploy all necessary resources to efficiently complete the task of eradicating polio from the country.

“Today, 25th of July, 2015, Nigeria has successfully

completed one year without any case reported of the wild polio virus.

“Achieving this feat has placed us firmly on the path to eradicating this paralyzing disease from our land.

“I seize this opportunity to call on governors, our traditional and religious leaders, the private sector and our mothers and fathers to redouble their efforts to ensure that every child and every new born baby is vaccinated with the polio vaccine and other life saving routine vaccines,” President Buhari

said.

The President personally vaccinated one of his grandchildren against polio at the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to eradicating the virus from Nigeria as well as the safety and efficacy of the polio vaccine.

He thanked Nigerians and foreign partners who have supported the country’s polio eradication programme in several ways, saying he looked forward to the formal declaration of Nigeria as a polio-free country in 2017.

Aregbesola wants new NUJ president to enhance journalism standards BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO.

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sun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday urged newlyelected National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr. AbdulWaheed Odusile, to strive to set new standards that are capable of

giving journalists greater dignity in the discharge of their assignments.

Aregbesola, in a statement congratulating Odusile by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, urged Odusile to ensure the pro-

motion of the sanctity of fairness and truth in journalism as a major agenda of his tenure.

The governor charged the new NUJ President not to be found wanting in his responsibility, reminding him of the sacred duties of the journalism as the mirror of the society.

He also admonished Odusile to ensure adequate professional conduct among journalists, saying with the new leadership of NUJ on board, professionalism must be the hallmark of every member as Nigeria enters in to the era of change that people yearned for.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Melaye denies disparaging Appeal Court justices OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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enator Dino Melaye yesterday denied ever issuing statement to disparage the judiciary and justices of the Appeal Court, ascribing such to the handiwork of detractors planning to pitch him with the revered temple of justice.

The senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly enjoined the public to disregard any media publication accusing the judiciary or Appeal Court Justices.

Melaye is raising the alarm barely one month after he had alleged that following the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress after the election of key officers in the National Assembly, the national leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and immediate-past AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), had decided to close ranks and unite against him in his case at the election tribunal.

The lawmaker was alleged to have incurred the wrath of Tinubu after refusing to withdraw his support for the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, during the recently concluded election of leaders in the 8th National Assembly.

Melaye in a statement in Abuja entitled: “My political opponents again”, said his detractors had perfected plans to pitch him against the judiciary and Justices of the Court of Appeal through fictitious allegations using his name.

“I want to state unequivocally that this deliberate falsehood by desperate and wicked politicians is not only a lie but a plan to sidetrack the judiciary in the ongoing election tribunal case between me and Senator Smart Adeyemi in the Court of Appeal. I did not issue any press statement on the ongoing matter.

“I want to say that the Nigerian judiciary is too sophisticated to be sidetracked by desperate people of inordinate ambition. I call on the judiciary and the public to neglect and disregard these desperadoes as I have tremendous respect and regard for the judiciary.”

National News

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Group tackles ‘Like Minds’ senators over Mrs. Saraki’s EFCC invitation AYO ESAN

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n Abuja based NGO, ‘Society for Exemplary Leadership and Transparency’ has said that senators in the so-called ‘Like Minds” group could constitute an obstacle to the Buhari administration despite being members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Apparently irked by the Senators’ political insinuations into the invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, the NGO said: “It

is now clearer than before that this set of senators are indeed hindrance to transparent governance promised Nigerians by the APC and they will scuttle legislations and policies design to enthrone accountability and transparency” In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed

by Elder Emmanuel Johnson, the group wondered why the senators could not see the invitation as one from a legally constituted agency of the state instead of their “parochial angle” The NGO reminded the senators that it would have been more altruistic if they had also questioned

the similar invitation from EFCC to the daughter of former president Umaru Yar’Adua and wife of former Kebbi State Governor, Saidu Dakingari, Hajia Zainab Dakingari.

“In view of this, we hasten to ask: why were you silent and did not mention ‘political motivation’ when recently, other former state governors such as Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa) were invited to account for their years in office?

The body expressed concerned over “the discordant turns from the “LikeMinds” senators whose arrow head is the Senate President, Senator Bukola

Retired Generals of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps being pulled out in Lagos at the weekend

Saraki, who on one hand pontificates about the dangers of corruption while at the same time other members of the group attack efforts designed to enthrone a zero corruption regime”.

On the surprise expressed by the “Like-Minds” Senators that the invitation of Mrs. Saraki was coming five years after her husband left the Government House, the statement said, “Corruption could be perpetrated in and out of government while the malfeasance is gender neutral and we know as matter of fact and law that investigation into any alleged corruption is not statute barred”.

PHOTO: NAN

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Fire service men save man from death by sex enhancer

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he men of the Lagos State Fire Service said yesterdayrday that they rescued a 40-year-old man from death after he used a sex performance enhancer that enlarged his penis beyond expectation.

The Director, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, who made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Lagos, said the man wore a metal ring on his penis.

The ring, according to him, was to enhance erection and ultimately enhance sexual satisfaction but turned out to swell the organ beyond his expectation.

“His experience turned sour when the penis became so erect and swollen beyond his expectation and could not come down and the ring could not be removed.

“When it became apparent that the condition was threatening his life, he rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja for help.

“The hospital invited the service to rescue the man, when they could not easily remove the ring.

“We successfully removed the metal ring in collaboration with the hospital staff at the emergency unit using our rescue tools,’’ he told NAN.

Police, NSCDC in shoot out over arrest of female police officer CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State Police Command and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), yesterday engaged each other in shoot out when a female police officer was arrested by the Civil Defence Corps

for not participating in the end of the month clean-up exercise in the state.

The incident, which took place at the Civil Defence premises, near the National Orientation Agency (NOA), headquarters, Okigwe Road, Owerri sent people running for their dear lives bringing the exercise

to a temporary end.

But the Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties), to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Emma Ibediro, said despite the hiccup, the maiden exercise held after four years in the state, was successful with about 50 trucks and 10 pay loaders mobilized by the

state government to cart away to dump sites rubbish generated by the residents in the state.

It was gathered that the police woman was going to her duties within the hours of the maiden cleanup exercise (7a.m -10a.m), in the Owerri Municipal, when some officers of the

NSCDC accosted her.

A police source said she identified herself, noting also that she was pregnant, but the corps officials were not satisfied with the identification, leading to her allegedly beaten up by the corps men. As a result, she sustained serious injury in some parts of her body.

Ambode reaffirms commitment to bi-lateral trade relations AYO ESAN

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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the weekend received envoys from the United States of America, Britain and Australia on courtesy visits, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthen trade relations with their countries.

The Governor, who received the trio separately in his office in Alausa, Ikeja, said that paramount on his

administration’s agenda, is to strengthen existing trade relations with countries willing to do business in the state as well as attract new investors, according to a stamen issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna.

To this end, he said an Office of the Overseas Affairs and Investment has been established, whose primary assignment will be to relate with foreign investors and attract new businesses into the state.

“I want you to also recognise the fact that we are building a safer Lagos, we want to do everything as much as possible to make Lagos a more comfortable place for everyone to live in, that’s the only way we can attract investments into Lagos”, he said .

He spoke further, “I believe strongly that in strengthening that relationship, I decided that we would set up a new office here, the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investments,

that will directly deal with our investors and business interests that we have”.

“I also believe that in doing that, we cannot do it alone, so we expect that we would be seeking some kind of expertise from those who are knowledgeable in areas”, the governor said.

He said his administration is poised to strengthen economic ties with their countries, urging them to feel free to offer any useful suggestions that would make investors willing to set up

their investment in the state.

He listed energy, power and energy as well as oil and gas sectors as possible strong areas where such bi-lateral relations could be strengthened, assuring that the state is safe, conducive and investor-friendly to accommodate more investors in the state.

“All these put together, the main objective for us is to be able to build on the economy of Lagos and increase the GDP of Lagos as a state.”

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Interview

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER JULY 26, 2015

I ’ll not borrow money to pay salaries –Umahi Chief Dave Umahi is the Governor of Ebonyi State, who rose to the position against all odds. In this exclusive interview with ALIUNA GODWIN, he speaks on his preparedness to complete all projects started by his predecessor, challenges facing the government concerning contracts but vows not to borrow money to pay salaries among other issues. Excerpts: There is agitation by workers in the state that your led administration has continued to delay the payment of their salaries even as they accuse you of collecting bailout funds, yet they were not paid, what is your reaction to this?

What was shared in the last month allocation was very small; the president took two hundred billion naira from our excess crude oil and shared to some states. It was shared and federal government got their own share, states and local government as well got their share and so there was nothing like bailout. Federal government is saying we are willing to give you a loan to pay salary. And the moment they lend you the money, they will begin to deduct it immediately from your monthly allocation.

If you borrow money to pay salaries every month, when will you end it, so the bailout is just like digging a hole to fill a hole and people should know that it wasn ’t for free, and so, there was no need to borrow money to pay salaries.

Some projects in the state has suffered setback, whereas contractors claimed that they are owed, what is the way forward?

Contractors said we owe them and automatically as a government, we inherited all the certificates raised and not paid, but I have the right to find out how the said debt come about and that is what we are doing.

We must know how these debts came to be and the moment we verify and it is correct, we begin to talk on how to pay and how to complete the remaining projects.

We didn ’t stop any project and we are not going to stop any project, unless the once we stopped due to obvious reasons which includes the Enugu-Abakaliki five kilometre dualised road and the traffic light.

It was alleged that the power plant have failed, even as former governor Chief Martin Elechi spent huge amount of money to bring it on board, are you going to continue from where he (Elechi) stopped or discard it?

On the issue of independent power plant which was started by the former governor Chief Martin Elechi, I told him that this thing is not going to work but he refused.

He (Elechi) insisted that the power plant project must continue. The important thing in leadership is the character of the leader. I have sworn to God that I will not take any money from the treasury of the state. It will be very stupid of me to allow

Umahi

any other person to siphon the state money.

It is not going to work as far am concerned.

For me to sign a certificate, I must be convinced that the certificate is truly generated. So, it will be very difficult to generate a certificate that somebody does not merit and that ’s what I want to assure the people of the state.

There is rising incidents of cholera outbreak in the state due to poor sanitary condition in the state, how will you address this?

The sanitary condition of the meat market is not acceptable, you don ’t need to ask why cholera out-break is spreading in Ebonyi State. So, that is why we are very

much interested to construct the roads, relocate the meet sellers. You are aware that we met with all the marketers in the urban areas and we spoke to them the need to relocate to the international market but unfortunately, when we inspected the international market we saw that what we see in the front view of the market is different from what is in the back. The situation is quiet disturbing, so I ’m directing all the land ministries to immediately move to the international market.

We want to know from the first principle all the works done there, including the takeoff sheet. We need to know the history of the job, so that any contractor we owe, we find how we can pay the contractor so that

they move back to site and we are going to complete the work in sections. We want within the first three months to complete one of the three sections of the international market and get some of the traders to move in there. Already, we have a committee that is working for the relocation of these traders.

We are going to sell the stores but we must involve banks so that when we sell it, the money we realise, we use it to complete the job.

It was alleged that the roads networks in the state are death trap, what is your take on this?

When I look at our internal roads, I cried because I did not know that our people are really suffering. The internal roads in Ebonyi State within the urban area are unacceptable. It is totally very bad. And that has given rise to poor sanitary environment within the urban city. As government, we are going to do something in the next excomeeting. We are going to discuss it and declare state of emergency on our urban roads and that is what we are going to do.

We will consider the use of concrete to reconstruct some of our urban roads because we have issues with underground water, which is high and burn metric is also clear because clay does not allow water to percolate beyond certain level and that is one of the reasons why a good number of our roads fails, apart from poor jobs by some of the contractors. We are going to look at alternative of constructing of our roads. At the Oguja road, there are many issues over there. The road is almost dying but we will not allow that to happen. We have directed ministry of works to immediately come up with proposal under direct labour work but it is going to be inter-ministerial. So, that you don ’t be the judge and the accuser. And so that you don ’t set the bill, execute, supervise, other ministries will also join, so that there will be proper accountability.

Investigation revealed that most contracts are being inflated by ministries, how true is that?

We need to make it clear to all the ministries that there shall be no variation in any of our projects without such variation coming to exco for explanation and approval. No one has the right to import one item of work that is not within the contract. One thing we did not know is that the moment a contract is signed, it becomes a law and in preparation of certificate.

Is there any plan by your administration to curtail increasing corrupt practices in local government areas in the state?

Politicians connive with HPM ’s and treasurers to divert LG funds to a private accounts owned by civil servants. If you ask them, they will say they are forced to do that. The most painful aspect of it is that they (civil servants) did not talk. We are asking the public to pray for us because we have started doing something about and we will complete it.

I pray that God will deliver civil servants from the hands of fellow civil servant and politicians. Some people collect money they don ’t suppose to collect due to fraud.

But i assure the people that I ’m prepared to fight corruption.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES JULY 26, 2015

Buhari and the probe of Jonathan ’s government P 12 & 53

WE HAVE STARTED

SOME OF THE SENIOR PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT,

FORMER MINISTERS, SOME OF THEM HAD AS MUCH MILLION BARREL PER DAY ON THEIR OWN

–PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Counting the gains of Buhari ’s visit to the US

Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari recently made a four-day trip to the United States on the invitation of President Barack Obama. During the visit, Buhari unfolded the agenda of his administration to the American people. He was also able to renew and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. ROTIMI FADEYI examines the gains recorded by the visit and its implication for the progress and development of the country.

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“

igeria is obviously one of the important countries in the world and one of the most important countries in the African continent. Recently, we saw an election in which a peaceful transition to a new government took place.

“And it was an affirmation of Nigeria ’s commitment to democracy, a recognition that although Nigeria is a big country and a diverse country with many different parts, nevertheless the people of Nigeria understand that only through a peaceful political process can change take place ” These were the words of United States President Barack Obama when he met

Clampdown on ex-security chiefs:

Is Jonathan the ultimate target?

GETTING DOCUMENTS WHERE

AS FIVE ACCOUNTS AND WERE MOVING ABOUT ONE

Obama

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with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Oval Office of the White House, Washington DC during his visit.

Although this was not the first time a Nigerian President would meet his American counterpart, the visit was unique as it was the first time that Buhari would meet with Obama after his victory at the 2015 Presidential poll which was adjudged peaceful, free and fair.

During Buhari ’s inauguration when he took over from former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obama had sent a powerful delegation led by United States Secretary of State, John Kerry to represent him.

Just two months after his inauguration, Buhari was in the United States on the invitation of Obama to discuss issues of security, stronger economic relations, trade and other possible ways to assist Nigeria in its fight against the Boko Haram sect and its deadly and violent activities.

At the meeting between the two leaders, Obama said Buhari comes into office with a reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda to bring safety, security and peace to his country.

According to Obama, “he (Buhari) is very concerned about the spread of Boko CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

P 13

Briefly

Kogi youths decry campaign of calumny against Wada

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head of November 2015 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, youths under the aegis of Kogi Transformation Network, KOTRAN, have decried the campaign of calumny said to be mounted against Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State.

The youths, in a statement after their meeting in Lokoja, said some “faceless agents ” by their actions want to reverse the positive trend of development that the current administration in Kogi has brought to bear in the state.

Spokesperson of KOTRAN, Comrade Maximilian Tashilani, who signed the statement, said Captain Wada has been able to manage the lean resources of the state like no one else, saying based on his achievements it is imperative for the state to queue behind him in the November election, especially as “he has shown that he is a true democrat. ” “Gone are the days when frantic agitations and concocted tales will convince the voting populace. Anybody who wants to contest should come out and convince the electorate of his sincerity of purpose and show his track record of achievements as the governance of our dear state has been elevated to serious business by the current administration. It is no longer business as usual ”, the statement said.

The statement noted that the future of Kogi youths is secure in the hands of the incumbent governor, who the youths described as “a vibrant, disciplined and result-oriented leader that the state has ever had.

Ambode will perform –PDP Lawmaker

A

member representing Oshodi – Isolo constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Jude Emeka Idimogu, has passed a vote of confidence on the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, saying he will perform.

Emeka Idimogu, who was elected on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP platform, averred that Ambode ’s long standing experience as a civil servant in Lagos State government puts him on a good stead, adding that, his recent activities on people ’s oriented projects will make him succeed.

Speaking in Lagos, while on a tour of his constituency, Idimogu urged residents of his constituency and Lagosians in general to be patient with the Ambode-led government, saying that they will soon start reaping the dividends of democracy. “ In Lgos state, the government is doing well even though some people say we are slow ”, he said.

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Politics

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari and the probe of Jonat AYO ESAN

T

he initial fear among political class in the country that President Muhammadu Buhari administration will probe the immediate past administration of his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan came to fruition during the week.

Buhari used his official visit to the United States of America to publicly announce his intention to probe the past administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Washington DC, said the Federal Government was examining pieces of evidence that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of some former ministers and other government officials for looting and stealing the country ’s crude oil.

Buhari said evidence of looting and oil theft were being compiled by relevant agencies for possible prosecution.

He lamented that some of the affected officials were involved in illegal sale and diversion of crude oil monies belonging to the Federal Government to multiple private accounts abroad.

He vowed that his administration would trace accounts, freeze and recover the loot and prosecute the culprits.

He lamented that corruption in Nigeria has virtually developed into a culture where honest people are abused.

According to him, the Federal Government has contacted some leaders of de-

A LOT OF DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE TO THE INTEGRITY OF NIGERIA WITH INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS ALREADY COMPROMISED

veloped nations to assist Nigeria to freeze such dubious accounts where the monies are being kept.

“We are now looking for evidences of shipping some of our crude, their destinations and where and which accounts they were paid into and in which country.

“When we get as much as we can get as soon as possible, we will approach those countries to freeze those accounts and go to court, prosecute those people and let the accounts be taken to Nigeria.

According to him, “250,000 barrels per day of Nigerian crude are being stolen and people sell and put the money into individual accounts, ” he said adding however that the United States and others are helping the Federal Government to trace such accounts.

“The amount of money is mind-boggling but we have started getting documents.

“We have started getting documents where some of the senior people in government, former ministers, some of them had as much as five accounts and were moving about one million barrel per day on their

own.

“We have started getting those documents. Whichever documents we are able to get and subsequently trace the sale of the crude or transfer of money from ministries, departments and the Central Bank, we will ask for the cooperation of those countries to return those monies to the federation accounts and we will use those documents to arrest those people and prosecute them. This, I promise Nigerians.

“A lot of damage has been done to the integrity of Nigeria with individuals and institutions already compromised, ” Buhari added.

The President frowned at the way Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, was being managed, saying his administration would check the excesses of the corporation.

Buhari also chastised the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC as he said that unlike what obtained during his tenure as Federal Commissioner for Petroleum, when NNPC had only two traceable accounts before paying oil proceeds into

Jona atha an

the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, “everybody is now doing anyhow. ” With this declaration, political watchers, commentators and political analysts believe the days ahead would be rather tough for those who had soiled their hands either while in government of former President Jonathan or those who perpetrated shady deals in the immediate past government.

It would be recalled that Jonathan had earlier

Counting the gains of Buhari ’s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Haram and the violence that has taken place there, and the atrocities that they ’ve carried out, and has a very clear agenda in defeating Boko Haram and extremists of all sorts inside of his country. And he has a very clear agenda with respect to rooting out the corruption that too often has held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country ”.

“We ’re looking forward to discussing how we can be helpful in addressing some of the corruption issues that have held Nigeria back, and unleashing the incredible talent of the Nigerian people. We all recognize that some of the best businesspeople in the world are from Nigeria, and they thrive as they travel to other countries, but we want to make sure that they ’re also helping folks thrive in Nigeria.

“I want to emphasize how much I appreciate President Buhari ’s work so far. I ’m looking forward to seeing him put together his team so that we can do everything that we can to help him succeed and help the people of Nigeria succeed. Because if they ’re successful and doing well, that will have a ripple effect not only in West Africa, but throughout the world ”, Obama said.

With the high commendations from Obama, the door was open for Buhari to unfold the plan of his administration to the American people.

Buhari told Obama that Nigeria would remain ever grateful to Obama and the United States for making Nigeria to consolidate its gains on a democratic system, He said the visit of the Secretary of State to Nigeria to see the President and the whole

WITH THE HIGH COMMENDATIONS FROM OBAMA, THE DOOR WAS OPEN FOR BUHARI TO UNFOLD THE PLAN OF HIS ADMINISTRATION TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

government of Nigeria, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to ensure that the operation was very clear and a positive trend in order to bring about a credible election Buhari maintained that the maintenance of pressure by the United States, mainly, and Europe, to make sure that the elections were free, fair and credible led Nigeria to where it is now.

He noted that it would have been almost impossible if the United States did not maintain the pressure on the former Nigerian government that they would not accept anything less constitutional as far as the processes of the election are concerned.

“We are extremely happy that the United States had made it absolutely clear before the election that they are prepared to help Nigeria in this aspect ” Buhari said.

Buhari also attended a breakfast meeting at the Naval Observatory, official residence of United States Vice President, Joe Biden.

While assuring Nigeria of the goodwill of the United States in rebuilding the Nigerian economy, Biden observed that corrup-

tion and weak institutions must be tackled, if Nigeria was to benefit from reforms.

Biden advised Buhari that seasoned technocrats must manage key sectors of the Nigerian economy, saying that only then would investors be attracted to the country.

Buhari was able to intimate Nigerians living in the United States with the programmes of his government and how he plans to tackle the problems of the country to create a better society for all Nigerians and a stronger nation in the continent.

He disclosed to the large number of Nigerians in the United States who had come to meet him for the first time after his election that the country would recover all stolen wealth stashed abroad and bring such funds back to develop the country.

Specifically, Buhari said evidences of massive looting and stealing of Nigerian crude oil by some government officials including some former ministers are being compiled by relevant agencies for possible prosecution.

According to him, some of the affected officials were involved in illegal sale and di-

Adeffuye e

version of crude oil monies belonging to the Federal Government to private accounts in foreign countries.

Buhari said that some leaders of the developed nations across the World, where these monies were being kept had been contacted and expressed willingness to assist Nigeria to freeze such accounts and repatriate the funds back to the country.

“We are now looking for evidences of shipping some of our crude, their destinations and where and which accounts they were paid and in which country.

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Politics

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Clampdown on ex-security chiefs:

Is Jonathan the ultimate target?

The Department of State Services DSS recently made the headlines with the onslaught on high-profile security operatives. OMEIZA AJAYI examines the implication of the action.

J

ust days ago, the Department of State Services (DSS) began a clampdown on security officials who served under ex-president Goodluck Jonathan.

The search began with the former National Security Adviser NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki, his aide and confidant, Col. Bello Fadile and ended, at least for now, with Jonathan ’s former Chief Security Officer, CSO, Mr. Gordons Obua.

Though, armed with a search warrant, some DSS operatives had reportedly stormed the house of Mr. Dasuki in a commando-like fashion. The stand-off at the ex-NSA ’s house lasted several hours, spilling into the next day.

Not done, the DSS had also raided the home of Mr. Fadile who, along with a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe were the agents of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP at the Presidential Collation Centre in the recently-concluded general elections. Of course, with Orubebe ’s attempt to truncate the process, many had alleged that the then government wanted to abduct the then INEC boss, Prof. Attahiru Jega just to terminate the process and extend the tenure of the Jonathan administration.

Of course, this was after Mr. Dasuki had allegedly masterminded the postponement of the elections by six weeks citing security reports to the effect that it was not safe to conduct the exercise then.

Today, he is accused of being capable of planning a coup!

However, those were not his only sins. In the days after the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the new leader had refused to move into his official residence at the State House. Although, he said the place was being renovated, some security experts said the move was ostensibly the de-bug the premises as there were fears that most part of the premises may have been bugged with some electronic chips to monitor the new president. Among partisan interests, fingers of accusation are being pointed at the former NSA as well as Jonathan ’s CSO, Obua.

Obua, an operative of the Service was not so lucky as Messrs Dasuki and Fadile.

He was detained for about six days at the Yellow House headquarters of the DSS in Abuja for a “comprehensive debriefing ”.

Did Jonathan foresee this “witchhunt ”?

Jonathan had just before exiting the presidency disclosed of plans by the incoming Buhari administration to victimize those who worked with him.

At a church service in Abuja, he said he expected his ministers and aides to be “persecuted ” after he hands over power to General Muhammadu Buhari on May 29th.

“For ministers and aides who served with me, I sympathize with them, they will be persecuted. And they must be ready for that persecution ”, he had stated.

Mr. Jonathan said he expected that he and his ministers would have a hard time after he leaves office.

“To my ministers, I wish you what I

Jonathan

wish myself, ” he said. “They will have hard times; we will all have hard times.

Our ways will be rough. ” But that was not all. At the valedictory Federal Executive Council FEC session, he had advised Buhari not to single out his administration for probe.

He said if Mr. Buhari must investigate him and his administration, he should do the same for the past governments.

A probe centred only on the Jonathan administration will amount to a “witch hunt ”, the president said “Some people are even calling for the probe of the government, but I think in Nigeria, there are a lot of many things that will be probed, very many things, even debts owed by states and debts owed by this country from 1960 up to this time.

“They say it is Jonathan ’s administration that owes these debts. I believe that anybody that is calling for probe must also ensure that this probe is extended beyond the Jonathan administration.

“Otherwise, to me, it will be witchhunt. If we are very sincere, it is not only the Jonathan administration that should be probed, ” he said.

He said his government has had to operate under the harshest of conditions, some of which were politically motivated.

The DSS ’ defence The DSS, in the midst of all these, came up with an explanation as to why it raided the Abuja and Sokoto homes of a former National Security Adviser, Sam-

bo Dasuki, saying it launched the operation after obtaining intelligence that the former NSA planned to commit treasonable felony against the Nigerian state.

The statement which was signed by one Tony Opuiyo (who had no designation) was circulated to few editors just minutes close to midnight of last Saturday.

In a statement, the DSS said it recovered sophisticated arms and ammunitions, military related gears and 12 new vehicles, including five bullet-proof cars from Mr. Dasuki ’s home.

The statement said: “On 16th July, 2015, about 1650 hours, based on credible intelligence linking the immediate past NSA, Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Col rtd) with alleged plans to commit treasonable felony against the Nigerian State, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a search on the properties belonging to the former NSA, Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Col rtd). The properties are on Nos. 13, John Khadiya Street, Nos. 46, Nelson Mandela Street, both at Asokoro, Abuja, and Nos. 3 Sabon Birni Road, Gwiwa Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

“The search was thoroughly conducted, and several items recovered, among which some were incriminating items.

These include seven high caliber rifles, (high assault weapons), several magazines and military related gears.

“The team also recovered 12 new vehicles, out of which five were bullet proofs.

13

These vehicles which are all exotic vehicles were retrieved from Sambo ’s residence having failed to produce evidence of ownership. For instance, what could he be doing with five bullet proof cars as a retired NSA? These cars which from all available evidence were purchased with tax payers ’ money, were being kept for possible sinister enterprise.

“The Service would want to state categorically that this search operation is not a witch hunt. The Service decided to move at this time in line with current Management resolve to be proactive and pre-empt individuals with penchant for impunity and lawlessness from putting back the nation to the dark days.

“On the search of his three properties, including the Sokoto residence, the Service is aware that in his capacity and given his antecedents, he might decide to use any of his residences for such diabolical plans, rather than his main residence ”.

Why they are after me After the siege on his Abuja residence was lifted, Dasuki accused the Buhari administration of witch hunt, saying he was badly treated despite his effort at being fair to all while in office.

He accused Buhari of being desperate to nail him on trump up charges of corruption and treasonable felony “I was fair to all as NSA. Even when I had security cause to act on some issues, inflammatory comments and actions against the government of the day by those in the opposition, I exercised restraint. I did not restrict anyone ’s movement, I never asked security agents to occupy anybody ’s house.

“But that is the new change we have, this is our own definition of democracy.

All I know is that everything has a beginning and an end in a democracy. I gave my best for this transition, which led to the victory of the opposition over the ruling party, ” Mr. Dasuki was quoted as saying.

Falana, Fayose, others slam DSS The DSS has however come under a wave of attacks from many quarters.

Expectedly, the PDP fired the first salvo, accusing the Buhari administration of a witch-hunt.

Then came the governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, who described the invasion as a sign of the return to the days of military dictatorship in Nigeria.

While condemning the action in a statement, Mr. Fayose said it sounded strange that the former NSA could be so maltreated through military action over a flimsy excuse of refusing to honour a summon by the SSS. “Persecution of Peoples Democratic Party stalwarts and others perceived as opposed to the All Progressives Congress federal government is an ominous sign of imminent return of dictatorship and draconian rule in Nigeria, ” the governor said.

He advised that those heavily armed security men that invaded Col. Dasuki ’s Abuja and Sokoto homes should have been put to a better use by sending them to the Boko Haram ravaged North Eastern part of Nigeria.

On his part, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana in a statement made available to journalists said while the DSS was right to search Dasuki ’s homes, especially because they were armed with a valid search warrant, they were wrong to have seized his international passport without following the due process of the law.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

Opinion

14

Sunday July 26, 2015

Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

E-mail: sheffie2004@yahoo.co.uk 08094217972 (SMS only)

W

e might not know it, but Nigeria is still a source of awe across West Africa. Our summer vacation in some countries along the West African coast exposed this hidden fact. The idea to have my family go on a long trip across the West African borders was more of an adventure than leisure. But leisure was an integral part that will remain in the memory for a very long time. Liberia and Sierra Leone were of course clearly out of the plan. No amount of adventure will make one take the plunge into a deep ocean of risks. The Ebola scare and distance would not help the case of those two significant West African nations.

If you have read too much of History books, you are a Historian, a Journalist or an Academic in the Humanities or Social Sciences, crazy ideas will not be far from your head. You will imagine what prompted Mungo Park to criss-cross the Niger River, or David Livingstone to seek the length and breadth of Botswana; or wonder why the Lander Brothers and many other pre-colonial missionaries sought knowledge of the African coastal areas. Aside the economic or commercial gains, there were also the political and social inclines. You would look yourself up in the mirror and ask why you could not do it if foreigners who barely knew your domains could do it. Yes, they made long and difficult journeys and made lots of discoveries. But after their efforts, what more have Africans discovered for themselves?

From the many history books, all we can see about the pre-colonial discoveries along the West African coast is splendour! The coastline is beautiful, alluring, peaceful, healthy and full of life!!

The towns, villages and local languages of this

Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

Email: j.agwu@Ofrsc.gov.ng Tel: -8033026491, 8077690055

Continued from last week

But the available data and future projections show that Africa has the world’s most dangerous roads, that road traffic crashes are already killing more than 200,000 Africans and severely injuring at least a million more every year, and as economic development and accompanying motorization gather pace the situation is set to deteriorate. So now is the time to at last follow up the many words in the many African communiqués and action plans with serious and coordinated action. The Brasilia Conference and the inclusion of road safety in the SDGs can and must mark a step-change in response.”

What really has the FRSC done to deserve this at a time when back home there are dissenting voices on its service delivery especially on the drivers license. The FRSC previous and recent activities perfectly aligns with all the five pillars of the UN Decade of Action on road safety since 1988, even before the UN advocates on these model were rooted. On road safety management which is the first Pillar, the following

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Discovering Nigeria’s power and influence in West Africa area across the borders reveal the very strong cultural and linguistic affinities of these peoples before colonial demarcations of the continent.

The Ewe people are one nation colonially divided into two countries of Togo and Ghana; just as the names of towns, villages and landmarks between the coastal boundaries of Nigeria and Benin show that the Yoruba people have long been separated into two different countries. As a student of History and indeed as an academic and someone who has been inspired by books and stories of adventurers who had shaped the destiny of the African continent, private or family field trips have always been a dream and a passion. And from my reading of the Longman’s English comprehension text in primary school in which the Bako Family holiday travels across Nigeria were done in the family car, the idea of doing same had been an age-long wish. But better than the Bako travels, this one is done in style as it is from one African country to another, yet in a family car. Where the car would not go, it is parked in a safe place and other means of transportation are employed by the family The essence of the trip was to make my wife and children enter and feel, relax in and enjoy as many countries as possible. The other motive was to let them understand the similarities and differences between the peoples of the much ideologically divided but culturally and historically affiliated countries of the subcontinent. Uncertainty and hope, curiosity and despair created a mixed grill of excitement. I had done this with students over the years, embarking on African, European and American trips. It was time to start with my immediate family. The first thing required was to get myself acquainted with more current facts about these countries- their economy, exchange rates, medical and social issues, crime rate, distance, border behaviour, and so forth. The second was the vehicle papers processed for trans-border movements. This is called Lasse Passe. Then, I had to complete the processing and obtaining of international driving permit. The next was to begin to make assumptions, simulations, fantasize and set the mind in the long haul trip

mode.

The journey was a fascinating one. The significant discovery is the respect and fear West Africans seem to have redeveloped for Nigeria.

The plate/registration number often attracted the gendarmeries, immigration and police in Francophone countries, but each time we were flagged down, without even understanding our language, they often showed tremendous hospitality and tried to converse in pieces of French. In some cases, some broken English is spoken and some tried to communicate in Yoruba, asking where our destination was. “Bon voyage” was always the parting shot with lots of genuine excitement to have interacted with Nigerians. While it was often a case of hostility towards Nigerians at the borders, where lots of extortion of Nigerians was done in the past; the border posts had friendly officers who wasted no time in stamping our passports and smiled all along as they wished us safe journey.

In some cases, the border officials simply overlooked our vehicle and allowed us to pass unperturbed. At times, the mandatory but unofficial payment of 2,000 FCFA could be negotiated to 1,000 FCFA or even 300 FCFA. The Ghanaians at Aflao were the friendliest. In view of the notoriety of border post officials at Aflao, this was a pleasant surprise.

Aflao was notorious for not only hostility and high rate of extortion by security operatives, but also banditry and extreme sharp practices.

But that happened to be the place we had the easiest passage. The green Nigerian (ECOWAS) passport did not attract contempt or poor reception this time. Each time a West African official collects it, he smiles and makes complimentary remarks. These included, “hmmm, you strong people”, “great president”, “biggest economy”.

These were a surprise as we had expected that the Boko Haram stigma would have created some social conflict. But it was not so. The tags had been a great example of democracy, the power of the military, the leadership of a strong and incorruptible General, etc. In Togo and Ghana, we seemed to have enjoyed the

goodwill arising from the impact and value of our musical and movie stars, as some would ask after Ramsey, Omotola, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, and Davido. Where I bought musical CDs of Ghanaian acts, I got huge discounts simply because I was from Davido’s country. From Igolo to Lacondji to Aflao and Accra, the musical sets blaring in the streets and beaches (plages) rent latest Nigerian hip-hop and pop music. A front-page headline on one of Ghana’s newspapers had “Buhari Rejects Deziani’s $250m refund”, with lots of fine adjectives describing the President. Some mechanics who serviced my car in Togo told me that Nigerians were highly industrious and respected in Togo. One of them described Nigerians as “the most developed country with the strongest people”. The hotel attendants in all the places and countries visited wished to interact with us and learn more about Nigeria. The white people in the hotels were nice and quick to tell us they were planning to visit Nigeria soon for business or pleasure. No one was talking about the ugly sides of the country; not even as the television reports were showing images of Boko Haram bomb blasts in the Northeast of the country.

Our conclusion is that the change in leadership and the immediate gains of the current administration have done a world of good for the international image of Nigeria. It is a new beginning for the country, which has suddenly erased the old thinking and poor rating of Nigeria. This must be sustained. We also believe that there is a lot of respect or fear for the Nigerian military, for, each time we were flagged down by security agents on the roads and they came close and saw the “Nigerian Army” sticker, they slowed down their steps and approached with a lot of courtesy, with salutations, in some cases.

The sticker is there by virtue of a special civilmilitary affiliation since 2008.

• Dr. Folarin, an Associate Professor, is the immediate past Head of Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

ECA, World Bank and FRSC (2) significant initiatives were taken; accented to some International Conventions such as the Vienna and Geneva Conventions, and the establishment of the Federal Road Safety Corps via the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007, which empowers FSC as Nigeria’s Lead Agency for road safety Management. The Lead Agency on road safety is a world bank requirement for all countries especially in the developing countries.; notable characteristics are the authority to and responsibility to make decisions, control resources, coordinate efforts by all stakeholders involved in road safety management and traffic administration, and have adequate finances to use for road safety and should be publicly accountable for its actions. The Corps has also bridged the gap by initiating a National Strategy which has given birth to the FRSC Strategic Road Map, and Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (2014-2018) while in the area of data for monitoring and evaluation, the FRSC dashboard, database on road traffic crash, data on road traffic offenders ranks as priority.

