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Nigeria ’s Health Sector and impact of NHIS

Vol. 6 No. 2

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Kogi: DSS detains Faleke, Audu ’s son www.nationalmirroronline.net

January 10, 2016

Bayelsa rerun

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Many feared dead, fake INEC ofcials arrested P.6

...voting peaceful in many areas •Dickson condemns violence, killings Military denies soldiers on hunger strike

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141 staff sacked in Osun colleges of education

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Counting of votes at Unit 6, Ward 10, Yenegoa during yesterday ’s gubernatorial rerun election in Bayelsa State.

PDP can ’t tell EFCC how to ght corruption –APC

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•Holding charge against Metuh illegal, party insists News

Laa varsity locks out royal father, others at convocation

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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 January 10, 2016

Vision 20: 2020 possible through Science, Technology –Buhari

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Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday granted bail to former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Haliru Mohammed Bello and his son, Abba, in the sum of N300m each. Justice Mohammed, while ruling on their bail applications held that Bello and Abba were entitled

to bail as the offences for which they were charged do not carry capital punishment. The court, in its ruling, admitted the former PDP chairman to bail in the sum of N300m each with two sureties, one of which must be a civil servant of the rank of a director, who must have a landed property in Abuja worth N300m.

Jimoh Ibrahim to Buhari: Beware of IMF ’s hidden agenda Winning beauty pageant boosted my confidence –Esther Kenneth Wellness

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How to care for an asthmatic

Asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects the reversible airway obstruction characterised by a triad of bronchial smooth muscle contraction, airway inflammation, and increased secretions. It is a major health problem for all age groups.

For the majority, control of its symptoms is readily achieved. However, in a small mi-

nority, the ailment may cause death.

Although the mortality rate in those aged less than 65 years are now falling, and there is an increasing rate of deaths in developing countries yearly.

The disease requires continual monitoring, treatment and identifying the specific allergens or irritant causing symptoms in a particular individual.

Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Jimoh Ibrahim has warned President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of the IMF ’s current visit to Nigeria describing it as an economic bait that will do Nigeria no good. He says it is a means of campaigning for economic conditionalities even at a time when Nigeria, like some oil producing countries, needs assistance and

support to continue to put into implementation government policies.

Ibrahim said that IMF boss ’ statement on the economy is traditional and full of strategic misrepresentation adding that the IMF boss had a full day creating an atmosphere for re-colonizing Nigeria ’s economy and advises the government to run away from such unsolicited advice.

Group disagrees with IMF on VAT increment A human rights and anticorruption group, Vanguard for Transparency Leadership and Democracy, VATLAD, yesterday opposed and condemned proposal by Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, IMF, Ms. Christine Lagarde, for increment in Value Added Tax, VAT, in the country.

VATLAD National President and Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Odafe Igbini and Comrade Kelechi Ifeoma said in a statement in Asaba, Delta State, that the idea will be counterproductive, especially now that the country depends on imported goods for basic human needs like food, health

Tax payer drags Abubakar to Court over N4bn loan A citizen and tax payer in Bauchi State, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim Darazo has filed a suit before a Bauchi State High Court 1V Presided over by the State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Hamidu N. Kunaza against the State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar for allegedly collecting N4bn loan from the United Bank for Africa, UBA without following due process. The

Counsel to the tax payer, Barrister Sadiq U. Sarki filed the suit number BA/258/15 yesterday seeking for the determination whether the Governor has the power within the provisions of section 128 and 129 of the 1999 constitution as amended to source for, collect and utilized the N4bn on behalf of the state government without the approval of the state House of Assembly.

FG begins payment of N65,000 each to ex-N ’Delta militants Federal Government said yesterday it has begun payment of three month ’s salary arrears to about 2,000 Niger Delta ex-agitators in Rivers State.

Chief of Staff to the office of t special adviser to the President and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Col. Dedis Abel (rtd) made this known at the launch of direct payment in Port Har-

court yesterday. Abel said government would henceforth make direct payment of N65,000 monthly stipend to the former agitators rather than through their leaders.

He further said, “The Amnesty office took the decision to pay ex-agitators directly following reports of complicity and shortchanging of some of them by the leaders.

and shelter.

“While we agree with her on the concerns over Nigeria ’s high debt profile which is said to consume over 35 per cent of our national revenue for debt servicing, we however vehemently oppose her proposal for increase in Value Added Tax, VAT, paid for all goods and services. ”We advocate instead for sharp drastic increase in VAT on imported goods and services that provide only luxuries to a select privileged few elite class, such as imported luxury cars/vehicles, alcohols, cigarettes, furniture, cosmetics, and other similar goods and services.

Taiwo Olusola CEO, TWIN AFFAIRS

MON

Passion

Court grants Bello, son N600m bail

Sources inside the main hall of Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, where the meeting was held, told our correspondent that there was apprehension before the Ooni came in. “Traditional rulers and others at the venue were all apprehensive when Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was about to commence the meeting when Ooni had not arrived. “Owa had already occupied pied the seat meant for the chairman and this heightened the tension because everyone present knew Ooni Ogunwusi was coming to the meeting.

My Monday is always cool. I start with the day by checking my mails, twitter, facebook accounts, and general news. I go to the gym to work out, after which I go to my studio to make beats and produce for artists.

TUE

Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh.

He was arrested by four operatives of the antigraft agency from his Abuja home and spent the first night with his interrogators at the headquarters of the commission.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, yesterday assumed the chairmanship of Osun State Council of Obas. The newly installed monarch attended the monthly meeting of traditional rulers in the state for the first time in Osogbo, the state capital.

There had been apprehensions over who would be the chairman of Obas in the state, following the emergence of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, as the substantive chairman, after the demise of late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, who held the position in perpetuity, since the creation of the state.

I go to the gym before heading for the studio. I focus basically on working for my clients and artists abroad in UK and the U.S.

FRI THU WED

The ongoing i nve s t i g at i o n into the alleged $2.1billion arms deal took another twist last Tuesday as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arrested the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples

Research and Innovation Council, NIRC, at the Presidential Villa.

According to him, the process would now be fast tracked with the coming on board of the council.

The President said Nigeria must accord high priority to science and technology for the country to take its rightful place among the leading economies in the modern world.

I spend my Wednesday lecturing upcoming producers on how to produce music.

SUN SAT

Opposition cries foul as anti-corruption ght expands

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said Nigeria ’s vision of becoming one of the twenty largest economies in the world by the year 2020 would only be attainable when Science, Technology and Innovation, STI, are fully integrated into national socio-economic development process.

Buhari spoke at the first meeting of the National

Ooni Ogunwusi takes over Osun Council of Obas ’ chairmanship

I rest, do piano rehearsals and learn something new in music.

Most of the songs recorded in my studio are usually mixed and mastered today.

I spend my Fridays booking appointments for next week. Also, I stay with my loved ones.

I go to church to praise and pray to God. *By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

Nigeria’s Health sector and the impact of NHIS

The poor state of Nigeria’s health sector has been a major concern for Nigerians. This is the reason for the country’s high index among countries with poor health delivery system. Paul Omo Obadan writes on this worrisome trend using the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, as a case study and panacea to solving health issues in the country.

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mpoverished Nigerians die daily due to the inability to afford huge hospital bills. All too familiar are hor-ror tales of healthcare sys¬tem in Nigeria where people would go to various hospitals for minor and controllable illnesses and would end up in the morgue. It’s quite scary and even more alarming with the realisation of the fact that the healthcare system in our country is not equipped to deal with present and fu¬ture challenges.

No country can maintain a steady economic growth in the absence of an adequate health care system based on a ro¬bust health care infrastruc-

ture. Healthcare has been problematic in Nigeria for eons and its citizens are suffering the consequences. Getting it right re¬quires an aggressive approach from the Federal, State, and local governments working in tandem to address the na¬tional burden of inadequate health care system.

The quest to provide efficient and effective health care delivery system has always prompted the Nigerian government to review its health policies. One of such policies is the establishment of a health insurance scheme, a framework for the provision of affordable and efficient health care system-in-the

‘HEALTH INSURANCE SHOULD BE MANDATORY’

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country. This was in the wake of an abysmal performance in the health sector manifesting in severe shortage of qualified personnel, drugs and other health infrastructures as a result of a dwindling economy. It became apparent that government alone could no longer fund the health system, hence a re-course to alternative funding mechanisms, leading to the emergence of a health insurance scheme in the country. The scheme was designed to solve some of the lingering challenges bedevilling the health sector especially the issue of inadequate funding, which had limited access to quality health care services.

To achieve success in health care in this modern era, the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, was established by the Federal Government to provide health care delivery at affordable cost.

NHIS was established under the National Assembly Act No. 35, 1999, by the Federal Government of Nigeria to improve the health status of Nigerians at an affordable cost.

It must be noted that the idea of health insurance in Nigeria was first mooted in1962 when the then Minister of Health, Dr Majekodunmi, presented a bill on it to the Parliament in Lagos. The bill did not pass through on the argument that the country did not have enough providers of CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

‘MHS GUARANTEES YOU ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE’

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The Big Read

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Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Health insurance should be mandatory’

Akingbade

You find out that a lot of people, at the time they need health care, pay a lot of money at service delivery points and this is one of the things health insurance is Adewole

trying to take care of so that you can actually equate the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 quality health care services.

The scheme, which was put in place by the Federal Government during the regime of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, was aimed at providing easy access to healthcare for all Nigerians at an affordable cost through various prepayment systems.

The scheme functions as a social health security system in which the health care of employees in the formal sector is paid for from funds created by pooling the contributions of employees and employers. The formal sector in this regard consists of public sector, organised private sector, Armed Forces, Police and allied services, students of tertiary institutions and voluntary contributors.

A Health Care Provider as provided for in the NHIS Act, is a licensed government or private health care practitioner or facility, registered by the Scheme for the provision of prescribed health benefits to contributors and their dependants. Health Care Providers can either be Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary.

Also provided for are Health Maintenance Organisation, HMO, are limited liability companies which may be formed by private or public establishments or individuals for the sole purpose of participating in the Scheme. They are registered by the Scheme to facilitate the provision of health care benefits to contributors in the Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme.

Unfortunately, over 15 years down the line, Sunday Mirror investigation has gathered that it is a work in progress and yet to fully achieve its goals because majority Nigerians have not embraced the health insurance scheme.

The Nigeria’s National Health Act, (NH Act), 2014 The Nigeria’s National Health Act, (NH Act), 2014 is without doubt one singular instrument required to unlock economy and the greatest transformation for the Health Sector.

The act establishes a Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF, to be financed from Federal Government Annual Grant of not less than one per cent of its Consolidated Revenue Fund; grants by international donor partners and funds from any other source.

Out of the fund, the Act states that 50 per cent shall be used for the provision of basic minimum package of health services to citizens, in eligible primary and

risk and payment. secondary health care facilities through the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS,; 20 per cent shall be used to provide essential drugs, vaccines and consumables for eligible primary health care facilities; 15 per cent shall be used for the provision and maintenance of facilities, equipment and transport for eligible primary healthcare facilities; 10 per cent shall be used for the development of Human Resources for primary health care and 5 per cent of the fund shall be used for emergency medical treatment to be administered by a committee appointed by the National Council on Health.

According to analysts, the Act was set up to achieve the Universal Health Coverage, UHC, and meet the Millennium Development Goal, MDGs, target.

The UHC implies ensured access to and use of highquality healthcare services by all citizens and protection for all individuals from catastrophic financial effect of ill health. It can be a major determinant to improved health outcomes for all citizens, especially the poorest.

The UHC can also help to reduce maternal and infant mortality rate as pregnant women will now have access to free delivery services while their children are assured of standard paediatric services in the nation’s health facilities.

Nigeria is eager to expand access to health insurance, as it can play an important part of an overall strategy to achieve UHC and since its launch in 1999; NHIS has been the major initiative to expand health insurance in Nigeria.

‘We will target 40 Million Nigerians in 2016’ The NHIS has said it is working towards enrolling a minimum of 40 million Nigerians in 2016.

Acting Executive Secretary of the Agency, Mr. Olufemi Akingbade, made this affirmation last week in an interactive session with newsmen.

He said the figure will include maternal and child health, students enrolled in public primary schools across the country, cases of emergency, and internally displaced persons.

Akingbade noted that the current enrolment rate is low, and therefore called on state governments to make it compulsory for their workers, indigenes and residents to be captured under one insurance scheme

or the other.

He assured that the agency will partner with any state that is willing to adopt the blueprint of the State Social Insurance Scheme.

He further said: “Next year, we are looking at a total minimum of 40 to 45 million people. As at this year, we have a total figure of about 7.9 million people, which is what we will probably close the year with.

“This cuts across the formal sector programme, the tertiary institutions, community-based and social health insurance that are under the NHIS. “Close to 100 million people claim to carry mobile network devices and one of the things we wanted to leverage on and since these people must have had undergone registration and their data and biometrics captured, it would have been a shorter call for us to leverage on existing data base that is being maintained

by Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC; and this must have given us a leap into enrolling people into the NHIS.” Akingbade also said the scheme is working on revising the Mobile Health Insurance Scheme because of some perceived gaps, adding that it will be repackaged for better services.

“We are still running it, it has not stopped, it will kick off in the first quarter of 2016. We are working towards putting it on the concurrent list, and we have identified some people to make direct interventions for the poor, vulnerable, and socially excluded, among others,” he said.

The NHIS boss also spoke on other sundry issues related to the scheme.

His words : “Why It is still not known by the larger populace is because since we took off in 2005, the focus has been on the formal sector which are principally federal government employees and the reason being that health is on the concurrent list does not allow everybody to key into the programme because of the non-mandatory nature of the law that brought NHIS into being and because it is not mandatory, you find out that a lot of people are not aware of what health insurance is all about and that is one of the things the new NHIS is poised to work on, going forward.

It is very important for every Nigerian to have Health Insurance. Firstly; it is geared towards reducing out-of-pocket expenditure. You find out that a lot of people, at the time they need health care, pay a lot of money at service delivery points and this is one of the things health insurance is trying to take care of so that you can actually equate the risk and payment.

Some people can afford to pay; some may not be able to. The whole idea therefore, is to be able to pool this whole risk together and also be able to pool the funds together so that it can be used to take care of every Nigerian when they need health care so that people will not need to pay at the point of service and that is the whole essence of health insurance in Nigeria.

“Why it is not embraced by majority of Nigerians like I said earlier is because of the non-mandatory nature of the scheme. Health insurance is not mandatory, the act establishing it left a little bit of caveat which does not make it compulsory for everybody to key into the programme and as you may be aware, health being on the concurrent list means that the federal government can actually legislate on health but states are not compelled to do it, so you actually find out that a lot of states have not keyed into health insurance because it is not mandatory and that is one of the things we are poised to work on.

“As we have penetrated the formal sector, we are also poised to penetrate the informal sector. One of the key things we are trying to do is to get the corporation of the states. We have tried severally in the past to launch community-based insurance programs but you find out that it is not as fast in terms of numbers generation and it is quite expensive because if you have to go from community to community to gather people, you CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, January 10, 2016

The Big Read

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‘MHS guarantees you access to healthcare’

Dr. Patrick Chukwuemeka Korie is a health insurance expert, and the Managing Director, Managed Healthcare Services Limited, Lagos. He sheds more light on his plans for Nigerians towards getting quality health services in this interview with PAUL OMO OBADAN.

As a healthcare expert can you let teeming Nigerians into the workings of portfolio of NHIS as well as Managed Healthcare Services Limited, MHS, of which you head?

The NHIS is one of the best policies that have been churned out for the benefit of Nigerians in the Health sector.

The objectives of the scheme to provide qualitative and accessible health care to the citizenry while reducing the cost of medicare. NHIS does not provide access to healthcare to federal civil servants and employees only, it equally accommodates pregnant women and children under the age of five, these are within the critical population group. The Scheme has a plan for every Nigerian that desires health insurance under the Voluntary Contributors’ Insurance Scheme, open to all Nigerians.