Under Pillar two which deals with infrastructure, there exists a safe corridor project which is World Bank funded while it conducts road safety audit on roads nationwide. Under research and development, it makes government legally responsible for improving standards of road infrastructure ,promotes needs of all road user as part of urban planning, promotes development of new road infrastructure in addition to promote the use of alternative mode of land

transport, i.e, bicycle for commuters. On Pillar three which deals with safe vehicles, FRSC promotes vehicle safety regulation through guidelines for establishment of motor vehicle administration in states ,ensuring that new cars pass safety and crash test standards, collaborate with Nigeria Customs to prevent importation of new/ old cars that reduce set safety standards; in the area of fleet operators standards, it encourages advanced safety technologies in high occupancy fleet operators regulate fleet operators with minimum of five vehicles under the road transport safety standardization scheme in addition to promoting child safety measures through the use of standardized school bus for safely conveying younger members of the society and implements child restraint laws and encourage the use.

The Commission has blazed the trail on Pillar four and five respectively. Pillar four emphasizes on road user behavior where through education, it has developed road safety curriculum in schools, rebranded road safety clubs in schools, and also rebranded the special marshals to include celebrity special marshals and diasporas special marshal, a measure to involve a larger segment of the society in the fight against road carnage. Its efforts in the area of compliance to speed limits has led to the September 1,2015 agreed as enforcement date for commercial vehicles to fix speed limiters in their vehicles ,while battle on overloading is still on. Meanwhile its campaign to promote pedestrian safety, compliance to

drink driving laws, enforcement of usage of safety helmets by cyclist and increased pedestrian protection regulation are worth mentioning her. In the area of drivers licence, FRSC promotes the establishment of graduated drivers licensing system for novice drivers, sets and regulates standards for driving schools, while in the last pillarpost crash the following are noticeable initiatives-; Under pre-hospital care it, utilises toll free number(122) for prompt response to road crash victims anchored by FRSC Call Centre, expansion of ambulance service, road clinics and help areas nationwide and the provision of early rehabilitation to minimize both physical and psychological trauma. In the area of crash investigation, there exists today a safety engineering unit responsible for compulsory investigation of crashes involving over six deaths while it encourages justice for bereaved and injured victims of road crashes.

These initiatives are responsible for the accolades the FRSC received from the World Bank which adjudged the Commission as a model Lead Agency in sub Saharan Africa and the developing countries and is not surprising responsible for the level of partnerships through funding in the area of infrastructure development and capacity building just to mention a few.

•Agwu, an Assistant Corps Marshal, is Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 7HQ of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

15

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Man in the News Major General Tukur Yusufu Buratai

Army chief gets unwanted visitors AYO ESAN

M

ajor General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, was appointed the new Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday July 13, 2015.

He succeeded Air Marshall Alex Badeh.

A seasoned military officer, Buratai was born on November 24, 1960, at Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

On assumption of duty, he said Nigeria has suffered enough in the hands of Boko Haram, declaring it was time the military stamped out the insurgents.

He visited the troops in the volatile Borno central town of Konduga, and renamed the counter-insurgency operation from ‘Zaman Lafiya ’ (Living in peace) to ‘Lafiya Dole ’ (Peace is a must), saying that enough is enough.

“As the insurgents have refused to understand and come out to do the right thing, we must force them out. There must be peace, peace is now, ” he declared.

He told troops not to wait for Boko Haram to attack, challenging them to take the battle to the insurgents ’ hideout.

“We have had enough from the terrorists, ” he stressed.

Buratai explained that the renaming of the operation would bring new direction, new vigour and “efficiently professional army. ” He noted that the counter-insurgency operation has been on for some time up till when it was named ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya ’, adding that, Nigerians had wished to live in peace but Boko Haram has made peace elusive to the people.

The Chief of Army Staff urged other collaborative agencies and the people to key into his vision in ending terrorism and insurgency in the North East and other security challenges in the South South, as well as the North Central.

He said “Lafiya Dole is derived from the belief that we must return peace to this area. ” The COAS told troops that he had been briefed about equipment and logistics challenges, promising to follow up discussions with their commanders before returning to the army headquarters.

As Chief of Army Staff, I will be actively involved in this ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole ’ to end the madness of Boko Haram, if I will have your collective maximum support and cooperation, ” he said.

“Since Boko Haram terrorists have refused peace (Zaman Lafiya), we will now force them to accept peace.

“The peace that permeated Borno and transcended Lake Chad will soon return.

My wish was to clear Konduga of Boko Haram vestige so that people can return home to rebuild their houses, ” the army chief vowed.

He visited troops in trenches and other fields of operation in the general area and concluded his visit with light exercise with the troops.

However, 48 hours after his visit, suspected Boko Haram militants took the battle to the General ’s home town. They burnt houses, including the family home of Nigeria ’s new army chief, in Buratai, Borno State where two were allegedly killed and several houses were razed.

But Buratai remains undaunted as he said the fight against the Boko Haram

would be total.

Buratai applied and gain admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, as member of the 29 Regular Combatant Course (29 RC) on 3rd January 1981.

After the successful completion of his officer Cadet training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on December 17, 1983, into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army.

He has attended several courses and seminars in Nigeria and abroad. He has also served in many formations, units and training institution where he held command, staff and instructional appointments .

He was a Platoon Commander at 26 Amphibious Battalion, Elele, Port Harcourt,

from January 19, 1984 to September 30, 1986. He was a Military Observer at the United Nations Verification Mission II in Angola from October 1 to August 30, 1987. He was again a Platoon Commander at 26 Guards Battalion from September 1to November 15, 1987, and later served as Company Second in Command (Coy 2ic) in the same unit from September 15, 1991 to August 14, 1994.

He was also a Platoon Commander at the Lagos Garrison Command Camp from August 15, 1994 to April 15, 1995.

He has also served as Staff Officer to the Principal Staff Officer to the then Head of State at the State House from April 20, 1995 to July 23, 1998, before his appointment as Officer Commanding (OC) at 82 Motorized Battalion from July 24, 1998 to July 11, 1999.

He was Second in Command to the Commanding Officer of 81 Battalion from August1, 2000. He served as General Staff Officer Grade 1 in Charge of Training and Operations (GSO1 Trg/ Ops) at the Army Headquarters Garrison from February 14, 2001 to July 14, 2001.

Thereafter, he became a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) from August1, 2001 to March 16, 2004, where he was awarded the prestigious “Pass Staff College Dagger ” (PSC(+)) appellation.

Subsequently, Gen Buratai served as Colonel Plans at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Policy of Plans from March 17, 2004 to December 4, 2007, and then Assistant Chief of Staff in charge of Administrative Matters (ACOS G1) at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre from February 16, 2009 to December 29, 2009 before his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. He was again at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College where he served as Director of the Department of Land Warfare from December 30, 2009 to January 27, 2011, before his appointment as Commander 2 Brigade Nigerian Army where he served from January 28, 2011 to January 25, 2013.

While at 2 Brigade Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, he was also the Commander, Sector 2 of Operation Pulo Shield Joint Task Force. On his promotion to the rank of Major General, he was appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji where he served from January 26, 2013 to February 15, 2014.

On February 17, 2014, he was appointed Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters.

Until his new appointment, he was the Force Commander of the newly reconstituted Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES July 26, 2015

TITILOPE MORAKINYO

V

aginitis is a medical term used to describe various conditions that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina. It refers to the inflammation of both the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals). These conditions can result from an infection caused by organisms such as bacteria, yeast, or viruses, as well as irritations from chemicals in creams, sprays, or even clothing that has a contact with the area. In some cases, vaginitis results from organisms that are passed between sexual partners.

Vaginal discharge serves as an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system as fluid made by the glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria which keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection.

Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal.

The amount can vary, as odour and hue, as its colour can range from clear to a milky whitish, depending on the time in the menstrual cycle. For example, there will be more discharge if one is ovulating, breastfeeding, or are sexually aroused. The smell may be different if one is pregnant or haven’t been diligent about one’s personal hygiene.

The vagina creates its own environment and maintains a balance among the normal bacteria found there and the hormonal changes in a woman’s body. It happens when the vaginal ecosystem has been changed by certain medications such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptive preparations both oral and topical, douches, vaginal medication, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, stress, and change in sexual partners.

Nearly 75 per cent of all adult women have had at least one genital yeast infection in her lifetime. Vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but twelve to fifteen percent of men will develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans and it can spread to other parts of the body, including skin, mucous membranes, heart valves, esophagus, and other areas. It can cause life-threatening systemic infections in people with weakened immune defenses such as women who are pregnant and people who are HIV positive, have diabetes, or are taking steroids.

In an interview with Sunday Mirror, a medical practitioner with Graceville Hospital, Lagos, Dr Kenneth Osilu, defines virginal infection as candidiasis, and a common female condition caused by the fungus Candida. This fungus is associated with intense itching, swelling, and irritation.

Three out of four women will experience a yeast infec-

Vaginal infection in women

tion at one point in their lives and once they get the infection, they are also likely to get another one.

Vaginal infections left untreated can have a direct impact on how severe the symptoms are, they include: itching, burning, large or small amounts of vaginal discharge, often whitish gray and thick, although there are also times the discharge can be watery, pain during sex, soreness and rashes on the privates.

On the risk factor he said, “Infections are common in women who take antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics which are effective against a wide range of bacteria; kill healthy bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to the overgrowth of yeast. It also appear to be occur more frequently in women with increased estrogen levels, for instance, women who are pregnant and those taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or taking estrogen hormone therapy.

Also the infection can occur in women who have uncontrolled diabetes, those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels, impaired immune system such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection are more likely to contact the infections.”

Dr Kenneth noted on how to prevent the infection, most targeted at avoiding bacteria growth near the vagina, sufferer should avoid wearing tight pants, panty-

Ebola: Out of the news but still hitting Africa Ebola briefly returned to the headlines this week with a scare at a hospital in New York, but the deadly virus continues to claim victims in West Africa, dealing a devastating social and economic blow to some of the world’s poorest countries.

However, the epidemic, which is now in its second year, has also highlighted the surprising resilience of other nations in the region.

“The public is not always aware of what’s happening in West Africa, but we’re still seeing 20 to 30 new cases of the disease in Sierra Leone and

Guinea every week and Liberia had a resurgence recently,” Kent Brantly, an American doctor who survived Ebola after contracting it from patients in West Africa.

Although the epidemic has waned from its peak at the end of last year, when hundreds of new cases were diagnosed every week, it has so far proved impossible to eradicate completely. Concerns exist that the epidemic may never be fully eliminated.

The World Health Organization (WHO), estimates that over 27,000 people have con-

tracted Ebola since December 2013, of which more than 11,000 have died. Symptoms include bleeding from multiple orifices, severe weight loss and red eyes. There is currently no cure.

The vast majority of victims are from the three countries at the center of the epidemic, namely, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Thirty news cases were reported in total in these countries in the week to July 12, 2015, with Sierra Leone posting a one-month high of 14 new sufferers, according to the WHO.

hose, tights, or leggings, avoid using feminine deodorant or deodorant tampons/pads, do not sit around in wet clothing, especially bathing suits.eat a well-balanced diet, eat yogurt or take supplements with lactobacillus, wear natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk, avoid sitting in hot tubs or taking frequent hot tub baths, wash underwear in hot water, avoid douching and change feminine products frequently.

On the treatment he said, “Yeast infections are simple to diagnose, as doctors begin by getting information regarding the medical history, which includes whether the patient had prior yeast infections like sexually transmitted infection. The next step is a pelvic exam, checking the vagina and the surrounding area to see if there are external signs of infection, also examining the vaginal walls and cervix. Depending on what the doctor discovers, they take a vaginal culture to send to the lab for confirmation.

Description of drugs or over- the –counter form includes antifungal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository. Common antifungal medications are Gynazle, Lotrimin, Monistat, and Terazol or a single dose of oral medication such as Diflucan Patients should make sure they use their drugs according to the doctor’s prescription and regular checkups will also be necessary to avert recurrence”, he stated.

HEALTH NEWS

Malaria: Coartem 80/480mg gets WHO prequalification Novartis anti malaria medicine Coartem 80/480mg today received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, making it the first and only high strength (80/480mg) Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) antimalarial treatment available for public sector procurement.

This new dosage strength*, has the potential to improve malaria management. WHO prequalification of Coartem® 80/480mg now allows for broad-scale public sector procurement, possibly providing access to the treatment to as

many as 25 million malaria sufferers across Africa.

“Over the last ten years, Novartis has worked with partners to make Coartem® treatments available to patients in the public sector and through donor-funded private sector programs,” said Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis.

“WHO prequalification of Coartem® 80/480mg aligns with the longstanding work of the Novartis Malaria Initiative and confirms the company’s status as a leading innovator in malaria treatment.”

Although preventable and

treatable, malaria was responsible for approximately 584,000 deaths in 2013. One Coartem® 80/480mg tablet is bioequivalent to four tablets of Coartem® 20/120mg**2, resulting in a lower pill burden for patients – six tablets for completion of the course of treatment, compared to the previous 24. Studies have shown that patient adherence to ACTs varies considerably, from 39% to 100%3. Failure to complete the full treatment course may reduce treatment efficacy and allow malaria parasites to develop resistance to the drug.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR  PUBLISHER All the Facts, All the Sides

SUNDAY OLAJIDE  MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON  ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI  SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN  SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA  COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE  EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE  ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN  ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Buhari’s recovery plan of looted $150bn

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has given Nigeria’s anti-corruption crusade a boost when he asked his USA counterpart, Mr. Barack Obama to come to his administration’s rescue in locating the $150 billion he alleged was stashed in foreign banks by political office holders in the administrations before him, and the repatriation of same back to Nigeria. He made the declaration in Washington DC during his just ended four-day official visit to America. The development is a very bold step that underscores the President’s commitment to the anticorruption crusade. His courageous enlistment of the West in the recovering of the stolen funds poignantly demonstrates the top spot corruption fight occupies in his administration’s scheme of things. We now expect the West to walk the talk of their pledged support for Nigeria in her travails.

Echoes of Nigeria’s corruption scourge are very unnerving. Between independence in 1960 and May 1999, when the seed of this democratic dispensation was sown, about $600 billion was looted from the nation’s public coffers, according to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report. The same report had it that stolen monies stashed in foreign bank accounts increased from $50 billion in 1999 to $170 billion in 2003, three years into the new dispensation. The systematic pillage of Nigeria’s resources and concomitant arrest of her development potential have caused alarm globally, and equally spurred frenzied articulations of intermediation measures that could save Africa’s biggest hope.

Such global concerns are understandable given that corruption undermines nations’ developmental efforts by diverting financial resources from the needed social infrastructures that could make Nigeria more competitive. It is known to drain nations’ treasuries of funds that could improve education service provisioning necessary for enhancing Nigeria’s socioeconomic future. And corruption stunts spending on healthcare provisioning without a country’s

health is not guaranteed.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, appreciating the enormity of the corruption challenge when he was sworn in on May 29, 1999, as Nigeria’s first democratically elected president under this political dispensation, responded to the exigency by establishing two high profile anti-corruption agencies - the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) inaugurated on September 29, 2000 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), established in 2003, as added impetus for combating

THE SAME REPORT HAD IT THAT STOLEN MONIES STASHED IN FOREIGN BANK ACCOUNTS INCREASED FROM $50 BILLION IN 1999 TO $170 BILLION IN 2003, THREE YEARS INTO THE NEW DISPENSATION the burgeoning corrupting scourge in the country.

If with these efforts that complement those of the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal Character Commission and the Public Complaints Commission, the nation is still mired in pervasive corruption that has wreaked serious damage on the country, it is very clear that our various corruption intermediation measures are too few and far between or have failed woefully. The stunning leakage of a whopping $150 billion from the coffers of the nation over a 10 year period and other visible scars of a country seriously wracked by the social malaise, the reevaluation of our anti-corruption template has become imperative. And a critical part of this reevaluation is a diagnostic review of the extant government paradigm.

The much we can say here, given the space constraint, is that we should strengthen the capacities of the anticorruption agencies and institutions to make them more functional and ef-

fective. More importantly, the existing anti-corruption laws - the Electoral Act 2010; the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000; the Money Laundering [Prohibition] Act, 2004; the Public Procurement Act, 2007; the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Act, 2007; the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007; the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption 2007; the United Nations Conventions Against Corruption 2007; and the Freedom of Information Act - should receive vigorous publicity to create awareness of their existence and how they could be put into more efficacious use.

There is no better time than now for a total overhaul of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to deal with its opacity. As presently constituted, the corporation represents the major source of corruption in the country, a fact that makes it dysfunctional.

Perhaps, we should add that lawyers and judges must be made more relevant to the anti-corruption war by making them put national interest above unbridled commitment to the rule of law.

One serious area undermining the anti-corruption war is the opaque approach to defence spending. Available records show that between 2011 and 2015, Nigeria spent N4.62 trillion to prosecute the ongoing terror war. Most often, the deployment of the funds were shrouded in utmost secrecy, a development that is antithetical to probity and accountability. The recent development where the immediate past National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd) and Chief Security Officer to the ex-president, Mr Gordon Obuah, were grilled to give information on security spending by the last administration, does not recommend such unwholesome practices.

These are serious areas that call for review to give fillip to the ongoing war to stem corruption in the country. The time has come for all Nigerians to place the survival of the country above their respective personal interests.

Reminiscences JULY 26 IN HISTORY Egypt Suez Crises Begins 1956 Egypt Suez Crisis Begins July26, 1956 - The Suez Crisis begins when Egyptian President, Gamal Abdel Nasser, nationalizes the British and Frenchowned Suez Canal, hoping to charge tolls that would pay for construction of the Aswan dam on the Nile.

Grasshoppers descends on crops in USA 1931 U.S.A. Grasshopper Swarms July 26, 1931 - The Midwest and heartland of the United States are in the midst of a bad drought when swarms of grasshoppers descended on crops throughout the American heartland, devastating millions of acres.

UK set for strikes against IRA 1939 United Kingdom IRA Roundup July 26, 1939 - The British government is set for lightening strikes against the IRA ( Irish Republican Army ) to round up over 5,000 suspects to stop the sabotage and terrorist activities now that the new emergency government bill has been passed.

US President seizes Japanese Assets 1941 U.S.A. Japanese Assets Seized July 26, 1941- President Franklin Roosevelt seizes all Japanese assets in the United States in retaliation for the Japanese occupation of French Indo-China.

Conservative Party loses election 1945 Great Britain Clement Attlee July 26, 1945-: Winston Churchill’s Conservative party loses the general election to the Labour Party and Clement Attlee, the Labour leader, is sworn in as the new British leader, Attlee had campaigned on an enlarged system of social services would be created as outlined in the wartime Beveridge Report.

Evan Peron dies 1952 Argentina Eva Peron July26, 1952-: Eva Peron, died today of a prolonged illness she was known as Evita (Little Eva) to the people of Argentina, Earthquake in Yugoslavia 1963 Yugoslavia Earthquake Strikes Skopje July 26, 1963- Skopje, Yugoslavia’s 4th largest city was struck by an earthquake which reduced the city to ruins. It is estimated many thousands died as 80% of the city was left in ruins.

South American political turmoil causes concern 1978 South America Political Turmoil July26, 1978- The continuing turmoil in South American politics have many in the west concerned for democracy in the area. In just a short time we have seen a coup in Bolivia.

General Augusto Pinochet Junta in Chile ousting the only Liberal member left.

In Paraguay, the opposition party leader was snatched from the street and jailed after speaking out against the corruption of the ruling party.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

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Praise Worship E-mail:yemiolakitan@gmail.com

E-mail:cossyodi@yahoo.com

EDIFYING GOD Sunday July 26, 2015

Prepare for the rapture of saints, warns Pastor Muokaa 24

People who will never die 42

QUOTE Bible is written for Christians and requires teaching and learning. It is not an ordinary book like novel that can be read by an individual. Jesus instructed his disciples to go into the world to preach and teach.

Prof. Kunle Macaulay

Watch the operating i counsels Pr Oloruntim

41

Transgender:

For God or science 22 & 233

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Vineyard

Briefly Supernatural Harvest Convention 2015 at CLMC

Celebration

C

ity of Life Miracle Centre is set to hold a week-long celebration starting with a miracle service (Bring the sick) on Sunday, August 9 from 9am-12noon.

The programme tagged “Supernatural harvest convention 2015” will continue on Monday 10 to Saturday 15 with the first and second sessions holding from 9am-9pm (Freedom from Bareness in Marriage & Ministry and Breaking Miracle Services respectively).

The grand finale comes up on August 16, 2015 with celebration and ordination miracle service at the church headquarters located at 2, Odozi Street, Oremeta Junction, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos.

The hosts, Apostle and Dr. (Mrs.) Okwok, Rev. Prince Ohene-Asare (Ghana), Apostle O.S.A. Ayemo, Rev. Kingsley Alfred (London), Rev. Remi Adeyinka and other notable servant of God will minister at service which will feature deliverance, miracles, prophesy, breakthrough as attendees are assured of freedom for the rest of the year.

TWOREM holds Holy Spirit convention

Sunday July 26, 2015

Christians urged to appreciate God ...as RCCG holds convention

T

he Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) Int’l a.k.a. Prophetic and Solution Chapel, Lagos will hold its 2015Holy Spirit convention with the theme “Let there be light” from August 3-9, 2015 According to the convener and President of TWOREM Int’l, Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel a.k.a.

Baba Sekunderin, the programme will begin with “BOJUWOMI” (a quarterly programme) from 7a.m to 3p.m, and end with anointing night on Friday and thanks giving service on Sunday August 9 at Sekuderin Int’l Miracle Prayer Mountain, Adegbayi Olode, New Ife Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.

On hand to minister the-word of-God are Prophet Oladipupo Fumilade Joel, Folorunso Macaulay, among others, as seasoned gospel artistes such as Evangelists Toyin Ilori (Akoko-Mi-To), Bukola Akinade (Senwele), Joy Oluwashina Osuba wil be on hand to supply melodious tunes.

FARIM celebrates founder’s birthday ceremony

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ctivities marking birthday ceremony of the general overseer/ presiding pastor of the Freedom Foundation Apostolic Revival International Ministry, Prophet Sam Omoloju Jesu (Prophet with proof) will begin power packed revival on August, 1st – 6th at 32, Olayiwola Street, New-Oko-Oba/Abule-Egba, Lagos at 5pm daily.

It will continue at FARIM City/Camp beside Caleb University, along old Ijebu-Ode Road, Imota Ikorodu, Lagos where FARIM branches is will converge for grand finale between 7th – August 9th, 2015 for 24hrs session. Other Activities lined for the event includes; Free Medical / Health – Care Services, Free Eye Test, Free Glasses, Visiting Orphanage Homes, Needy, Seminar for youth, Marriage Counseling, Musical Concert, Football competition, Crusade among others at 8am daily.

Pst. & Pst (Mrs) Taiwo Kolawole and some of the Committe members

ODINAKA URUAKPA

T

he Pastor- in -Charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Blessing area, Pastor Taiwo, has urged Christians to make out time to come together as one body to appreciate God for what He has done in their lives so that He (God) will continue to do more for them.

Taiwo, who gave this charge at the annual area women convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Blessing area tagged: “Faithful Christian Woman”, also urged the women to use the opportunity of the gathering where they share life experiences to learn from one another important lessons to move ahead positively in life.

“This convention is a period and opportunity given to the womenfolk to gather and look at various aspects of their lives; for those things they have done well and those they need to improve upon. We need to appreciate God for the life He has given us and His blessings upon these women who have been contributing their own quota to both spiritual and national development. I know that all they learn here today, they will apply in their family and society and at the end they will continue

Cross Section of guests at the convention

to raise good children who would become worthy citizens and eventually good leaders of the nation”, he said.

In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Modupe Kolawole, revealed that the convention is an annual event organised for and by the women in the church to provide them with the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from one another and progress in a positive and cooperative manner.

“This year’s theme gotten from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is “Faithful Christian woman”, I believe will offer a rare opportunity to reflect upon our achievements and the important contributions the women in our area have made and will continue to make towards sustaining and improved work-life and our standard of living. I certainly don’t have to look too far afield to find such outstanding contributions; such a thing would not have been possible without the leadership and hard work of all the women in the area.

I give praise and adoration to the exalted name of the almighty God for the privilege to be a partaker of the blessings of this year’s Women Conference and the opportunity to be at this conference will not only afford participants the opportunity of a sober reflection and evaluation of spiritual progress and exploits made in the past years, but also bring about a spiritual re-awakening and with its attendant benefits of equipping

women to be better prepared for the challenges of life and building in them a sense of patriotism and selfless service to the body of Christ and the society”, she stated.

Speaking further on the theme for the convention, Kolawole revealed that it is divinely inspired to call the women’s attention to the need to give deserved recognition to the unmerited favours which they continually receive from God and is evident in all aspects of their lives, but which unfortunately, they take for granted.

“Therefore, at a time like this, the question that we should ask ourselves is, what can we do to reciprocate this undeserved kindness of God to us? In other words, how much of a blessing are we to others.

As Christian women, we should always evaluate the level of our contribution towards ensuring the growth and development of our society, particularly, in ministering to the needs of others”, she urged.

She continued: “On this note, dear sisters in Christ, I enjoin you to make full proof of your ministries as women, wives and mothers with peculiar talents and unique attributes that are presently needed to bring about our dream, where the fear and reverence of God, a genuine concern for the welfare and wellbeing of others and the love for God, our neighbours and nation will always take a pride of place. In conclusion, I congratulate the Area Good women fellowship for a successful conference.”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit 21

Sunday July 26, 2015

Follow me as I follow christ Miracle Arena with Bishop

Theo Ugochukwu (1st Corinthians 11:1) “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

T

he below story is captioned “Be Such a Brother”, and it is summarily telling us the kind of brother and neighbour we ought to be towards one another.

A well-to-do businessman gave a fine car to his brother. One day when the brother went to the place he’d parked the car, he saw a ragged boy looking the car over with great interest.

Instead of saying, “Get away from that car, kid,” he smiled at the youngster.

The boy was the first to speak. “Is that car yours, Mister?” “Yes, it is,” was the reply. “What did it cost?” was the next question. “Nothing,” said the man.

The boy looked at him curiously and said, “You don’t look like the kind of guy who would steal a car.” The owner laughed and said, “No, it was a present from my brother.” The boy seemed incredulous. “Do you mean to say he gave

it to you as a present, and it didn’t cost you anything?” “That’s right.”

Then the boy said the most surprising thing of all: “I sure do wish I could be such a brother as yours.” One might have expected him to say, “How I wish I could have such a brother as yours.”

The man asked him what he meant, and he explained: “I’ll tell you. My youngest brother had polio and he can’t walk to see all the shops in town and enjoy the toys, at least by seeing them in the windows.

How I wish I had a car like this to take him around.

Our father died, and we won’t get any presents this Christmas. But at least I can walk along the streets and enjoy the shop windows; my brother can’t even do this.

That’s why I’d like to be a brother like your brother”.

Paul is telling us to be a brother like this, to put others first.

Paul says in 1st Corinthians 9:22, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

In other words to become what they need for their understanding when it comes to Christ” Paul’s willing adjustment of his living in order to identify with those to whom he witnessed was part of what today we call pre-evangelism. What he did in this regard was not a part of the gospel; it had nothing to do with the gospel. But it

helped many unbelievers to listen to the gospel and be more open to receive it.

He related to them and their needs, he was a friend to them.

Paul then goes on in verse 1 of chapter 11 to give us the example he follows and that we should follow as well. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”. A picture of Christ example is in Philippians 2:1-11. If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. We should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name

of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The apostle proceeds in exhortations to Christian duties. He presses them largely to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus, the great pattern of humility and love.

Today, the question is “Are you worthy to be followed, can one actually close his and follow you, without fear of being misled? Do you possess the credible examples that are of emulating? If you are not confident enough to affirm to these questions, I encourage you to re-examine yourself, take a bold step back to God, just like the prodigal son did, and your return will be celebrated on the last day.

God bless you Bishop Theophilus Ugochukwu.

•For more information, contact: Bishop Theo Ugochukwu – General Overseer, Miracle Assembly Bible Church, a.k.a. The City of Joy, 80, Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos; Tel: 08033461482.

Email: bishopgracemiracle@ ymail.com

Our tasks as committed teachers of the word The Shepherd with Pastor Akinyele

I

Aluko

n the ancient days, that is the Old Testament Days, the first schools were for the Ministers of God-Priests and all that serve in the Holy Places and for Musicians. (2 Chronicles 23:13).

Moving from the Old Testament to the New and bearing in mind that Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ reestablished and reinforced the title of TEACHER, there is the need for us to redefine the tasks of the Teacher before we even talk of Commitment.

A Teacher in the Church setting is supposed to bring abundant blessings to God’s People through thorough education and admonition. The implication of this is that everybody serving in God’s vineyard must be true Teachers who can bring blessings to the congregation of God. These Blessings include but not limited to: Living and not dying.

(Ephesians 2:5) “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) (Colossians 2:13) “And you, being dead in your sins and the un circumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;” Praying in the spirit. (Jude 20) “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” Enlightenment about the world. (1 John 2:17) “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” Protection from evil forces (Deuteronomy 33:12) “And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall

cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.” Bearing of Fruits.

(John 15:2) 12. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Readiness to sacrifice (Romans 12:1 ) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Psalm 116: 17) “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.” Courageous like a Lion. (Joshua 19: 47) “And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.” Fulfillment (Philippians 4:19) “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ( 2 Cor. 9: 8) “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” Blessed (Psalm 144) “Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:…….Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord”.

What is the level of our preparedness as teachers of the word? Ezra 7:10 says: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” With the above, Ezra was able to get the commission as we can see in Ezra 7:25 “And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.”

The BIG question is: What is the level of our preparedness as Teachers of the word? If

what I am saying here has not gone deep into you, let’s see what the Bible says in 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” This is already happening.

Many leaders in the Churches today, lead the Sheep by following the Sheep. You cannot do both. You either will lead them and do what God has ordained for you to do, or you will scratch their itching ears by following their every whim and wish. This is why we are where we are today. In our local environment, many are Prophets who ought not to be, many are Teachers who ought not to be and many are Shepherds who ought not to be because they are not prepared. Many are self seeking, selfish, with limited knowledge and pathological liars. In the larger Christian Community, that is why we have today same sex marriage approved by the Church and other evils like Churches where all worship naked claiming Edenic innocence. You do an injustice to people who follow you if you do not lead them through proper teaching and education. God always gives his anointed leaders a “Mantle” or special ability to do the job He assigns them. It may be tough sometimes but to do anything less than lead is to rank the God who chose you as second-rate Himself.

Unless he did not call you.

You may be wandering about my ramblings but if you are not in tune with me yet, what I am saying is that to correct all the above, the bulk starts and ends on the table of the Teachers. As Teachers, do we have an idea of how important our words and actions are in the plan of God? Isa-

iah 30:20 says: “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:” You have never been hidden, and you will never be hidden.

In other words, the dislocation started from us. Bishop Eddie Long, Pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta Georgia said; “the Church should showcase the ideal. We should be standing proof that our invisible God is real and very much alive.

Instead, our actions seem to say He is a liar or totally nonexistent.” Let’s read what the Bible has to say about the above.

Isaiah 43:27-28: “Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me. Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.”

Hebrews 5:12 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”

2 Peter 2:1-2 “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”

Be the good teacher that Jesus wanted you to be and you will see the glory of God in your life and the congregation of the people. Happy Sunday.

•Apostle Pastor Akinyele Aluko is the Shepherd of the English Service Chapel, Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere Sub-Headquarters, Ayo Ni O.e-mail: eyealuko2002@yahoo. co.uk, 08050463889.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Transgender: For God T

ransgender or Trans for short means someone whose gender differs from the one they were given when they were born. Transgender people may identify as male or female, or they may feel that neither label fits them. The term could also be defined as the state of one’s gender identity or gender expression not matching one’s assigned sex.

According to Wikipedia, this state of being is independent of sexual orientation, as transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, etc; some may consider conventional sexual orientation labels inadequate or inapplicable to them.

In order to express their chosen gender, transgender people may transition, or change, from the gender they were given at birth. They may change their names, pronouns or style of dress.

Some transgender people also choose a medical transition, with the help of medical specialists, who will prescribe hormones and/or surgery.

In the past, there have been cases of persons who lived as a different gender to the one they were given when they were born. For example, someone who was born a boy may feel very strongly that they are really a girl and take up the lifestyle of a girl. In the same vein, someone labeled a girl at birth may later realise that they should be male and decide to live as that; this category of people were tagged transsexuals, medically.

Though the earliest cases of transsexuality discovered on American soil, dates back to the 16th century, but those involved dare not show themselves in public as they were seen at the time as misfits of society and were officially classified by the American Psychiatric Association as having gender identity disorder.

Historically, as time went on and as more people got attracted to the idea; they started clamouring for rights and these gender non-conforming people became more commonplace in the late 1980s, and they got what they wanted because from then onwards people were given the freedom to change their gender if they were not comfortable with the one they were born in through medical assistance, and there began the issue of transgender.

From Wikipedia accounts, some of the young people who are involved in this transition felt that male or female are labels that do not work for them while others felt like they want to change the gender they have been living in during their childhood. But if one were to be judgmental, what could lead adults and parents for that matter to undergo such transformation like in the case of a 65 year old popular American who made it as a man and father and in his old age decides he would have a better image as a woman?

Well these are perilous times like some Christians would claim.

The most recent popular case of transgendering: American athlete, Bruce Jenner, who has changed into a woman named Caitlyn Jenner

People undergoing sex change or gender reassignment as some call it are gaining more attention especially as more celebrities follow this strange path. However Christians are facing an uphill task challenging the new thinking that allows all sorts under the guise of human rights protection.

ODINAKA URUAKPA goes on a fact finding mission as she speaks to clerics on transgender culture.

According to the Director of Studies, United Bible University, Ojodu, Ogun State Prof. Kunle Macaulay, God is the only one and true creator who gave man scientific knowledge which he claimed that some people are using wrongly.

“As far as I am concerned, biblically, there is only one creator and that is God. God has created us the way He wants us to be; He has created man to be a man and a woman to be a woman.

Now this idea of changing or believing that you have to change your sex is an insult to God and it is biblically and morally wrong”, he said.

Macaulay further claimed that though God gave man the good knowledge of science, Satan is also using same knowledge as a tool to deceive man.

“I am not disputing the fact that science is very good for man’s advancement, but it also has its own disadvantages as Satan is using science to deceive people and that is why Christians, especially the theologians and the Christian experts have to study and compare science and the Bible and whatever science does that is not confirmed by the Bible, should be ignored or should not be accepted. When you talk about abortion, when you talk about homosexuality and all other stupid things that we are experiencing now in the world, it is the act of Satan and when you look at the Bible,

I THINK IT IS CRAZINESS; THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CHANGING THEIR SEX FROM THAT WHICH GOD ORIGINAL GAVE THEM ARE CRAZY, PEOPLE ARE TURNING THEMSELVES TO BEASTS, THEY ARE NOT BEING APPRECIATIVE; THEY DON’T THANK GOD FOR WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT GOD HAS MADE THEM TO BE; I THINK IT IS ALL CRAZINESS AND INORDINATE MEDIATION. the Bible does not encourage any of these things; therefore, we as Christians should not accept any of these things, whether science is able to reproduce or produce, one thing I know is that science cannot create a man; it can only amend what God has already created which is an insult to God”, he asserted.

For Archbishop Ojo Joseph, General Overseer of Calvary Kingdom Church, Lagos, the idea of people undergoing gender transformation is a weird one.

“I think it is craziness; the people who are changing their sex from that which God original gave them are crazy, people are turning themselves to beasts, they are not being appreciative; they don’t thank God for who they are and what God has made them to be; I think it is all craziness and inordinate mediation.

Unfortunately, people think America is

the model. The in-thing, but America is nothing and very soon America will turn to Sodom and Gomorrah and I tell you, America is finished with its acceptance of gay marriage and other unnatural practices. How does one reckon with a place and government that allows freedom for men to turn themselves to women and women to be men; anyway, these are all signs of the last day; the end of the world is at hand and we should all prepare; both those who are waiting for Christ and those who are waiting for judgment”, he admonished.

Quoting the book of Romans chapter one, Ojo argued that since the people to whom God gave His word did not want to retain God in their knowledge, He (God) gave them over to reprobate minds that make them do things which are not convenient.