At present, NHIS regulates health insurance while the Health Maintenance Organizations, HMOs, are the actual operators and providers. We have over 60 registered HMOs, including MHS across the country. One good thing about NHIS is the provision of access to all levels of medicare.

Talking about MHS, which I head, it is one of the very first health maintenance organization in Nigeria. It is a pioneer HMO. The health care maintenance industry did not exist until about 15 years ago. Anytime an individual goes to the hospital, he or she has to pay the bills if he does not have any other person to pay it. So what health maintenance does is to bring a lot of people together who pay a fixed amount every month or every year, with the guarantee that if at any time, they need health care, they can walk to their health care provider service. And whatever the bill is, it is the health maintenance organization that pays. Once you subscribe to the health plan of MHS for example, and you have paid your monthly or annual subscription, and you then need to see your doctor, you walk in you get treated once you present your MHS card, and you go away and the doctor or the hospital sends the bill to the NIHS to settle. So it guarantees you access to healthcare and you don’t have to have anxiety as to how much to pay each time you go to the hospital because you already have a plan that covers you and your family, which is the number of members of your family in the plan. Every member of your family in the plan has an identity card. So whether you are at home or not, if your wife or children need medical care, and is under your plan, you don’t have to worry about bills. You just go straight to the hospital and they are taken care off. It was something that has been done in

There is this feeling that the right and functional health facilities are not on ground here.

Chukwuemeka

other countries for a long time but in Nigeria, until about 15 years ago, we did not have it. The MHS and a few other people were the pioneers. They were the people who worked with the government, convinced the government to set it up. And they set up a regulatory body called the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, which regulates the industry and gives licenses for operators. MHS was one of the first HMO’s to get a license.

And since then, it has grown to be one of the leading HMO’S. They have in their stable, several Federal Government agencies, several large private companies whose staffs are enrolled.

Can an enrollee receive treatment outside his or her state of resident?

Yes. We have offices in all the states of the Federation. We have health providers in all the states of the federation. So even if a member is travelling across the country, and he or she needs medical care, he only needs to identify a provider registered by MHS in the Neighborhood, and go there and show his or her card and they will contact MHS to confirm that you are registered with them. So even though your provider is in Lagos, you can get service in a hospital in another part of the country once you show your card and they are one of their listed providers. So it is one guarantee of access and also freedom of access wherever you are. The result is that a lot of private

organisation involved in it, have found out it helps all parties. It helps the companies to have a fixed sum on what they would spend in a year on treatment. So, if a company has a hundred workers, and they agree on an amount with MHS, they just pay for the year. So they know they are not going to get bills from different hospitals because they have already paid MHS. So if any of their staffs goes to a hospital to get treatment, the bill does not go to the company. The bill goes to MHS. So it helps the companies because they know their budget for the year for treatment. For the staff, it gives them peace of mind that since my employers have paid MHS, I can go to any clinic to get treatment. This is a service that has been perfected and has become relied upon by large number of federal agencies and private companies. And there are different levels of plans.

The issue of healthcare tourism is a problem. Many Nigerians are compelled to go abroad to seek care that may actually be available locally. How can this trend be reversed?

There is this feeling that the right and functional health facilities are not on ground here. So infrastructural development is very important. The right healthcare personnel and availability of drugs are all very important. If these things are addressed in such a way that people would have faith in the system, things would augur well for Nigeria in this dispensation. We need to look at access to health services beyond the perspective of the presence of the facilities. Having a physical structure called the healthcare facility does not automatically translate to access in medical perspective. To be functional is to have the necessary equipment and manpower, and environment.

These must be put in place with the budget so that when people walk into a hospital, there would be assurance that they would get treatment that is comparable with anywhere in the world. Using important but basic healthcare statistics is good for planning and projection, so getting these statistics is very important in planning and development matters.

‘Health sector needs better funding’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

will need to spend so much. We are looking at targeted groups now to be able to bring them into the scheme.

“The second thing we are trying to do is to make the states realize that they need to come under this insurance cover and that is why we have started the State Insurance Programme where we are trying to decentralize health insurance in to the state which means that the states can actually create their own agencies and contribute their funds into it and we will engage in counterpart funding with them and help them technically to setup their own insurance scheme but they must make it mandatory for their citizens and residents to key into the programme and this will help in generating the needed numbers we are talking about, he said.”

Health insurance should be mandatory Experts maintain that the benefits of health insurance are indeed immense. If these are crystallized by the APC government at the centre in the next four years.

According to Medical Expert, Adeniran Ibitoye who reminded the Buhari government that said during its campaign, ‘with just N5,000, individuals and their families would enjoy effective and efficient health care delivery for a whole year’.

Before now, the NHIS’s premium is N15,000 and it is limited to the treatment of some illnesses not all, as

chronic diseases are largely uncovered by the scheme.

“APC has invariably set in motion appropriate mechanism for high and unprecedented national coverage of the health insurance scheme. Again, granted that health is wealth, the APC government therefore needs to ensure that life expectancy in Nigeria is improved upon from its present abysmal level of 45-47 years to at least 60.

Investigations show that about 2,580 hospitals nationwide are health care providers under the NHIS. However, this number is expected to increase judging by the Buhari government’s plan to boost life through provisions of affordable and functional medicare.

The Act establishing the NHIS makes social insurance optional. From experience, quite a number of potential participants are not participating because it is not mandatory. And the only way we can make it mandatory is to amend the Act”, he stated.

Nigeria has the resources, the expertise, and the will power to develop a world-class healthcare system. But we must be unorthodox and creative in doing so. If we are to be effective, we must replicate what countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany have done well, but be even more assertive about identifying things that do not, and will not, work.

The expansion of Nigeria’s health insurance programme is paramount. It will require innovative financing in partnership with the private sector. Enrol-

ment in the insurance system by all formal healthcare providers – as in the Kenyan system – must be compulsory.

The Nigeria’s health system is a poor state and this is traceable to several factors especially the gross under-funding of the health sector and shortage of skilled medical personnel at the primary health care level. Nigeria is one of the several major health-staff-exporting countries in Africa. As a result of inadequate infrastructure and poor compensation packages, a sizeable number of physicians, nurses and other medical professionals are lured away to developed countries in search of fulfilling and lucrative positions.

Related to brain drain is the problem of geographical distribution of health care professionals. There is a disproportionate concentration of medical professionals in urban areas. Health workers in under-served areas usually have motivational problems at work which may be reflected in a variety of circumstances, but common manifestations include: lack of courtesy to patients; failure to turn up at work on time and high levels of absenteeism; poor process quality such as failure to conduct proper patient examinations and; failure to treat patients in a timely manner. These challenges can be addressed by increased funding of the health sector and the introduction of multiple incentives to health workers to make working in unattractive areas more appealing.

NEWS

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Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa rerun: Many feared dead, fake INEC officials arrested ...voting peaceful in many areas• Dickson condemns violence, killings

Osahon Julius YENAGOA

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midst widespread violence, irregularities and clashes between the supporters of the two major gladiators in the Bayelsa rerun gubernatorial election, the exercise witnessed a large turnout of voters in the 425 polling units in seven local councils of Ekeremor, Ogbia, Nembe, Brass, Sagbama and Southern Ijaw.

However, there were unconfirmed reports that several persons lost their lives in the early hours of yesterday in clashes involving security operatives deployed to cover the election in Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Nembe local governments.

The report, which is yet to be confirmed, claimed that while five persons were reportedly killed in Nembe on Friday night, four policemen

and two soldiers including six other civilians lost their lives in Ekeremor through violence.

Despite this reported violence, voters had started waiting at their various polling booth, as early as 7.30 a.m. while election materials which distribution began as early as Thursday arrived as scheduled in some polling units except for some areas which either the materials were snatched by thugs or had transportation problems.

In areas such as Ammasoma, Ogbia, Sagbama and Nembe, election materials arrived early with accreditation and voting completed before the 2 p.m. voting schedule.

Accreditation and voting were delayed in other areas including Ekeremor and Southern local government area.

Also some areas of Ogbia, Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw,

people waited patiently for the arrival of election materials, others trooped out early and got done with the process of voting.

In Okodi ward in Ogbia local council of the state, with the arrival of election materials voting commenced immediately.

At Otakeme and Edema

communities of Ogbia, election materials arrived late and tension gripped voters due to the delay.

At Ammassoma community where materials arrived early, voting was already coming to an end in some units.

Our correspondent observed that in Ward 11, Unit 14, voting was concluded early

and counting of votes had commenced.

At the home community of the Bayelsa State Speaker, Hon. Kombowei Benson in Kokorosei and two others of the Southern Ijaw Local Government area, the materials arrived early and voting commenced.

But voters at Okoroba in Nembe local government of the state were not so lucky as election materials meant for their unit were hijacked by thugs.

According to the community, though only one unit was canceled in Okoroba community, the materials for the unit

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Dickson condemns violence, sure of victory Osahon Julius YENAGOA

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overnor Seriake Dickson has in strong terms condemned the electoral malpractice and violence which marred the supplementary elections in Brass, Nembe, Ekeremor town and parts of Southern Ijaw local council area.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel IworisoMarkson, the governor accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftains of masterminding the killing of innocent Bayelsans in Brass, Ekeremor, Nembe and Sothern Ijaw and wondered why the APC would kill to capture power.

While reiterating his earlier stance that the APC was not ready for one-man one-vote, the governor said the violence had also vindicated him on his earlier position that the security agencies, particularly the military were partisan and not willing to protect the enabling environment for a free and fair election to take place.

The governor also accused the security agencies of providing cover for the APC to perpetrate violence and rig the elections.

To achieve their sinister plot, APC militants hijacked election materials and wrote results in many wards of Southern Ijaw, Brass, Ekeremor town, Brass while elections were disrupted in parts of Yenagoa and in a polling unit in Otokpoti, Ogbia local government.

The governor called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to cancel the elections in polling units where the APC hijacked election and results written.

At press time, over 14 people were feared dead, four of them are policemen, two soldiers and eight civilians in Ekeremor alone. Many PDP members were attacked in Brass and Southern Ijaw and are in critical conditions at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

The governor wept for those who were killed and prayed for the repose of their souls. While calling for the arrest of the perpetrators of the killings, Dickson condoled with the families of those who had lost dear ones.

He thanked Bayelsans for reposing confidence in him and his government and expressed confidence of victory.

Adhoc staff of INEC for Bayelsa governorship supplementary election accrediting some voters at Otuokpoti Ward 2, Unit 15 Onuebum in Ogbia LG of the state, yesterday.

12 fake INEC staff arrested in Famgbe –APC

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday claimed that 12 fake INEC staff were arrested in Famgbe community of Yenagoa local council of Bayelsa.

According to the report, security agents arrested 12 fake INEC staff allegedly imported to the area by the PDP to undermine the election. Among the 12 fake INEC officials were some people who were later identified as members of the PDP Res-

toration Media team.

Also apprehended at the same Famgbe are two other persons including a native of Kogi State posing as PDP agents.

The APC yesterday alleged that suspected thugs working for the PDP, early in morning, attacked the party agents in NembeOgbolomabiri, Barrister Doumo Ogbomani and other stalwarts at the Local Government INEC office during the distribution of materials for the

rerun poll in the community.

According to APC, the members were attacked by machete-wielding thugs in the presence of soldiers and other PDP stalwart dressed in black with the inscription ‘African Security Service’ on their shirts.

In the statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, the APC stated that

one Barrister Ogbomani and four other APC supporters had been seriously wounded in the attack.

According to Egba, reports reaching the party from Southern Ijaw council indicated that turnout for the exercise was impressive as voters in the various wards went out to exercise their franchise peacefully. Egba said the reports from the field indicated that the process was generally peaceful.

Observers indict INEC officials, allege N300,000 bribe from APC

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coalition of domestic observers and Civil Society Organisations that were accredited to monitor the rerun election in Bayelsa yesterday expressed concern over some lapses noticed since Friday, describing them as unhealthy.

The coalition also confirmed reports that some collation officers from the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), had been compromised by the All Progressives Congress with N300,000 bribe.

The group specifically won-

dered why INEC, through its action and inaction had paved the way for desperate politicians to thwart their efforts for a credible election.

While appealing to INEC and security agencies to be up to their responsibilities, the observers at a press conference held at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Yenagoa, also recounted their ordeal and worries about the activities of some politicians and their reign of terror.

Leader of the coalition

and Director-General, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizenship Awareness, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, expressed concern at “some fundamental issues that has erupted in the Bayelsa election rerun that call for urgent attention”.

He said, “We learnt that some of them have collected N300,000 and have swrapped the original with the fake forms. And they released the original sheets to some disgruntled politicians. The essence of this is to doctor and

effect election results.

“The registration of civil society organisations is basically to observe the degree of compliance of INEC, politicians and their supporters.

That is why observer groups are purely apolitical, and purely neutral.

“I want to state very clearly that the essence of history is to learn from the past and to mitigate and prevent the occurrence of sad events. Yesterday we were at the waterfront, trying to get our chartered boats

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Kogi: DSS detains Faleke, Audu’s son

Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

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he running mate to the late All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the November 21, 2015 Governorship Election in Kogi State, James Faleke, and the eldest son of the late APC candidate, Mohammed Audu, were yesterday invited by the Department of State Services, Abuja for undisclosed reasons.

Sunday Mirror gathered that the duo arrived at the headquarters of the DSS at exactly 10.00 a.m. and were kept in an office with assurances that an officer would attend to them only to keep them indefinitely.

Director, Media and Publicity of Audu/Faleke Campaign Organisation, Duro Meseko, who gave

this hint to journalists yesterday, stated that he was surprised when Faleke and Audu were still kept in an isolated office till yesterday’s evening.

“I am surprised my principal and the eldest son of our political leader, Mohammed, are still being kept as I speak with you which is 4 p.m. What could be responsible for this ill treatment by the DSS? Or could they be acting the intimidation script? Trying to armtwist them into abandoning the sacred mandate freely given to the Audu/Faleke team by the generality of Kogi people? Let me make it abundantly clear that our mandate is sacred and no amount of technical detention, intimidation and harassment would shake our resolve to get

Many feared dead in Bayelsa rerun poll CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 identified as Ward 11,Unit 13 was hijacked at the point of distribution by political thugs in the presence of security agents and the Police.

An indigene of the Community, Barrister Gift Douglas, confirmed that the thugs also attacked and beat up a traditional chief, Etulankimor Douglas Eteli, right in front of the Divisional Police Officer in Nembe Bassabiri.

“According to Douglas, “The materials for Okoroba community is now in Nembe and they are thumb-printing for the APC.” In Ekeremor, there was pandemonium in the community following the alleged invasion of voting venue by armed men led a military officer who snatch election materials in the area.

The aide to Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Comrade Preye Amba, said the man was a serving military personnel attached to the 5 Battalion of the Operation Pulo Shield in Bayelsa.

According to Amba, “The PDP, in concert with one Major Umar from 5 battalion Warri came to carry away electoral materials from Ekeremor to Egbema Angalabiri. We have on record that the said major is on the payroll of a known ex-militant leader bent on bringing down the APC in Bayelsa State.

“We call on the military authorities to investigate the role of the said major because he took away the materials without any other escort pro-

vided either by the Police or the DSS.” Election in Ekeowe and Famgbe communities of Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa Local Government areas of the sate commenced late due to sporadic shooting and security threats by armed thugs in the area.

As at 11:30 in Ekowe community in Ekeowe community of Southern Ijaw LGA, accreditation and voting was yet commence.

INEC officials were still at the ward headquarters, while materials were yet to be distributed following threats and intimidation from perceived political thugs.

In Famgbe community, armed men invaded the venue of voting and chased away the voters amid sporadic shooting.

Meanwhile, authorities of the Bayelsa State Command of the Police and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Lokpobiri, have debunked the claims by some PDP loyalists that there were heavy shooting in Ekeremor town that led to the alleged killing of two soldiers and two civilians.

While the Police through the spokesman of the State Police Command, Asimin Butswat, described the report as a lie, the minister through his aide, said though the claim had been cooked up by some PDP apologists, and that the conduct of the election in Ekeremor was peaceful, orderly and without violence.

justice through the judiciary.”