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Sunday July 26, 2015

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or science “What God’s word states in Romans chapter one is what is playing out now in the lives of these people because they don’t want to retain God in their knowledge; they don’t want to do anything to please God and because of that, the Bible says, God gave them onto reprobate minds and as it is, they are the worst for it. A sane mind would not be doing what they are doing; somebody that wants to live a normal life; that wants to raise a family will not say they want to go transform their gender because when they do that, the possibility of conception is over. These people are actually fighting against God and the design of God and this is sad”, he lamented.

On the suggestion of Africa taking Christianity back to the white man, the Archbishop said the white people may believe that they brought religion to Africa, but God actually gave the Christians in the continent salvation.

“I disagree that the white people brought religion to us. Those who are ungodly among the Africans want people to believe that Christianity is the white man’s religion; they are fooling themselves; they don’t know anything.

God id a spirit so, God is neither white nor black. Whoever said the white people brought religion to us is trying to say that God is white and that is not true; so I am saying it again and authoritatively that the white man neither brought religion nor salvation to us; Christ brought salvation to us. The Bible States that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself; so, it was God Himself who brought salvation to us and not the white man. Yes they must have embraced it first or seen it first; they may have brought it in a way, the white man never brought salvation to me and I am not serving God because of the white man and Christianity is not the white man’s religion like people wrongfully think”, he insisted.

The cleric also spoke on Nigeria president’s visit to America claiming that the Americans will put their cards on the table promising to help Nigeria if they are ready to accept gay marriage adding that the president has to weigh his options whether to make his government popular of fail woefully.

“I pray Buhari is a sane person, he will not buy in to gay propaganda that they will offer him there. I believe why Jonathan had problems with America is that he refused to accept their gay proposal and he (Jonathan) became unpopular. Nigerians supported his unpopularity because they think economy is better than moral decadence. Nigerians prefer to lose their moral value including clergies; it is very sad what is happening because America has no morals to offer anyone; that is for sure with all the unnatural practices they have sunk themselves into, well, it is only God who can save us, but meanwhile, let us keep our fingers crossed and see what good can come out of the

I DO NOT KNOW WHY A COUNTRY LIKE AMERICA WOULD ALWAYS START AND SUPPORT THINGS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO THE WILL AND COMMANDS OF

GOD. IT IS THE SAME PEOPLE THAT YOU SEE THE MEN WEARING EARRINGS LIKE WOMEN, GROWING AND LEAVING THEIR HAIR ALL IN THE NAME OF LOOKING FEMININE. president’s visit to America”, he said.

On his part, Primate I.O. Oyelowo, Pastor in charge of World of Life, Aladura Church, America is imbibing so many ungodly and unnatural cultures which they eventually try to sell to other people.

“I do not know why a country like America would always start and support things that are contrary to the will and commands of God. It is the same people that you see the men wearing earrings like women, growing and leaving their hair all in the name of looking feminine. They have done virtually everything to turn the Bible upside down and this is a shame for these breed of people who were among the first to witness Christianity. I am not surprised that the men and women there at any slight thought would resort to change the original gender they were born in because they have abused the scientific knowledge which God gave them by distorting the original way God had made things”, he averred.

Oyelowo said his only fear is for Africans not to copy the ungodly ways of these white men who he claimed lack faith and are depending on science do things at the detriment of the Bible.

“I find it so difficult to reckon with the ways and weird culture practiced in the western word, America in particular. Just like I pointed out earlier, about men going feminine by wearing earrings, it brings to mind what we discussed recently in my church

about women wearing these ornaments in moderation and now that we are discussing this more serious issue, yes for someone to change their sex type from what God actually created them is a very serious thing compared to the earring wearing of the men which if you even check well nay have been the beginning of people; men this time harbouring thoughts of becoming women; yes a man who wears earrings must certainly be wishing himself to be a woman and this is absolutely abominable and unchristian. I pray that Nigerians and Africans generally do not fall into the

same trap that the Americans and some other parts of the world are in right now because like Romans 1:21 clearly states when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened. I would implore that we read that particular portion that is Romans 1:21 to the end and see what the Bible has to say on all that is happening now and what lies in wait for those like the Americans who profess themselves as wise, but in the real sense of the word are actually foolish”, he submitted.

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From the

Pulpit Sunday July 26, 2015

Prepare for the rapture of saints, warns Pastor Muoka General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, urges believers to prepare for rapture.Excerpts:

1

Cor. 15: 51- 52 states, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed”.

Beloved, it is very important that we should not be ignorant of the fact that very shortly, the trumpet shall sound and the rapture of the saints shall take place and any person who is not prepared for this great event which is the next agenda of God Almighty will miss it and not have a second chance. Lots of evidences have shown that the world has gone it’s full circle and the next thing remaining is for the sheep to be separated from the goats, the saints distinguished from the sinners. It is a distinction in which every man shall be sentenced to a state of everlasting hapor piness misery. For at rapture, the wicked and saints t h a t dwell together in same c i t i e s, churches, families shall be separated and made known.

The saints shall be separated from the hypocrites and sinners and

Pastor Muoka

will be parted forever.

On that day, Christ will distinguish between those that are His and those that are not. And this distinction to be done between saints and sinners will remain forever. Rapture will be the day of the final account of the entire world. Sinners and saints have since being mingling together particularly in the church and are raising hands, but at rapture, they will be separated forever.

The place of the saints is a kingdom prepared. The Father provided it for them in the greatness of His wisdom and power, the Son purchased it for them and the blessed Spirit prepared it for them. It is prepared from the foundation of the world. It is for the saints, and they for it, y. from all eternity Matt. 25: 31-33 says, “When t e Son of man shall th the c me in his glory, and co come all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32.

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from sheep tthe he goats: 33 A nd he shall And set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the

left”.

Many people are playing to the gallery at the expense of the above scriptural context. But their attitudes cannot stop the programme of God. It has been destined from the beginning of the world that the Son of man shall appear in His glory at the end of time and all nations shall be gathered to Him and He shall separate the saints from the sinners. On His right hand will be placed those who will be honoured or those who are virtuous while at the left hand is the place of those that are dishonoured or condemned. If this is the case, we should take time to prepare and ensure that nothing is standing between us and God. Anyone who reads this message and refuses to do something with it will have himself/herself to blame on that day of rapture. g can utter it and no This is because no tongue heart can conceive the sorrows, pain, the trouble and horror which that day will bring upon such as are unready and unprepared for it.

Amos 4: 12- 13 says, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel”.

Having been warned of the impending destruction awaiting the unprepared, we must ensure we are not entangled in anything that could jeopardize our chances of escaping the wrath that will befall sinners on that day. If God is about to inflict the last and worst judgment on sinners, it is necessary we consider then what preparation we can make in order not to be among His foes for that would be madness to think of, if we fail to prepare.

Prov. 29: 1 says, “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy”.

The word of God warns all to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ. Those that go on in sin, in spite of admonition, shall be destroyed; those that will not be reformed must expect to be ruined. Sinners shall surely be destroyed without remedy.

Whoever that refuses to return from his evil ways, must be arrested by justice and according to the demands of the law.

But the saints must know that the end of all things is at hand and thus prepare to meet their G o d .

They must watch against all occasions of sin and pray for the supporting hand of God to be upon them for good, that they may escape the destruction that is coming upon the sinners and be saved when the scourge comes. The knowledge of the end drawing near should encourage them in their trials, and excite them to continue living a holy life.

I Pet. 1: 13-16 says, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14.

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy”.

The saints should fortify their minds with the consideration that He who has given us His Son Jesus will not withhold from us any manner of good thing. They must a keep up their hope steadfastly be sober, and persev and perseveringly to the end, for that grace salvat and salvation, for that perfection in holiness and glory, which God will certainly give us glo at the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. shou continue to expect all that God They should promi has promised, and particularly that utmost salvation, that glorification of body and whic they shall obtain at the revelasoul, which Ch tion of Christ, when He shall come to take His saints for rapture. As a business man h good clothe that he might be prepares his ready and expeditious in his business, so let the saints do by their minds and affections watchf against all spiritual dangers be watchful enem and enemies, and be temperate in all behavth iour. Let them restrain their extravagances, and let the vigour of their minds be exerted du and let them disengage themin their duty selves from all that would hinder them from ra making rapture and go on resolutely in their obedience obedience. sai must understand that they are The saints gover now governed by new laws, hence, should the lives in accordance with new mould their principles otherwise they will miss rapture. principles, shou know that their own former They should standards of morals and of opinions are no longer the their guide, but the will of God. They h must be holy as God is holy. As God is rep ally holy, positively holy, strictly and exactly holy, univ universally holy, and unchangeably holy, so m must the saints labour to be holy towar God and man in all manner of both towards conversati conversation.

God will no longer be the only pattern of their holiness, but the motive of holin their holiness.

Their holiness must be in acw the character of God who has cordance with called them into His kingdom. And God who c is holy. made the call Thess. 4: 3 -4 says, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should fro fornication: 4 That every one abstain from sh of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour”.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

PASSION A Lifestyle Magazine

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Sunday July 26, 2015

APPLAUSE ‘Power of women should’nt be underestimated’ >>27

I can’t dump my fiancé because of a beauty crown >>26

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Passion

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I can’t dump my fiancé because of a beauty crown –Anthonia Jemilugba, ex-beauty queen If you have dumped your boyfriend because you are now a beauty queen and your levels have changed, then you need to read this story. Or better still if you are on the verge of dumping your fiancé because of a beauty crown, then this story of Antonia Jemilugba the Miss Nigeria International Tourism, 2014, and a super model is meant for you. She told Adaeze Amos in this interview her tenure as a beauty queen.

It’s been a common thing for beauty queens to dump their boyfriends once they have the diamond-studded beauty crown on their heads; did you do the same thing?

It’s true that once a lady has a beauty crown, automatically her levels have changed (giggles) because she would be meeting greater personalities. But to be frank with you, I did not dump my boyfriend for dudes with fat wallets. I’m not that kind of lady. Why will I leave him? Someone who stood by me even when I was not a queen?

Someone who supported me to go for the contest and was there when I was crowned?

I never did that. To me, a beauty crown is just a platform to reach out to people, especially the down trodden. So, why should that make me dump my guy? No beauty queen should ever do that, it’s not fair.

What did you study?

I studied Botany from University of Lagos.

Before you became a beauty queen what else were you doing?

I was a full time model and up till now, I’m still a model. I have always been a model and it’s been fun all the way.

What was your first experience on the runway?

My first experience on the fashion runway was thrilling. One thing that was striking about me was my catwalks. Then of course my boldness stood me out. I was indeed bold and I walked with my shoulder high. Those two qualities of mine gave me an edge over other beauty aspirants that contested.

If you are to advise others who are aspiring to be beauty queens or who are preparing to attend beauty pageants, what would your advice be?

I will tell them to be bold. They should have confidence in themselves. Self confidence is the key! Another thing is that they should come prepared to answer questions from the panel of judges. Nobody will be willing to crown an empty-headed girl as a queen because such a person wouldn’t be able to represent the country well.

What do you think is the major challenge models in this part of the world are faced with?

Well, apart from the token that we are being paid, another major challenge is not being able to be connected. A model who is not connected would not be getting jobs and it would look as if she has been in the coolers. Or if her modeling agency is not getting jobs for her, then she would have no opportunity to exhibit her potentials. So, o, the major challenge facing us as models is not being connected to places where jobs bs could come from.

How many beauty aspirants contested with you last year?

We were 39 in number and I beat them all to clutch the diamond-studded ed crown. I’m grateful to God because it was God that gave me favour to be crowned.

Why were you the best over 38 others?

I believe it was God that singled me out and favoured me. Another er thing was that I was able to answer my questions well. I was eloquent and nd bold. Another thing that helped me was the simple fact that I had a good od command of English language. No one would want to crown a queen who ho wouldn’t express herself flawlessly. So, I would say that I got both beauty ty and brains and those were the things that gave me an edge over othhers. I make bold to say that I’m not an empty-headed beauty queen. n.

Another thing is that within me I know I posses the potential to bring out the brand in me. I think there were what the judges es saw in me that made them give me the crown.

Are you preparing to go for bigger beauty pageants?

Oh yes! That is important. I have the aim to go higher. I’m not just stopping at Miss Nigegeria International Tourism. I planning to go for or Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant. nt.

My target is to participate in the Miss World ld Beauty Pageant. I want to take over from where re Agbani Darego the first Nigerian beauty queen to be Miss World. I have what it takes to represent Nigeria out there.

During your tenure last year, how did you give back to the society that made you?

I did that by organizing some seminars/programs for or young girls where they were spoken to by experts in different nt walks of life. What I hate in my life is seeing young girls, minors so to say being giving out in marriage and not going to be educated. d.

Education is power you know. So, what I did was to organized prorograms where they were spoken to. Where they were told the truth th about being respectable citizens of Nigeria in the nearest future re so that they would also contribute their quota to their country ry.

And honestly most of them were happy because they benefited ed a lot from such programs. And while I did that, I never saw myyself as a beauty queen. I brought myself down, I saw myself lf as a normal girl or the girl next door so that they could relate te with me. And I’m happy they gained something from semiminars I organized.

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Applause

Sunday, July 26, 2015

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‘The power of woman can’t be underestimated in a male-dominated society’ ADAEZE AMOS

T

he psychedelic Olaseeni Abiola, from Ekiti state, has something in her that stands her out in the world of movies. Guess what it is? She is one of the very few actresses and movie producers that speaks both Igbo and Yoruba languages fluently. Hence, she features in both Igbo and Yoruba movies.

This Nollywood star is from “a family of four,her father,mother,herself and younger brother. Then of course growing up for me was interesting and fun. I had the support of my parents in all that I was doing.

Even when I was into modeling, my parents gave me their support.

That was during my school days. So, as a student, I was a well known model on campus and I was able to make some money from it,” she said.

She later opted out modeling for acting when she was a youth corper in Ogun state. “Because I noticed I had the potential in me. And what helped me hit the limelight almost the time I joined Nollywood was the fact that I could speak both Igbo and Yoruba languages very fluently.

That is why I feature in both movies till date and this of course is not common. I have featured in over 60 movies. I may not remember all of them off hand but I still remember a movie titled: ‘Aduralongba’, because that was the first movie I produced and the role I played in that movie portrayed my image. I have also featured in some other movies as , ‘Omo Adugbo’, ‘Pemisire, Oko Mama, Alalubarika, Omo Okunrin, Soko Fun, Ayo Igbeyin, Asake Oni Bread,Daramola,Oruko, Ire Ni Moyan, Ife Okan, Fere Si Ise Mi, Oba Ade Sope’ ,” she enthused.

Olaseeni is also into business aside from acting so as to make good use of the course she studied in school. She is a graduate of Business Administration from Oyo State Polytechnic, Ibadan. And one of the Nollywood super screen divas who believes that every actor should be versatile. “Well, as an actress, you should be able to take up every role you are given and handle it well. Make people think that is the real you.

When your fans begin to see you from roles\characters you have interpreted, then know it that you are a good actor,” she nodded.

The diva said she can interpret romantic roles with just any good actor. “The person must not be handsome because what I’m doing is make belief. It’s not real. So, I’m not supposed to be in love with him.

Hence, any good actor goes for me and trust me I will deliver it well.

The very role I wouldn’t accept is the one that has to do with nudity. This I’m sure of, no matter the amount at stake.

There are ways you can interpret nude roles without going stake naked,” she stressed.

This lady sees her job as a hobby. “This is because I’m enjoying it. I enjoy everything that has to do with acting because acting is fun, I must confess,” she enthused.

The amazon is one Nigerian that is proud to be a woman? She said though Nigeria is a male dominated society, where women play second fiddle due to certain cultures and traditions but that she is still proud to be a woman.

“I’m glad to be a woman and if I should come back to this life again, I would like to still come as a woman. Do you know it is thrilling to be a woman. I don’t know how the next woman feels about this but this is the way I feel. Reason is that the power of a woman cannot be underestimated. There is no doubt about this. We are so versatile that we are always here and there. Even in the affairs of our homes, we always stoop to conquer. Our opinions count a great lot. So, I love the fact that I’m a woman. God did not make a mistake making me a woman. Can’t you see that the world is empty and incomplete without women? And then to crown it all, the joy of motherhood is another awesome thing,” she giggled.

Recounting her first experience in a movie set wasn’t difficult. “I was totally frightened. I never knew acting could be that difficult. I thought acting was just all about delivering my lines before a camera. But it was a thing much more than that. So, while I was on set with Odunlade Adekola, who later became my boss and some other two ladies, my brain went blank when cameras were on. I couldn’t remember a thing. I was only hearing my heart pounding inside of me. But later on I summoned up courage and the outcome of the movie was awesome,” she reminisced.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

GROWING UP with

Aunty Titi

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bears

Hello children, How are you enjoying your holiday? Ensure you read motivational books always at your leisure. There are interesting stories, jokes, riddles and other articles for you this week, please don ’t forget to send in your questions and observations. Have a wonderful week.

Once upon a time

The Giving Tree

B

O

nce upon a time, there lived a big mango tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it every day.

He climbed to the tree top, ate the mangoes, took a nap under the shadow. He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him. Time went by, the little boy grew, and he no longer played around the tree.

One day, the boy came back to the tree with a sad look on his face. “Come and play with me, ” the tree asked the boy. “I am no longer a kid; I don ’t play around trees anymore. ” The boy replied, “I want toys. I need money to buy them. ” “Sorry, I don ’t have money … but you can pick all my mangoes and sell them so you will have money. ” The boy was so excited. He picked all the mangoes on the tree and left happily. The boy didn ’t come back. The tree was sad.

One day, the boy grown into a man returned. The tree was so excited. “Come and play with me, ” the tree said. “I don ’t have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me? ” “Sorry, I don ’t have a house, but you can chop off my branches to build your house. ” So the man cut all the branches off the tree and left hap-

pily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy didn ’t come back afterward.

The tree was again lonely and sad.

One hot summer day, the man returned and the tree was delighted.

“Come and play with me! ” The tree said. “I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat? ” “Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy. ” So the man cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and didn ’t come back for a long time.

Finally, the man returned after he had been gone for so many years. “Sorry, my boy, but I don ’t have anything for you anymore. No more mangoes to give you. ” The tree said. “I don ’t have teeth to bite, ” the man replied. “No more trunk for you to climb on. ” “I am too old for that now, ” the man said.

“I really can ’t give you anything, the only thing left is my dying roots, ” the tree said with sadness. “I don ’t need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years, ” the man replied.

“Good! Old tree roots are the best place to lean on and rest. Come sit down with me and rest. ” The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled.

Children, you can send your contributions and pictures through this email address jokkyisland@yahoo.com or call telephone number: 08050324794

ears are mammals of the family Ursidae and are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives.

Although, only eight species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in the Southern Hemisphere. Bears are found on the continents of North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Common characteristics of modern bears include large bodies with stocky legs, long snouts, shaggy hair, plantigrade paws with five nonretractile claws, and short tails. While the polar bear is mostly carnivorous, and the giant panda feeds almost entirely on bamboo, the remaining six species are omnivorous with varied diets.

With the exception of courting individuals and mothers with their young, bears are typically solitary animals. They are generally diurnal, but may be active during the night (nocturnal) or twilight (crepuscular), particularly around humans.

Bears possess an excellent sense of smell and, despite their heavy build and awkward gait, are adept runners, climbers, and swimmers. In autumn, some bear species forage large amounts of fermented fruits, which affects their behaviour.

Bears use shelters, such as caves and burrows, as their dens; most species occupy their dens during the winter for a long period (up to 100 days) of sleep similar to hibernation. They have been hunted since prehistoric times for their meat and fur. With their tremendous physical presence and charisma, they play a prominent role in the Arts, mythology, and other cultural aspects of various human societies.

In modern times, the bears ’ existence has been pressured through the encroachment on their habitats and the illegal trade of bears and bear parts, including the Asian bile bear market.

The IUCN lists six bear species as vulnerable or endangered, and even least concern species, such as the brown bear, are at risk of extirpation in certain countries.

The poaching and international trades of these most threatened populations are prohibited, but still ongoing.

Bears are generally bulky and robust animals with relatively short legs. They

are sexually dimorphic with regard to size, with the males being larger. Larger species tend to show increased levels of sexual dimorphism in comparison to smaller species, and where a species varies in size across its distribution, individuals from larger-sized areas tend also to vary more.

Bears are the most massive terrestrial members of the order Carnivora. Some exceptional polar bears and Kodiak bears (a brown bear subspecies) have been weighed at over 750 kg (1,650 lb).

Adult male Kodiak bears average 480 to 533 kg compared to an average of 386 to 408 kg in adult male polar bears, per the Guinness Book of World Records. The smallest bears are the sun bears of Asia, which weigh an average of 65 kg (143 lb) for the males and 45 kg (99 lb) for the females; though the smallest mature females can weigh only 20 kg.

Bears have an excellent sense of smell, better than the dogs (Canidae), or possibly any other mammal. This sense of smell is used for signaling between bears (either to warn off rivals or detect mates) and for finding food. Smell is the principal sense used by bears to find most of their food.

Most bears have diets of more plant than animal matter and are completely opportunistic omnivores. Some bears will climb trees to obtain mast edible vegetative or reproductive parts, such as acorns smaller species that are more able to climb include a greater amount of this in their diets. Such masts can be very important to the diets of these species, and mast failures may result in long-range movements by bears looking for alternative food sources. One exception is the polar bear, which has adopted a diet mainly of marine mammals to survive in the Arctic.

The other exception is the giant panda The age at which bears reach sexual maturity is highly variable, both between and within species. Sexual maturity is dependent on body condition, which is in turn dependent upon the food supply available to the growing individual. The females of smaller species may have young in as little as two years, whereas the larger species may not rear young until they are four or even nine years old. First breeding may be even later in males, where competition for mates may leave younger males without access to females.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Dude Style

victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

‘Nigerians abuse trends in the name of fashion’ Though, an estate developer, Sule Owolabi is hip and fashionable. In this interview with Victor Udoh, he also reveals his love for music, particularly juju and other old school music. Excerpts: Who is Sule Owolabi?

I am the Chief Executive Officer of SAS Estate Developers, located along Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. I am from Abeokuta in Ogun State, and had my primary education at Ifelodun Primary School,Abeokuta. Later, I attended Ebenezer Comprehensive, Ojokoro, for my post-primary education. I later proceeded to Government Technical College, g Ikotun. I have an at the HND in Electronics Maintenance M also diploma London City and Guilds, Gu diploma in Utilisation of and advance diplom Electrical Energy. I am married with children.

Where are Nigerian Nigerians not getting it right in fashion?

The proble problem with Nigerian men and ladies is that they overdo things, even in terms of fashion. I have been to many countries like France, United Kingdom and Holland, King among others, but amon their types of fashion is different from what di obtains here. Fashion obtai supposed to speak for is sup you. It is supposed to be your C.V; C.V I mean the way you sound. But here in Nigeria, we abus abuse fashion.

Why did y you choose to be an engineer? enginee I started starte my career at 18 years of age.

I worked with a Daily Times Tim for 12 years as assistant electrical engineer e mostly on night duty. I used n the day to do d other businesses like buying and selling properties. I could cou buy two or three pieces of land, say in Ijoko, l Sango or Lekki, and then reL sell. When I finally quit Daily Times, I decided to go fully de into the real rea estate business.

What were wer your challenges?

When I first joined the business, busines people always called us u omo onile (land owners) owner and all sorts of bad names, but I have n a mindset of changing min bad names.

Thank God n today toda we are no more seen as land touts.

I can also say that now, we are very no transparent and sintra cere. cer There was a lot of crisis before now c in the industry, but I t

thank God, this is over.

How can a potential property buyer spot or avoid falling victim to sharp practices in your industry?

First, you need to know that property or estate agent doesn’t give out bags of cement or lorry-load of sand or gravel to any potential land buyer. Again, you need to find out if they are really the owner of the land they are selling, or have the legitimate authority to sell the land or property. If they really bought the land or property, how much did they buy it and how much are they selling it. Don’t be afraid to also ask them where and how are they going to make their profit.

What makes your company unique from others?

People call me Owolabi SAS developer because of my company. I will say that our company is different from others in that I have my own estate which I pointed out earlier. We have a lot of landed properties at Atan, Phase 3, Ifo, Badagry, among many other choice places.

In other to help the poor masses, we slash our prices to the barest minimum. We also encourage instalmental payment. That aside, we also encourage our customers to do their foundation before full payment. These are some of the things we do to provide affordable housing to the masses.

What thrills you about being a man?

The fact is, I don’t have to bother about so many feminine things women worry about; though I must commend them. I have great respect for womanhood. However, it is easier to be a man than a woman.

What is the lesson of life you cherish most?

Life has taught me a lot of lessons; most importantly, how to be patient. I have since realised that when one does not exercise patience in life, things would go from bad to worse. With patience, problems may linger, but it would eventually fizzle out.

What books do you read?

I read a lot of books. I am in love with romantic books, detectives and crime novels. I also love to discover new books.

Which Nigerian musician do you admire most?

I admire Shefiu Alao music.I also listen to his music a lot. I love his kind of music simply because he sings with a lot of proverbs that makes one ponder on this life and conclude that this life is not worth living carelessly.

What is your philosophy of life?

Love yourself, love your fellow human being, do not procrastinate, be patient with man and God. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself as assisting the poor people in the country to own their own buildings. That is what I want to do through SAS Estate Developer company.

&

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Weddings Engagements You have a story to tell us about your wedding/engagement, or your new born baby.

You can call this line 08050324794

CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS JULY 26, 2015

His care and generosity overwhelmed me –Bride ADAEZE AMOS

BABIES OF THE WEEK Michael Ayomide Adeyemi

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he families of Amos and Ugwuanyi played host to a large turn-out of family members,friends and well wishers that came from far and near to celebrate the union between Ahunna Abigail Amos and Iyke Alloy Ugwuanyi on July 18.

They were joined in Holy Matrimony at the Saint Augustine ’s Anglican Church, Umule, Aba, Abia state.

The delectable bride beamed with smiles when she entered into the church premises and all eyes were on her. The relatives of both the bride and groom were seated happily within the church auditorium of Saint Augustine ’s Anglican Church, Umule, Aba, Abia state before 11 am when the wedding kicked off.

The officiating minister Ven. Solomon Ihuoma Kanu who confirmed that the lovebirds were meant to be together till death do them part. “I ’m glad to join this lovebirds to holy matrimony because they are indeed meant to be together. They complement each other a great lot. Little wonder Gahanna is light skinned while Ikechukwu

M

ichael Ayomide Adeyemi was born at Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Lagos and weighted 3.6kg.

Speaking to Sunday Mirror, Mr. Michael Adeyemi on behalf of his wife explained that during her pregnancy period, she slept a lot and ate less food. He also said that the wife had no labour delay during her

is extremely dark, so dark that when he smiles, his white teeth are obvious. This is a typical replica of mixed blessings, ” he said, humorously.

When the bride was asked why she gave her heart to Iyke, her response was brief and straight to the point. “His spirit of generosity and care overwhelmed me, ” she said.

Then the groom had similar thing to say. “Her humility swept me off. I knew it that she was meant for me, ” he enthused.

The bride ’s mum Uloma Amos showered her blessings on the couple. “I bless God for today, that I ’m here to witness this. I hereby pray that God would bless you both with male and female children in Jesus name, ” she said.

Olufunke is fun to be with –Chike TITILOPE MORAKINYO

I

t was a cross-cultural wedding recently, as Chike and Olufunke tied the nuptial knot at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos.

The church, which was filled to capacity, had in attendance, family, friends, loved ones as well as well-wishers to show their love, support and also celebrate with the couple.

After the joining, guests moved to the classy reception, looking stunning in assorted styles of the aso ebi, thus adding colour and style to the occasion.

Pink and silver were the colours of the day. Guests were sumptuously fed as there were also enough souvenirs for everyone.

Dark-skinned Chike wore a black suit paired with a white shirt, maroon cravat and pocket square while beautiful Olufunke looked stunning in her sleeveless sequined ball gown wedding dress.

She complemented her bridal look with lovely drop earrings.

Before the couple ’s dance, Olu-

funke changed into a pink front-slit, sleeveless gown. While they danced tremendously to the admiration of all eyes.

Speaking on how they met, Chike who works with Humber Marine Works Nigeria Limited said, “We met four years ago at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State where I was running a Master ’s degree programme.

Since then we have been friends until

I proposed to her last year and in a matter of two minutes she said, “Yes! ” On what he appreciate about her?

“She is a nice person, God-fearing and fun to be with ”, he revealed.

Olufunke the bride has this to say about her sweetheart: “He is the best person I can ever ask for; he is optimistic, wonderful and mature in decision making. ”

delivery.

On what he loves most about his son, he said, “Everything! I just love him so much. He is very cheerful and plays a lot while awake, and this makes me believe that he is a healthy child. In fact, he enjoys breast milk. ” On the choice of name, the father revealed that, “being my first son, I named him after myself ”.

Zainab Aduke Oladele

Z

ainab Aduke Oladele was delivered at Best Consult Hospital, Abesan Estate, Lagos to Mr. Muktar Oluwagbenga Oladele and Mrs Omowunmi Oladele and weighed 2.5kg. The elated mother who spoke to Sunday Mirror said she was grateful to Almighty God who made her delivery wonderful and stress free.

Mrs. Oladele, a fashion designer, described her pregnancy period as peaceful and not stressful. This, she attributed to constant exercise and strict adherence to her instructions as laid down by her doctors and nurses. According to her, she said her job, being a fashion designer entails constantly exercising of legs while operating sewing machine and taking measurements of her clients, which also requires a lot moving from one place to the other.

On what she enjoyed doing and eating during preg-

nancy, she said she enjoyed eating any food that comes her way but deted salads.

She also loved her physique during pregnancy because aside the protruding tummy, she did not experience any anomaly that is usually associated with pregnancy in some people like swelling of arms and legs, though she use to spit at early stage but that did not take too much time.

She described her baby as gentle; this is because she hardly cries except when she is hungry.

The choice of name was taken by her father-in-law who according to her is the Yoruba tradition whereby it is the parents of the father that usually gives name to the first born of the male children.

It is Mr. and Mrs. Oladele ’s prayer and wish that she will become a successful chemical engineer in future and most importantly, someone who will have the fear of God and take the name of the family to greater heights.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What to wear …to a traditional marriage JULY 26, 2015

ADAEZE AMOS

H

ave you been to traditional marriage ceremony lately? If you have not, then try and attend one and see how brides and friends to the brides are making good use of African accessories to promote our traditions. They are indeed making us proud!

Guess what? Today’s brides are making good use of indigenous materials to adorn themselves. If you are getting set for your traditional marriage and you want to stand out or you want your maids to appear unique, then you need to be creative about it. Don’t go the normal way others have been going. Wear something different. Check out what Agnes Uwaoma, a model wore on her day. She used small native calabashes to adorn herself.

Then, out of the numerous calabashes on her, she made use of one to give her suitor (groom) palm wine to indicate he was indeed her husband to be. She wowed her guests.

You too can come up with something unique.Be creative and promote African culture in the process. After all it’s all about African traditional marriage, right?

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Perfect Cut

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Headgear: Adding panache

Afric Loo

to African attires ADAEZE AMOS

W

hen you are dressed in traditional attire without a headgear, it is obvious that something very vital is missing. In other words, headgear, when properly tied gives you that complete look.

Check these ladies on this page. If you don’t know how to tie yours, try and learn it.

Start by practicing it on your own. Then, goggle it and watch how others tie theirs. Or better still, go get yourself a teacher who would lecture you on how to tie it. It is worth your time.

Style Style afi aficiona ciona maxis maxis that that graz gra ADAEZE AMOS

R

eme emember that very style of dress In tthe fashion circle it is called even wore this style and amazing asts still wear it but with a slight differ that today’s maxis are see It’s either eit frills at the edge. But the major thi have frill your legs are not that hot, this s So, if yo flaws down there. Check cover your yo page.

How they are wearing theirs sty pa p age. Ho

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, July 26, 2015

can ok

ados ados still still wear wear ze ze their their ankles ankles

s that hat touch your ankles? maxi. Yes, our mothers gly, y, today’s style enthusirence. nce. en with long slits or they ing g is that they are maxi. style yle of dress is there to out ut these divas on this is ylishly shly.

Perfect Cut

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L Behold, foods to enhance 34

Sunday, July 26, 2015

OVE

TALK

with Yemisi

Adeniran

your performance F

or various reasons, the libido of the individual can get low, such that that the sexual appetite is no longer as whet as before. At this level or even before it gets to that, you can decide to help yourself by choosing some kind of food to help boost your libido. Below are some of the foods: Garlic: Although many don’t like the smell of garlic, the fact remains that it helps Models to increase your libido. This is because it contains allicin which is an ingredient that enhances blood flow to the sexual organs.

If you can’t stick the smell of the raw garlic, you can make do with the one in capsule.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains a chemical – phenyle-

thylamine – believed to make one feel as though one is in love. The dark chocolate is said to have a good amount of anti-oxidant which helps the immune system.

Avocado: Avocados is rich in folic acid and so, helps in metablising proteins. The outcome of this is that it gives power. They are known to contain vitamin B6

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

which increases male hormone production, and potassium, which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland.

The two elements help increase libido in both men and women.

Almonds (and nuts in general): Almonds contain fatty acids which provide the raw materials for the healthy production of hormones in a man. In addition, the smell of almonds is said to be capable of arousing the interest of the female partner. It could be eaten raw or crushed and sprinkled on salad.

Mangoes, peaches and strawberries: These fruits are good libido enhancing ones. Peel the mango, cut the peach and slice up some strawberries, and eat. You could also feed your woman with it.

Eggs: Because eggs are high in vitamins B6 and B5, they help to balance hormone levels and fight stress. These are two things that are very essential to a healthy libido. Some do eat raw eggs to enhance their libido before going into sex. Some hard-boiled eggs would do some magic.

Liver: Liver may not be the sexiest of food, but it is bound to increase your libido. It is a good source of glutamine — a cellular fuel for your immune system. You can prepare it by frying it in a pan with some onions, spices and olive oil.

Figs: These are high in amino acids believed to be capable of increasing libido. They can also improve sexual stamina.

Raw oysters: Oysters are high in zinc, which raises sperm and testosterone production. They are some of the best known aphrodisiacs. Oysters also contain dopamine, a hormone known to increase libido. Also, the experience of sucking a raw oyster is erotic. Scrub the shells thoroughly to get any dirt or bacteria off. Pry them open with an oyster knife and place them on a bed of ice, squeeze some fresh lemon onto them if you like, and then start sucking away.

Bananas: Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme and it is said to be have the ability to increase libido and reverse impotence in men. Also, Additionally, they are good sources of potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin, which increase the body’s overall energy levels.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults I am 60 years old. I normally suffer from weak erection but after you recommended Magic Mike for me, I am able to now perform again with stronger erections. Thank you. But I still want a cure. I want medicine that will treat me once and for all – Baba Kehinde Thanks for your mail Baba. You see, your erection problem is not like malaria. As men get older, our body functions begin to grow weaker and we lose the ability to do things like young people. Erectile dysfunction is part of getting older just like arthritis, body weakness, loss of stamina; hypertension, poor eye sight and diminished bone density are all part of getting older. If you have sight problems now and you go to see an optician, after doing the usual tests, he will give you medicated glasses which you have to wear to see properly.

He will not give you medicine that will cure you completely because age related sight problems can only be managed but hardly cured. That is why there is no permanent cure for age related erectile dysfunction. As we get older, our veins shrink, thereby limiting the flow of blood to the penis. This restriction of blood is what causes weak or no erection. There is no permanent cure for this because there is no cure for old age.

So keep taking your Magic Mike tablets. It is very powerful.