Meseko said he was not aware whether the Presidency had any connection with the arrest.

“I refuse to believe that the Presidency has its hands in the arrest.

But we may not rule out the fact that the powers-

that-be must have wielded their influence in the matter, but we are not perturbed by the development because we believe that God will ultimately vindicate us,” he added.

Faleke is the running mate to the late APC governorship candidate in the November 21 2015

gubernatorial election that was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. He was named as running mate to APC’s replacement candidate, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and subsequently elected deputy governor on

NEWS

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that ticket, thogh he has since rejected the mandate.

He insists in a court paper filed that he should be the replacement candidate for Audu on a ticket that would have featured the younger Audu as deputy.

A voter during the Bayelsa governorship supplementary election at Otuokpoti Ward 2, Unit 15 Onuebum in Ogbia LG of the state yesterday

Buhari gave no anti-democratic order on Bayelsa poll -APC tells PDP

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eaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa have dismissed as misplaced and wicked the claim by the PDP that President Muhammadu Buhari was influencing the outcome of the rerun governorship poll in the state.

The PDP had through media report claimed that the Presidency had issued a directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare the former governor

and candidate of the APC, Chief Timipre Sylva, winner of the Bayelsa State Governorship poll.

APC, through the party’s campaign organ, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, declared that ‘President Buhari did not influence the result of the election in favour of our candidate, having remained neutral from the beginning of the process’.

APC in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Campaign,

Nathan Egba, said the media report linking the Presidency to the Bayelsa election was misplaced and mischievous.

The statement said the APC was shocked at such claims coming from the PDP at a time election was ongoing in the various polling units in the entire Southern Ijaw LGA and some units in six other local government areas.

“The purported statement from the PDP giving

victory to the APC in the poll is an admittance of imminent defeat on their part as they must have sensed from the reports coming from the field,” the APC claimed.

Egba advised Governor Seriake Dickson to learn from the experience of the last presidential election and stop his brand of propaganda that has not taken him far since the election process began months ago.

Observers indict INEC officials, allege N300,000 bribe from APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 for our onward movement to we discovered INEC had conSouthern Ijaw. We were also tracted someone to get boats for amazed that some INEC offi- them. cials were also there even ear“We are addressing this lier than us. They were there conference because today we from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with sen- received another information sitive materials for the elec- that while materials are being tion of Southern Ijaw but they moved to their destinations, as could not get speed boats to take we speak to you, snatching of them there. ballot and other sensitive mate“We feel that this is odd be- rials have commenced. I mencause it is expected that sensi- tioned history because some tive materials should have got- of these are lacunas that were ten to their destinations earlier noticed during the December 5 because of the difficult terrain. polls. So we thought that some The terrain is difficult and most of these things would have been of the officials from Abuja and mitigated but sadly it seems to other places in Nigeria are not be reoccurring. used to some of these areas.

“Again there are wide spread And they stayed for a whole day speculations that some of the dedicated to their work but at presiding officers that are desigthe end of the day could not get nated to some polling units have speed boats, on further inquiry decided to compromise and

trade off forming EC8A,which is the form on which you are going to enter the results from each polling unit.

“We want to make a recommendation to INEC. We are calling on Prof. Mahmud Yakubu who we believe in so much. We know that know that he would replicate and even do better than Prof Jega, but some few people are determined to rubbish his good works. We trust him and we trust INEC and we know that they are determined they are determined to enthrone a credible election in Bayelsa State and Nigeria in general.

“But we want to recommend that INEC should announce the results at the polling units soon after election, and at the wards before onward movement of results to the general collation

center. This is synonymous to a credible election, we are not indicting anybody. If possible the results should be airlifted because I know we have the support of the Nigeria Air Force and police helicopters to avoid the incident of snatching.

“I also know that before the elections there has been reports of violence, killings and these perpetrators are known. I am also calling on security agencies to bring these perpetrators to book to serve as a deterrent to others. If they are allowed to guide scot free it will send a wrong signal across the country that you can do whatever you want in the name of election and nothing will happen We must stop this. Prof Atahiru Jega left a good legacy that we must build on for credible election.

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News

January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Holding charge against Metuh illegal, PDP insists OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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eoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the continued incarceration of its spokesman, Olisa Metuh, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since Tuesday, without charging him to court, clearly shows the dictatorial character of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

The party insists that the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration has not hidden its disdain for the rule of law and an appetite to gag the opposition.

It said the continued detention was in clear

breach of Chief Metuh ’s constitutionally guaranteed liberty and fundamental rights.

PDP, in a statement signed by the National Legal Adviser, Mr. Victor Kwon, yesterday stressed that relying on a purported ‘holding charge ’ said to have been derived from a magistrate to detain Metuh beyond the statutory period allowed by the law is in total violation of the Constitution and extant corresponding rulings by several trial and appellate courts in the country.

“We draw the attention of all Nigerians and the international community to this illegal clamp down on the opposition spokesman by the EFCC, using a purported holding charge

said to have been derived from a magistrate ’s court.

“Holding Charge which implies ‘arrest before investigation ’ instead of ‘investigation before arrest ’ is clearly an aberration and abuse of judicial process which has since been declared by several courts as illegal, null and void, and of no effect as it is totally in contradiction with section 35 (1), (4), (5a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ” PDP added.

The party said it was particularly worried that Metuh, since his arrest on Tuesday, was being inhumanly kept in an underground cell where he is daily threatened by officials, who it gathered, have been mounting pres-

sure on him to accept guilt of fictitious figures and implicate PDP leaders.

“The public is very much aware that the EFCC chairman has visited the Presidential Villa at least twice since Chief Metuh was arrested and detained by the Commission, ostensibly to get further directives on the case.

“We invite the world to note that President Buhari ’s election promise of fighting corruption has now been turned into a man-hunt of PDP leaders, while known corrupt APC leaders are being shielded by the system and rewarded with ministerial positions and other government appointments.

“Our nation is now being turned into a police

Ad-Hoc staff of INEC receiving training on Continuous Voter Registration, in Abuja, on Friday

‘PDP can ’t dictate to EFCC how to ght corruption ’ OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, cannot dictate to the present administration and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, how to fight corruption as long as they conform to the rule of law.

According to the APC National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, the party is also aware of the plot by the PDP and their agents to stampede and blackmail anti-corruption agencies over ongoing corruption cases being investigated.

According to the party scribe, “again we state that the PDP and their agents do not have the luxury of dictating how the present administration and anti-

corruption agencies should carry out their legitimate duty of catching looters of public funds, as long as it conforms to the rule of law. ” The party said in three press statements issued at the weekend that the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, among others alleged of plans by the APC and President Buhari ’s administration to silence the opposition through a selective anti-corruption fight.

It also cited the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, who accused the APC of attempting to turn the country into a one party state.

Buni said: “The APC urges anti-corruption agencies not to be distracted by these syndicated and coordinated attacks and continue to employ all legal and legitimate avenues to bring to book

all looters of our commonwealth.

“It is clear that the PDP is out of sync and out of step with the generality of Nigerians on the clamour to bring to book all looters of public funds. The days of impunity are over. The PDP and treasury thieves must pay for the recklessness and shocking mismanagement of public funds perpetuated under the defunct 16-year PDP rule. It is however reassuring that in spite of desperate and shameless attempts by the PDP and its agents to discredit President Buhari ’s anti-corruption efforts, the war against corruption is being won.

“The PDP camp in baseless allegations accuses the President of a selective anti-corruption fight while members of the APC ‘with serious corruption allegations go about their businesses ’. The PDP camp in

continuation of its laughable conspiracy theories also speaks of ‘a calculated attempt to decimate and silence the opposition ’ through the anti-corruption fight and an attempt to turn the country to a oneparty state.

“The position of the APC has not changed. For the umpteenth time, if the PDP has any proof of corruption against any APC member as alleged, we advise that they approach any of the anti-graft agencies constitutionally mandated to handle such cases.

The ongoing war against corruption is not selective.