One capsule can work for up to three days so you don’t have to take it daily. You can even be taking it once a week if you like or twice at the most. Nobody has sex everyday – Uche Hello, I will like to find out what product will be most helpful and cost effective for someone who ejaculates too early and a lady who cannot climax and also gets tired easily – Obinna Obinna you can wear a penis sleeve during intercourse or you can apply a delay cream to prevent premature ejaculation. I recommend the Coxk Xtender Penis Sleeve. It will enable you last longer, make your penis look bigger and stimulate your partner for quicker orgasms too. But if you want to use the delay cream, then go for Stay Hard Delay Cream or Prolonging Delay Cream. Both products are very effective desensitisers and are easy to use. And for your woman, first she needs a libido supplement and an energy booster. Get

her Total Diva supplement for Women. She will also need an orgasm gel like the Encounter Orgasm Gel and a good vibrator. A combination of all of these novelties will solve your problems – Uche I want to enlarge my penis but I cannot take drugs. What else can you recommend? –Chuks Chuks, you can use a penis pump. It will enlarge your penis alright but the enlargement is faster and bigger when you combine the pump with a supplement or enlargement Cream. So you can get an enlargement cream like Maximus or Mr Thick and use it together with your pump – Uche Please I want to order another realistic vibrator but I don’t want a white one and it does not have to vibrate. I want a black man’s thing – Nonye Okay you mean you want a non-vibrating dong? Yes there are two new dongs you can choose from. There is the Hard Man Realistic Dong and it is dark brown like our skin colour, very realistic and 8.5 inch long. Option two is the Espresso Dong. It is African, realistic as well and 7 inches long – Uche I received the Max Load supplement I ordered and I am very impressed. One week into using it, I have noticed a sizeable increase in my semen when I ejaculate. I also feel different and happier when I climax. But you say it cannot help with fertility as well? –Peter Peter Max Load increases semen quantity and sexual enjoyment only. If you want something for fertility, then look for Fertil Aid or Repro Aid supplement – Uche Hello sir. I bought and used the couple’s vibrator and I was impressed. Please for how long am I supposed to wear it? Thank you – James Dear James you can wear The Couple’s Vibrator for up to twenty minutes to ensure normal circulation of blood within the body. Within these twenty minutes, your erections will remain firm even after ejaculation so you can have sex for longer. And for your partner, she

will just feel and enjoy the vibrating sensation for as long as she desires. There is no time limit for her – Uche Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com- Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos 08023012293 (SMS ONLY)

Is it harmful to cross legs while pregnant?

Sidney Nwachukwu

‘I slept at IBB’s gate for four days’

W

hen Abigail was pregnant with her first child, her mother in-law frowned at her bending down to sweep, especially when she was almost due. She was always saying that water would enter into the eyes of unborn baby.

She would quickly drop the broom so that she wouldn’t harm her baby.

Another thing she was also warned against was, sitting and having her legs crossed. She said that alone would suffocate her unborn child.

Pregnant mothers have heard this numerous times. “I heard from my colleagues that pregnant women should not sit and cross her legs. But I find it extremely comfortable sitting with my legs crossed. Reason being that it takes the pain off my back. I spoke to my doctor and about it ,and he said it is not harmful to cross legs while pregnant. However, a relative in the family, who is also a gynaecologist, has also kicked against it. Can someone enlighten me more on this”, asked Beatrice.

“I was also told not to sit crossing my legs, because babies who were born with a slight cone shape was due to being pushed through the birth canal,hence mere crossing of legs can also cause that. My question is, has any of you out there ever heard of this, “don’t cross your legs” rule before?”

Anulika quipped.

Well, this has remained the very question from pregnant mothers. Does it hurt an unborn baby when the mother is in the habit of crossing her legs? More pregnant mothers were spoken to and they gave their opinions and what their doctors told them.

Peace, a heavily pregnant mother has this to say: “I kept my legs crossed pretty much until my belly started getting too big to do so. When I asked my doctor whether that can harm my unborn baby, he said, crossing of legs can bring about the swelling of the feet and ankles because you’re cutting off circulation from your feet. “The reason they say you should not do it is because you decrease

T

the amount of blood flow which causes more spider veins. But that won’t harm you or your unborn baby. It will just give you a higher chance of having nasty veins in your legs,” the expert said.

Ngozika quoted her doctor whom she asked a similar question: “It’s fine during the first half of your second trimester. The only time they don’t recommend it is when you are getting close to delivery or when the baby positions its head first in your pelvic area), not necessarily because it will harm the baby but because of the fact that it can be very uncomfortable.”

So, ladies, there is nothing wrong with sitting and having your legs crossed. Though, you’ll probably find out later that it is not comfortable.

Because as your pelvic bones become more flexible, there would be stress in the ligaments in your hips and other joints which, for many women, could be very painful. Use your own judgement as you progress through your pregnancy. However, I think it is better you avoided it since some women insist that crossing your legs while pregnant causes varicose veins, no matter when you do it.

his happened when I was a young journalist. I was working with DBN Television then and I was directly reporting to Prince Henry Odugala. He was my boss at that time.

It happened that Aisha, the daughter of retired general Ibrahim Babanginda, wanted to do her wedding. My boss gave me an official letter and said to me look Sidney, I know you are a very dogged young man, don’t come back without the wedding materials and an interview from retired general Ibrahim Babanginda. I then set off. I first left for Abuja, to Suleja and then to Minna. This happened in 2004.

Getting there, the first thing that I did was to look for one of the cheapest hotels in Minna. I used the following day to look around to get a commercial camera, which I got. I quickly did a make-shift identity card for my camera man.

So, on the day of the wedding, journalists that came for the wedding spoke with IBB and I mentioned to him that I needed to have an interview with him. He referred me to one Danjuma at that time. So, the next day, on the day of the appointment, I went to his house at Hilltop. When I got to his gate, I was there all through that day, I wasn’t allowed in. Visitors were coming and leaving. Some people going into the house saw me and they were wondering what I wanted because journalists had been attended to. And I couldn’t reach Danjuma because I didn’t have his number. I never knew it was going to be that tough otherwise I would have searched for his contact even before leaving Lagos.

So, that day went, when it was night, I slept at El-amin Secondary School, Minna, just opposite his house which was owned by his late wife, Mariam Babanginda. When it was around one am in the night, I quickly went in there (in the school) and slept. Because I had a good rapour with the security men at the gate of the school. I showed them my identity card and all that. Then my camera man found himself around there as well.

The second day gone, then the third day, somehow, I didn’t know how the general got a wind that I was hanging around his gate, maybe through his last child Aminu. Well, I wouldn’t know how it happened but I was asked to come in. When I got in, was the time Grace Egbagbe of NTA and Safinatu Mohammed saw me and both ladies acknowledged that they knew me, the DBN guy. Because I was almost everywhere at that time, I used to attend all the high profile functions. So, with their comment about me, it made the general become a bit more relaxed. So, I was granted that interview and it was explosive. I covered every area and IBB made a comment after that interview concerning me. He said to me “young man, you would go very far”.

Sidney Nwachukwu is now the CEO Usin Associates –ADAEZE AMOS

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

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Yalumba

alumba is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, founded in 1849, by Samuel Smith. From modest beginnings, the Yalumba Wine Company has grown to become one of Australia’s most successful wineries, owned by 5th generation Robert Hill-Smith. Yalumba, regularly receives accolades for its outstanding wines, and for its leadership in viticultural innovation and sustainable farming. Yalumba was the first winery in the world to be recognized with the Climate Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2007), earned the International Green Apple Gold Award from House of Commons (U.K. 2011), and was the first winery outside the United States to win the BRIT International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing Competition (2013). The Yalumba portfolio commences with the fresh and flavorsome varietal wines of the Y Series, then moves up to the Samuel’s Garden line to capture the essence of the classic Rhone-influenced varietals of the Barossa and Eden Valleys, explores sub-regional complexity through innovative, modern wines in the Hand Pickedline, and culminates with the coveted, collectible Yalumba Rare and Fine wines including Signature and Octavius.

O

Ofe Nsala

fe Nsala, also known as white soup, is very popular in the eastern part of Nigeria. The Igbo’s and some part of the south-south are very familiar with white soup and pounded yam. The Igbo’s refer to white soup as ofe nsala.

Nsala soup is also called white soup simply because it is the only soup that doesn’t require the use of red oil.

Ingredients Uziza Leaf (a bunch) Utazi Leaf (a handful) Meat of choice (chicken, beef, turkey) Crayfish Fresh pepper Dried Fish Head of stock fish (medium size Pounded yam (thickener) Seasoning cubes Salt and pepper to taste Snails (optional) Preparation Parboil the meat with ingredients, cook for about 15 minutes before add-

ing water. Then cook till the meat is tender enough for consumption.

Blend the Crayfish, cook and pound about 1.5 kg of yam, normally, cocoa yam is the favorable thickener for most soups of this kind, the only exception is when you are making nsala soup, pounded yam is used.

Wash the dried fish/stock fish with hot water to soften the fish for easy washing and to remove sands and impurities.

Add more water to the meat on fire (when it is tender enough for consumption) add water depending on the quantity of thickener and the available ingredients.

Add the washed dried fish, crayfish, stock fish cook for about ten minutes before adding the pounded yam .

Allow the pounded yam to dissolve for about 10 to 15 minutes before adding the snail, Uziza and Utazi leaves.

Allow to boil for another five minutes and you just made a delicious nsala soup You can serve with eba, semo, wheat or fufu.

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Growing Up

Sunday, July 26, 2015

TONGUE TWISTER

A big black bug bit a big black bear, Made the big black bear bleed blood.

A bitter biting bittern Bit a better brother bittern, And the bitter better bittern Bit the bitter biter back.

And the bitter bittern, bitten, By the better bitten bittern

RIDDLES Question When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favourite tree to mark his height. Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was. If the tree grew by five centimeters each year how much higher the nail would be?

Answer The nail would be at the same height since trees grow at their top Question A headless lawyer had a letter to write; it was read by a man who had lost his sight. The dumb repeated it word for word; and deaf was he who listened and heard.

Answer The letter in question is the letter ‘O ’. It is zero. The lawyer had nothing to write. The blind could read nothing. The person who was dumb could repeat nothing.

The deaf man listened and heard nothing.

JOKES Three Friends

WHO INVENTED WHAT? Rene Laennec devised the stethoscope The stethoscope was invented in France in 1816 by Rene Laennec at the Necker in Paris. It consisted of a wooden tube and was monaural. His device was similar to the common ear trumpet, a historical form of hearing aid; indeed, his invention was almost indistinguishable in structure and function from the trumpet, which was commonly called a “microphone ”.

The first flexible stethoscope has a binaural instrument with articulated joints not very clearly described in 1829. In 1840, Golding Bird described a stethoscope he had been using with a flexible tube. Bird was the first to publish a description of such a stethoscope but he noted in his paper the prior existence of an earlier design.

POEM The Baby ’s Dance Dance, little baby, dance up high, Never mind baby, mother is by; Crow and caper, caper and crow, There little baby, there you go: Up to the ceiling, down to the ground, Backwards and forwards, round and round.

Then dance, little baby, and mother shall sing, With the merry gay coral, ding, ding, a-ding, ding.

POP

O

ne day in the forest, three friends were just hiking along a trail when of a sudden; a huge pack of Indians attacked them and knocked them out. When they woke up, they were at the leader of the tribe ’s throne. The chief then said, “All of your lives may be spared if you can find ten of one fruit and bring them back to me. ” So after a while, the first man returned with 10 apples. The chief then ordered him to stick all ten of them up his butt without making any expression at all on his face. He had a little bit of trouble with the first one and started crying while trying to put the next one in. He was soon killed. Later, the next man came in with 10 grapes, the chief ordered him to do the same as the first guy. After to the 9th grape, the man started laughing so hard for no apparent reason, and was killed. The first two friends soon met in heaven and the asked, “Why did you start laughing? You only needed one more grape and you ’d have gotten away! ” The second man answered while still laughing, “I couldn ’t help it. I saw the third friend walking in with pineapples. ”

WORDS ON MARBLES

Leadership exists in its most natural form among equals. It is not the same as domination or the exercise of power. True leaders respect the integrity of others.

-John Adair

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

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Movies & Music

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

& usic M Movies With Victor Udoh 07067124302 e-mail: victorudoh804@yahoo.com

D’banj dedicates Mama Evolution Award to Don Jazzy

2Face, Sir Victor Uwaifo, others gather for Eargasm concert today

V

eteran music stars, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Daniel Wilson and Sunny Nneji have teamed up with 2face Idibia to excite music lovers with the best of classic African music today, July 26, 2015 at This Day Dome in Abuja.

The event, tagged Eargasm will also have pulsating performances from EME songstress, Niyola, DammyKrane, Queen Moda and Yung 6ix, who will deliver top notch renditions of classic hits from popular music icons like King Sunny Ade, Majek Fashek, Paul Play, Asa, MI, Timi Dakolo and others, as suggested by fans.

According to organizer of the much anticipated concert, Efe Omoregbe, the idea behind Eargasm was to create a convergence of fans from diverse generations and treat them to an exciting night with a unique blend of classic African music. He says, ‘We want to create an opportunity for lovers of good music to come out and network while enjoying great music from these amazing talents. I am certain that it’s going to be a great show because all these talents will perform not only their songs but also popular classics as demanded by fans’ he said.

2face Idibia also expressed his excitement about the project, describing it as laudable. He disclosed he had craved for an opportunity to display his dexterity and stated that the concert is timely one, ‘I’m really excited about the concert and can’t wait for it to happen. Performing on stage with Sir Victor Uwaifo is like a dream come true for me’, he said.

The show is the first Live In Concert involving 2baba and Sir Victor Uwaifo and is produced by Yankee Entertainment, Buckwyld Media and Hypertek Digital production.

Uwaifo

Nigerian music star D’banj last weekend won the 2015 MTV Evolution award at the MTV Africa Music Awards held at the International Conference Center in Durban, South Africa.

While receiving the award, the 35-year-old singer gave props to his estranged producer, Don Jazzy which came as a pleasant surprise to many present.

According to him, his success would not have been possible but for the support of Don Jazzy, ‘This award is dedicated to D’banj and Don Jazzy’ he screamed as he received the plaque Until their fall out in 2012, the two were popular for the many hit tracks they made together.

2face

Buchi, Ajebaba, Makati trills fans at Silver Café

I

Buchi

t was a night of bliss, fun and excitement at the silver Café as entertainers ranging from established to burgeoning artistes come together to wine, dine and have fun on last week Wednesday night, at the posh looking entertainment hub, Silver Café, situated at Ozone Cinemas, Yaba, Lagos.

There was no dull moment as comedian Aje Baba and Makati, reeled out stacks of rib cracking jokes to the amazement of everyone. It was also a night of unveiling of new comedians as they were given the opportunity to showcase their talents further inventing the new version of Nigeria’s got talent.

The climax of the show came when the talented ‘Time Out with TEE A’ comedienne, Princess, handled the microphone like a maverick entertaining guests in a very seamless manner. The guests present could not but ask her to stop a while for them not to vomit their drinks. She obviously ‘cracked their ribs’, leaving them saturated.

The coordiantor of the event and head of Silver Cafe, Mr Buchi, said that the show aims to provide endless innovative fun for every one that has gone through the stress of the day.

“Silver Cafe is a place to be. The ambience of the vicinity, shadow lights, plenty of drinks, our experienced DJ, the always bubbling dance floor, warmth reception and innovative comedy makes us different from every other lounge in the country. We are have been in the hospitality business for over a decade and you can trust that you get nothing but the best whenever you come” Silver Cafe, an entertainment hub for relaxation holds it’s Comedy Night every Wednesday.

D Banj

Don Jazzy

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, July 26, 2015

39

Patoranking, Yemi Alade win big at Africa Music Awards

S

tars of the African and international music industry came out in force last night in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa for the fifth uplifting edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards. Saluting and championing African music, youth culture and achievement, MAMA 2015 brought the continent together for a massive celebration contemporary music and creativity, including electrifying performances, collaborations and awards presentations.

The big winners on the night included Nigerian stars Yemi Alade and Davido, who took home the Best Male and Best Female awards, respectively, while hip hop star Cassper Nyovest nabbed the Best Hip Hop award. “Koko master”, D’Banj, won the MAMA Evolution award, a new category honouring established artistes who have made an indelible mark on African and global music culture, taken African music to new territories around the world, pushed the boundaries of creativity, and shaped the soundscape of contemporary Africa.

South African comedian and newly appointed Daily Show host Trevor Noah triumphed in Personality of the Year. Patoranking won Best New Act Transformed by Absolut, given in recognition of new and emerging artists. Saran Kaba Jones and S’Bu Mavundla shared equal honours for the MTV Base Leadership award.

Stunning collaborations between artists of different genres saw NE-YO take to the stage with Seyi Shay, 2Face collaborating with Bucie, Sauti Sol pairing up with Yemi Alade and Patoranking swapping beats with K.O. The show ended on a high with a jubilant medley mash-up by

Artist of the Decade winners P-Square, featuring hit tracks “Personally”, “Chop My Money”, “Alingo” and “Shekini”.

Other performers included DJ Fisherman, NaakmusiQ, DJ Tira, Anselmo Ralph, Danger from Big Nuz, Duncan, Burna Boy, Stonebwoy, Da LES, Diamond, Flavour, Toofan, D’Banj, Davido, Uhuru, Black Motion and Cassper Nyovest.

Emmy award nominated actor, Anthony Anderson captivated the 5,000-strong MAMA audience with his lively humour, engaging charisma and unexpected outfit changes.

Commenting after the show, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, said: “Africa is a continent of the now and the future; tonight was testament to that. MAMA 2015 represented and reflected the abundant amount of creativity and passion this continent breeds.”

The MAMA 2015 coincided with the nationwide celebration of the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday, a fact that was touched on by artists in the show.

Walking the red carpet at the awards were nominees Bonang Matheba, HHP, Chameleone, Dreamteam, HHP, Riky Rick, Samini, OC Ukeje, Bebe Cool, Mpumi, Jovi, Uhuru and Vanessa Mdee. Other famous faces included comedian Trevor Gumbi, Nigerian OAP Toolz, MTV Shuga star and Mr Nigeria Emmanuel Ikbese, BET “Top Actor” winner Altovise Lawrence, Miss South Africa Liesl Laurie, Boity, Khuli Chana, Joselyn Dumas, Jessica Nkosi, actress Zikhona Sodlaka, and MTV Base VJs Sizwe, Nomuzi, Ehiz and Sandile.

Ankara fiesta debuts in Lagos

A

group, the Strategists, will hold its maiden Ankara Fashion Fiesta today, July 26,2015,at the Ball Room Oriental Hotel,Lekki,Lagos,at 3pm.

The Ankara Fiesta targets young and old people of ages that will be drawn from the South-South (Uyo), South East (Enugu), South West (Ibadan), Central zone (Lagos) and the North (Abuja).

Disclosing this at a press conference in Lagos recently, the protocol manager, who is also the co-founder of Ankara Fashion Fiesta, Adokwu Stella, said the Ankara Fashion, is aimed at protecting the art, culture and tourism activities as well as showcasing the potential in all the state of the federation and Nigeria at large through

Alade

entertainment.

It is aimed at developing the talents of young people; promote African cultural heritage as well as engaging the youths positively.

She said, “We want to engage and create employment opportunities for our teeming youths across the country, which is primarily focused at addressing the unemployment situation in the country and this will be achieved through setting up of different offices across the country, thereby increasing the commercial activities of all the hosting zones in Nigeria.”

According, to the organiser of the event, Adokwu, her target audience includes everybody interested in dress-

L-R: Tola Siwoku, brand manager; Nkem Bamgbose, country manager and Adokwu Stella, PRO all of Ankara fiesta show.

ing well and looking good. While asking Nigerians to make out time to attend and have fun time, Stella explained that the event would be the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The aim of the event is to make the average Africa man to love his culture and to approach our creativity, she said; and the event will be done yearly.

The event will be holding today at the Ball Room Oriental Hotel, Lekki Lagos. By 3pm The event is proudly supported by Chicken Republic, Daviva, Atlanti Exhibition.

Patoranking

Imax signs first expansion deal in Nigeria with Filmhouse Cinemas

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MAX Corporation, a motion picture film format and a set of cinema projection standards and Filmhouse Cinemas, Nigeria’s largest chain of theatres, have entered into an agreement for an IMAX theatre to be located in a new construction project in Lagos, the nation’s biggest city; with a population of more than 20 million.

The deal, announced at CineEurope, marks the first-ever IMAX agreement in Nigeria and West Africa.

Nigeria now ranks as Africa’s largest

economy and the agreement underscores the company’s continued expansion in Africa, where in the past year, IMAX signed its first-ever deal in Angola and added four new theatres to its network in South Africa.

“Our mission is to establish the best movie-going experience in Nigeria.

IMAX will help us realize this goal by delivering an immersive and differentiated experience previously unavailable to Nigerian moviegoers,” said Kene Mkparu, CEO, Filmhouse Cinemas.

“As we continue our aggressive expansion plans, IMAX will serve as an anchor attraction in our multiplex in Lagos, redefining the premium cinema experience in Nigeria. We are proud to be the first to introduce IMAX in the country and look forward to broadening its reach.

“We are delighted to join forces with Filmhouse Cinemas and enter Nigeria, which represents a key strategic move for our expansion in Africa. Recent reports project that Nigeria’s entertainment and

media revenues will reach an estimated $8.5 billion by 2018 - more than doubling from 2013,” said Andrew Cripps, President, IMAX EMEA. “As the biggest economy on the continent and a market that is extremely under-screened, we believe that together with Filmhouse, we can seize the mutual growth opportunities that exist in Nigeria and bring the world’s most immersive cinematic experience to more audiences across the country.”

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Lessons of Life TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART

ADAEZE AMOS Adanneamos@gmail.com 08023012293 (sms only)

‘The man I snatched from a bosom friend has absconded ’ (3) This is the concluding part of Jacinta, Agatha and Kennedy ’s story which started penultimate week.

When Agatha delivered her baby eventually, she was asked by her doctor to stay for some more days in the hospital so that her new baby would be adequately taken care of. She was in labour for two days and her baby was already stressed before the baby was pushed out. When Kennedy and Jacinta drove home from the hospital that night excited and tipsy having shared some drinks, something that marked the beginning of their relationship happened.

W

hen Kennedy and Jacinta walked into the house, they were already tipsy as they chatted and laughed loudly.

They didn ’t bother to look for Nmesoma because they thought she had slept. The fifteen year old girl has always been a withdrawn girl, a sullen and often acerbic teenager. So, it never occurred to them that she was still awake. When Jacinta wanted to walk into the guest room where she shared a room with Nmesoma, Kennedy held her by her skirt and drew her to him. She hesitated for a while, but when she looked at him observing his sensual curved lips, she followed him. She had longed to kiss those lips often, so she didn ’t want to miss the opportunity.

That night, as Nmesoma stood at the threshold of Kennedy ’s room, because his door was wide ajar, she saw what shocked her.

Although the light was off but the two adults inside were visible enough. She was shocked to see them that close, kissing and smooching. She followed the up-down movement of Kennedy on Jacinta and wondered if that was proper. She heard her cooing right under him and begging for harder thrust. “I never knew the door was open, I never also

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knew that Nmesoma was awake and that she saw us glaringly. So when we were through, I staggered out of Kennedy ’s room to mine for a warm bath because the night was extremely cold. That was when I saw Nmesoma at the cinder looking at me, visibly shocked. I was also shocked to have seen her there as well. So, shocked that I suddenly called her and she answered with a loud hiss, ” Jacinta narrated.

Nmesoma went down stairs without uttering a word and Jacinta followed her behind with numerous questions. “Were you peeping at us? Don ’t you know that was wrong you? So, you actually peeped? ” “Aunty Jacinta, I was not peeping. I stood there watching because Uncle Kennedy ’s door was open and I was shocked with what I saw. In fact I was stupefied. I saw everything.

That was not fair! You couldn ’t have done that with a husband of a very good friend of yours. That was an abomination. ” “Says who? He would make me his second wife soon. Am I not a woman?

Or haven ’t you seen such marriage before in your village? Many men in our village have two or more

wives remember? ” “Yes, I know Auntie, but I never knew it could also happen in the city. ” “Yes, it happens here as well. So, keep mum over what you saw. Pretend that nothing happened, else I would send you back to your people in the village.

Mind you, you mother is aware of what just happened. She is even the on that is helping me to arrange everything, ” She said.

The secret affair between Kennedy and Jacinta continued even when Agatha was back from the hospital.

It even got sizzling when she was nursing her baby and it never occurred to her that Jacinta was sleeping her man. The affair lasted for eight months when Jacinta missed her flow.

“I had to tell her because it was obvious but what I couldn ’t summon courage to tell her was the person responsible. It was Kennedy that spilled the beans and she was shocked to her bones. She dashed into my room without a knock as she was fond of doing and asked me if it was true that her man was responsible. I was short of words. When she asked three times, I only nodded and she held her hands on her head and cried. When I wanted to

come close to console her, she pushed me off. Before that month ended, Agatha packed her things angrily and traveled to Lagos where her parents were residing and never showed up again.

“Later Kennedy came to my village and paid my bride price. It wasn ’t a loud traditional marriage. When I came back into Kennedy ’s house as his wife, I expected Agatha to come back because I vowed to still respect her as the first wife but she never did. I now have two children for Kennedy and all seemed to be well. He never hurt me or broke my heart until recently during the last election. He became fully involved in politics and I never frowned at that.

He had always been a politician but he was never deep into it. So, deep that he absconded and he is now living in a lady ’s house. The daughter of a renowned politician. He doesn ’t even pick my calls, doesn ’t send feeding allowance how much more paying the children ’s school fees. I ’m worried and I have asked myself times without number whether fate is paying me back. What should I do? ” she quipped.

Readers what do you think Jacinta should do? Do you think fate is paying her back in her own coins?

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NOTICE: Please note that we don ’t do personal connections outside this column. Calls to connect privately are not allowed. Just send an SMS or email and we ’ll get your request published. The request is published on first come first served basis. Thank you!

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From the Pulpit

Sunday July 26, 2015

41

Watch the spirit operating in you, counsels Prophet Oloruntimilehin T here are different spirits operating in human beings. They include the spirit to serve God, spirit some people use to serve Satan, spirits of adultery, stealing, lying, gossiping and evil. All these spirits are in existence in this world and doing their works.

The spirit of darkness accounts for 90 percent of all these spirits that exist on the earth.

For instance, the spirit of telling lies use people like the Holy Spirit. The spirit will be telling people to tell lies at all time. The person will not be at rest until he or she tells lies to his or her customers, pastor or parent. Spirit of adultery, anybody that has this spirit will want to have sexual intercourse all the time he or she sees opposite sex whether he or she is handsome, beautiful or not. What he or she wants is to have intercourse.

As for the spirit of stealing, it is at time the parent of a thief has money at home that the thief can steal, instead the person goes out to steal. Some rich women are very comfortable but still go to the market to steal stockfish.

For the spirit of killing or murder, the person is always ready to shed blood. Imagine some cult members are so imbibed in cultism that they are not be at rest until they see and lick blood. There are categories of cult; some very strong, strong and not-too-strong. Some of these cult members inflict injuries on their bodies to lick their own blood.

Spirit of idol - idol will come on people and be using and speaking like spirit. In Badagry, Lagos State, there are some women that go in trance using white chalk and they have dreadlocks and cowries on their bodies.

All these spirits are in most people; either yours is that of telling lies or gossiping is living with you. Spirit of smoking, persons that possess this spirit cannot leave smoking because it is in their mind. Imagine some people when they are drunk, they see vision. That is spirit of drunkenness. All these spirits when they are in the house of God or are in a place where prayer is going on, they go in trance in their spiritual ways and when they are asked to talk, some will say they are witches or wiz-

General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, teaches on the different spirits operating in people . Excerpts:

lies face the same disgrace when they are found ards. All are spirits. telling lies after being honoured. Some women There is no church that these spiritually are always gorgeously dressed with expensive possessed people are not found. In a situation trinkets and honoured through their adulterwhere dancing or praying is going on and the ous behaviour.

Holy Spirit comes out, these spirits too will In the same vein, some men are honoured come out. due to their acquisition of expensive cars, manIn the spiritual world, people that are sions and other exotic things through their duhighly adulterous are found to be going in bious, deceitful and betrayal manner. Later, all trance. For instance, a woman that is highly these honours will vanish when the secrets of adulterous, anywhere the word of God is betheir wealth are revealed. For instance, in Act ing spoken, she will always go in trance but of Apostles 8 verse 9-17, it is written, “He boastit is ingenious. A woman or man that steals ed that he was someone great, and all the peoand present at a prayer session, he or she will ple, both high and low, gave him their attention be shaking the body. It is not the body but the and exclaimed, this man is the divine power spirit of stealing that is causing the shaking. known as the Great Power. They followed him At times when people are beating musical because he had amazed them for long time with drums, a person with spirit of adultery will his magic. when they be shaking. per g It is not the person p p say y but g But y believed Philip the spirit pirit in the person. In the same manas he ner, the he spirit of God does not easily come on people. ople. All these bad spirits account for 90 percent; ent; spirit of God accounts for 5 percent and spirit pirit of the flesh accounts 5 percent.

What hat is spirit of the flesh? The spirit of the flesh esh is in operation when one feels like going g in trance when the spirit of God and that of devil do not fall on the person. Some people le who do not possess the spirits of God and devil will give messages that do not come to pass. ss.

The he Holy Spirit is good. He will speak and it willl be like that. He will command and it will be manifested. Holy Spirit can easily be identified ified when one sees Him and anyone that has Him. Holy Spirit does not easily come on people; He will firstly ensure that all bad spirits pirits are not in the person’s mind.

Some me people that possess adulterous spiritt commit adultery and they are honoured but later disgraced when they are caught. In the same ame manner, Prophet Oloruntimilehin people le that tell

preached the good news of kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simeon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere astonished by the great sign and miracles he saw…. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit”.

This is a story of Simeon the Sorcerer. As a pastor that ministers the word of God to the congregation, people give me honour without knowing the kind of spirit I possess and use.

In the same manner, many ministers of God possess different kinds of spirits they use. But whenever their secrets are revealed, they lose their honour.

My concern for people is to empty their souls so that the Holy Spirit can enter them. If people do not decide and allow the Holy Spirit to enter their minds, then the bad spirits will take control of their lives. Then one will think he or she is on the right path not knowing one is approaching destruction. Some people think they are serving God but they are messing up.

For example, when I was in the flesh, I thought I was serving God because I was praying and praising God. Later, these bad things became dirty to me - that is adultery, gossiping, deceit, telling lies and doing fetish things. Why? It is because Holy Spirit had occupied my soul.

Apart from using medicine that will heal, other things that are not godly are dirty to me.

Brethren, create an empty mind and allow the Holy Spirit to come into your life and dwell in you so that success can come your way. In fact, everything will be working smoothly for you. My prayer for people is that they will accept Holy Spirit in to their lives in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

•For further enquiries call: 08023020108, 08058110288, 08023991354. www.facebook.com/pastoroloruntimilehin.

‘Prepare for the rapture of saints’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 If you are among the saints, I want to let you know that God has called you to holiness. It is His command that you should be holy, for He requires that you should be holy, because without holiness none can see the Lord. Holiness of the saints is the will of God. This is eminently and emphatically revealed in His word, that all that claim to be saints should be holy and pure, not indulging themselves in those impure and filthy lusts of the flesh, fornication, and all manner of uncleanness, which the people of the world, who know not the will of God are addicted to, and, in a most beastly manner.

Every saint should know how to possess and make use of his body, and all its members, as the vessel and instrument of the soul, in holiness and honour.

So, let us take heed to our ways and begin to prepare without distraction or minding who and who is less concerned about the warning of the coming of rapture. Remember, those before us who made light of such warnings and could not prepare, paid dearly for it. On the day of rapture, the unprepared shall be among those that will be condemned. The godly shall be absolved before the wicked are destroyed because

it is suitable to Christ’s love to begin with His saints, and to be admired by them upon the throne with Himself, as assessors and judges of the wicked world, for it is written, “Know ye not that the saints shall judge the wicked”.

Rev. 22: 7, 12 and 13 say, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city”.

The reasons and preparation required We all should understand that all the signs concerning His coming are here with us. There are wars and rumours of war.

Many of these signs have long been fulfilled and many things which were written are happening today, to show that the time is over and anything can happen at any time.

Matt. 24: 3- 7 says, “And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 ¶ And Jesus answered and said

unto them, Take heed that no man deceives you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places”.

The Scripture predicts that the signs of the coming of rapture shall witness wars, pestilences, etc; for nation will rise in arms against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. There is no gain saying that the world has witnessed all these predictions. In our very eyes, nations have risen against nations; various diseases have emerged to defy best scientific approach. It is like the whole world is preparing for war against itself. All these are indications that the time of rapture is at hand.

Rom.13: 11-12 says, “Carry out these injunctions because you know the critical period at which we are living, and that it is now high time, to rouse yourselves from sleep; for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first became believers.

12. The night is far advanced, and day

is about to dawn. We must therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness, and clothe ourselves with the armour of Light”.

Every step a saint takes toward obeying God draws him a degree nearer to perfect happiness, to heaven, and to his reward. Therefore, let the saint gird up the loins of his/her mind, and be more cheerful and more laborious in the Lord’s work, for we are at the tail end of our sojourn. Let us mind our ways, and mend our paces to make ourselves ready.

As a saint, you must put on Christ the armour of light to secure the soul from Satan’s temptations, and the assaults of this present evil world. A saint must consider himself naked if unarmed. We must put on the righteousness of Christ for justification, the Spirit and grace of Christ, for sanctification.

We all should know that there is no more time; our Lord Jesus Christ is coming very shortly. No one should be careless with his/her soul, for the Lord is coming very soon. So, everybody should prepare by cutting off all the entanglements with the world or worldly things and draw nearer and nearer to the Lord in fellowship every moment of the day and night. And if this is done, we shall not be found wanting in the day of rapture.

42

From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

D

Email: profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com (08023032698, sms pls)

eath is a subject many people hate to think about and some do not even want to talk about it. People are being deceived by the presence of false teachers and New Age Movement that preach that there is no resurrection of the dead. The Bible said, ‘’ The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.’’ 1 Tim 4:1. Bible is the book of life that talks about the beginning and end of life. The first sentence in the Bible says,’’ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth’’ Gen 1:1. That was the beginning of life and the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter3;1-2 said, ‘’There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die’’.

Bible is written for Christians and requires teaching and learning. It is not an ordinary book like novel that can be read by an individual. Jesus instructed his disciples to go into the world to preach and teach. Teaching the word of God is very essential in the church but unfortunately many have removed the time of bible study from their programmes and replace it with praise and worship which draws more people to the church service.

Bible talks about spiritual death which is a disconnection from the living God. Many people especially those that do not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour are dead spiritually. It is taught in the Bible that people are to die physically.

This is not about religious belief, it is just that man’s body is not structured to exist here forever. The older we get, the more rapid our bodies decline in health until eventually the bodies give up altogether.

This is what is called physical death.

Governments are making all efforts to provide pleasurable environment while

Desti Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

J

ob 8:7 ‘Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase’.

(KJV) Proverbs 4:18 ‘But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day’. (KJV) There is an increase in life that comes as a result of labour, the law of seed time and harvest gave birth to the equation that says; your harvest is a function of the investment you put into the planting season. This means if you double the initial investment in any venture, your harvest is guaranteed as double- all things being equal.

This law of seed time and harvest gives every man equal opportunity to be great, to begin small and gradually increase until he becomes great ‘all things being equal’ (Ceteris Paribus) The path to greatness in life is- a small beginning coupled with consistent increase. Successful people may start great in their minds but read their stories you will discover that their

Sunday July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

People who will never die scientists are on research to prolong life.

Christian leaders especially in Nigeria give the impression that there is only one life here that must be fully enjoyed. Many Christians do not think about death any more but how to make money and enjoy this world. Every human being is marked to die whether they are rich or poor.

Death is the only certainty of life.

The Bible said that it is appointed for a man to die only once after which there will be judgment. We have read about the death of some great kings, military Generals, Presidents of great nations of this world and have even witnessed the death and burial of poor and rich people including members of our family. If death is certain, I then wonder why some Christian leaders encourage people to seek the things of this world instead of the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matt 6:33. King Solomon, the wisest King on earth who was blessed with wealth by God said that with all the achievements in his life, his great wisdom,the palaces and gardens he built and the pleasures he enjoyed, he called all ‘’vanity’’Ecclesiastes 2 :11, 17-19.

A good life does not mean making money, driving expensive cars and living in big mansion but living according to the will of God. To live according to the will of God, there must be reconciliation through the blood of Jesus Christ. People must confess their sins, accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and become a new creation.

1Cor 5:17.

When we make contact with God who made us and loves us and has a purpose for us, then this transforms our lives. We are then controlled and guided by Holy Spirit.

To have this relationship makes this life very meaningful and also prepares us for an even more wonderful life after the physical death.

It is essential to prepare for death and also know what happens at the end of this life. It is certain that we are not going to live in this physical world forever. The Bible teaches that after death, there is a judgment, ‘’ We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad’’.2 Cor 5 :10. Those who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and the false teachers and pastors who liberalize and secularize the word of God to deceive people and make money will go to hell.

But those who walk in newness of life according to his will, will be changed and receive a new body which will never get old, never get sick and will never die again.