Anybody guilty of corrupt practices must face the law. The political will and sincerity of purpose of the present administration to tackle corruption from the roots to the upper echelons no matter whose ox is gored is unwavering.

state with its inherent constitutional violations and infringement on rights of citizens, a scenario which poses grave danger to national stability and survival of our democracy.

“The PDP strongly cautions against the avoidable tension and looming political crisis over the continu-

ous clamp down on our leaders and particularly, the continued incarceration of our spokesperson, Chief Olisa Metuh, who was arrested a few days after he confronted the Federal Government and the APC over their dictatorial pronouncements and actions.

Truck kills commercial motorcyclist, injures six others KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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ragedy struck at Oke Elesin area of Amuloko, along Akanran road in the Ona Ara local government of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the weekend, as an articulated truck lost control, crushed three commercial motorcyclists, killing one person and injuring six others.

Sunday Mirror learnt that the NNPC-marked trailer with registration number LAGOS XL 724 KTU, which was ascending the rough and deplorable Oke Elesin road around 9 p.m., lost control while descending the sloppy road and trying to swerve and rescue the situation, the motorcyclists who were negotiating to pass it, were crushed in the process, with Ade Owobiyi Owoeye aka Igwe killed.

Eyewitnesses who be-

sieged the scene to behold the corpse of ‘Igwe ’, still trapped under the trailer, said the driver escaped before the police could arrive at the scene.

As at yesterday morning, the three motorcycles were still under the trailer while efforts were being made by sympathisers to remove the corpse which was eventually removed at 10.15 a.m. and conveyed to the state mortuary at Adeojo in Ibadan.

Divisional Traffic Police Officer, Akanran Division, Mr. Taiwo, who was at the scene, while speaking, said contrary to the claim of some persons that three persons died in the crash, only Igwe was killed, while others injured had been taken to different hospitals. He gave the confirmation after the corpse was removed through the effort of the police who hired a towing vehicle to lift the trailer.

Military denies soldiers on hunger strike

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ilitary authorities yesterday denied reports that some 3,000 soldiers who were recently reengaged in service were alleged to have embarked on hunger strike, simply for not being posted back to their units.

A statement issued by the Acting Director, Defence Information, BrigGeneral Rabe Abubakar, said the story was false in its entirety.

The DHQ spokesman said, “The story was false and not a true reflection of the situation among the affected soldiers.

“To put the record straight, the soldiers are enthusiastic and full of praises to the military authority that gave them another chance to reunite with the folk for better services to their fatherland.

“It is worrisome that a reputable newspaper of na-

tional outlook would source its story from unreliable social media without corroboration with relevant authorities to ascertain the veracity of the news.

“It is more worrisome when such unsubstantiated story borders on national security. This practice negates the ethics of journalism and is grossly unprofessional. Information that threatens national security should be avoided and efforts should be intensified to confirm from highest authority before going to press.

It said the press should also “avoid fuelling tension, no matter the inherent personal gains, especially now that all hands are on deck to unite all Nigerians against insecurity and insurgency. ” For avoidance of doubt, it is a taboo for military personnel to embark on strike or to do any of such things the newspaper reported.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

9

PDP legislators support Buhari ’s anticorruption crusade –Sen Bwacha P 10

Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES

January 10, 2016

WE ARE STILL KEEPING OUR OPTION. IF THERE IS CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP OF BOKO HARAM THAT COMES OUT AND SAY THE CHIBOK GIRLS ARE ALIVE, WE ARE READY TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEM TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE RELEASED. –PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Opposition cries foul as anti-corruption ght expands

Metuh

AYO ESAN

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he ongoing investigation into the alleged $2.1billion arms deal took another twist last Tuesday as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arrested the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh.

He was arrested by four operatives of the anti-graft agency from his Abuja home and spent the first night with his interrogators at the headquarters of the commission, answering questions as to how the sum of N1.4 billion strayed from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser into a company (Destra) that is linked to him.

It was gathered that Metuh had hinted that former president Goodluck Jonathan had given him a job to do and that he suc-

‘Ordinary PDP members were unaware of what leaders were doing ’ P 38 Briefly Rep seeks support for govt on poverty eradication

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olitical office holders and wealthy individuals in the country have been admonished to always complement efforts of the government in the fight against poverty.

This among other things will not only reduce poverty but also suppress the pressure on elected government officials.

Federal lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Hontoyon Bamgbose gave the admonition while presenting cash gifts to the aged and widows in his constituency.

This was contained in a release signed by the Lawmaker ’s aide on media and publicity, Mauho Hungbo .

Bamgbose noted that on many occasions, widows and the aged are left out in the affairs of the society irrespective of their wealth of experience and knowledge.

The federal lawmaker explained that the first sets of 100 beneficiaries were selected from the three local government areas in Badagry without bias.

“Many of us tend to forget these set of people in the society as if they weren ’t once active. Because of their emotional depression, many of them were sent to their early grave. However, the onus is on us - the politicians, wealthy individuals, relatives to give them a sense of belonging by giving out our widows might to them ”.

Bamgbose while celebrating with the beneficiaries and welcoming them into the new year, appealed to them to make judicious use of cash gift to avoid been over dependent on others.

A cross section of the beneficiaries thanked the federal lawmaker saying it was a good way to start the new year for them.

Bello

cessfully completed it, but he failed to disclose what the job was all about, how much he was paid and when he did the job.

EFCC officials said the revelation by Metuh led its team to beam its searchlight on cash payments from the Office of the NSA and that the searchlight led to the discovery that Metuh also benefited from the $2.1bn which is now a subject of investigation and prosecution by the Federal Government.

It was learnt that out of the $2.1 billion arms funds, N400 million was transferred from Dasuki ’s office to the company on November 24, 2014 which previously had a balance of N6, 676,576.06 only before the major transfer from Dasuki office.

It was further gathered that Metuh was also receiving a monthly payment of N4 million from the Office of the NSA. His arrest has drawn reactions from both Metuh himself who said he was be-

ing persecuted and his party, PDP. “I have not done anything unlawful.

Whatever I have done in pursuance of my office, I can defend it anywhere, any time, ” he had said.

PDP in its reaction through its Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Jalo, said the party had nothing against the anti-corruption campaign by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, but urged that the war should be waged within the confines of the nation ’s laws.

Jalo said, “As a party, the PDP does not oppose the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari. What we are saying is that due process must be followed.

“If a man is arrested for any offence, especially this one that is bailable, he or she should be taken to court within 48 hours CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

Group commends Ambode

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+ Vanguard Mushin, under the chairmanship of Akeem Ogun, and woman leader Alhaja Basirat Alase has commended the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the Director of Account, Ministry of Agriculture, Chief Oyeyemi Ayoola for their continual support for the grassroots.

The association commended the government during its annual distribution of food and clothing materials to the less privileged in Mushin area of Lagos state.

The woman leader of A+ Vanguard Mushin chapter specifically commended the Director of Accounts in the ministry of agriculture for alleviation of poverty among traders and artisans through various poverty alleviation schemes of the ministry.

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Politics

January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP legislators support Buhari ’s anti-corruption crusade –Sen Bwacha Emmanuel Bwacha is a two time Senator representing Taraba South in the National Assembly on the platform of the PDP and Deputy Minority Leader. In this interview with JUSTIN TYOPUUSU, he speaks on President Muhammadu Buhari ’s war against corruption, the proposed 2016 budget before the Senate, among others. Excerpts: What is your stand on President Muhammadu Buhari ’s fight against corruption?

Thank you very much for that question. If you have been following developments at the National Assembly, I did a motion recently to call for support for the fight against corruption.

The President ’s body language appears to set everybody on alert. I also provided a way forward for the government on how to go about it. We opposition legislators in the parliament are not against the fight against corruption.

The President has our full support, but we have also advised Mr. President to be careful with people around him whose hands might not be clean and would want to make the fight against corruption a witch hunt.

We are not saying any PDP member that has stolen money should be spared. As a founding member of PDP, I don ’t support corruption in any form and I made that clear even in my motion that poverty, which is one of the major causes of corruption does not know PDP or APC or any political party, so the President must be careful and define the parameters the informs his fight against corruption. We have spoken our minds. Nobody should be spared. The fight must be holistic and not selective. On the whole, it is a very good move

Bwacha

FOR THE FACT THAT I AM IN THE OPPOSITION PARTY DOES NOT MAKE ME A STREET CRITIC. I AM NOT A STREET CRITIC AND I DON ’T JUST CRITICISE. I STUDY THE MOOD OF THE MOMENT AND MAKE INFORMED CRITICISM WHERE POSSIBLE that should be embraced by all irrespective of political, religious, or other considerations.

What is your assessment of Buhari ’s administration so far?

What stands out in favour of the administration is that Nigerians generally believed that the President wants to fight corruption and it is a very good thing. We are happy about it. On the provision of infrastructure, we are going to study the current budget and see the genera l

trend in terms of infrastructure. You know that the budget that is ending now is the PDP budget. We can only assess performance of this administration largely based on the implementation of this current budget under scrutiny.

For the fact that I am in the opposition party does not make me a street critic. I am not a street critic and I don ’t just criticise. I study the mood of the moment and make informed criticism where possible. If the government of the day decides to make mistakes,, of course,, we the opposition will cash in on the mistake to retake power. We would collect the government back. But on the whole, I think it is too early to begin to assess this government.

That will appear as though you are making assessment from a biased mind.

As a PDP man, I will not hesitate to cash in on the mistakes of the ruling party to my advantage but of course not at the expense or detriment of the Nigerian people. Their welfare is my overriding con-

cern.

Can you comment on the 2016 budget proposal before the senate?

We have just received the budget and we are still studying it. There is a particular area that gladdens our heartswhich is the sufficient provision for capital projects. This is the first time we are having a very reasonable percentage for capital expenditure. That is a sign of hope. But there are other indices that need to be considered that is why I said we have not studied the budget and that is what we are going to do before the budget will be eventually passed.

Your scholarship to students in your senatorial district has been on for some time. What informed your decision?

This is meant for children from less privileged homes who need assistance.

It ’s largely orphans and children who are very promising but lack the resources. I was embarrassed to find out that names of children whose relatives are a e well e placed p aced in tthe society appeared on the list. When I discovered that I get angry knowing that whatever you do with people, such occurrences are su bound to be there. It is meant to be an intervention fund for f children who cannot afford going to school. I see acute poverty in the faces face of my people so I decided to sacrific sacrifice. It is not because I have too much, bu but the little I have, I believe in sharing with others. You will w be surprise how this little support will th help some families families.

It gives me joy knowing that some children are taken off the streets to the classroom just bec because of the little I am able to give. It is also a way of giving back to the soc society that has been so good to me in so m many ways.

So, how many stud students have benefited from the scholarsh scholarship scheme so far?

The scheme sta started in 2004 when I first went to the National Assembly.

It was on break be between 2007 and 2011 when I was out of the National Assembly for four years. years From 2004 to date over 2,000 students have benefited from the scholarship, w we also have widows and other women who benefited from wrappers, food stuff stu and other things, especially those women who lost their w husbands to the cr crisis in the senatorial district. This and many other things informed my decision to hold a thanksdecis giving service to thank God for his t work in my life. I am one person who ha has enjoyed so much grace grac from God in so many ways and I feel m it is imperative that I make out time to at least say thank you for having me in mind.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

11

January 10, 2016

Man in the News Christine Lagarde

IMF ’s dinner of long spoons AYO ESAN

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he Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, IMF, Ms Christine Lagarde arrived in Nigeria on Monday for a four- day working visit. During the visit she held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari, policy makers and other stakeholders on the possible ways IMF can partner with Nigeria in order to improve its economy.

She arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja where she was received by Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Speaking on the purpose of her visit, Lagarde said, “The visit to Nigeria will provide an opportunity to strengthen the fund ’s partnership with the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa. ” Lagarde, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari said with the determination and resilience by President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria did not have to seek for IMF programme.

As if to allay the fears of Nigerians she assured that she was not in the country to negotiate a loan with conditionalities or any programme negotiations.

She said: “Let me make it clear that I am not here nor is my team in this country to negotiate a loan with conditionalities. We are not into programme negotiations and frankly at this point in time, given the determination, resilience displayed by the President and his team, I don ’t see why an IMF programme will be needed. ” The IMF boss, however, stressed that fiscal discipline and proper implementation of policies would be needed to ensure sustainability and realise the objectives and the ambitions which would serve the country well.

She also cautioned Nigeria against rigidity of monetary policies, considering the fall in oil price.

But despite assurance by Lagarde that she was not in the country to negotiate a loan with conditionalitiies, Nigerians are still skeptical and they have been warning the President to beware of any arrangement with the IMF. Nigerians are recalling their experience during the General Ibrahim Babangida regime when the economy was controlled by the IMF leading to hardship in the land.

Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Jimoh Ibrahim warned President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of the IMF ’s current visit to Nigeria describing it as an economic bait that will do Nigeria no good.

He says it is a means of campaigning

for economic conditionalities even at a time when Nigeria, like some oil producing countries, needs assistance and support to continue to put into implementation government policies.

Ibrahim said that IMF boss ’ statement on the economy is traditional and full of strategic misrepresentation adding that the IMF boss had a full day creating an atmosphere for re-colonizing Nigeria ’s economy and advises the government to run away from such unsolicited advice.

“I enjoin President Buhari to learn from Ibrahim Badamosi Babagida ’s pitfall when he handed over the economy to IMF by taking specific loan only for the economy to be destroyed with IMF ’s painful colonial conditionalities, ” Ibrahim said. “The government of IBB was simply put to an end in economic terms by the Structural Adjustment Programme, an IMF baby which remains the foundation of Nigeria ’s problem. ” He also describes the statement made

by IMF boss as uncalled for and a waste of time.

Ibrahim said: “For IMF to advise Nigeria not to be rigid in Economy Policy is an indirect way of asking for devaluation of naira and campaigning for ‘about to come ’ IMF conditionalities, knowing very well that Nigeria may ask for assistance. ” Ibrahim faulted the statement credited to the IMF boss, as a complete disrespect to the integrity of Nigeria as a nation by simply positing whether IMF can give the same advice to President Obama by advising that the “President should look inward for economy solution ” at this time when the oil prices are very low, shows clearly that IMF is an enemy of the country.

According to him, ten things are likely to be the areas of advice of IMF which is already a stereotype. So the IMF boss has not said anything new. The ten areas were developed by Professor John Williamson.

They are usually “Fiscal Policy, Reduction

of Public Spending, Tax Reform, Interest Rate, Competitive Exchange Rate, Trade Liberalization, Encouragement of Foreign Direct Investment, Privatization of state enterprise, deregulation and legal security of property right ”.

Ibrahim accused the IMF boss of broader line plagiarism for not acknowledging Williamson ’s ideas and using the ten-point agenda for developing countries and more importantly, Williamson theory of Asset Specificity which was frequently used by the Director General without reference.

He challenged the IMF boss on the solo policy of developing the poor and asks her to explain whether the poor can be developed when the rich are dead or whether China or America kills the rich in their countries so as to let the poor develop.

“This shows clearly to me that IMF has a hidden agenda and only time will tell. ” He said while accusing the IMF boss of Strategic misrepresentation when she said oil does not contribute enormously to the GDP, knowing very well that the Nigeria budget is funded majorly through revenue from oil.

These ten-point agenda is not new to Nigeria. But the question we normally ask is whose interest? The optimum bias is playing clearly in her statement.

Ibrahim challenged IMF to come with practical terms on how to help Nigeria from coming out from its financial dangerous lane by granting the country loans in liberal terms when the need arises or even if it is to develop infrastructure since Nigeria oil money has been used by IMF in the past to help other nations.

Ibrahim hopes that IMF pays for accommodation and feeding in Nigeria since they already signed for those allowances from their Head Office. He advised the government to stay focused on already defined policy of agenda and that in future visit, it will be enough for the Minister of Finance and one or two members of cabi-

net to handle the visit without involving the President, if our sovereignty is to be respected.