Paul described it clearly here, ‘’ Listen, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 1Cor 15 : 51 -53 ) This transition from mortal body into an immortal body comes after we die. We must not forget that Jesus once said,’’…I am going there to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am’’. Jn14 : 1-3. When Jesus ascended into heaven before the very eyes of the disciples, they stood there looking intently up into the sky as he was going.

Then two men dressed in white who stood beside them said, ‘’ Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven will come in the same way you have seen him go into heaven’’ Acts 1 :10-11.

The coming of Jesus is definite but nobody knows the time.

It is going to happen unexpectedly.

Paul said, ….in a flash… the twinkling of an eye….’’1 Cor 15:52 The life beyond this present world is still a mystery to many but to true Christians it is a world we all look forward to. Paul in writing to believers in Thessalonica concerning their loved ones that had died said, ‘’ Brothers we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep or grieve like the rest of men who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever’’ 1 Thess 4 : 13 – 17.

At the next arrival of Jesus Christ, the world will still be the same, some people working, some looking for jobs, some selling while some will be buying, then he will arrive.

This is an indication that at his arrival there will still be a generation of human being on earth that will witness the glorious arrival of Jesus.

The good thing about it is that believers of Jesus who are alive then ‘’ will be caught up …. to meet the Lord in the air (alive)’’ without experiencing death and their families will have no reason to mourn or arrange for burial.

•Prof. Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Lagos. Phone: 0802 – 303 – 2698; email : profkunlemacaulay@yahoo.com; Twitter. com/Kunle Macaulay1

Divine increase – (1) physical beginning was small.

Listen carefully Sir and Ma, God wants to bless you and more importantly, God wants to bless the work of your hands. However, you need to move beyond the point of waiting for a big break because all you need is to start small.

What do I mean; one hundred multiplied by zero will definitely bring you zero. Zero effort coupled with 100% help is wasted effort.

I will say to you who just started a small business, who is just developing a budding idea, who is about to get discouraged about what life has to offer, that your small beginning today guarantees you greater tomorrow therefore, keep at it.

Let us at this point break down some equations.

According to Proverbs 24:33; Poverty = Consistent Slumber + Consistent Folding of hands (Idleness) Greatness in Life = A small start + Consistent addition + Constant Investment + Increase subject to Ceteris Paribus However, upon establishing the path to greatness, I want to go ahead and point out a salient feature of the equation; all things being equal!

The law of seed time and harvest as great as it and as sure as it is for greatness is limited by interferences that ensures that all factors are not equal, therefore things are not always equal or

things don’t stay equal.

The worlds believes in their calculations and mental prowess and have settled for the counterfeit increase which is subject to Ceteris Paribus but Apostle Paul makes us understand the main source of genuine increase is God according to 1 Corinthians 3:6 which says ‘I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase’. (KJV).

World increase should come after the planting and the watering of a seed but Kingdom increase (divine increase) comes only from God and it is the authentic path to greatness. Therefore greatness is not in the infallibility of any equation, it is in the infallibility of God who ensures the increase.

Equation re-written; Greatness = a small beginning + consistent addition + Consistent investment + increase subject to Ceteris Paribus Divine Greatness (true greatness) = a divinely guided beginning + consistent addition + consistent investment + divine increase.

Listen to this, stop worrying about the progress of your business despite the efforts you have invested in it, man of God who has labored in the word and have invested in the life of the people, student who has invested so much time in your studies and it seems to you all that the reward is not showing; your part is to plant and

water, your part is to invest and God’s part is to bring increase your way.

When you step out to your place of business, to your school and your work tomorrow write this equation somewhere as a reminder of the fact that you are a child of God who by grace and mercy is qualified for divine increase therefore others may suffer stagnation but you cannot have a better yesterday.

Pick the scriptures at the beginning of the publication and speak to God everyday reminding Him of His word that cannot be broken as you do your part. And you will surely see His hand in Jesus name.

Divine increase ensures that the devourer is devoured in your life. It ensures that safety and the protection of all that you own just as the devil testified about God’s covering over Job and all that he had. The same way henceforth, the last loss you had will be the last forever in Jesus name. You are child of God you cannot be harassed or molested, you cannot be confused both can you be stagnated therefore go and increase till you become great in Jesus name.

•For further prayer & counseling, Please contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Plot A22 Power Crescent, Arab road, Kubwa. Abuja, +2348030752799, +2348053695097, Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MOMENT OF MIRACLES with Pastor W.F

Kumuyi Continued from last week Winning in warfare by faith Hebrews 11:32 The verse begins with the question: “And what shall I more say?” Having spoken of the challenging examples and extraordinary exploits of faith, the Apostle now gives a summary of actions of faith, grouping some men of faith together. He does not mention all men or women that could have been mentioned. He passes over individuals such as Caleb, Deborah, Hannah, Ruth, Job and some others. Rather the Holy Spirit presents before us Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. The order in which they are mentioned is not that of time, for Barak lived before Gideon, Jephthah before Samson, and Samuel before David. God reckons according to His evaluation of the fruits of our faith, not according to age. With true faith in them, they fought the Lord’s battles with courage and conviction and brought deliverance, truth and revival to God’s people.

1.

Gideon: winning with the courageous few Hebrews 11:32; Judges 6:11-16; 7:1-8; 8:4,22,23; 1 Samuel 14:6; 2 Chronicles 14:11,12; Luke 12:32.

The Bride’s voice with Pastor Moses

Alu

I

f you have not been baptized, as soon as we close, the baptismal pool is read, the clothes are ready and the ministers who have been on fire preparing for this programme since yesterday are also ready. We are ready!

I have tried to let you know that you are entitled to deliverance.

They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the words of their testimony.

And if for any reason the accuser of the brethren is accusing you of anything you have done, there is a provision of the cities of refuge as we see in numbers 35:9. If yuu kill anyone, you are to be killed.

It was in eye for an eye.

That was the law. If you do something to somebody and the avenger comes after you to kill you for what you did, there is a provision.

If only you can run to the city of refuge, no matter how close the avenger is to you and you escape and cross the boundary, the law says he cannot touch you.

That is the type of the blood of Jesus Christ.

As you enter that water and come out, you have entered the place of refuge.

No weapon formed against you will

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Sunday July 26, 2015

The decision of faith (3) Gideon was called to deliver and judge the nation of Israel when they were under the fierce oppression of the Midianites and the Amalekites (Judges 6:1-4). The Israelites were poor and fearful. When God called Gideon, he felt inadequate and wondered how he could defeat the oppressors and deliver the oppressed (Judges 6:11-16). With such a great challenge before him, he needed assurance from the Lord.

Given some initial assurance (Judges 6:19-24), his faith was strong enough to destroy the idolatrous altar of his father (Judges 6:25-27). “The Spirit of the LORD” soon came upon him so he could begin the great work God had called him to. His faith was growing; he did not immediately or instantly come into strong, unshakable, extraordinary faith. With divine responses that cleared all his doubts (Judges 6:36-40; 7:13-15), his faith became firm and his victory certain.

“Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). What words ministered faith to him? “Surely 1 will be with thee and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Though the enemies were many - “without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude” (Judges 7:12), Gideon defeated them with only 300 men in his army (Judges 7:7). Few with faith can defeat many with might.

2.

Barak: weapon against cruel foes Hebrews 11:32; Judges 4:4-9,14-24; Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; Mark 9:23.

The period of the judges was an era of repeated backsliding for Israel. “The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Judges 2:11,17, 19; 3:7,12; 4:1). Their backsliding brought “the anger of the LORD” upon them (Judges 2:14,20; 3:8). Sin, disobedience and rebellion had brought Israel under powerful enemies. In God’s mercy, He raised up Barak to deliver Israel from 20 years of servitude. Barak believed God’s promise given through Deborah. The fact

that he wanted Deborah, the Lord’s special representative at that time, to go with him to battle meant that his trust was in the Lord, not in his wisdom or ability. God’s presence was of more value to him than his 10,000 men. Faith for victory over cruel foes came by hearing the Word: “I will deliver him into thine hand” (Judges 4:6,7).

3.

Samson: Weakness overcome by conquering faith Hebrews 11:32; Judges 13:1-5,24,25; 14:5,6; 15:14-16; 16:4,5,15-20,21-30; Isaiah 40:28-31.

Samson was a judge in Israel and his special task was that of fighting against the Philistines.

He is remembered most for his moral weakness, backsliding and loss of God’s power. Yet, his last exploit of faith shows that he overcame weakness by conquering faith. Throughout his life, he fought and defeated thousands of Philistines single-handedly. Many mighty deeds are recorded of him – rending a lion to pieces, slaying the nation’s enemies with the jawbone of an ass, carrying the gates of Gaza on his shoulders, breaking the strongest cords when bound by his enemies, pulling down the great temple containing thousands of the Philistines. The instantaneous answer to his final prayer concludes his mighty acts by faith and by the Spirit.

4.

Jephthah: Willingness with consecrated faithfulness Hebrews 11:32; judges 11:4-6,11-15,2733,35; psalm 50:14,15; revelation 3:8-10.

Jephthah’s calling and involvement was not only because of his faith but because of God’s grace. His birth was dishonourable (Judges 11:1,2). The Mosaic law excluded such from the congregation of the LORD (Deuteronomy 23:2) but grace brought him in not just as a member but even a deliverer and a judge. He feared the Lord and was willing to deliver God’s people and serve them. He believed God with a strong

faith. He ascribed Israel’s victories to the Lord (Judges 11:12,14,21-23). He made an extraordinary vow before the Lord and faithfully kept it by keeping his daughter in continual virginity.

After the victory, he faithfully maintained his consecration.

5.

David: Warrior with courageous faith Hebrews 11:32; 1 Samuel 17:32-37,45-50; Psalms 71:7,17,18; 18:32-35; 27:3; 1 Timothy 6:12.

David stands out as a great man of faith in the Bible. From his youth, he trusted in the Lord. When he was still young, he killed a lion and a bear while taking care of his father’s sheep. He fought and had victory over Goliath.

He had faith in God and spoke words of faith: “Thou comest to me with a sword... but I come to thee in the name of the LORD. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand... for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David overcame in many battles of life by faith. The battles were many and varied, in his family and from the king of the nation, friends and foes; yet, he always fought with courageous faith. The Psalms are full of expressions and confessions of his faith (Psalms 3:6; 4:8; 9:9,10; 18:2,17,19; 23:4; 27:1,3; 32:7; 44:5-8; 56:3-5,11; etc.).

6.

Samuel and the prophets: Witnesses of our covenant-keeping father Hebrews 11:32; 1 samuel 3:10,19; 7:710;12:16-19; psalm 99:6.

Only Samuel is named among “the prophets”. The prophets were all men of faith and they bore witness to the unfailing, unchanging nature of the Word of our covenant-keeping God. The prophets reminded God’s people of the trustworthiness of the promises of God. These prophets also fought valiantly against idolatry and immorality in the nation.

There is a balm in Gilead (4) prosper.

I want you to note that for every ne of us here that has been dedicated to idols, everyone of us here that is suffering from manipulation of the enemy, any spell or curse, there is always a blood that was shed; either the blood of mother human being or an animal fowl, goat, etc, before the spell could work, even before the covenant with marine spirit can work, they will make some sacrifice with blood.

But let me announce to the kingdom of darkness that for our own freedom also, there was a blood that was shed.

And we come under that blood this afternoon.

And we will possess our possession.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

And many people are suffering from water spirit and that water you are holding; water will answer water today.

If you believe it, let me hear your amen. Lift up your water.

Praise the Lord. And maybe there is an altar where they have placed anything that is a point of contact to you, today we are standing on a higher altar and that thing will be destroyed from this altar today in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

They have made innovation and sent a curse from that altar, we will stand on this altar and bless you and reverse that curse today in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Praise the Lord. When a covenant with a demon husband or wife is in op-

eration, a marriage is your wedding ring; every marriage in the spirit too; they give you a ring; you may not see it or know it is there, today, we are going to destroy those rings using the anointing oil. Let me see the bottle of oil you have. Lift it up.

That oil will be consecrated. As no demon could stop you from attending this programme, no demon will resist your deliverance today in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

You were not sick before you went to bed last night and you even prayed fervently that God should use this programme to deliver you from that spirit that has been tormenting you but when you woke up this morning, you have a severe back pain and you could have missed the programme.

That was why I made that earlier pronouncement. Please who is the person? Run to the altar.

Father, because you mentioned that case, let the person and others suffering from this illness receive their healing in Jesus name. This is because Christ gives solution to every sickness.

As nothing could stop you from coming here; so shall you receive your deliverance in Jesus name.

No problem that followed you here will go back with you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Those the enemy projected something into their bodies in the night and are on the altar here, let them not stand up from that altar with that pain in the

mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Father confirm that you ministered that to me.

Let there be instant deliverance in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus comes, the tempter’s power is broken, When Jesus comes the tears are wiped away He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay One sat alone beside the highway begging, His eyes were blind, the light he could not see; He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows, Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee.

From home and friends the evil spirits d4ove him Among the tombs he dwelt in misery, He cut himself as demon powers possessed him, Then Jesus came and set the captive free.

Unclean! Unclean!

The leper cried in torment, The deaf, the dumb, in helplessness stood near; The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim, Then Jesus came and cast out every fear.

So men today have found the Saviour able, They could not conquer passion, lust and sin; Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely, That Jesus came and dwelt Himself within.

•Pastor Moses Alu; The Bride Assembly, Odofin Park Estate, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Ijesha Bus stop 08033524903 : Email: pastormosesalu@yahoo.com

44

From the Pulpit

T The voice o of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo

S

ince the month began, we have been exploring the powers inherent in our tongues. Last week, we examined the creative, prophetic and reproductive power domiciled in our tongue (words). This week, I will conclude this series by discussing how powerful our tongues can be from the scientific perspective.

From the paper of a renowned Neurosurgeon as captured in Pastor Yonggi Cho’s book, Ministering Hope for 50 Years, the expert stated that the speech area nerve that allows humans to speak has the power to control other parts of the body. For instance, if a person says, “I am gradually getting weaker,” other nerves in the body immediately receive that command from the speech area nerve and obey it, saying something like, “Let’s get weak. We need to

Priesthood House with Pastor Bola

I

Bello

have severally enumerated on the assignments of the Church in her quest for the kingdom of God on the earth and the need for the Church to brace up to this challenge and contend against the kingdom of Babylon. Babylon is not just a nation, but ancient systems acquired from Satan by humanity after the fall of man.

Babylon is the kingdom of Satan, headed

by Satan with the appointments of his servants in the various strata of the earth with the intention to implement his bid on its expedition to stop the spread of the kingdom of God.

It is therefore, obligatory for Church to war against the kingdom of Babylon with another system rather than the system of Babylon. The present rat race of Church to be like Babylon, build what Babylon builds and to acquire the glory of Babylon is a ploy to derail the Church from her eternal purpose.

Material possession called prosperity is a weak weapon to dethrone Satan. Its importance has been highly exaggerated by many, though it has a role to play in the warfare, it does not however have the capacity to expire this kingdom. It is therefore, clear that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal weapons but another weapon that is mighty through God fashioned by the Spirit to pull down the stronghold of the Babylon.

The strength of Babylon is mammon, and Church needs something stronger than money to fight this battle. Church is consequently required to abstain from the present boast of the glory of the world in which Gentiles seeks. We cannot validate ourselves with fame and material possession of the earth.

Riches of the world are the snares and traps of Satan while the word of

Sunday July 26, 2015

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Commanding the supernatural by the power of the tongue! (4) get weaker; that’s the message from the command tower.” That is how a person gets weak and becomes ill. In other words, those nerves can weaken an individual.

Also, he said if another person says: “I am not capable. I cannot do this.”

Then, all the nerves in his body respond accordingly, almost as if they say to each other, “We are not capable; that is what the speech area nerve commanded; that is an order; we need to prepare to become incompetent, we must give up all means of utilizing our capabilities.”

Furthermore, he stated that if someone else says, “I am too old; I am too tired to do anything else,” the speech area nerve will exercise its power and take command over all the nerves. The nerves will then respond as if they were saying, “Yes, we are all old. Let’s prepare to die – to rest in the grave.”

However, if an individual says, “I’m

healthy,” then the speech area nerve sends its command to other nerves, effectively saying, “You’re all healthy.”

They respond, “We’re all healthy, very healthy.” They then process the command and become healthy. That way, even sick people can regain their health.

Spiritually, these speech area nerves can be likened to the angels of God, who are sent to minister to us who are heirs of salvation.

They are ever on guard to deliver us from evil and carry out our orders, precisely (Ecclesiastes 5:6) Thus, spiritually and scientifically, it is proven that our breakdowns and breakthroughs are absolutely at the command of our tongues.

Therefore, we must watch what we say, because what we say determines what happens to us.

Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord

Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me!

Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Releasing The Supernatural, Walking In The Miraculous, Commanding The Supernatural.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

•I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org.

Church as God designed it -The burden of the kingdom and the throne of Christ on earth – (4) God is the strength and greatness of the Church.

If therefore, our gospel is the gospel of material acquisition, we cannot possibly chase this kingdom off and establish the kingdom of God. Only the message of the kingdom of God can birth the kingdom of God in the hearts of men.

Kingdom message create an awareness and knowledge in the hearts, and configure them to live it. The preachers must come to an watchfulness of the blindness which the gods of this world have orchestrated in the Church, and the resultant effect is mad pursuit of material gospel at the neglect of the kingdom gospel. The influences of Satan have provoked Church men and stir them to greedy chase for things of the world.

This is not the reason why Church was raised. The purpose at which the Christ built His Church has almost been obliterated. Church was raised to propagate the message of the kingdom and any other assignments are elementary and not intended focus. Church has much glorious hope in the kingdom of God than the riches and the kingdom of this world. We should learn this from Moses, who esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward (Heb 11:26). What this implies is complete forfeiture of the throne of the world and Moses desired the reproaches of Christ more than the throne of Pharaoh. Moses won in both ways. He became the lord unto Pharaoh and unto Egypt and, yet became an accurate representation of God in Egypt and in the world.

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these

kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever”(Dan 2:44). In every kingdom of men, culture is the major identity that describes its system.

This is not entirely different with the Kingdom of God here on earth. The culture of a kingdom describes the type of people in the kingdom and the character of the king. The word “culture” derives from a French term, which in turn derives from Latin “Colere” and it denotes; to tend to the earth and grow from it, or cultivation and nurture from the earth. From St Paul’s writing we see a principle outlined there where the Apostle talks about earthly things that conforms people as earthy. “The first man is of the earth, earthy, the second man is the LORD from heaven.

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthly, and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly” (1 Cor. 14:47-48). In other words, the major contention of the Church is between the earthly culture and the heavenly culture.

What the Church should import to the earth is the culture of her King, and that culture is an image and it is entirely different from the image of the earth.

The kings of the earth are operating by the culture of the earth and it is extremely different from the culture of the King of heaven. Church has an appointment of ambassadorial with mandate to set up another culture which will culminate into the kingdom of heaven on earth. It is therefore evident, that the take of the Church should be heavenly culture and heavenly character.

The culture of the kings of the earth should be alien to us as the ambassadors of Christ here on earth.

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us;” The word ambassador in Hebrews language is (Ma lakh) meaning an interpreter or a messenger of another kingdom. An

ambassador is an official representative of a king or a kingdom. In the New Testament, it denotes the imprisoned representative of Christ. No wonder, Paul, the Apostle called himself “An ambassador in chains” – a minister of the gospel of the kingdom with mandate for the kingdom spread without consideration for its earthly implication. This is the role of every preacher of the gospel of the kingdom.

A decree is determined in heaven. The eternal God shall set up a kingdom on earth which shall not be destroyed but it shall break in pieces and consume the kingdoms of the earth.

The discontinuance of the kingdoms of this earth is subsequent on the spread of the kingdom of Christ. The kingdoms of the earth can only pass away and become extinct in a short while when we bond with the instruction of God to set His kingdom up. Church is designed to show this divine government and kick start it so as to distinguish it from others.

The word “set up a kingdom” implies, the Lord shall cause to rise up or to stand up a kingdom that will not have its origin with earthly kingdom. Its configuration shall stem up from divine government and truth shall be the scepter of that kingdom. It shall not chase gold but would gather it like dust.

It shall not need to seek for supernatural since the identity and the culture of that kingdom is supernatural. Miracles signs and wonders shall be the norms of its operations. This, Satan has desired to deny the earth through another gospel. We must rise up and shut it down to set up the kingdom of Christ on earth. This is the design of the Church.

•Pastor Bola Bello – The Priesthood House, bolabelo@gmail.com 08033704564

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday July 26, 2015

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Understand your divine location The place you are currently located now is determined by whom? Where you are located will determine the degree of success you can command. This week I shall discuss with you how your location can affect your success in life.

Who asked you to stay where you currently staying? Is it God or some other reasons? There may be reasons why you are where you are right now, but if it is not God; your success cannot be guaranteed.

And there was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham.

And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt: dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of.

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will perform the oat which I sware unto Abraham thy father. (Genesis 26: 1-3) For you to be successful in your endeavour, you must know where God wants you to stay.

The covenant of God will only be active in your life only if you are doing what the Lord wants you to do. Isaac attempted to leave Gerar for Egypt but the Lord told him to stay.

Isaac will not make it in Egypt if had gone there. The covenant of God will not cover him there; he will only struggle and had nothing to show for his struggle.

Are you working so hard but nothing to show for your labour, check yourself

Bishop Opayinka

if you are located where God wants you to be and whether you are doing that He has commanded you in the way he wants you to do it. More often than not, we are not doing it correctly.

Prayerfully seek the face of God to know your location in life. Your allocation is embedded in your location.

Knowing your location is something that you have to do it yourself.

For you to emerge a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a peculiar people, you must understand your location.

I am not talking of physical location but your given position in life and such locations could be where you will settle, career and gift. You might be born in the where you currently based, but that land may not be your location.

If you travel abroad in a quest to locate a good location and you end up locating a wrong one, you will still not be successful. If you stay in the place where God has given you that is where your allocation will be. Your career or the job you do is another location that you must carefully seek God to know.

Not every job offer will bring good of-

fer to you. Your location in term of ministry is another area you must prayerfully find. Which area of the ministry has God called you? If you jump into a ministry that you are not meant for, such act could make you sweat in the ministry. If God has called you to be an evangelist, stay and evangelize for God. If God has not called you into prophetic ministry and you want to prophesy, you will only fail and cause damages to the kingdom of God. Making yourself a prophet does not give credence to your prophecy. It is a Prophet that God called that He honours his prophecies. Ministry is an assignment.

However, no one gives such assignment to his or herself. It has to come from God. The onus lies on you to locate the precise areas that God wants you to function for the furtherance of the Kingdom.

When God wanted to lift Abraham, He began by changing his location (Genesis 12:1-3). God told Abraham to get out of his father’s house because that was not the place that He wanted to bless him.

If you miss your location, what it means is that someone else will enjoy your allocation. You will not enjoy a common grace and blessing when you are wrongly located. You have to get closer to God to enjoy this allocation.

Find time to know what God wants you to do and where He wants you to do it.

And as soon as you get hold of your location, struggle will cease in your life.

Many can be in a blossoming career but their lives may not blossom because they are wrongly located.

Others could be successful doing the

same thing provided they are rightly located. All you need to do is to be committed to God in prayer to enable you discover your location, and anytime you discover your location, the rest will be history. In the story of Isaac above, though there was famine, God still told him to stay. You may not see any sense in what God is asking you to do, but do it anyway.

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year a hundredfold and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: (Genesis 26: 12-13) The success of Isaac was based on his obedience to the voice of God. You might be experiencing famine even in your divine location but when God is with you, you are secured. The difference is that, every situation will work for your lifting and you will enjoy favour when you are in your divine location.

All may not be rosy at your divine location but God will always make things work for your good.

The Almighty God is your security when you are where He wants you to be per time. God knows how to fix all the challenges that may arise because you will enjoy divine security.

See you next week as we journey to the throne together. Bishop Joshua KolawoleOpayinka is the presiding Bishop of Glorious Tabernacle International located Behind Ondo State Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State capital. Share your testimonies and prayer points with me at: O8060297831 joshuakolawoleo@ yahoo.com

Becoming a distinctive man through God’s word Prophet Lai Bamidele, General Overseer of Christ Glorious End-time Evangelical Church, Abule-Egba, Lagos, in this exhortation, teaches on the forces of wickedness. Excerpts:

E

very Christian that will be distinguished in life must be ready to listen to his instruction.

No matter who you are, if you are not ready to abide by his word you will end up loosing your abode.

That you are a Christian is not a guarantee for your distinction, until you listen to him, you cannot be heard of.

In the book of Luke 5vs1-10. The Bible says “As the people pressed on him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and Jesus saw two ships standing by the lake, but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets, and Jesus entered into One of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land, and he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a drought, and Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all night, we caught nothing but nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net, and when he had done this, he enclosed a net breaking catch and they beckon unto their neighbors which were in in other ship that they should come and help them.

Peter could not make out anything in all his day’s toiling until he encountered the word of God from the master and got an instruction to

thrust out his net into that sea. Naturally, you can only enclose fishes in the night, but the instruction came from the master at an unusual time, at a time he least expected. Listen the word of God is the only key to your breakthrough in life.

When you listen to his word, he make the whole world to listen to you. Not only did Peter listen to his words but, he also obeyed the instruction that followed. In every journey of Christian raise not only do you need to hear his word, you must also be a doer of his word.

Simon Peter heard his word and also did as he was instructed and he ended up being distinguished.

When you listen to his word and do his will, the whole world Will love to hear you.

After Peter listen to his instruction and did according God’s commandments, he became a commander. When you obey God, your life, marriage, business, education etc, you will become a man that the whole world Will love to hear. Listen to me, inside every testimonies in life there are bitter pills to swallow, until you acknowledge him and his word you will only be struggling in life. If you must be distinguished in life, you must create time to read books, listen to tapes and spiritual books of great leaders that are still in line with God. Right words are true worlds, and the trust words are God’s words. When you pitch your tent against his word, then you are into what

we called hardship unlimited.

Listen to me, you don’t need too much of stress to be successful in life, you only need too much of sense the quality of instructions you received and abide by will determine the level or quality of height you attain in life.

Only true learners become Great leaders, also only true followers becomes great leaders Peter learnt from the master, he followed his master, faithfully and the master handed over his ministry to him while he was about to go.

In the book of proverb 4vs13, the Bible says “take fast hold of instructions let her not go, keep her, for she is thy life”. When you heading to his instruction you will be distinguished.

Being born again is not a license and guarantee for you to Succeed. If you want to make a mark in life, you must be ready to listen to the word of God, you must also be ready to hearken to his word. In the book of Deut. 28vs1-13 the Bible clearly emphasized that “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe, and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord will God will set thee in high above all nations of the earth, and those blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou will hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God...”. The Bible goes on to emphasize on what and what will come upon thee as your blessings if you hearken to his words and his commandments.

Pastor Bamidele

When people go through this particular scriptures, they Just read it as if they are reading it for pleasure sake, they forget that, that particular scripture, everything that is written by God in his words is tied to a wisdom principle. Listen, if your obey the principle of God, you will become a principal on earth. In that particular scripture the Bible emphasize that “if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, and to observe to do all his commandments which I command thee this day...”.

The person that follows the principle to the fullest is the person that will make a mark and be distinguished on earth. When you have value for his words to guide his steps and his actions on earth.

•For counselling, contact: Pst_lai@yahoo. com.

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From the Pulpit Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona

What are these powers attached to these altars?

The powers attached to these evil families altars, are those Angelic beings who sided satan to war against God in heaven millions of ages ago. This war was fought in heaven before the Adamic age. It was the fieriest and the most terrible war ever fought since the world began. In Revelation chapter 12: 7-8 “And there was war in heaven Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon: and the dragon fought and his Angels. And prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven.” Devil, or the old dragon was called and known as Lucifer before the war in heaven began. He was also the chief of all the Angels in heaven. He was then loyal, humble, obedient and submissive to the rules of God in heaven, before iniquity was found in him He served God in heaven among the Angels as a cherub.

There are two sections of Angels in heaven. a) The Cherubs b) The Seraphs The Cherubs, who were called the Cherubims were of high rank and power, than the seraphs, who were called the Seraphims. Being that Lucifer was humble to God and dedicated to his service in heaven, God so beautified him and specially anointed him. He worked in the store room of God as the chief praise singer. He became the first anointed Cherub to walk upon the stones of fire. He was in control of all the Angels in heaven, before he was corrupted.

The meaning of the name Lucifer is the light bearer or the son of the morning glory.

What a beautiful name. This was before he defiled and corrupted it. What is that testimony God gave you which you have in your carelessness abused and corrupted, just as satan did.

Is it your marriage, a favour, your career, your business, an opportunity or is there a special gift, talent, skill, or grace God has given you to use for his service which you have abused and corrupted because of your life of immorality. Glory be to God that we are not like satan, who every door of grace has been closed against. We still have grace to amend. Today as you read this message I would like you to go back in repentance with a penitent heart asking God for forgiveness and mercy. I assure you that if you do that with a genuine heart, he will surely forgive you and grant you his salvation.

Sunday July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Breaking the powers of evil family altar – (6) However, immediately iniquity was found in Lucifer, the word of God judged him as follows. Isaiah 14:13-15 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the North. I will ascend above the height of the clouds. I will be like the most high yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sit of the pit.” When the dragon failed in his quest to over throw the Almighty God who is forever exalted.

The dragon and his Angels were casted down to the earth, as I had already said in the previous topic. In Revelation chapter 12:9 “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the devil and satan, which deceived the whole world, he was casted out into the earth, and his Angels were cast out with him.” Immediately this was done, those Angels who fought with the old dragon against God, fell down on earth their names were changed to demons.

Who is a demon?

A demon is a fallen angel with the power of intellect, emotions and will. They are incorporeal beings who are invisible to human eyes.

They carry out the work and the will of devil on earth who is their master.

This shows us that any person on earth who obey the voice of devil by committing sin, is automatically a servant of devil. That is why the Bible firmly says, that such people will not have a place in heaven, just as the devil with his Angels had no place in heaven. Such people shall be casted, into hell to the side of the pit, where their father resides. Child of God please do not commit sin. The Bible says in 1st John 3: 9 ”Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God.” Why are these demons called powers?

We have been told that demons were fallen Angels, who serve devil, by carrying out his wills and assignments against humanity. The word for demons in the Greek translation is daimon, meaning the unclean spirits. These demons are called powers because they exhibits some levels of powers which they had when they were in heaven.

The word of God acknowledge this. In Ephessians 6:12 the word of God says “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” In this scripture these demons are known and addressed as powers. Believers all over the world engage in a spiritual warfare with them. This is to stop them from having a full scale privi-

lege of carrying out the will of their master who is the devil. In 2nd Corrinthians 10:3-6 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of stronghold. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” A high percentage of different forms of bondage and spiritual afflictions which people of different race, culture and creed all over the world suffer from are all traceable to the wickedness and nefarious activities of these demons. Who manifests as powers, authorities, dominions, kingdoms, strongholds ruler of these dark ages, spiritual wickedness in the high places and principalities at their different levels of operations. The thoughts and imaginations of devil, against all human race, which are being carried out by these demons with total wickedness and determinations are itemized as follows: According to Exodus chapter 15:9 “The enemy said a) I will pursue b) I will overtake c) I will divide the spoil d) My lust shall be satisfied upon them e) I will draw my sword f) My hand shall destroy them Beloveth, by the time you sit to calculate and imagine the high level of wickedness of devil against humanity considering what he marshaled out to do. A sleeper would not help but get up and seek for help from God. Looking at these great wickedness of devil, I believe that anyone who still refuse to embrace the gospel of our Lord Jesus is not his/ her right sense.

For there is no other name God has given to all men under heaven to be saved, except in the name of Jesus. In 1st John 3:8 The Bible says “For this purpose the son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

One of the sadest thing in life is when a person is being attacked by a power greater than him without any hope of rescue by a corresponding power.

The good news is that God being aware of our weakness as mere flesh sent down his son in the likeness of our sinful flesh to deliver us from the weakness of the flesh. Dear child of God I may not know in which way the enemy of human race has placed his rod on you. Be not afraid, today, call upon the name of Jesus who God has given us as a deliverer to destroy all the works of satan.

I am confident that if you do, you will sure-

ly hiss a sigh of relieve in the name of Jesus.

Those wicked thoughts and imaginations of the enemy are being carried out within his mission, on earth. If you count the numbers of the wicked schemes of the devil against every living soul on earth, they are six in number which is the number of the beast. Revelation 13:18 “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: For it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred three score and six.” The mission of the devil on earth is in three folds. According to John 10:10A “The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy……”

Devil missions are itemized as follows: a) To steal b) To kill c) To destroy: Remain blessed as we continue next week in the name of Jesus Prayer point: That thing the enemy has written concerning me which is today affecting my life negatively, Blood of Jesus delete it in the name of Jesus.

Testimonies Chronic headache disappeared I was having light symptoms of fever with minor headaches. I did not consider it to be anything. Suddenly it graduated to serious chronic headache. One night, the headache was so severe that I thought I was going to die. However, by God mercy and intervention I survived that night, the following day I was rushed to the nearby hospital. I was treated, and drugs were given me to use.

The next night the headache came again so severely that I had to call the man of God. He asked me to bring water, which he prayed on and told me how to use it hourly.

The headache subsided. The following day I came to meet the man of God he told me it was witchcraft arrow. He placed me on prayer.

That night the attack came back. When I called the man of God, he told me he would call me back. Early in the morning as at exactly 4am.

The man of God called that he has interceded for me, he said that the head will not come back on me again. Brethren, since that day I am healed, praise the Lord!

Sis. Augustina •ADDRESS: Pastor Kingson I. Bona General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries No. 6, David Egbetuyi street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun-Ikotun, Lagos 08023404926, 08038206508 Website – wwwchapelofholiness.org

New

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Cleric advocates practical evangelism

he General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Auchi, Edo State, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has demonstrated practical evangelism and kindness towards the needy in the

society by donating vehicles and other articles with which they could start off their own businesses and earn a living for themselves.

Suleman, who claimed that he wanted to give evangelism clearer meaning by making it more effective than giving

mere sermon through his lifestyle evangelism, also revealed that, by faith and actions of leadership, there is great hope that people will be impressed with how God affects lives and then turn to God in reality.

Describing this method as, ‘loving someone into the kingdom’, the cleric maintained that , he is using this approach to find caring and creative ways of evanglising and affecting lives positively.

The reverend gentleman, who has

written inspirational books that teach true friendship as well as ways to develop godly relationships recently, demonstrated his benevolence when he gave out five brand new state-of-the-art cars to members of the public.

The cars include Lexus Jeep, Honda CRV, Toyota Camry 2.4, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Passat.

He alongside his wife, Dr. Lizzy Suleman donated brand new motorcycles to others while he sank a borehole for the use of his host community, awarded

scholarships to people in various disciplines as he empowered others in entrepreneurial practices.

With a ministry of over 40 branches spread across Africa and Europe, Apostle Suleman, has also spread in a unique way, the Gospel via Celebration TV; a TV created to take the gospel into homes, schools, offices and businesses of millions across the globe which so far has gone a long way in revealing God in His true form as well as restore destinies in millions of homes globally.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Endtime Revelation with Bishop Bernard

Ojemeni (JP)

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ast week we saw how the 2nd 3½ years of the great tribulation will be the worst period of catastrophes, tragedies, calamities, crisis and hell on earth, in the history of mankind. In short a total of 21 plagues will be sent to the inhabitants of the earth. 21 in God’s numerology stands for exceedingly sinfulness of sins. Here is a summary of the 21 plagues or great punishments that will be poured on the people on earth during those 3½ dreadful years of the great tribulation. Psalm 18:19 “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.”

(A) From The Seals 1.

Removal of peace causing men to slay one another (Rev. 6:3-4).

2.

Severe famine on earth (Rev. 6:5-6) 3.

Killing of a fourth of the earth by sword, famine, plague and wild beast (Rev. 6:7-8).

4.

Earthquakes (Rev. 6:12) 5.

Eclipse cessation of solar and lunar lights (Rev. 6:12; Isa. 13:9-10.

6.

Casing of the stars on the earth (Rev. 6:13).

7.

Receding of the sea, rolling away of mountains and Islands causing terrible fear (Rev. 6:14-17).

(B) From the Trumpets 8.

Burning down a 3rd of all living things with hail and fire mixed with blood – (Rev. 8:7).

9.

Destruction of a 3rd of the sea creatures and a 3rd of sea turning into blood (Rev. 8:8-9).

10.

Turning a third of the earth (Rev. 8:10-11).

11 Darkness to a third of the earth (Rev. 8:12).

12.

Causing darkness for 5 months with demonic locusts stinging men like

From the Pulpit

Sunday July 26, 2015

47

The dreadfulness of the 2nd 31/2 years of great tribulation Bishop Bernard Chukwuma Mbamalu Ojemeni, General Superintendent of Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc, in this piece, gives an insight into the New World Order. Excerpts: scorpion in those days (Rev. 9:1-11).

13.

Release of 4 wicked angels from River Euphrates to slay a third of mankind (Rev. 9:13-16).

14.

A severe earthquake leading to collapse of cities and death of 7,000 people (Rev. 11:13).

(C) From Bowl’s of God’s Wrath 15.

Infesting all that have the number 66 with ugly and painful sores (Rev. 16:2).

16.

Turning the seas to blood causing all living creatures in the sea to die (Rev. 16:4).

17.

Turning of rivers and springs to blood (Rev. 16:4).

18.

Causing the sun to scorch people with intense heat (Rev. 16:8-9).

19.

Throwing the kingdom of earth into darkness (Rev. 16:10-11).

20.

Lightening, rumblings, thunder and very great earthquake leading to collapse of cities (Rev. 16:17-20).

21.

Huge hailstones to fall upon men from the sky (Rev. 16:21).

All these punishments are bad in their own capacity, but there is one I must not fail to emphasize on because of the gravity of pains associated with it. Before the angel that was assigned to carry out this punishment, Heaven observed a moment of silence for ½ an hour i.e. 30 minutes. Revelation 8:1. Imagine the punishment that made Heaven to observe 30 minutes silence. No matter how highly or important a situation is in government circles or among men; it is only a minute silence that is observed.

Not to talk of where Heaven observed 30 minutes silence, to show you that this is not a joke. The punishment is contained in Revelation 9:1-end “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of

the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power..…”

The word of God said in those days men shall seek death and will desire to die and death shall flee from them.

When I look at the way we cross the road to avoid being hit by an oncoming vehicle and other safety measures we apply on daily basis. I begin to imagine a scenario where we are now seeking for death, desiring strongly to die because of pains.

The Bible said for a period five (5) months and there will be total darkness, the type that you cannot see the next person closer to you. And the demonic locusts will be stinging you like scorpions all over the body and no food in your stomach for five (5) months. No strength to stand up and you will think you are the only one suffering.

No strength to even cry.

And the worst is that even if you summon strength to move to the kitchen and in that thick darkness, you are fortunate to lay hold on your sharp kitchen knife and you now sigh a breath of relief that you can now kill yourself to escape the pains, the knife will tell you that it cannot kill again, that they have been instructed by God not to kill anybody.

If you take your gun to kill yourself, the gun will not answer you. If you like take poison; the poison will not kill you. If you are living near the lagoon and you manage to walk to the sea shore with the hope of throwing yourself to the water to be drowned, the water will throw you out. In fact, and in short, there will be no death of any kind for those five months.

Al the inhabitants of the earth that are alive during this time will experience this plague. Note: that the 21 punishments covered the 2nd 3½ years – 2036½ - 2040AD from July 2036 to the end of 2040AD according to our calculation from 6,000 years

man’s earth lease for those of you who have been following my teachings. In the case of other 20 punishments we are not told the duration of each and people die in those punishments and their souls will land in hell fire.

It is only the punishment of the demonic locusts that we are told the duration which is 5 months and nobody die in it, despite the fact that men will seek death and desire strongly to die yet they will not die. Even for those who died in other punishments before this time to me is not better off because of the torment they will equally be going through in hell fire.

Today, you can see somebody suffering in a particular sickness so much that he or she will prefer to die than to stay and suffer.

You hear him or her saying he will like to die and go and rest.

But one thing many of them do not know is that to rest after death depends on what you do with Jesus Christ. Is your relationship with Jesus Christ cordial? Are you a bornagain child of God. Have you truly given your life to Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour? Are you living a holy and righteous life? Do you have fear of God in your life? If the answers to their questions are ‘Yes’, then you have hope of rest in the Kingdom of God when you die. Remember the account of Lazarus and the rich man in the Bible.

Luke 16:19 “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:” This account is a food for thought for every human being on earth.

Please, be my guest this Sunday in our Holy Ghost Service by 9am in the address below: •For further information, contact us at: Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc.16/18, Johnson Street, off Kajola Street, Yakoyo, Lagos. Tel: 08023261219, 09095268897, 08036116881; Email: bishop.bernard@yahoo.com

News

Nigerians urged to pray for the nation

...as Apostolic Faith Church prepares for camp meeting ODINAKA URUAKPA

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hristians and indeed Nigerians,have been called upon to turn to God in genuine repentance and embrace righteousness so that in so doing, God would intervene in the affairs of the country, and heal the land of all its troubles , as He did with the people of Niniveh, when they repented from their bad ways.

District Superintendent, West and Central Africa, Apostolic Faith Church, Rev. Emmanuel A. Adeniran, speaking at a press conference in Lagos, to announce the Church’s 2015 annual camp meeting tagged: “The glory that awaits the righteous”, explained that the theme of the three-week convention is inspired of the Holy Spirit and consistent with the need for deeper consecration, spiritual reawakening, understanding and greater awareness of the imperative of holiness and righteous living

in this generation.

“The night of this age and global dispensation indeed, is fast approaching and anyone who has hope of internal life in God, should purify themselves, even as He (God), is pure. The theme offers the glory of God in a world of corruption and decay to those who venture to trust Him; to whom all things are possible. This unlimited, loving and powerful God reverses and transforms the reproachful life of sin into that of glorious righteousness and inner peace, purity, power and prosperity.

In a moment, this great God also quickens and transforms the sickness ravaged body into a sound and healthy one”, he explained.

Adeniran further explained that, having the consciousness that more than ever, salvation is nearer now than they first believe, it behoves Christians, as sheep of Christ’s flock to awake from slumber and safely plunge into the pool of abundant grace made available for them.

“Heavenly graces have been poured out

and await us, even as the call to repentance keeps ringing across the land to every sin laden soul. Being saved and consistent in righteous living not only guarantee our eternal life, but also bring about peace, love, harmonious coexistence and relationship among other people in our neighbourhood”, said he.

While reacting to President Buhari’s visit to the United States of America, and Nigerians’ fear of him buying the idea of gay marriage for the country, the cleric said, if a person wants to sell something to another; it depends on the latter’s mindset to buy or refuse what is being sold to him.

“Currently, our president is aware that there is a law against homosexuality in our country. I want to let us know that we have an international sovereignty and we have our laws to guide us in interacting with ourselves and interacting with other nations and leaders. I believe so strongly that our president is a president of Nigerians, and he has the support and prayers of citizens; that

he would continue to stand and defend the laws and sovereignty of Nigeria, to which he swore an oath when he was sworn in as president of this country. Nigerians need not fear about the country getting compromised; we shouldn’t see ourselves as underdogs when we stand for what God says”, he admonished.

He urged citizens to have faith in the leadership as patriotic citizens of other countries have faith in their leaders by supporting the president with prayers.

“Let us support Nigeria in the nascent transition we are in now. I strongly believe that God has an agenda for Nigeria and He will surely fulfil it. He has demonstrated His testimonials and faithfulness to us in giving us a most wonderful transition from one civilian administration to another. Nigerians themselves were so much in doubt, but God rose up to the situation when we cried unto Him. We should not seize to pray until God heals our country and transforms us unto the glory that He has for us”, he urged.

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From the Pulpit

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani

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Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

hat do you have to say about flirting on job for a born again Christian. Its getting too much and l don’t know how to handle it.

Since you didn’t really explain if you are the one into it or its been done against you, l will just approach it from the two angles.

If you have men and women working together in close quarters day in and day out, some flirting is inevitable. Many people consider flirting at work to be harmless, while others openly advocate for flirting to get what you want. But flirting at work is almost never truly harmless.

It’s a bad idea, even if both people are single and enjoying the interaction—and I say that as someone who is not necessarily opposed to office romances! Dating coworkers is risky and should be handled carefully (and away from the office), though it turn out well for some couples.

Even in the best of circumstances though, flirting at work is another story. It’s distracting and confusing to the people involved, and often to the people around them as well. Flirting is often misunderstood. And flirting—whether sincere or not—can do real harm to someone’s professional reputation, especially if that “someone” is a woman.

This is true despite a highly publicized study in 2012 that says women can gain an advantage by flirting in certain negotiations.

In the context of a single, contained negotiation, it’s possible that flirting could put you at a short-term advantage, but as a long-term strategy, it stinks, both for your reputation and your self-worth.

Flirting with Your Career One study that surveyed female business school graduates found that more than 50 percent of respondents knowingly engaged in flirting for business gain.

“Flirting at work is simply dangerous and very career limiting,” says David Nour, author of Relationship Economics, in Forbes.

It can easily lead to questions about your intentions, credibility, and character, undermining key relationships, and even subjecting you to unwanted advances, he says.

To avoid such dangers, some people go too far in the opposite direction, striving to keep all work relationships “strictly business.”

Sunday Mirror Sunday July 26, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Christian and career Some women who adopt a cold, impersonal attitude at work—women that are known to be warm and caring people. I find this approach counterproductive; it often alienates people. Let’s not forget that as Christians we are ambassadors of God in the workplace.

Opening our hearts to and caring about the people we work with is one of the primary ways we can “be like Christ” at work, and it’s actually good for business too.

To be an effective team member or leader, you need to get to know the people you work with, men included, and understand their personalities, strengths, and passions.

What’s more, having a friendly and engaged office environment contributes to greater productivity and job satisfaction, and you can’t get there by freezing people out. So how do you know when what starts as friendliness is skirting toward(or may be perceived as) flirting?

1. Start with a Gut-Check Most women, if we’re being honest with ourselves, know when the switch is flipped from altruism to attraction and attentionseeking. Pay attention to your own heart, and pray that God would open your eyes to any blind spots. Let Philippians 4:8 be your guide: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Stop it even before it starts.

2. Ask someone you trust I know women whose naturally effusive personalities get misinterpreted as flirting, which can be confusing and frustrating for them, as well as for the people around them.

If you have a close friend in the office, it can be helpful to ask her if she thinks anything you’re doing could be taken for flirting. But if you ask a question like this, be ready to accept her answer. Hearing other people’s interpretations of your demeanour can be enlightening, but it can also be embarrassing and humbling. And not only knowing but also yielding and adjusting.

3. Consider Potential Warning Signs These are things that, by themselves, aren’t necessarily “over the line,” but they can be considered warning signs that you might be headed there.

The list includes: • Sharing personal information to the

point of creating intimate friendships; • Sending suggestive non-verbal messages through looks, expressions, or physical touch; • Thinking about a male colleague’s reaction when deciding what to wear; • Complaining about your spouse or significant other to a male colleague, or engaging in a conversation where he complains about his significant other; or, • Saying or doing anything that you wouldn’t want your spouse/Bible study group to hear.

If you find yourself doing any of these things, it might be time to think carefully about the messages you are sending—not just to the man you’re flirting with, but also to the rest of the office.

4. Apologise if needed Sometimes flirting that you consider harmless gets misinterpreted, and you may find yourself with an unduly amorous colleague. Most of the time, such mistakes are awkward but innocent and can be handled with honesty and, if appropriate, a simple apology. Sometimes though, a misunderstanding over real or perceived flirtation can lead to unwelcome advances or inappropriate behavior. No amount of flirting can justify sexual harassment. You should not hesitate to take appropriate measures if you find yourself subject to demeaning or aggressive behavior.

5. Respond with professionalism Most of the time, if you’re faced with someone who seems overly flirtatious toward you, the best thing you can do is to respond with professionalism. At one point a lady in her career found herself in a position where she had to work closely with a man who had an aggressive reputation for openly flirting (and more) with females he met on the job. She found his manner toward her distasteful, but he represented one of her team’s biggest clients, so she couldn’t avoid working with him.

She needed to avoid alienating him if possible, so she had to walk a delicate balance to make him feel respected and liked, but she also needed to let him know his advances were not welcome.

In that case, her best defensive strategy was a strong offence of warm professionalism. She was always friendly but careful to gently steer their conversations toward

business matters. If there was reason for them to be alone together, she was sure to keep an appropriate physical distance between us. In case of business dinners, she always invites a colleague to join us, and at the end of the night, I offered a handshake and a cheerful but firm “good night.” Using this strategy, we were able to work together for years without incident.

6. Know who you are You are a child of God; it is therefore expected of you to be an imitator of Christ. Stay for one minute and ask yourself the question, “Can Jesus act the same way am acting now in my office” Others around are suppose to see your life as that of good exemplary which all around should strive to emulate. No matter what is going to cost you stand up and show Christ.

Jas 1:13-15, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

1Th 4:3 “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from immoralty” 7.Steer Clear When it comes to flirting, we all want to believe that we’re the exception—that our own “innocent flirtation” could never lead anywhere regrettable. But office flirting can go wrong in so many ways.

We all know of too many men and women whose little flirtations turned to full-blown affairs, office scandals, unwanted harassment, and even career-ending lawsuits.

Protect your relationships and your career by steering clear. Remember, it’s easier to say no to flirting when the incident is still small and “innocent” than it is to correct a bigger problem down the line.

Also the Bible says in 1Th.5:22 that, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Make good use of your five senses and stop deceiving yourself.

You can see it coming, you can hear noise and you can smell the dirt,why wait, flee.

•You can send in your QUESTIONS and the Holy Spirit will be set to give you the ANSWERS. Barr. (Mrs.) Favour Tioluwani Tel: 08050272259 or 07062738213. Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

Photo News

L-R: Director, Welfare Services/ Admin, Apostolic Faith Church, Amb. James Olaleye, District Superintendent, West and Central Africa, Apostolic Faith Church, Rev. (Dr.) Adebayo Adeniran and Director, Resource Directorate, Apostolic Faith Church, Prof. (Rev.) Kayode Oje at the Apostolic Faith Church 2015 annual camp meeting news-briefing held recently in Lagos

L-R Shows the Charter President Rotn Bola Oyebade presenting a gift to the District 9110 Secretary, Lion Femi Adenekan at the reception marking the District 9110 Governors visit to the Maryland Rotary Club, Ikeja, Lagos.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

Business FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday July 26, 2015

Baker Hughes predicts declining global oil exploration … as Nigeria’s reserves fall A UDEME AKPAN

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here are strong indications that the fortunes of oil and gas producing countries, including Nigeria would be worsened as a result of declining exploration of crude oil in the second part of 2015.

The fortunes of major producers have already been affected as a result of a significant drop in oil prices from over $100 to about $60 per barrel between 2014 and 2015.

Except in North America and Middle East/Asia, Baker Hughes that monitors the performance of many operators around the world indicated in its latest report that there would be a

significant drop in exploration during the third and fourth quarters of this year.

“For the remainder of the year, we expect unfavorable market conditions to continue across all segments.

North America rig counts are anticipated to remain relatively unchanged.”

“Seasonal increase in activity in Canada is expected to be fully offset by lower activity levels in the U.S. onshore and an unfavourable mix of activity in the Gulf of Mexico. “ “In Latin America, we project the rig count to continue to decline, albeit, at a slower pace. In Europe/ Africa/Russia Caspian, the rig count is also expected to decline across most of the region, primarily in

onshore and shallow water markets,” it maintained.

It also indicated that for Middle East/Asia Pacific, it anticipates the rig count to remain relatively stable as any rig count growth in the Middle East will likely to be offset by rig count declines in Asia Pacific.

Baker Hughes indicated that the international rig count for June 2015 was 1,146, down 12 from the 1,158 counted in May 2015, and down 198 from the 1,344 counted in June 2014.

The worldwide rig count for June 2015 was 2,136, up nine from the 2,127 counted in May 2015, and down 1,309 from the 3,445 counted in June 2014.

The Chairman of International Energy Services

Limited, Dr. Diran Fawibe explained that many International Oil Companies, IOCs may not be encouraged to invest in exploration because of low oil prices.

“Globally, many investors do not like to invest more during the period of low crude oil prices. They rather invest more whenever there is stability in the global oil market,” he said.

Fawibe indicated that the inability of legislators to pass the nation’s Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB into law was another major factor that affects much investment and exploration in the nation.

He said except something was done to boost exploration, it would be impossible for the nation

Expert says auto industry will leapfrog economy

to meet its 2020 target of increasing the nation’s oil reserves from about 36 billion barrels to 40 billion barrels.

Meanwhile, the Department of Petroleum resources, DPR report showed that the nation’s oil reserves has over the years crashed from over 37 billion barrels to 36 billion barrels.

A source if the Department said the oil reserves would likely crash further as a result of continued production without much investment in exploration to make new finds.

Despite the expected low investment, ExxonMobil has predicted that crude oil and natural gas will constitute 60 per cent of global energy demand by 2040.

PenCom to increase RSA holders to 20 million by 2019 –DG

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he National Pension Commission, PenCom, says it plans to increase Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders from the current 6.5 million to 20 million in the next four years with the introduction of micro-pension.

The Commission’s Director-General, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, made the statement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 3rd International Conference on `Financing for Development.’

A statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, quoted Anohu-Amazu as saying that the current position of 6.5 million contributors was low relative to the estimated working population in Nigeria.

“There is plan to increase RSA account holders (in Nigeria) to at least 20 million by 2019 through micro pensions,’’ the statement quoted the DG as saying.

She identified inadequate technological capacity and dearth of investment products as the major operational and regulatory challenges facing the pension industry in Nigeria.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Connect Marketing Services/owner, Techplus, Tunji Adeyinka; Guest speaker, Jim McKelvey; Director, MTN Sale/Distribution, Tsola Barrow and Managing Director, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki, during the opening of the 2015 TECHplus Conference and Exhibition in Lagos on Friday.

financial expert, Mr. Femi Awoyemi, on Friday urged the Federal Government to sustain its policy of attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) into the nation’s auto sector.

The expert said this against the backdrop of the announcement by Honda Motors Company Ltd to commence local assemblage of its Accord Sedan car.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Awoyemi, the Chief Executive Officer, Proshare Nigeria Ltd, said that youth unemployment in the country would drastically drop with Honda’s actualisation of its pronouncement.

He told NAN that more FDI inflows would take the local automobile sector to the next level.

Awoyemi said the current drive by the Federal Government to encourage more international auto makers to site factories in the country would prosper the domestic economy in all ramifications.

NAN reports that Honda Motor Company has proposed to begin the assemblage of one of its auto products in Nigeria soon.

The proposal to site the car plant in the country would be the first assembly plant by the auto firm in Africa.

Another auto company, Volkswagen, had also commenced the assemblage of its products in Nigeria this July, some 25 years after it stopped operations in the country.

NUPENG explains disparity in fuel pump price

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he National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG at the weekend said the disparity in pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Lagos was due to the loading of the product at different tank farms.

The South-West Chairman of the union told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Mr. Tokunbo Korodo, in Lagos that there were some intermediaries who were adding their own

charges to the official price.

The chairman said that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had turned to tank farm owners to dispense petroleum products instead of pumping directly to their depots.

“Instead of tackling the problem of vandalism, they turn to tank farm owners for dispensing of petroleum products.

“The tank farm owners were adding their own charges on the product brought to them by NNPC.

“Before now, we have just five tank farms at Apapa but now, because people realised it’s a lucrative business, we have over 50 tank farms.

“Most of them that did not have money to import, they depend on NNPC to supply the products to the depots.

“This has even degenerated into traffic gridlock at Apapa axis because of tankers waiting to collect the products.

“Presently, some pri-

vate tank farms are selling for N87 without transport expenses.

“How do you expect the filling station to sell the product at the same price?

“Some of the filling stations that are selling at N87 have adjusted their pumps, which is very bad,” he said.

Vice-Chairman, Western Zone, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Adekunle Bamigboye, said members of his asso-

ciation were not getting the product at NNPC depots.

“Average marketers are not getting the product from NNPC depots.

“Out of the five depots in Western zone, four are not loading. Even the one that is loading does not have the product presently.

“If you go out now, hardly can you find any of the major marketers’ filling stations selling the product.

“We are paying extra money to get the product in the private depots.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Zakari ’s appointment in order, INEC insists …says, no time limit for her tenure OMEIZA AJAYI

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isturbed by the wave of backlash generated with the appointment of one of its national commissioners as its acting Chairperson, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has risen in strong defence of its boss.

The commission said the appointment of Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari as acting chairperson was well in order, saying as her powers

are broad, so is her tenure which has no time limit.

A document issued by the commission yesterday in Abuja said INEC as a federal executive body established under Section 153 of the 1999 constitution can be administered by a person who is non-partisan and with unimpeachable integrity.

INEC said although the law created the office of a chairman for the commission but does not provide for a deputy chairman.

“Therefore, where for any reason, the office of the

chairman becomes vacant, the appointing authority, which in this case is the president, has the power to appoint any qualified person to act as the Acting Chairman, pending the appointment of the substantive Chairman ”, the commission stated.

On the ongoing debate regarding the powers of the Mrs Zakari, INEC said unless there is anything in particular that is contained in the electoral Act 2010, on the exercise of such powers, the acting chairman can maintain and exercise

powers particularly designated for the chairman.

It added that the appointment of acting chairman of INEC has no time limit or limitation and therefore, until further directives or order from the appointing authority, it is lawful to exercise all powers of the chairman.

“It is important to note that the responsibilities of the commission shall continue without any let or hindrance including preparation for elections, in view, in the coming months ”, it stated.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Administrative statistics solution to curbing corruption ’

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onsultant to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Mr. Henry Eteama, has identified effective development of Administrative Statistics as an effective way to curb corruption in the country.

Eteama, consultant on Statistical System Management, made the statement yesterday in Abuja in an interview with the News agency of Nigeria, NAN. He said that lack of proper administrative data had been responsible for mismanagement of public funds in the country.

He said that for the country to embrace transparency, accountability and openness, administrative statistics must be developed.

“If administrative records are there and the proper information system is designed and the proper data base is created, there is no way our monies will be missing.

“There is no way somebody in any position could wake up to say N20 billion was missing and then said it was N12 billion and later, N36 billion.

“All these things are happening because the records are not being harnessed; if they are harnessed in statistical manner, people will be accountable, ’ ’ he said.

Eteama said that the days of conducting manual surveys were over.

He added that with effective administrative statistics, the cumbersome process of queuing to verify credentials and other official documents would be eliminated.

The consultant urged the management of MDAs to invest in data generation to enhance sustainable planning in their organisations, saying such efforts would help them achieve their mandates.

Retiring NESREA boss urges civil servants be of high integrity

F Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute and others, during the International Conference on Africa ’s Fight Against Ebola, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on Thursday.

FRSC boss urges staff to remain focused

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he Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi has urged staff to remain focused to the attainment of the ideals set by the founding fathers of the FRSC for safety on the nation ’s highways. He stated this yesterday while declaring open a one day retreat, which coincided with one year anniversary of his appointment.

In a statement by FRSC ’s Head of Media Relations and Strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, Oyeyemi while con-

gratulating FRSC staff on the feat achieved by the Corps in its 27 years of existence and one year of his leadership, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for creating enabling environment for the FRSC to implement policies and programmes that impact positively on human development, safety and security of the nation.

Speaking on leadership, the Corps Marshal stressed the need for Commanding Officers to be ex-

emplary in their conduct, saying that they must discharge their responsibilities faithfully to justify the confidence reposed in them, adding that FRSC ’s attainment of the Quality Management System Certification (ISO 9001), was one clear evidence of what the Corps has become in quality service delivery to road users.

“The Corps has also attracted various local and international recognitions.

The recent ECA rating, which adjudged Nigeria ’s

road safety as one of the top three in Arica is another testimonial, ” he stated.

Oyeyemi attributed the trending down of crash situations in the country to the committed efforts of members of the Corps, but expressed concern at the recent spate of crashes involving tankers, which resulted in huge loss of lives and destruction of property. He therefore admonished staff not to allow the trend to continue as the nation looks up to them for solutions to the menace.

ormer Director, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, South-West Zone, Mr. Olufunbi Sode, yesterday urged civil servants in the country to rid the service of corruption.

The former NESREA boss said this in his remark at a retirement party organised in his honour by the staff of NESREA in the zone, in Ibadan.

Sode said there was a need for everyone to ensure that corruption did not grow deep into the fabrics of society so that Nigeria could be better.

“We can kick out corruption, but only if everybody, including leaders of every establishment, have

a corruption-free mind, ’ ’ he said.

The former NESREA boss urged all staff members to be men and women of integrity and to see integrity as a way of achieving success.

“If any agency is talking about achievement, the staff working there are the achievement of the agency, ’ ’ he said.

Sode urged all civil servants who were due to retire to do so, so that younger civil servants, could take over.

“If I am leaving service and somebody else is taking over, it will be my joy and happiness to see that someone else is filling the space I left behind, ’ ’ he said.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday July 26, 2015

51

Amosun and Ogun 2019 guber ADETOLA ADEWUYI

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often hear this epigram from journalists: “Comment is free, but facts are sacred.”

Politics is about self-interest; hence I do not begrudge Dr Sarah Olabimtan, the author of the article, “2015 and a people’s aspiration”, published in the papers recently.

What I frown at was her attempt to turn Ogun East, where I come from, into a pawn on her political chessboard. One is equally bemused by the efforts of the writer to make the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a hostage to some queer and indecipherable commitments to Ogun West. We (women) can sometimes be emotional, but facts will always be facts.

It was my Awori friend from Ado/Odo Ota that first rang me up on the piece by Dr Sarah. “The Yewas now wish to reap where they did not sow!” she exclaimed.

Of course, the facts are in the public domain. Of the 84,241 votes delivered to the APC in the governorship poll of April 11, 2015 by the 5 local councils in Ogun West senatorial district, Ado/Odo Ota local council alone, peopled essentially by the Aworis, delivered 34,097, representing 41% of the votes to the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. In other words, the entire Yewas, with 4 out of the 5 local councils in Ogun West, delivered only 59 per cent of the APC votes.

(1 LGA delivered 41 per cent; four LGAs delivered 59 per cent.)

On the contrary, out of the 69,535 votes of the PDP in the same governorship poll, Ado/Odo local council delivered only 12,769, representing 18 per cent of

the votes to Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, who is a Yewa. This implies that the entire 4 local councils of Yewa people delivered a whopping 82% of the total votes of the PDP! The obvious conclusion from this is that the Yewa people voted massively for their son, Gboyega Isiaka of the PDP. (1 LGA delivered 18 per cent; 4 LGAs delivered 82 per cent.)

Therefore, it was a fallacy and an exercise in sophistry for Mrs Sarah to write that, “Two distinguished Yewa-Awori sons were overlooked by their people for the incumbent... Yewa-Aworis have used the vote to say in unmistakable terms that the two candidates raised against Amosun did not have their backing...

Amosun whipped the two Yewa-Awori indigenes in their own backyard in Ogun West.” Nothing could be further from the truth!

It is instructive however to note that, whereas Senator Akin Odunsi, the candidate of the SDP in the governorship election, who is an Awori, got only 59 votes from his local council, Ado/Odo Ota, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of the APC polled 34,097 in the same local council.

Therefore, it was the Aworis that actually rose in some way above the son-of-thesoil syndrome in the 2015 gubernatorial poll in Ogun State. Consequently, it is totally illogical and wrong for the writer to suggest that the Yewa people voted massively for Amosun so that he could back a candidate from the zone in 2019. If anything, it is the Aworis that seemingly have some claims to lay to 2019 from Ogun West, but then not until the full matrix and calculus of Ogun politics are unravelled. What I propose at this juncture

is nothing more than a tip of the iceberg, for it is too early in the day to discuss full blast the politics that will shape 2019, on which Ogun East has overriding stakes.

Amosun has just won the mandate for a second term and he should not be distracted from accomplishing the goals he had set for the new term.

The writer equally embarked on somewhat sentimental generalisation without getting her facts right on the issue of appointments. One wonders where she got her list of appointments from. When you deal with figures, accuracy should be the watchword.

Politics is a game of numbers. Whereas my people from Ogun East delivered 94,974 votes to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, analysis of the contracts awarded, in monetary terms, shows that Ogun West got far more than its due from the resources of the state than Ogun East or Ogun Central, which is more populous than Ogun West. The writer therefore missed the point by comparing projects sited in Ogun East with Ogun West. In fact, the writer committed political harakiri by not contemplating the ramifications of such a strange voyage. It is on record that the longest road constructed by the Amosun administration - the 107km Ilara-Ijoun road - which cuts across 4 local councils, is in Ogun West. Whereas, the governor has through this succeeded in opening up the rural areas in Ogun West, the people of Ogun East are green with envy. Imagine the economic turnaround that Amosun brought to Ota and Aiyetoro through the modernisation of their roads. Contract for the AtanAgbara road, a federal government road

in Ogun West, has been awarded by the Amosun government. At one point in time, another neglected Federal Government road, the Owode-Ilaro highway, was completely impassable, especially at the Sabo portion. We read of the amount of money spent by the state government to make that portion motorable because of the nature of its soil and the fact that it is a major route for articulated vehicles. As we speak, construction work on the overhead bridge in Ilaro is ongoing. Yet Amosun lost by 1,771 votes in Ilaro in comparison to 721 votes in Ijebu Ode. Should one also forget the ongoing construction of two bridges, crucial to the safety and economies of the people of Ipokia and Imeko Afon local councils?

Indeed, considering the manner the PDP conducted itself in Ogun East, especially in Ijebu axis during the last general elections, the indignities meted out to many supporters of the APC who dared the rampaging monsters, the limited funds of the APC in sharp contrast with the limitless funds of the PDP to prosecute the election in Ogun East, where votes were up for grabs since neither Amosun nor Isiaka is from the senatorial district and the fact that the senatorial district still polled far above Ogun West to deliver the second term to Amosun, despite Ogun West taking the lion’s share of the funds for infrastructural development of the state, it is only human and logical for the incumbent governor to reward the people of Ogun East with his support in 2019.

Chief (Mrs) Adetola Adewuyi, a stalwart of APC, writes from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Obama has killed us all!

My point exactly!

NICK

UWERU E-mail: nickuweru@gmail.com 08182042961

N

o, no, no, not God Bless America. God damn America — that’s in the Bible — for killing innocent people. God damn

America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America, as long as she tries to act like she is God, and she is supreme.

The United States government has failed the vast majority of her citizens of African descent (sic).—Jeremiah Wright, Pastor, Trinity United Church, Chicago US, 2008.

Emma Bello, Editor, Sunday Leadership at the time, couldn’t understand my detachment from and somewhat suspicion of the presidential candidate of the Democrats, a certain Barack Hussein Obama, a senator at the time.

This was sometime in 2008. “For God’s sake Nick, can’t you join in this historic moment?

We are at the threshold of installing the first black President of the United States,” Bello yelled excitedly at me from behind his desk back then, somewhere in Garki, Abuja, where the newspaper used to have its office that hot afternoon.

Ah, we had quite a robust argument back then. You would think that it was a Nigerian presidential election that was the issue.

I worked with Leadership Newspaper at the time, supervising Features and Investigations.

And really, it was not that I had no interest in the Obama frenzy at the time. The thing was that I was agitated by two things. One, I viewed the whole US presidential campaign thing from a rather selfish point of view: ‘What do I stand to gain from an Obama presidency apart from the emotional capital of having an African American as president of the most powerful country in the world for the first time?’

Then there was that matter of Obama’s altercation with Jeremiah Wright, his pastor (quoted in the outset of this article). You see, Wright had hackled Obama over his not being ‘black enough’ in his campaign. I do not think that Wright was asking Obama to be a racist as the media and public perception tried to portray him to have said. In my humble opinion, I believe the pastor saw the making of an Uncle Tom in Obama.

Borrowing from Wikipedia, “Uncle Tom” is an epithet used to describe a person who is slavish and excessively subservient to perceived authority figures, particularly a black person who behaves in a subservient manner to white people; or any person perceived to be complicit in the oppression of their own group.

Wright was only urging Obama never to forget the burden of history of the black man and the Arabs; that for far too long, the white man of the west has played God on the rest of humanity. They began the slave trade and ended it when they chose to; they impose their values on the rest of the world expecting nobody

to whimper in protest; they decided when blacks, women can vote.

Much of the war in Mid East and North Africa centres essentially on America’s very partisan definition of terror. They decimated al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya with their bombs but looked the other way in the case of Boko Haram, refusing to sell us arms.

They even went as far as blocking nations from selling arms to Nigeria.

Wright probably foresaw all these and only intended to remind Obama of the burden of history. But the reverend gentleman got repudiated. Obama publicly disowned him and renounced membership of the Trinity United Church presided over by Wright, even though the man who later became US president used the church platform to reach out to black folks.

Now this was my worry back then in 2008.

It was why I couldn’t join in the near global euphoria at the time. For me, I believed and still do that Obama has no agenda, whatsoever for the black man, Mid-East or any other segmentation that already has fixed western perception of it. On more than one occasion, I have had cause to tell my friends who prod me hard enough on my impression of the man who is today’s president of the US that Obama is only there as president of the US to force down our throats those policies that couldn’t be pushed easily by a white US president.

Tell me. Of all the US presidents we have seen in the last two decades, which one of them has treated Nigeria with as much contempt like Obama? His first trip to Africa as President was to Ghana, despite the grand

swell of support gullible Nigerians gave him.

It did not matter that Bush and Clinton, his predecessors during their tenure came here, Obama recklessly launched broadsides at Nigeria from Ghana. We amounted to nothing to him. Just like other countries, too in the Mid East. Libya, Iraq, Syria and Egypt, how have they faired under Obama’s intervention so far?

Now, the latest in town is US policy on gay marriages. Obama intends to force the rest of the world to come to terms with queer practices. With the US Supreme Court ruling favouring same sex marriages, I can safely say that it marks the end of common decency as we know it. All thanks to Obama, the world has been transformed to global village of Sodom and Gomorrah.

I have pondered with great wonder at how Obama managed to secure that ruling for the lesbians, gay bisexuals and transgender, LGBT communities. It makes me shudder to think of what Obama still has in store for us.

You see, long before now, Obama had appointed two Judges into the US Supreme Court. These were Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. They completed the needed number to defeat effort at blocking same sex marriage in US. Now just imagine if Obama decides that siblings could get married, or bestiality is the new expression of freedom, or that a father could consider marrying his daughter.

Or that America should start cloning humans for organ transplant. Can there be any stopping Obama from accomplishing all these?

Oh God, Obama will be the end of us all.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Buhari should focus on developing South-South –Emeh Barrister Emeh Glory Emeh held several political positions in under former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, ranging from Commissioner of Transport and to Chief of Staff.

In this interview, he speaks on a wide range issues as it affects Rivers state and the SouthSouth region.

There has been this clamour for the SouthSouth zone to produce the next Secretary to the Government of the Federation. What is your take on this?

I have always advocated that one of the best things you can find in life that will not bring trouble in any society is equity. When you apply it, whatever decision you are making from the point of equity, fairness, fair play will work out fine. The south-south region has always looked forward to when the Nigerian nation will begin to appreciate that the region is a very important component of the country.

Every region is as important as the other, but it will not be out of place to say that the SouthSouth region can be adequately described without mincing words, as the most important region in the country, being the region that produces the wealth which other regions are feeding on at the moment.

So we deserve a special treatment. Even when our young men went ahead to demand this special treatment, though in their own form through what they called militancy, most people did not understand that they were doing, so, as a way of driving home their point, that the region deserves attention.

In the present dispensation, I have no difficulty in believing that President Muhammadu Buhari, will pay special attention to the region and more importantly, the fact that every region has picked one important position or the other in his government , except the South-South.We are very expectant.

What it means is that the only next important position left untouched at the moment is the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF. I don ’t need a soothsayer to tell me that the decision is deliberate; it is designed and set aside for the people of southsouth since other regions have been settled.

We believe that the next SGF should come from the south-south region, and we don ’t need much debate on it.

Two former governors from the region, the current APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun and former Governor of Rivers State, the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi are being touted for the position. What kind of SGF will they make?

It is quite interesting to note that the two of such persons are being considered. I have read about this in the national dailies, and I am also aware that Chief Oyegun, has opted out of the race.What it means therefore is that, Rt. Hon. Amaechi, is a candidate that has no competitor anymore. So far there is no other name that we know to have shown interest, or been penciled down to occupy that position.

I would have said that both ex-Governors have sufficient pedigree for the position, but now that Chief Oyegun has opted out, let us concentrate on the fact that Amaechi, having been a two- term speaker in a complex state as Rivers, and thereafter governor for eight years, also in such a peculiar state as ours, we have no doubt that he has acquired sufficient knowledge, sufficient experience and sufficient information and therefore adequately ready to occupy and perform any administrative function of any type, irrespective of what

Em meh

GIVING PEOPLE STIPEND MEANS YOU HAVE TO IDENTIFY YOURSELF AS A MILITANT, BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE ANYTHING. I UNDERSTAND THAT NOT ALL THOSE WHO RECEIVE THE STIPEND TODAY ARE MILITANTS name that office or position is called.

I don ’t see a person who has managed a place as Rivers state, as a governor for eight years and would not be able to creditably perform in the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which is just one component of government. I believe that, if it is the wish of the Federal Government to narrow the appointment of the SGF, to the SouthSouth, which in any case deserves the position and Amaechi, is from the South-South, there should be no difficulty in situating him to the office, if that is what the president would wish to do. In any case, every person in APC appreciates the enormous contribution of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi in the formation and nurturing of APC culminating in his directing the election that threw up President Buhari as the winner.

What do you think the South-South region really needs from this new political dispensation?

We have discussed a bit of it in that regard, but for the sake of emphasis. If you build a house, chances are that you would not want to be kept at the corridors of the house.

You will need a room. You cannot finish building a house, and you give the room and parlour to the visitor, and remain at the balcony of the house. The South-South, being the producers of the wealth of this country, deserves to be taken care of by the Government at the centre and I know President Buhari is disposed to carrying us along.

Nigeria at the moment do not have any other source of revenue except the oil, we do not want to continue to emphasize on it, it will look as if we are being arrogant of what God has given to us free of charge.

We are merely reminding the Nigerian nation to develop the region that produces the wealth on which others feed on. For example, if you should go to the United States,US, you will notice the difference between the state

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of California and most other cities in United State. If you go to Houston Texas, you can see the distinction between Dallas and others.

Even Sugarland, which used to be a slum, has developed tremendously.Not many people can still remember how it was. I have no difficulty to believe that, if the Nigerian nation wants to recognize and compensate us for the sufferings we have been exposed to, due to oil exploration and exploitation, they are likely to redesign the south-south region.

By redesigning, I mean the Federal Government can re-design Port Harcourt and make it a new city, re-design Calabar and make it a new city. It can leverage on what ex-Governor Akpabio, has done in Uyo, and make it a better city. You can change the entire city of Yenagoa and expand it up to Odi and southern Sagbama, and make it a new city, etc. These are south-south states where the mineral oil is found and where the wealth is produced.

In Yenagoa, I was told that one of the reasons the Niger Delta youths took to militancy, was when the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha, invited them to Abuja, for the two million -man march, to support his transition to a civilian President. Before then, most of them had not travelled beyond Benin.

So on reaching Abuja; they saw the level of development therein.It occurred to them that the money with which the former desert area was developed, came from their area and they naturally began to ask questions as to why the money coming from their area could not be used to develop their area.

I understand that, that was the genesis of militancy, and so far so good we would like to thank the Federal Government for reacting positively to such agitations.

There are more to do than what has so far been done. I do not believe that the agitation is intended to give a few people just monthly stipend. If you know the population of our region, as against the number of people who benefits from the amnesty, you will agree with me that, such is not the original intention of those who reacted to the non -development of the Niger Delta region. We should go beyond the level of giving some people stipends.

Giving people stipend means you have to identify yourself as a militant, before you can receive anything. I understand that not all those who receive the stipend today are militants.

If we re-design the amnesty programme, if we redesign the approach to the development of the South-South, we will be talking of infrastructural development, we will be talking about establishment of Hospitals, better schools, better roads, provision of unlimited power supply, making it look like an area people will look at and say, “thank you God for making us come from a place like this. God gave us oil and this is the benefit of it ”. That is the type of benefit we are looking for here.

I am not writing off the programme of amnesty which provides some sort of temporary compensation.

While we carry that along, we should also develop the second phase of the amnesty programme. The amnesty programme I understand has two phases, one of them is payment of the stipends to quieten the so called militants, and the other one is actual development programme of the area. It will really be a thing of joy for somebody coming to Nigeria for the first time to say that, “I want to go to Bayelsa State; “I want to go to the area called the Niger Delta as a tourist destination and to the Glory of God, and the benefit of our people. ” But you had a President from the South South for six years, why are you people still crying for development?

You are quite right, we certainly ought not to. But don ’t we deserve pity if we were not able to help ourselves? President Buhari will make a point if he focuses on the region.

Most of the times favour or salvation does not always come from within. I believe we deserve pity.

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Politics

Sunday, July 26, 2015

53

han ’s government

Aliso on-M Mad duek ke

advised Buhari that if he intends to probe the past he should not limit it to his administration but to extend such probes to other administrations before him, so that it will not be like a ‘witch hunting ’.

But Buhari has rejected this plea, as he said he will not extend his corruption probe beyond the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to a report by Premium Times, Bu-

hari, the President ’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Femi Adesina, said the President will limit his anti-corruption war to the immediate past administration in the country.

He said Buhari will not waste time in probing the administrations of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Sani Abacha and Ibrahim Babangida.

He said even before he was inaugurated on May 29, the President had categorically stated that he would not extend his corruption probe beyond the Jonathan government.

“If you recall, that was already settled before he got inaugurated as President. He has said he will not waste time digging into the far past, ” Adesina said.

“The far past will include Obasanjo and others. But the President has said he will not waste time to go that far. ” The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has called on Buhari not to hesitate to investigate and prosecute any of its members found to have corruptly enriched themselves.

The party said because of its integrity, it would neither condone nor albeit corrupt persons.

But in prosecuting the affected members, the PDP however said that the Federal Government must adhere to the rule of law.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said that as a policy, the

visit to the US

Kerrry

“When we get as much as we can get as soon as possible, we will approach those countries to frozen those accounts and go to court, prosecute those people and let the accounts be taken to Nigeria.

“The amount of money is mind boggling but we have started getting documents. We have started getting documents where some of the senior people in government, former ministers, some of them plotted as much as five accounts and were moving about one million barrel per day on their own. We have started getting those documents.

“I assure you that whichever documents we are

able to get and subsequently trace the sale of the crude or transfer of money from Ministries, Departments, Central Bank, we will ask the cooperation of those countries to return those monies to federation accounts.

“And we will use those documents to arrest those people and prosecute them. This, I promise Nigerians. ’ ’, Buhari said During his visit, Buhari also had the opportunity to meet with the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry described Nigeria as an extraordinary and important country to the United States Kerry said the United States government would continue to assist Nigeria to enable it performed its national and regional responsibilities in the African continent.

While in the United States, Buhari was able to secure the promise of the World Bank to commit $2.1 billion in rebuilding the badly devastated North-eastern part of Nigeria, ravaged for the past six years by the Boko Haram insurgency.

At a meeting in Washington with representatives of the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Health Organization (WHO), Buhari said apart from rebuilding the region in terms of infrastructure, priority must also be given to the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), who now number over one million.

Buhari urged the World Bank to send a team, which would work in concert with a team from the Federal Government, so that a proper assessment of needs could be done.

The World Bank would spend $2.1 through its IDA (International Development Agency), which gives low interest rate loans to government. The first 10 years will be interest free,

party would not hesitate to condemn anyone found to have flouted the law of the land.

He said, “They (any PDP members found to be corrupt) should be investigated and prosecuted according to the law of the land. All we want is that the law of the land must be followed.

“We will, however, insist that there must be respect for the human rights and that the rights of the individuals must not be violated.

“The law assumes everyone to be innocent until proven otherwise. With this, the government must not see anyone to be corrupt first. They are innocent until found guilty by court of law. ” He also added that it would be wrong for the government or anyone to see members of the PDP as criminals, even when there was nothing incriminating found with them.

Metuh said everyone, including suspects, must be seen to even be innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction and called on the government to also beam its searchlight on members of the ruling APC, adding that the fight against corruption must be holistic.

“We as a party will support the fight against corruption. However, the fight must be holistic and there mustn ’t be any sacred cow, ” he added.

There are divergent views on the scope, time-frame and those to be probed.

While some wanted the probe to be lim-

ited to the Jonathan administration, some countered that it should be extended to all past Governments. There were also calls that the probe should be extensive, thorough, transparent and devoid of witchhunt.

Political watchers believe that there are a lot of things that deserved to be probed, including debts owed by States.

The National Secretary of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, urged President Buhari not to embark on a personal vendetta.

“Buhari, on the day he was inaugurated, swore to two oaths and his primary responsibility is to follow the laws of the country and to do justice to all without fear or favour.

“What I say is this, if a crime has been committed, such crimes should be investigated but there should be no vendetta. He should not witch-hunt; he should not be vindictive about the probe. ” “I can understand that the war against corruption has started, he should be transparent about it. What are you trying people for? What is their offence? Their offence has to be known because this is democracy.

They should also follow the law in their corruption war ”, he said.

Analysts are however of the opinion that Buhari should be wary of the expectations of Nigeria concerning the changes he promised and should not the probing of the past delayed his agenda for Nigerians.

while an additional 30 years would be at lower than capital market rate.

The Bank said it was eager to move in quickly, give out the loans and give succor to the people of North-East long at the mercy of an insurgency that has claimed over 20,000 lives.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also promised to invest $300 million on immunization against malaria in Nigeria, while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would collaborate with Dangote Foundation to ensure that the country maintains its zero polio case record of the past one year.

Buhari was also able to reach out to American Investors shutting his visit and specifically told them to take advantage of the liberal trade and investment climate to engage in businesses in Nigeria.

While speaking at a business forum organized by the United States Chamber of Commerce and The Corporate Council on Africa, Buhari said his administration would go ahead with the ongoing privatization programme.

Buhari declared at the forum, “It is my intention to create the necessary environment for future investment in Nigeria. We are the most populous nation with largest market in Africa with vast human and natural resources and blessed with abandoned young skilled workforce “We are therefore proud candidate to become the destination of choice for United States investments in Africa. I

will work assiduously to welcome new investors to our country.

“I will like to remain you all that we are continuing in major privatization programme with sectors ranging from telecommunication energy, gas, solid minerals, aviation, health and infrastructural development but with improved moral architecture.

“May I therefore, seize this opportunity to formally invite the American business community to take advantage of our liberate trade and investment climate to do profitable business in Nigeria. ’ ’, Buhari added.

Buhari urged the business communities in the United States and Nigeria to make use of the opportunity of the excellent political relation between the two nations to expand trade and investment activities He assured the business community that his administration would reduce waste in the management of the economy of Nigeria with focus on accountability, and good governance as well as the rule of law.

With the visit of Buhari to the United States, it is expected that Nigeria would be able to make good use of the renewed relationship he had established to ensure the success of his administration for the interest of Nigerian and the development of the nation.

For Nigerians, they expect that the visit would help in ensuring the assistance of the United States to make the change promised by the Buhari administration possible and delivered in good time.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Buhari: From Washington with dignity FEMI ADESINA

I

t was an official visit that attracted not only national, but also international attention. President Muhammadu Buhari was going to visit the United States of America for four days, on the invitation of President Barack Obama. Was this going to be just another jamboree, or truly an event that would reset the buttons in the relationship between the two countries?

Sure, there had been some cooling of passion between the two erstwhile allies during the dying days of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, and American experts sent here to train our military had even been asked to leave. She had also refused to sell us Cobra helicopters and other armaments, which could have made a lot of difference in our fight against insurgents in the Northeast of the country. America had cited some reasons, including alleged human rights violations. The then President Jonathan was thus forced to look towards South Africa for arms. He loaded millions of dollars in a private jet as if going to Oyingbo market, and got his fingers burnt in the process. South Africa seized the cash, and also impounded the aircraft for some time. The Nigerian government could only huff and puff for a while, and then licked its wounds quietly.

No doubt, the kiln of passion needed to be kindled anew between Nigeria and America, and the invitation extended to President Buhari during the G7 Summit in Germany in June, was a much needed elixir. The Nigerian leader accepted the offer, and so was in Washington between Sunday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 22.

But another whiff of controversy had presaged the meeting. America, through its Supreme Court, had recently legitimized same sex relationship. A man could marry a man if he wanted, while a woman could also marry a woman. It was against the laws of God, but heck, what did America care?

God was either dead due to old age, or now belongs to the old school. What matters now are rights, and people with homosexual or lesbian cravings must have their rights protected under the law.

It was into the eye of this storm that some Nigerians felt President Buhari would be flying, on his trip. True, he had been asked to bring a ‘wish list ’ by his host, but is there ever free lunch in America? Yes, your wish would be granted. America would help you decapitate Boko Haram, would help you trace and repatriate billions of dollars salted away in foreign banks by past rulers, would help boost your economy and generate employment, but at what price? At a price of endorsing same sex marriage, which would be contrary to our laws as a country, and to the laws of the God that majority of Nigerians believe in, and serve? Would President Buhari capitulate simply because America would help him fulfill promises he made during election campaigns?

To America we flew last Sunday, arriving after a voyage of 12 hours. Our President was accommodated along with some members of the entourage at the historic Blair House, just a peeping distance from the White House. A good number of meetings were to hold at that Blair House in the next four days.

You would be permitted if you had jet lag after 12 hours in the air, punctuated only by a one hour technical stopover at a Portuguese island called Santa Maria, to refuel your plane. But President Buhari was still spry enough to settle down to business im-

Buhari and Obama at the White House.

EVERY PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN MUST HAVE STOOD SEVERAL FEET TALLER, AS OBAMA EULOGIZED OUR PRESIDENT. IT SERVED TO REKINDLE CONFIDENCE IN OUR COUNTRY. WITH THE RIGHT LEADERSHIP, NIGERIA CAN, AND WILL GET THERE

mediately. We have heard of the work rate of former Army General and later civilian president, Olusegun Obasanjo. Now we see another retired Army General now civilian president, exhibiting the same horsepower work ethics. Could it be true that they give them some injections in the military, which makes them go on and on? Well, I did not say so. I only heard of it.

After a briefing of what was to come in the next four days by Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, the President played host to former American Ambassador in Nigeria, Thomas Pickering and Professor Jean Herskovits. The man who has been quite outspoken about Nigeria, and who had doubted if the country would survive the 2015 general elections, Ambassador John Campbell, also came, among other people.

The day was not done until Madeline Albright (remember her? A large number of people across the world were mad about Madeline years back when she was American Secretary of State. She did the work admirably). Well, Madeline came to dinner with our President. She has aged, but rather gracefully.

Day 2 was the day the world had been waiting for. Day of meeting with the world ’s most influential president, Barak Obama.

But not so fast! First, breakfast with the Vice President, Joe Biden. Venue was the Naval Observatory, which is the official residence of the American number 2 man. What did he tell our President?

Biden gave an overview of the objectives of the entire visit, assuring Nigeria of the goodwill and support of America.

He shared perspectives on the terror war, drawing from America ’s experiences after the September 2001 assault, in which thousands were killed by Al-Qaeda inspired terrorists. He said Boko Haram, which has now pledged loyalty to ISIS, should not be battled with just military option. There was also the need to combine the war with strong socioeconomic programmes. He said the U.S would be ready to work with Nigeria in that direction.

On the Nigerian economy, Biden bade the leadership to tackle the issue of corruption, strengthen the institutions, and appoint tested hands to man critical sectors. If all these were done, he assured that investors would flood Nigeria in droves.

President Buhari thanked his host, and added that the role played by America prior to general elections, sending Secretary of State John Kerry to convey that America would not tolerate the subversion of the people ’s will, went a long way to guarantee fairness and justice.

Having served as Minister for Petroleum Resources for over three years in the 1970s, President Buhari did not forget to mention the oil sector. He said between 10 to 20 billion dollars may have been lost to oil theft in the past one year, and pledged to sanitize the sector. He welcomed American assistance.

The much awaited meeting with President Obama came up a while later at the White House. American leaders have been known to be fairly parsimonious with praises, particularly when talking about leaders of other countries. But Obama was effusive.

He described President Buhari as a man of integrity, needed for such a time as this in

Nigeria. He congratulated him for winning the March 2015 presidential election, adding that Nigeria was very important to Africa. The destiny of the continent was tied to Nigeria ’s, he said, pledging that America would continue to support, as long as Nigeria does the right things.

Every patriotic Nigerian must have stood several feet taller, as Obama eulogized our President. It served to rekindle confidence in our country. With the right leadership, Nigeria can, and will get there. Sure.

The American president charted the same course as his deputy on the issue of Boko Haram. According to him, economic and social programs must run concurrently with military option, to conclusively defeat insurgency.

Obama said the diversity of Nigeria, rather than be a centrifugal force, must be a centripetal one. The disparate parts of the country should be harnessed to become source of strength, adding that no part of the country should be left behind, or alienated.

Buhari, the American president observed, was hugely popular, judging by the enormous goodwill that surrounded his election. He urged him to use the goodwill to serve Nigeria, alongside the governors that accompanied him. The governors are Rochas Okorocha, Imo, Adams Oshiomhole, Edo, Tanko Al-Makura, Nasarawa, Kashim Shettima, Borno, and Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo. Speaking on behalf of the governors, Okorocha assured Obama that the states ’ helmsmen would back up Buhari to bring enduring change to Nigeria.

President Obama made pledges. America would help Nigeria in diverse ways: checkmate insurgency, train and equip her military, recover monies siphoned out of federal coffers, and many others. And with no strings attached.

The bilateral meetings/ audiences with the Nigerian president at Blair House, and other venues, were worth their weight in gold. The American Secretary of Commerce met with the Nigerian team, so did Loretta Lynch, U.S Attorney General, Jack Lew, Secretary of the Treasury, the Barker Group, potential investors in the Agriculture and Power sectors. There was an interactive dinCONT ’D ON PAGE 56

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Sunday July 26, 2015

Interview

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Same-sex marriage will come to Africa –Primate Ayodele For many years, you have annually published a book of prophecies. What’s in the book this year?

Well, it’s more than what we have had before and it contains current happenings in the nation as pertaining to the government, the economy and so on, as well as those of other nations of the world.

Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele recently released the 2015/2016 edition of his annual book, Warnings to the Nations … A Collection of Divine Signals, which contains several prophecies about what will happen in Nigeria and the world in the next year. OSEYIZA OOGBODO met him spoke with him on national issues and the prophecies in the book. tice so we need cleansing and prayer to avert the impending crises.

What’s God telling you as a prophet concerning Buhari?

He needs to be careful of the people giving him advice. He should face the normal thing, create employment and try to fight poverty. He cannot fight corruption as expected. His government will be better and stable, but it won’t be the best.

Going by current happenings in the National Assembly, what do you think is still ahead? Will PDP come back?

The truth is that APC is going to crack and a new party will come from it, and PDP will try its possible best thereby to get its way again. But these are things we have to be cautious and prayerful about in order to avert the impending danger. I see the government of President Buhari going through ups and downs. He will face challenges because a lot of people don’t want him to succeed. Turning to the House of Assembly members, Governors and a one-time President will create a lot of problems for him and he must be very watchful about being tribal. These are what I can say at this moment. When you get the book, you’ll get more insight.

America has legalised same-sex marriage, do you see that coming to Africa?

It will come to Africa. Buhari should not rely on America. It’s a mere waste of time because America will not give what him what he wants especially and this will take so much from him emotionally and psychologically, thereby draining him unnecessarily.

What is your own stand on same-sex marriage?

That it will get to some places in Africa. Does it make sense, though? It’s one of the places America is getting it wrong, and it’s why Buhari must not rely much on America.

If you don’t join them, how will the change come about?

This is the change, what we are saying now is the change, what we are saying through your paper is the change.

What do you see as the greatest problem of the nation today?

The greatest problem is poverty. To tackle poverty is not an easy task.

Do you see Buhari as the messiah?

He’s not the messiah. He’ll only try his best to put one or two things in place.

There are lots of factors that’ll stop him from working effectively. To fight the cabal, he’ll cause a lot of destruction. He’ll only try to do his best. It’s not by age.

Mugabe is older than Buhari. If Mugabe can still turn his country around, then 72 years old is still young.

Are you satisfied with the way Buhari’s administration is going so far?

I’m not here to judge anybody. I don’t have any comment because that’s not my work. My job is to pray for him. It’s left for the analysts to comment on that.

What do you have to say about Nigeria’s economy which was said to be the best in Africa just last year?

I’ve said it before that the economy will collapse and that’s part of what Buhari will fight. I’ve not seen the reality of our economy as the best in Africa. We still need to battle a lot on the economy.

Primate Ayodele

You once said Boko Haram must be weakened spiritually before they can be conquered. Do you see that happening soon?

What’s on ground now is more than Boko Haram. The issue is that other sects can come in, so when we’re talking about Boko Haram, it’s a mere waste of time.

Nigerian intelligence must work ahead of Boko Haram. Nigeria will fight terrorism, but we should be careful so it doesn’t spread. I still see there’s going to be corruption in the coalition force.

Nigeria should stick to her army. Let the army be empowered, well paid. When you’re not paying somebody well, and the person is fighting Boko Haram, it’s not good. Soldiers are human beings too.

We’re the cause of Boko Haram.

Some men of God have said that judgment will start from the house of God and that the Church has failed to play her role in the society. They said that’s the reason for the decay we are seeing today. What’s your take on this?

That’s where PFN comes in. They are the front liners. They are closer to the government, but they will not allow those who are saying the truth to get closer to the government.

They should all prepare for the judgment. It’ll not only start from the house of God, it’ll start on the altar, because most of the people staying at the altar are not sincere. You’ll be ashamed of yourself if you look at the morals of some of them.

You’ll ask yourself; is this a man of God or what? We’re waiting and we’re only praying that God will help us and that we’re not swept away by the judgment. Those who are not qualified should go and sit down. We have career men of God, those who wanted to be men of God to avoid poverty. Poverty makes a lot of people want to be men of God. To be a man of God takes a lot of things, a lot of discipline, a lot of prayers, a lot of things are involved.

One thing you have said consistently is the spiritual solution to Nigeria’s problems.

Does it extend to this Buhari administration as he has defeated many prophecies with his emergence against many predictions that he wouldn’t win the election. What do you have to say about this?

Let me correct that. You can’t say anybody can defeat anybody’s prophecy.

You can’t say that. Prophecy is not manmade. It’s a warning. When a prophecy is given, prayer can avert it, except that person doesn’t pray. Except that person is ignorant and refuses to take necessary precautions. Buhari’s a human being. He cannot defeat anyone’s prophecy.

We’ve heard people prophesy and say it would come to pass except they’re not called …

That’s why He’s God and He’ll be God forever. I’m just trying to buttress the fact that no one can defeat the Word of God. You once mentioned cleansing,that the nation needs to be cleansed.

Yes, Nigeria needs a lot of cleansing because there’s too much blood and injus-

You do a lot of predicting. How do you come about your predictions or do they just come naturally?

It’s always in the early part of the year, around March to be precise, that they come. That is when we receive these messages, compile them, and take them to the press. For over 40 days in prayers, that’s when we come about all these predictions.

Do you go into a trance to get them?

When you are a prophet, God can speak to you anywhere. I don’t go anywhere at that particular time. I do my spiritual exercises. When God says this is going to happen, that’s going to happen, we put them down.

You’re one of the foremost seers in the country and you make predictions thereby. Why don’t our leaders listen?

You know when God sent Moses to Pharaoh, he refused to listen, he ignored it. People don’t listen to prophecies. It’s not new that some people don’t believe there’s anything like prophecies. You should know we’ve different human beings, different religions, so when you predict and somebody doesn’t believe in God, what happens? Prophecies are for the nations, for people to listen and follow.

How do you feel when your prophecies come to pass?

I feel bad because I don’t want a bad prophecy to come to pass. It’s for you to be careful, to heed the warning, but do they do that? So when you ignore it and it comes to pass, I feel bad. I’m not happy when some of them, I mean the bad ones, come to pass. Prophecy doesn’t even need to come to pass, except e good ones.

What should we expect as Nigerians?

We should just be praying fervently, praying without ceasing. We should pray that the Lord helps the President.

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Politics

Sunday July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari: From Washington with dignity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54

ner hosted by U.S Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa, and captains of industry from Nigeria and America were there, among others.

What of the meeting with Dr Pate of the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of the World Bank, and of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation?

Refreshing. WHO unfolded plans to spend $300 million to fight malaria in Nigeria, while the World Bank, subject to ratification by its board of directors, will make available the princely sum of $2.1 billion for the rebuilding of infrastructure in the North-East, a region beleaguered by insurgency in the past six years. The fund, under the auspices of International Development Agency (IDA) will be made available as loans for Nigeria, at very low interest rates. The first 10 years would be interest free, while an additional 30 years would be granted at rates lower than that of the capital market.

A delighted President Buhari said priority would be given to the resettlement of more than one million internally displaced persons (IDPs), and directed that a team be set up on the side of the Federal Government, which would meet and harmonize plans with the World Bank team as soon as possible.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also disclosed plans to work with the Dangote Foundation to ensure that Nigeria gets a clean bill of health on polio. Already, no case of polio has been recorded in the country for a full year, and if the position subsists for another full year, Nigeria would be declared polio free.

Cheery news also from the session between the Nigerian team and the American Attorney General. The host country would track illicit money from Nigeria in all their jurisdictions, including the U.S, while train-

ing would also be provided for our judicial officers, prosecutors, police, and other security agencies, to track and recover stolen funds.

There were other bilateral meetings with John O. Brennan, Director of the CIA and Deputy Secretary of Defence, Robert Work, and Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Martin Dempsey.

Oh, the courtesy call by the Class of 1980 of the United States War College, in which the then Col Muhammadu Buhari participated, and got glowing recommendations. It was a time to go down memory lane.

Same sex issue enters the scene. On Tuesday afternoon, President Buhari was in his right elements, as he attended a joint session by the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs at the Capitol Hill. Many issues came up for discussion, ranging from foreign relations, to growing democracy, human rights, and many others. Then a senator brought in the clincher. What does Nigeria think of the rights of homosexuals and lesbians?

Sodomy or anything of such kind is against the laws of Nigeria, and, indeed, the Nigerian society abhors such practices, the President declared. Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Latter Rain Assembly was in the audience, and from the delight on his face, he could have carried the President shoulder

high, if protocol had permitted such.

To cap that delightful day, the President headed to the Chancery, Nigeria Embassy.

He had two assignments there. A Meet and Greet session had been packaged by Mo Abudu of Ebony Life TV, in which Nigerian youths, who are professionals, had been invited from across America to greet President Buhari, and share their dreams of a greater country with him. The young people were really happy to have their president and father figure in their midst.

Next was the meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, who also came from across America. Biodun Ogunjobi had driven 12 hours to attend the event. He also had waited for four hours outside the Embassy gates, till the programme commenced. Such is the fervor Nigerians in America have for their country, and for a president they see as symbol of change. For about two hours, the President interacted with them, answering all the questions.

The night did not end without the President meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) members in USA and Canada.

The previous day, the party members had massed at the gate of Blair House, bearing different placards hailing President Buhari.

When he saw them, he got down from his vehicle to greet them. The gesture drew sustained applause.

THE BILL AND MELINDA GATES

FOUNDATION ALSO DISCLOSED PLANS TO WORK WITH THE DANGOTE FOUNDATION TO ENSURE THAT NIGERIA GETS A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH ON POLIO

On the final day of the visit, it was an interactive event at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). It was jointly organized by the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, Centre for Strategic Studies and Atlantic Council. Ambassador Johnny Carson, who coordinated the session, described the guest as a man of honour and integrity. The event included a question and answer session, a round table discussion, and a presentation by the Nigerian president. And did the man sparkle? In fact, so remarkable was that outing that Pastor Bakare told this writer: “He obviously left the best for the last. That was simply brilliant. ” President Buhari went to America, he saw, and he conquered. As I watched him signing the Visitors ’ Register as he attempted to leave that historic monument called Blair House, I wondered how many people in the world would ever have such privilege.

Not many. An American official had given him a pen, and the president wrote for about three minutes. He also must have been effusive in his appreciation. When he finished, he read over what he had written, put the pen back in its casing, rose, and handed it to the American official. That one collected it, and solemnly handed it back to the Nigerian president as a gift. Very solemn. And moving.

As President Buhari strode out of Blair House for the last time, with his entourage in tow, one could see that an invisible Nigerian flag had been hoisted in the American sky, and it was fluttering proudly. The Nigerian president had come with dignity, attended all the sessions lined up for him, not missing a single one, and was returning home with an enhanced reputation, not just for himself but also for about 170 million of his country men and women. Who says change will not come to Nigeria?

Adesina is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to President Buhari.

Is Jonathan the ultimate target?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

According to him, by virtue of Section 146 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the residence of any citizen can be searched with a warrant duly signed by a Judge, Magistrate or Justice of Peace.

“Section 149 thereof imposes a duty on any person residing in any building which is liable to be searched to allow ‘free and unhindered access to it and afford all reasonable facilities for its search. ’ ” He however conceded that the DSS ought to be reminded of the case of the Director-General, State Security Service v Olisa Agbakoba (1995) 3 N.W.L.R. (Pt 595) 314, wherein the Supreme Court held that the passport of a Nigerian citizen could not be seized without due process.

“It would be recalled that the seizure of the passport of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (the current Emir of Kano) by the SSS under the Goodluck Jonathan Administration was declared illegal and unconstitutional by the Federal High Court.

“In addition to the order for the immediate release of the passport the court awarded N50 million reparation to the then embattled Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Therefore, the SSS should return the passport of Col. Dasuki to him forthwith unless its seizure has been authorized by a court of law ”,

he advised.

A retired director of the service who did not want his name in print said the clampdown on opposition figures was expected, but cautioned that it could generate a lot of bad blood among officers and men of the service who are loyal or sympathetic to the affected officers.

The former director who had served in several states said the DSS ought to have treated her own personnel with utmost respect, notwithstanding the allegations.

According to him, Mr. Dasuki, though a retired army officer, indirectly supervised the DSS in his capacity as NSA. “He should have been well-treated. I do not think that Dasuki has the capacity to plan a coup or lock down any state security wise. I maintain that what they found in his house, including the bulletproof cars are not enough to cause the kind of havoc they are alleging.

“As for Obua, yes, being an operative of the service he could be called to render account of his services at any time, but his issue generated a lot of interest because he was detained. And for six days! ”, he said, adding that there are many things Nigerians are not being told. “When the information are de-classified after some years, Nigerians will know the truth ”, he said.

Some pro-democracy groups have also reacted to the development. In a statement last week, the Advocacy for Societal

Rights Advancement and Development Initiative (ASRADI) condemned the invasion of Dasuki ’s houses and the consequent detention of Obua.

Signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Adeolu Oyinlola, the statement condemned what it called “the Gestapostyle ” adopted by operatives of the State Security Service who invaded the residences of the erstwhile National Security Adviser in Abuja and Sokoto.

“We also wish to place on record the Gestapo-style adopted by operatives of the State Security Service who invaded the residences of the erstwhile National Security Adviser in Abuja and Sokoto.

“ASRADI condemns in the strongest possible terms, any attempt to grant omnibus powers to the Department of State Services, DSS. “For, what is the remit of the anti-graft agencies if DSS appropriates the right to investigate suspected or alleged fraud or embezzlement?

“Why would the DSS be involved directly or otherwise in matters relating to petitions that are before election tribunals? ”, he queried.

Another group, the Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) also condemned the action of the DSS describing it as very crude and indecent.

Its Executive Director, Frank Tietie, said the siege on Dasuki ’s houses, two days after the President had thanked him

for his services to the country while he served as NSA, was most undeserving.

Is Jonathan the main target?

It is feared among some partisan interests that Jonathan could be the main target especially with the decision of the Buhari administration to probe only his immediate predecessor and leave out other past administrations.

On this issue, the retired DSS director told Sunday Mirror that one does not need a soothsayer to understand that Jonathan is the prime target. “The president has said he will not probe past administrations but only that of Jonathan. He has said he will also probe Jonathan ’s ministers. On many occasions, these ministers may not have acted on their own. Their memos might have been sanctioned by the then president. So, that makes him culpable.

“In fact, you should not be surprised if by next month, the president moves against the former service chiefs. He has indicated his resolve to probe them for rights abuses, but that is just one plank.

He is going to probe them for defence spending. He is going to be asking them to explain the whereabouts of the $1 billion that the former president borrowed to fight Boko Haram. Ultimately, Jonathan is going to have some questions to answer. Whether, Buhari will do it publicly or invite him privately for a “chat ” is what we do not know for now ”, he said.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

57

STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU Sunday July 26, 2015

Çagla Seven (left) holds on to the hand of her critically injured friend, who later died from her injuries

Survivor: Dr Seven’s heart stopped beating and doctors had to transfuse 14 units of blood into her body to keep her alive

Family members and friends mourn over the coffins of victims in Gaziantep, Turkey earlier this morning

Blast: This is the horrifying moment a suicide bomber killed dozens of students as they ate lunch in Suruc

Bombed over lunch:

Female doctor survives over 100 shrapnel wounds L

ying on the brick path surrounded by the carnage from the suicide bomb attack, a severely wounded woman holds hands with her dying friend as she waits for medical treatment.

The ISIS bomb blast in the Turkish town of Suruc had left Çagla Seven, a newly qualified doctor, with over 100 pieces of shrapnel lodged in her body. Her friend was also suffering critical injuries.

Dr Seven survived the horrific terror attack and is now recovering in hospital. Her friend, who has yet to be identified, died from her severe wounds.

The powerful photograph has become an enduring image of the blast which killed 32 young people as they sat down to enjoy lunch at a rally in Suruc, Turkey.

Following the blast, Çagla was airlifted to hospital and has since been moved to a hospital in the Turkish capital of Istanbul.

It is the same hospital where she trained to become a doctor.

Dr Seven, who had only recently qualified as a pediatrician, was later photographed going into theatre for surgery. Despite her injuries she has managed to raise her left arm and defiantly mad the two finger peace symbol.

The hospital’s chief doctor told a local newspaper about the extent of Dr Çagla’s

Friends carry the coffin of a victim of the Suruc bombing during a funeral in Gaziantep this morning. The death toll from the atrocity has now risen to 32, with a further 29 victims still hospitalised

•Suicide bomber named as Seyh Abdurrahman Alagoz, a 20-year-old ethnic Kurd

•Alagoz had travelled to Syria and received training with Islamic State injuries, stating she had suffered over 100 shrapnel injuries to her body.

The doctor also said that her heart stopped beating and that they had to transfuse 14 units of blood into her body to keep her alive.

Faces of the dead: According to Turkish media, this picture shows 12 of the 32 victims of the Suruc massacre, although the names of the dead are yet to be officially released Tragic: Friends carry the coffin of a victim of the Suruc bombing during a funeral in Gaziantep this morning. The death toll from the atrocity has now risen to 32, with a further 29 victims still hospitalised The mainly university-aged victims of the Suruc massacre had planned to travel to the Syrian city of Kobane over the coming days to deliver toys, plant a memorial forest, and build a library and a playground for families .

Most of the victims were Kurdish students with the Federation of Socialist Youths, who were rallying in support of the displaced residents of Kobane - just six miles away over the border in Syria.

The suicide bomber has been named locally as Seyh Abdurrahman Alagoz, an ISIS

recruit who had spent some time in Syria with the jihadi group.

The 20-year-old ethic Kurd was a student in Turkey. The burnt remains of his ID card were found at the scene of the attack.

Earlier this week Turkey said it will step up security on its southern Syrian border amid fears that the Islamic State militants may be plotting more attacks.

There are fears that ISIS fanatics could now begin targeting popular tourist hotspots in the country, in response to the Ankara government taking its first serious steps towards combating the terror group with a string of arrests in recent weeks.

Turkey has long been accused by its Western partners of not doing enough to halt the rise of ISIS and even colluding with the group, allegations it vehemently denies. But Ankara has in the last weeks appeared to take a harder line against the group, rounding up dozens of suspected members in Istanbul and other cities.

‘Turkey has always taken measures against Daesh and similar kind of organisations,’ said Davutoglu, using a pejorative Arabic acronym for ISIS.

‘Daesh threatens not only Syrian people but also Turkey,’ he added.

The Suruc attack was one of the deadliest in Turkey in recent years and the first time the government has directly accused ISIS of carrying out an act of terror on Turkish soil.

‘Security on our borders will continue to be increased,’ Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said late Monday, adding that preliminary information pointed to an attack by ISIS jihadis.

‘This attack targets us all,’ he said, urging all political parties to demonstrate unity and vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The blast ripped through a cultural centre in Suruc hosting about 300 socialist youth activists and most of the 32 dead and about 100 wounded were university students. The activists had arrived in the mainly Kurdish town earlier in the day to take part in a rebuilding mission for the flashpoint Syrian town of Kobane just six miles over the border, which Kurdish forces retook from ISIS militants earlier this year.

Culled for MailUkonline

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North

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Kaduna re ghters working conditions worse than prisoners ’ A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Hon. Ezekiel Baba-Karik, has expressed sadness over

the poor state of its fire service stations.

Baba-Karik who was visibly worried when he visited some fire stations in Zaria and Kaduna metropolis under rain, said “prisoners has better

atmosphere than what I saw. ” The SEMA boss while calling the people to support Governor Nasir ElRufai ’s administration, said the All Progressives Congress, APC, led gov-

ernment will make Kaduna State to work again.

“I am shocked that in all the fire stations we visited, we found only one or two functional vehicles.

Even the acclaimed new fire fighting vehicles that

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Sani Sidi (right) and Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (2nd right) PHOTO: NAN sympathising with the victim of Gombe multiple bomb explosion during their visit at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe on Friday.

PDP will win Kogi guber election, says Wada WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

K

ogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will win the next governorship election in the state in view of its highlevel preparations for the polls.

Wada, who said this while speaking in a chat with newsmen at the Lokoja Township Stadium, venue of the state congress of the party said he was very positive and optimistic that everything would go well.

He explained that the congress was a prelude to the main exercise as it created the platform for election of leaders to lead the party and prepare grounds for a successful outing in the November guber polls.

“Yes, today is a very special day. We ’ve been without a state working committee or state Executive Council for some time, so, I ’m very happy that we have finally come round to elect the people to lead our party for the next four years.

“Because of the various stakeholders meetings we ’ve had, consultations and interactions between our leaders, our expectation is that the congress will be smooth and the outcome will be election of popular candidates ”, he said.

The governor added that the executive council to be elected would be saddled with organizing primaries “for the common purpose of organizing our party to win the next election. ” He stated that the last local government con-

gresses of the party went well and even though there was an appeal committee in place, there were no complaints, petitions or rancour.

This, according to him, augurs well for the “renewed and re-energised PDP that will win the next election by the grace of God. ” On why he has not declared his intentions to run, Wada said he was waiting for INEC to lift the lid on political campaigns.

“PDP is a law-abiding party; INEC has not lifted the lid. The bell for people to come out has not gone.

You don ’t put the cart before the horse, we will follow the law, let ’s wait for when INEC makes pronouncement that it is now time for people to campaign and we will come out ”, the governor said.

Meanwhile, following

the successful conduct of the PDP congress in Kogi State, the National Working Committee of the Party has inaugurated the newly-elected state executive members of the party to run the affairs of the Party for next four years.

The Chairman of North Central Zone of PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Maitogo who inaugurated the newly elected state executive members of PDP yesterday Lokoja, stated that the conduct of Kogi state congress of PDP was one the best in the recent in recent times.

Maitogo commended Chief Olisah Metuh led three-man committee for the successful conduct of both ward and the state PDP congresses, adding that the process was rough in the beginning and very successful in the end.

were said to have been purchased; almost all were just refurbished, which are not working.

Most of the offices have no furniture and Disaster Management Agency officers cannot work in such atmosphere ”, Baba-Karik said.

While appreciating the effort of the staff in working hard under a poor atmosphere and equipments, Baba-Karik urged them to be steadfast and give the present administration their maximum support to achieve a set goal of disaster resilient communities.

“If you are willing to work we will work together. But if you are not willing, we will have problem because we want to take the agency to the next level. I am ready to work

with every one of you to achieve success, ” BabaKarik told the fire fighters.

He said as a key department in Disaster Management, fire service is of priority to the agency, adding, “Governor Nasir El-rufai led government is determine to make things work in Kaduna state.

Earlier, Director of Fire Service, Mr. Adamu Kadams, said the coming of the Executive Secretary of SEMA to their department will boost the staff morals especially in tackling fire disaster.

“Leaving Kaduna to Zaria under the rain shows how serious the Executive Secretary is and we must be proactive as staff of this organisation ” Kadams said.

FG donates drugs to victims of Gombe terrorist attack WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

T

he Federal Government yesterday donated drugs worth millions of naira to victims of multiple bomb blasts that has affected the State in the past few days.

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Sani Sidi, while making the presentation in Gombe said the donation was part of Federal Government ’s effort to relieve the suffering of the victims.

The NEMA DG, who had earlier gone round the hospitals where the victims were receiving treatment, expressed satisfaction over the way the victims were responding to treatment.

He thanked the hospital management of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, the Gombe Specialists Hospital and the Gombe State Government for their dedication in taking care of the vic-

tims.

Sidi also expressed the agency ’s commitment to its duties and stated that the agency would within its powers ensure best practice of risk and emergency management in the country.

The NEMA DG then urged people of the state to continue to pray against insurgency and to remain vigilant so as to avoid future occurrence.

Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo who took the NEMA DG round, expressed the state government ’s readiness to take care of the victims.

He urged citizens of the state to continue to be security conscious and cooperate with security agencies with a view to ensure more security in the state.

Governor Dankwambo, who earlier donated N2 million to 51 victims, who are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, also went round to visit families of those who lost their lives as a result of the blast.

DPs: Council boss seeks govt help for displaced persons JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

C

aretaker Chairman, Kurmi Local Government area of Taraba state, Mr. Stephen Agya has appealed to the Federal and State governments to assist the council in taking care of the inter-

nally displaced persons, IDPs in the area.

Agya, who made the call in a chat with journalists in Jalingo yesterday, said thousands of IDPs have been in camps in the area for months due to series of communal clashes and rainstorm.

The chairman noted

that the combined team of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the state Emergency Management Agency SEMA, had carried out assessment of damage in the area over five months ago, but no assistance has come the way of the IDPs and called on

them to come their aide to alleviate their sufferings.

“I want to appeal to the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the council in taking care of the victims of communal clashes and rainstorm, who have been in the camps for so long.

Agya noted that the

council has been doing its best in catering for the IDPs but due to inadequate resources at its disposal, the assistance of the emergency agencies was so much needed.

He called on the IDPs to forgive one another and embrace peace in order to attract development to

their communities when they return home.

The caretaker chairman assured the IDPs that Governor Darius Ishaku was making concerted efforts to address security challenges facing their communities to ensure their save return their homes.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South

Sunday, July 26, 2015

59

Don ’t heat up polity, Abia governor warns group GEORGE OPARA ABIA

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Governor Adams Oshiomhole; awardees, Inspector-General of Police and his wife, Chief and Mrs. Solomon Arase, during the reception in their honPHOTO: SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN our in Owan West, Edo State, yesterday.

Mend cancels meeting as police take over venue OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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he much publicised crucial meeting of Niger Delta ex-militants war lords under the aegis of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, could not hold yesterday as scheduled in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The meeting was convened by MEND leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo, ostensibly to discuss urgent issues but critics said it was meant to foment trouble for the government.

When our correspondent got to the Ijaw House venue of the meeting at about 10: 30am and later at 3pm, stern looking regular and riot policemen were seen at the premises in one truck and about five Hilux jeeps but no presence of ant Ijaw youth or elder.

This is as most of the road junctions and perceived trouble spots say the presence of police check points but there was no military presence as alleged by the spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, Eric Omare.

Though indications that the meeting could not hold had emerged on Thursday, when the governor of the state, Hon. Seriake Dickson, in a statement call for the cancelation of the meeting, a statement by Tompolo, yesterday had assured that the meeting will go on scheduled.

Our correspondent also gathered from Tompolo ’s camp that the meeting was postponed at the instance of the state governor and some leaders of the Ijaw nation after meetings that lasted until the early hours of yesterday.

The State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson had called for the post-

ponement of the proposed meeting of the leaders of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta, earlier scheduled for this Saturday, amidst growing tension and security reports.

The statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson added the governor will meet with them soon, to discuss issues as it affects the ex-agitators and others issues of overall strategic interest of the region and the nation as a whole.

However a statement from the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide said it condemned the military invasion of Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State; even though there was no military presence at the Ijaw house or any of the check point.

The statement erroneously stated: “A combined team of military and police officers in the early hours of Friday, the 24th of July,

2015 invaded and took over Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State to prevent ex-Niger Delta agitators from having their proposed meeting on Saturday, the 25th of July, 2015. This is illegal, unconstitutional and a draw back to the dark days of military dictatorship. ” Signed by its spokesperson, Eric Omare, the statement call on President Buhari to “order the military and police officers presently forcefully occupying Ijaw House, Yenagoa to immediately vacate the premises and stop forthwith the violation of the rights of people who have business to carry out ” at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The IYC would also take immediate legal and related actions to address these violations stressing that “whether President Buhari likes it or not, the Niger Delta people would meet to determine their destiny in Nigeria. ”

OPC commiserates with Arepo re victims AYO ESAN

T

he Pan-Yoruba Group, Oodua People ’s Congress, OPC , has commiserated with the people of Arepo in Ogun State especially families of those that lost their lives in the recent pipeline fire incident in the area.

In a release issued and signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Group, Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin, OPC said it sympathises with the people of Arepo community in Ogun State, and indeed Nigerians over last week pipeline fire, which

killed more than 100 people.

“The loss of lives of any number is indeed very sad. For us, this is yet another national disaster. In the last one month, similar deaths were recorded in Ikorodu, Ijedodo, both in Lagos, and in Bayelsa State, all as a result of the activities of pipeline vandals. While we commiserate with the nation over the loss of lives in these places, it must be noted that the activities of the vandals were permanently restricted for the period of three months that our men protected the pipelines ”, OPC said.

It further said that “it is no doubt regrettable that in a little more than one month after our men quit the job, more than 200 deaths have been recorded as a result of the activities of pipeline vandals.

“While some people condemned our men and called us names, it is on record that nothing of this magnitude happened during the period of the three months that our operatives secured the pipelines ”.

“Of particular interest was the comment of the spokesperson of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress,

APC, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, in which he referred to our members as hoodlums and outlaws.

“The lesson to be learnt in the latest incident by Nigerians and our government is that government should encourage Nigerians with good ideas to be part of governance.

All over the world, citizens are encouraged to be partners in progress with the government in order to move the country forward. This is what our organisation tried to represent by presenting ourselves as partners in progress with the government ”.

n reaction to the panoply of allegations of official corruption levelled against the outgoing government of Abia State by a group, Save Abia Initiative for Change, the Chief Press Secretary to incumbent governor Victor Ikpeazu, Mr. Godwin Adindu, has appealed to the group not to heat up Abia polity on the pages of newspapers.

Adindu said having submitted petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the group should wait for the findings of the regulatory body and stop heating the Abia polity through media campaign.

The Chief Press Secretary said the current government on assumption of office received a handover note from the immediate past government and is looking into the documents containing assets and liabilities of government and obligations being owed and that the present

government has not come up with a clear position.

He disclosed further that the current government has not issued any official statement as to the discovery of any malfeasance or conversion of any government property, assets, money or funds by any official of the immediate past government, noting that if this is discovered the government will take necessary steps to ensure that the right actions are taken which will be in the general interest of the people of Abia State.

Adindu, however, advised all citizens of the state not to heat up the polity or use the name of the state to settle personal scores in the guise of being a watchdog for the citizenry of Abia State.

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu towards transparency and accountability, saying that the vision of the governor is to uplift the state by improving the standard of governance and injecting discipline in public life.

Okada operations suspended in Ondo OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

O

perations of commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada in Akure metropolis have been suspended by the Ondo State government.

The government also suspended ticketing by members of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN, across the state.

The suspension followed a violent demonstration staged by members of the association to protest a new policy that all Okada operators in the state must obtain commercial number plates. A statement

by Secretary to the State Government, Aderotimi Adelola, said the state government was shocked at the brigandage and destruction by commercial motorcycle operators who were against registration and identification made mandatory for monitoring, management and security purposes.

Admitting that protests are legitimate means of

expressing grievances, Adelola, said destructive demonstrations were, however, beyond what is permissible in any civilised society.

He said: “Ours is a civilised society on an irreversible march to further growth and inclusive development. Government can therefore not afford to allow recourse to vandalism as witnessed in the last protest.

“Government enjoins that, as a people, we must guard jealously the peace we have thus far enjoyed in our state. Government on its own is duty bound to prevent a reversal of the gains of the last few years.

“The days of anybody hiding under the name of any union to destroy government property and or visiting violence on the society are gone for good .

“Again, government cannot allow the exercise of a right or the ventilation of perceived grievance to become ready tools for destruction and wastage of resources.

Adelola, however, disclosed plan of the government to set up an investigative panel to get to the roots of the protest.

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Sport Sp port

Sport

I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved – Pires P. 62 KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CSKA perfect start thrills Ahmed Musa

JULY 26, 2015

P. 61

Nigeria draws Djibouti/ Swaziland in 2018 World Cup race PIUS ANAKALI

T

he 2018 World Cup qualifying draw was rounded up in St Petersburg, Russia, yesterday with three-time Africa champion, the Super Eagles of Nigeria seeded to play against winner of the Djibouti versus Swaziland encounter.

The senior national team which was seeded alongside other big teams like Cameroon, Ghana, Tunisia, Guinea, and South Africa among others will begin their campaign in the second round.

Depending on the outcome of the match between Djibouti and Swaziland, the Super Eagles opening match is expected to be an easy ride.

Its either they play Swaziland national side, nicknamed the King’s Shield, or Shoremen of the Red sea of Djibouti.

The King’s Shield, as they are popularly known, has never qualified for the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Their best performance in an international tournament is a semi-final finish in the COSAFA Cup. However, in 2008 they achieved their first win in a World Cup qualifier, beating 2006 finalists Togo 2–1 on home soil.

If the Kings succumbs to the firing power of Djibouti, then the Shoremen of the Red Sea will meet Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the second round.

Nicknamed the “Shoremen of the Red Sea”, Djibouti national football team, has never won a full FIFA sanctioned international competition.

Coached by Noureddine Gharsalli, from Tunisia, t h e team had played five games under the coach, losing all.

The Super Eagles on the other hand have qualified for five World Cups and have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times.

They reached the second round of the World Cup in 1994 and 1998, but failed to go past the first round in 2002 and 2010.

Nations Cup winners as hosts in 1980, the country had to endure a long wait of 14 years before picking up

their second continental title at Tunisia 1994.

It was another 19 years before they will again be crowned champions of Africa in South Africa 2013.

The country has earned a big reputation courtesy of the exploits of their teams at the various international age-group competitions as well as by the fact that today African it is toda ay the biggest talent exporter of soccer Europe. to Europ e.

The Golden G Age forr the country’s football was in the 90s, when after winning the African 1994 Af frican i n Cup of Nations N they Tunisia, made a big impression on their debut World Cup C that same e year by reaching reachin ng t h e

knockout stage, before they landed an historic Olympic gold in 1996.

These exploits were the direct result of managerial stability that built a talented and disciplined side.

The five-year stint of Dutchman Clemens Westerhof, between 1989 and 1994, marked a time when astute planning and continuity saw the Eagles Eag flying high. discover and forge a unit Westerhof took the pains to d young players who will latof talented and determined you away from upsetting Italy er go on to be only moments aw at 1994 World Cup in the USA. national team’s achievement Now, despite the senior natio at the world level over the years, years event in the recent past has not been heartwarming.

Keshi, who won the 2013 Weeks back, Coach Stephen K and qualified Nigeria for Nations Cup in South Africa an its fifth World Cup ever became swollen headed and was Federation. sacked by the Nigeria Football F Oliseh, though has been His replacement, Sunday O hailed in some quarters as the right choice, and also ever paper-qualifications, said to have the highest ev but has little or no experience coaching a team. national tea The only recorded experience so far is with Verviétois, a Belgium club side toi currently playing in the cu tthird division B. The Draws Somalia/Niger v Cameroon South Sudan/Mauritania v Tunisia Gambia/Namibia v Guinea Sao Tome & Principe/Ethiopia v Congo Chad/Sierra Leone v Egypt Comoros/Lesotho v Ghana Djibouti/Swaziland v Nigeria Eritrea/Botswana v Mali Seychelles/Burundi d v Congo DR Liberia/Guinea-Bissau v Lib

Oliseh

Ivory Coast Central African Rep/Madagascar v Afric Senegal Mauritius/Kenya v Cape Verde Mauritius/K Tanzania/Malawi v Algeria Tanzania/Ma

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday July 26, 2015

Pellegrini: Iheanacho has Man City future M anchester City’s Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini has been impressed by the way Kelechi Iheanacho has comported himself during pre season training.

The highlight of the Nigeria youth international’s performance so far was scoring and creating an assist in the Citizens shoot-out win against AS Roma on Tuesday.

“I’m happy because in the last two games we played with two very young players, Kelechi and Manu Garcia, both coming from our CFA with the development squad; both of them will have an important future in our team.

“Kelechi has a lot of goals, he’s a scorer, I think both of them will bring fresh blood,” said Manuel Manuel Pellegrini to the club’s of-

Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

Klitschko compares Furry to Haye

H Iheanacho in action

ficial website.

The 18 - year - old Iheanacho is yet to make his competitive debut for Manchester City. But there’s a

window open for him to make his Premier League bow or feature in the FA Cup in the upcoming season as he has been issued a work permit by the Home Office.

61

eavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko has compared the antics of his loquacious challenger, Tyson Furry to David Haye who famously taunted him ahead of their 2011 title fight.

Klitshko will be defending his title against Furry in Germany on October 24 with his challenger already describing him as a ‘boring boxer’ who at 40 years cannot defeat him , with the champion vowing to teach him a valuable lesson in the ring.

“I think Furry like David Haye,

needs therapy and I am like a therapist for them! I promised David Haye before the fight that I was going to make him a better person, and I’m so happy David became a better person after that fight.

“I believe Tyson Fury is going through the same schedule; he’s 26, he’s young with little experience. There is no doubt that he is a talented at boxer but rather than allow his fists to do the work for him, he has become more famous with talking than fighting and I can assure you, that he will regret later.”

CSKA perfect start thrills Ahmed Musa “I am happy that we have started the game on a good note. It is a good way to start the season and it build our confidence as a team as the season progresses,” he told AfricanFootball.com Musa, who scored in the first game of the season, almost scored against Krylya Sovetov as his effort was saved by the goalkeeper in the 42nd minute. The winger or forward was substituted in the 90th minute with Carlos Strandberg.

N

igeria international Ahmed Musa has said that he is delighted with the 100 per cent start to the season by his club CSKA Moscow.

The Russian army team have maintain a perfect start to the season after they beat hosts Krylya Sovetov Samara 2-0 in the second game of the season.

CSKA now have six points from two games. Musa said such a start can only boost team confidence.

Wladimir Klitschko (R) lands a punch at David Haye during their heavyweight clash Musa

AAG: Orbih assures on badminton medals IFEANYI EDUZOR

V

ice President of Nigeria Badminton Federation, Francis Orbih has expressed optimism that Nigeria is capable of winning four gold medals at the badminton event of the All Africa Games.

He told Saturday Mirror that the just concluded Lagos International Badminton Classics have given Nigerian athletes enough exposure to

compete favourably with other athletes in Congo Brazzaville.

“I want to assure Nigerians that our athletes will improve on their last outing at the All Africa Games and win at least four gold medals in Congo Brazzaville.

“The athletes have been training hard for the competition and the just concluded Lagos International Classics where Nigeria registered its presence in the quarter- finals of the tournament has given our athletes enough exposure to perform well in Brazzaville.

“It is true that they are going to meet some strong opposition in Congo but we are not going to be intimidated by any country because Nigeria is now a force to be reckoned with in Badminton in the continent.

Orbih, who also doubles as Chairman of Lagos State Badminton Association noted that the Federation is committed to the grassroots development of the game even as he appealed for corporate sponsorship for badminton tournaments.

Awonuga harps on grassroots basketball development IFEANYI EDUZOR

P

roprietor of Dele Basket Ball Academy, Dele Simon Awonuga said that there is need for governments at all levels to take the issue of grassroots development of basketball serious in order to produce future champions in the game He told Sunday Mirror at the just concluded clinic tagged “We are Seed” held at Iyanoworo play ground that his decision to organize a clinic for children who hitherto have not played basketball before was to contribute his own quota in grassroots development of the game.

“We organized the clinic as part of our little contribution in ensuring that

children begin on time to learn the basic principles of basketball which we hope will help them achieve success in the game in future.

“I am particularly happy at the turn out of the children and it will

encourage me to do more in helping them excel in the game and I want to appeal to our sports administrators to take the issue of grassroots development of the game serious as that is the only way we can produce future champions.

Participants at the just concluded Dele Basketball Clinic in a group photograph

GOtv Boxing Night: Abolaji eyes N1million prize money

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ational Light middleweight challenger, Rasheed “Afonja Warrior” Abolaji said that he will not only dethrone the champion, Sule “Tyson Olagbade but will also emerge the overall best boxer to win the N1 million at stake in the third edition of GOtv boxing night slated for today at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

“I have been training very hard for the title fight and I believe I am not only capable of dethroning the champion but emerging the best boxer and go home go home with the N1 million cash prize at stake tonight,” he said.

Abolaji, who was adjudged the best boxer of the tournament in the maiden edition help last November, told Knockout that although the current champion is

a good fighter but he is physically, mentally and psychologically prepared for the 12 rounds bout.

GOtv Boxing Night, a six-bout tourney for professional boxers, is sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control. It will similarly feature a six-round international female bout between Nigeria’s Helen “Iron Lady” Johnson and Gifty “Tiger” Amanua Ankrah of Ghana Also on the card is a Lightweight challenge bout between Prince Nurudeen Fatai and Chibuzor “T-Boy” Obi. Other fights of the night will see Sunday “Golden Child” Ajuwa taking on Femi “Easywhite” Ajayi in an eight round Cruiserweight challenge bout, while Onoriode “Onos” Ehwarieme will text his strength against Adewale “Masevex” Masebinu in a six-round Heavyweight challenge bout.

Mayweather named ‘Nevada Fighter’ of the Year

U

nbeaten pound-forpound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. made it three in a row when he was chosen as the Nevada Fighter of the Year by the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Mayweather also won the award in 2013 and 2014. The annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction gala will be held Saturday, August 8, at Caesars Palace. This year’s event will have special meaning to Mayweather, whose uncle, Roger, is being inducted into

the Hall for his brilliant boxing career.

A number of the greatest stars in boxing history will attend the popular induction ceremony on at Caesars Palace.

Among the big names who have confirmed they will be in attendance are Lennox Lewis, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Felix Trinidad, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Roger Mayweather. The boxer known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, is also among the inductees.

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Sport

Sunday July 26, 2015

Pires: d u o r p y r e I’m v e v ’ I t a h w f o d e v e i h c a Defiant to the end, Robert Pires is keeping the France 1998 flame alive all by himself.

The sole member of the hosts’ triumphant FIFA World Cup squad yet to hang up his boots, at 41 he is four years older than Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet, who both retired earlier this year.

He spoke to FIFA.com about his enduring passion for football and some of the greatest moments from his playing days.

FIFA FIFA.com: You Y are the th only l player l from f F France’s ’ World Cup-winning squad yet to retire. What are your current thoughts on retirement?

Robert Pires: Yes, it’s true. At the moment, I’m waiting to see whether I’ll try one last adventure in India, like last year. I’m kind of just waiting, as I was last year. I’m working hard to be ready to leave if I get called back.

How would you judge your fitness levels?

I feel I’m in good shape. I’m pretty happy because the other day I took part in pre-season training at Arsenal, with the club’s internationals. OK, I’m not going to pretend I didn’t suffer a little because at 41 it’s not the same any more. But let’s just say that the body is willing, the mind is still ready and, above all, I have no issues with getting back to work. As for my vision and technique, they’re still there, even if I always have to work on them – which is true if you’re 20 or 40.

Why is it so difficult for players to hang up their boots, even after a career like yours?

I can’t complain. I played at the highest level for 19 seasons, and I’m aware of having had a wonderful career. Right now, I’m guided by my love of football more than anything else. There are always jealous people who’ll criticise and say that I’m chasing money, but I’ve never heard of any professions that people do for free. The Indians got in touch with me to use my name and image, so it’s only fair that I get paid for that. But, I’ll say it again: I love football. I live in London and, whenever I get a chance to play a five-a-side game with some friends, I’m there. Football is my passion and it’s what I’ve done since I was seven years old. I was 18 when I started making money from football. Now that I’m 41, there are people offering me the same thing.

So, quite simply, I say yes. And I enjoyed India a lot.

I learned a lot and came face to face with the poverty there, which is very, very tough. One thing’s for sure: I no longer have the right to complain about anything.

That’s impossible now. But I discovered a beautiful country, fabulous and very welcoming people, and the local cuisine.

Does your desire to keep playing reveal a certain frustration with your career? Does it mean that you feel like you haven’t done enough?

No, I’m not frustrated. It’s just part of who I am, and I love football. Beyond that, it’s true that I do have trouble retiring. What’s certain is that the highest level is behind me now. But if I can still get to enjoy myself, I won’t hesitate. I have my health for a start, and that’s what’s most important. And former players never stop telling me: “Robert, you’re right. As long as you can still play, as long as you can still run and as long as you still have the desire to work hard, then keep going.” They won’t say it, but there are former players who regret having stopped too soon. I won’t give their names, but some of them have told me (laughs). So all

th l d bitt l who h think thi k that th footthose jjealous and bitter people ballers make too much money for just chasing a ball…

There’s no problem. I accept all criti- cism. But m sure that if they were in I’m y place, they would do my e same thing. the You u were a world champion ampion at 24 and d European champion ampion at 26. Looking back, ck, what are your ur thoughts now w on your early rly taste of glory? ory?

People put eir faith in me, their at’s all. The first that’s wass Aime Jacquet cause he believed because in me and saw I had alities that could qualities p the France team. help ove all, there was a Above ry good genvery eration

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pires

around me.

When France were celebrating becoming European champions on 2 July 2000 thanks to your memorable burst down the left, did you think that was just the start for Les Bleus and yourself?

Yes, and I wanted us to go as far as possible. I started with the senior team in 1996 and finished in 2004. I think I did what was required and it was an honour and pride for me to represent my country. We did the double with our World Cup and EURO wins, and that s what that’s what’ss most important for a top-level athlete. I made 79 appearances in blue and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, at club level and especially at international level.

France also won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, when w wh en you were voted player of the tournament.

How did you feel during that period?

Arsene Wenger said to me at the time: ‘I don’t know what’s happening at the moment, Robert, but I get the impression you’re flying!’. And it’s true that everything I did was coming off all the controls, all the dribbles, all the shots. There are mo-

ments like that when you’re in a state of grace. I wasn’t about to complain; quite simply, that was my best period. Then, as so often happens in football, I got that injury in 2002. For me, it wasn’t serious: it was part of the game.

That cruciate ligament injury came just before the 2002 World Cup, with the English press having voted you player of the year.

Were you perhaps the missing piece that France were lacking in Korea/Japan?

I can’t say, I don’t have the answer to that. Unfortunately, there were a lot of injuri injuries – there was m [Zinedine Zidane, mine and so on. wer made at that A lot of changes were ex time. I think we exploded in full ou heads in the flight. We still had our clouds to some exten extent.

France went out in tthe group defeats, a draw stage after two defe and no goals scored. scored What was it like watching that debacle from the outside?

I lived it like all tthe players and all the supporters. I was saddened bec and distraught because of what a happened to us and that early di elimination. I was disappointed beamon the fans and I cause I was in among realised the extent to which people won’t cut you any slack, even if you were crowned world champions four years prev previously. What’s high-leve sport is to be difficult in high-level consistent. Between 1998 and 2000, we had a lot of suc success, but that consistency deserted us in 2002.

I always believe in the France wo team. I’m not worried because I think Didier Deschamps is the right man for the task at hand.Robert Pires on the form of the current c France team.

France hav have been going through a bit of a rough patch recently, with rec losses to t Albania and Belgium Belgiu last month and a slip down the FIFA/Coca-Cola FIF World Ranking. With just a year to go until EURO 2016, are you y worried?

I always belie lieve in the F France team.

II’m not worrried because I think Didier D Deschamps is th right man the ffor the task at h hand.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday July 26, 2015

World Cup: ‘Europe should force Russia boycott’

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uropean teams should “force the issue” of boycotting the 2018 World Cup in Russia, says former Football Association chairman Lord Triesman.

He cited the controversy regarding the process which led to the winning bid and racism issues in Russian football.

“My basic proposition was that Uefa as a whole should do it and the key reason was to force change through Fifa,” he told BBC Sport.

“That change has not happened.

I think it’s worth trying to force the

Ramsey flattered by Barca links A

Gervinho

F

ormer Arsenal man Gervinho was one of the five Roma players turned away at the airport Five Roma players will miss Saturday’s friendly match in Jakarta after they were refused entry to Indonesia and forced to fly home.

The team touched down in the capital on the island of Java on Friday evening for the first visit to Indonesia in the Serie A club’s history but ran into trouble at customs, Roma chief executive Italo Zanzi said.

issue.”

Fifa’s awarding of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments to Russia and Qatar remains the subject of corruption investigations in the United States and Switzerland.

“It’s impossible to investigate the process because the computers have all been destroyed, the documents have all been shredded and nobody will be able to ever form a proper judgement about what happened in the Russian bid,” added Triesman, before Saturday’s World Cup 2018 draw.

United, Barcelona set for Pedro talk

Ramsey

rsenal’s Aaron Ramsey hass talked ta alked up a future move to Spain, amid d “flattering” “fl flat a teriing ng” reports linking him with a big-money g-m money transfer tra ran nsfer to Barcelona.

Reports in the British press earlier rlier in the transfer window linked Wales midfielder der Ramsey with a £50million switch to Camp Nou,, a potential deal that was subsequently endorsed by y his manager at international level, Chris Coleman. n.

And, though the 24-year-old remains mains committed d to bringing further success to the Emirates Emira ate t s Stadium on the back of consecutive FA Cup Cu up wins, win wi w ins ns, Ramsey ns, hopes a move to La Liga materialises a ma mate t rialisses at at some so ome m stage in his career. career.

Roma players denied entry to Indonesia on tour

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anchester United will meet with representatives of both Barcelona and winger Pedro in the United States over the weekend, as they hope to complete a deal for the 27-year-old by the middle of next week, sources said.

The two clubs face each other in a preseason friendly on Saturday in San Francisco, and that could lead to a move for the winger being done in the space of a few days.

Pedro

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helsea star Diego Costa is happy Radamel Falcao struggled at Manchester United, as it led to his hi former team-mate joining him at hi Stamford Bridge.

Sta Colombia international Falcao scored just four goals in 29 appearances s o sc for United after a high-profile loan move from fro Monaco.

Louis van Gaal allowed the striker to leave lea at the end of the season, but Chelsea se ea moved in and signed the 29-year-old on n loan.

It reunites Falcao and Costa for the first fir time since they played together at fi Atletico Madrid in 2012-13, when the Att pair pa scored 54 goals between them in all competitions. co

Falcao

Costa happy Falcao struggled at United

N I G E R I A

N230m Vol. 5 No. 29

Sunday JULY 26, 2015

Back Page

Comment E-mail:

nwaunah@yahoo.com Jim Unah is Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos.

with Jim Unah

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id last week, some candidates that could not access the postUTME screening form on the University of Lagos website went on rampage protesting their exclusion from the list of selected candidates. Expectedly, this development triggered off unhealthy rumors and wild allegations that the University of Lagos unilaterally fixed 250 as cut-off mark qualifying candidates to access its post-UTME screening form. But some candidates claimed that they scored more than 250 and were still excluded from the institution’s list of selected candidates for the test. Yet other candidates claimed that they accessed the form with 230 and 235 marks; implying that neither 250 nor 230 can be definitively said to be the cut-off mark of the university. Other candidates speculated that the discrepancy between 250 and other lower marks on the list is the outcome of the collusion between the University of Lagos and the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, JAMB; as the latter was allowed to insert their preferred candidates with lesser marks to reach a truce with the university.

Earlier, a national committee com-

www.nationalmirroronline.net

N150

-Amount President Muhammadu Buhari donated to Liberia to support the fight against Ebola virus disease

I N

F I G U R E S

N1.72bn

- Amount European Union, EU, used to support Nigeria’s social, financial data projects.

Confused, arbitrary JAMB cut off marks

prising the major stakeholders in the higher education industry had met and fixed 170 and 150 as cut-off marks for the universities and the polytechnics and colleges of education, respectively. This decision has been quietly criticized as more of the product of political expediency rather than a concern for the quality and enhanced standard of higher education in the country.

Recognition of the fact that what may be politically correct may be utterly damaging to the over-all health of the nation by thinking people might have produced the unfolding scenario of confused and arbitrary fixing of cut-off marks by the JAMB and the universities.

Unfortunately, three culprits have been identified by the concerned candidates and parents as responsible agents in this unfolding scenario of confusion and arbitrariness in the fixing of cut-off marks for the screening test of tertiary institutions. The first is the stakeholders body that fixed 170 and 150 as cut-off marks; the second is the JAMB, and the third is the University of Lagos.

In my view, neither the stakeholders’ body nor the JAMB and the University of Lagos are to blame for the ongoing confusion. If you unfortunately find yourself in a putative federal union in which one cap is designed to fit into the different sizes of heads in the country, you would find yourself in a situation in which you are either wearing ridiculously over-sized cap or having some fat heads painfully and ludicrously stuffed

into ill-fitting tiny caps. In either case, the effect would be confusing, laughable and pitiable as exemplified in the ongoing confusing and arbitrary fixing of cut-off marks for tertiary institutions in the country.

There are educationally backward regions in the country where majority of candidates who desire tertiary education for whatever reason can barely score above 150 marks. Since the country is poorly structured on a unitaryfederalism where resources are heavily deposited in the centre, it would not be out of place for citizens from educationally less developed states to agitate uproariously in stakeholders meetings that their level of development becomes the criterion of selection. Likewise, it would not be out of place for universities from educationally rapidly developing regions that desire to approximate global standards to insist quietly on higher marks for the selection of their candidates. Nor would it be utterly unreasonable for the central admission body to accommodate the conflicting criteria of selection when under intense pressure. The real culprit is our unitaryfederalism that stunts civilized growth, innovation and creativity.

While all this embarrassing drama is going on, the candidates’ right of choice is ruthlessly abridged. This is unfair and unacceptable. The appropriate thing to do in the circumstance is for the JAMB to process candidates ’application forms to their institutions of first choice as done in the past for the current post-UTME screening

THERE ARE EDUCATIONALLY BACKWARD REGIONS IN THE COUNTRY WHERE MAJORITY OF CANDIDATES WHO DESIRE TERTIARY

EDUCATION FOR WHATEVER REASON CAN BARELY SCORE ABOVE 150 MARKS.

tests.

In the next admission exercise, before the country is restructured to allow groups, institutions and individuals to develop in accordance with their capacities and capabilities, the JAMB should specify clearly in its admission form, at the point of application, that certain marks cannot be accepted by certain institutions for their screening tests; that candidates’ application forms would be processed and listed according to performance and pre-fixed and pre-publicized cut-off marks of the universities, and that those with the rock bottom minimum score would be placed in institutions that would accept them.

This, in my view, is the way to mediate and resolve the ongoing confusion and put the allegations and counter allegations of arbitrary fixing of cut-off marks to an end.

What has been said here has not benefited from the official position of the University of Lagos.

Oliseh considers Flying Eagles’ Musa, Iheanacho

N

ew Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh is seriously considering capping Flying Eagles stars Musa Mohammed and Kelechi Iheanacho in an AFCON qualifier in Tanzania in September.

A top team official informed AfricanFootball.com that Oliseh is rebuilding with the future in mind and as such he wants to start working immediately with Musa, Iheanacho as well as Moses Simon, who has already been capped by the Eagles.

“The top three Flying Eagles stars under consideration by the Eagles coach are Musa at rightback as well as Iheanacho and Moses Simon in attack,” the team official revealed.

“Oliseh already is very much

abreast of the exploits with Moses Simon at Gent as he followed him last season.

“He has also followed Musa and Iheanacho when he was on the FIFA study group for the 2013

FIFA U17 World Cup, which Nigeria won in style in Abu Dhabi.”

Incidentally, Musa and Iheanacho were in Tanzania last year for a 2015 AYC qualifier, which they won home and away.

Iheanacho, 18, has continued in pres-season where he left off with Manchester City in the last close season with some sparkling displays for the top English Premier League outfit.

Musa has already settled down at his new Turkish club and looks set to enjoy first-team football sooner rather than later, while Moses Simon is a fixture at Gent, who recently won the Belgium Super Cup to add to their historic league title from last season.

Iheanacho

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