“In United States of America, it is the under Secretary to President Obama that will handle such correspondence or visit or a Clerk as the case maybe in Britain. I was surprised that the IMF Chief did not make such observation at the magnitude of top government officials that received her which amounts to waste of precious time of Government and the little resources that we have. ” Also, a human rights and anti-corruption group, Vanguard for Transparency Leadership and Democracy, VATLAD, has opposed and condemned the proposal

by Lagarde, for increment in Value Added Tax, VAT, in the country.

VATLAD National President and Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Odafe Igbini and Comrade Kelechi Ifeoma said in a statementthat the idea will be counterproductive, especially now that the country depends on imported goods for basic human needs like food, health and shelter.

“While we agree with her on the concerns over Nigeria ’s high debt profile which is said to consume over 35 per cent of our national revenue for debt servicing, we however vehemently oppose her proposal for increase in Value Added Tax, VAT, paid for all goods and services. ”We advocate instead for sharp drastic increase in VAT on imported goods and services that provide only luxuries to a select privileged few elite class, such as imported luxury cars/vehicles, alcohols, cigarettes, furniture, cosmetics, and other similar goods and services.

“The luxury goods don ’t add positive values to national growth and development, the opposite is the case. “Instead, we demand a drastic reduction of the current VAT rate on goods and services that are necessary and essential to daily survival of the generality of masses of Nigerians.

Christine Madeleine Odette was born on January 1, 1956 in Paris She is a French lawyer and has been the Managing Director, MD of the IMF since July 5, 2011.

Previously, she held various ministerial posts in the French government: she was Minister of Economic Affairs, Finance and Employment and before that she was Minister of Agriculture and Fishing and Minister of Trade in the government of Dominique de Villepin. Lagarde was the first woman to become Finace Minister of a G8 economy, and is the first woman to head the IMF. A noted antitrust and labour lawyer, Lagarde became the first female chairwoman of the international law firm Baker&Mckenzie.

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Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES January 10, 2016

How to care for an asthmatic TITILOPE MORAKINYO

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sthma is a chronic medical condition that affects the reversible airway obstruction characterised by a triad of bronchial smooth muscle contraction, airway inflammation, and increased secretions. It is a major health problem for all age groups. For the majority, control of its symptoms is readily achieved. However, in a small minority, the ailment may cause death. Although the mortality rate in those aged less than 65 years are now falling, and there is an increasing rate of deaths in developing countries yearly.

The disease requires continual monitoring, treatment and identifying the specific allergens or irritant causing symptoms in a particular individual. If a severe attack is not recognised in time and emergency obtained, an asthmatic patient can pass out or die untimely.

According to experts, its rates are increasing in countries around the world and the disease currently affects over 300 million people globally. This as deduced may be due to increased levels of chemicals in our environment.

A medical practitioner with the Bishop Awe Medical Centre, Abaranje, Lagos, Dr. Olaiya Awe, in an interview with Sunday Mirror, defined asthma as a long lasting inflammatory disease of the airways which requires continual monitoring and treatment.

Dr Awe said, “Inflammation is associated with airways hyper-responsiveness that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night, or in the early morning. These episodes are usually associated with widespread but variable airflow obstruction within the lung that is often reversible, either spontaneously or with treatment. In persons susceptible to the ailment, the inflammations cause the airways to spasm and swell periodically so that the airways narrow. ” He, however, explained that while the individual wheezes or gasps for air, it makes the airways hyper responsive to stimuli such as cold air, exercise, dust mites, pollutants, stress and anxiety.

“The changes that take place in the lungs of people with asthma make the airways i.e. the breathing tubes or bronchi and the smaller bronchioles, hyperactive on different types of stimuli that do not affect the healthy lungs. Asthma attacks the muscle tissue in the walls of the bronchial tubes thereby making the cells lining swell and mucus secreted into the airways, ” he maintained.

He stressed that these actions cause the tube to become narrowed, which is medically termed broncho constriction.

As a result, the asthmatic patient has to put greater efforts to breathe in air and

Asthma patient

expel it.

He insisted that avoiding or at least minimising exposure to asthma triggering agents is the most effective way of managing or treating it, adding that it is helpful to identify the specific irritant causing the signs in an individual that include exposure to dust mites, tobacco and wood smoke.

In terms of treatment, he stated that, “the type of asthma being suffered by an individual determines the medication to be used by the patient and the aim of treatment is to control the disease. However, a good asthma control will prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. It also reduces the need for quick relief treatment such that it helps preserve good lung function, maintaining the nor-

mal activity level and sleep through the night. Effective control will prevent attacks that could result in an emergency room visit or hospital stay, ” he said.

The medic stressed that for asthma patients to stay healthy, they need to partner with doctors or other health care providers to help manage the ailment.

The infection has a familiar tendency whereby family history is a risk, with many different genes implicated. If one identical twin is affected, the probability of the other having the ailment is approximately.

According to Dr Awe, medical experts need to take an active role in their asthma care by creating an action plan which includes guidance on taking medicines properly, tackling the level of control, responding to worsening symptoms and

seeking emergency care when needed.

“Medications can help manage the illness thereby doctors consider many things when deciding which medicines are best for the disease. They check to see how well a medicine works and will adjust the dose if needed.

“The medicine can be taken in pill form but most are taken using a device called an inhaler. An inhaler allows the medicine to go directly to the lungs.

“Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting such as salbutamol and oral corticosteroids. In very severe cases, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulphate, and hospitalisation may be required. The use of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists (LABA) or leukotriene antagonists may be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma symptoms remain controlled, ” he said.

He said however that not all inhalers are used the same way the health care provider or doctor shows it should be utilised.

“It is reviewed at every medical visit.

When the treatment begins at first, the patients consult the medical practitioner every two to six weeks but once it ’s controlled, it maybe once a month to twice a year.

The help of friends, neighbours and parents with regard to sufferer of the illness is required in assisting him to live a prolonged life. There should be close monitoring on an asthmatic in times of crisis and nearness of medicine inhaler in place. Parents should also endeavour that there is no discrimination among the siblings, while friends should rush an asthmatic to the nearest hospital in time of crisis, ” the medic advised.

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Praise & Worship E-mail:cossyodi@yahoo.com G-mail:ranke2015@gmail.com

EDIFYING GOD

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The work of a Christian preacher is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ which he himself preached and also instructed his disciples to preach.

–Prof Kunle Macaulay

Sunday, January 10, 2016

That enemy shall not escape

QUOTE

Wisdom is the most desirable thing 17

The call of God is effectual 32

Consequences of spiritual handshakes for Christians

14 & 15

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Cover

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handshake is a short ritual in which two persons grasp each other’s right hand, often accompanied by a brief up and down movement of the grasped hands. For centuries upon meeting, the handshake has been used as a symbol of greeting, parting, offering congratulations, expressing gratitude, or completing an agreement. In sports or other competitive activities, it is also done as a sign of good sportsmanship. Its purpose generally conveys trust, good faith, and equality.

However, on conducting spiritual research into this ritual, some school of thought claimed they uncovered a different story which sheds light on the spiritual consequences of the handshake.

This school of thought explains how subtle energy transfer can take place with greetings that include the aspect of touch. It also explains how the spiritual state of a person i.e., whether they are possessed or affected by negative energies can influence another person when they greet them. In the same vein, they also claim that positive vibes or energies in one person can also be transferred to another during handshake or contact made with other parts of the body.

Little wonder, clerics in some worship centres encourage or ask their members and others who go to them to seek one spiritual help or the other to come forward for spiritual handshake with them i.e. the cleric in question, as a condition for those seeking help to get favourable outcomes to their quest.

Clerics calling for spiritual handshake at a given price are now a common sight in worship centres in this part of the world where people believe they can achieve their goals through powers emitting from the palms of these supposed men of God that is being transferred to them as they join hands together they are bound to achieve success in their endeavours. Even with this perception from this set of people, others who condemn the practice, see this act as manipulation on the part of these clerics whom they claim persuade people to do what they think is right, but which in the actual sense is wrong.

Furthermore, since there are two sides to everything, some people argue that in the process of believing that they are shaking hands with a real man of God, people could bring bad things upon themselves if at the end of the day, they eventually get in involved with someone who is full of negative vibes and transfers the wrong energies into them.

According to Professor Kunle Macaulay, Director of studies, United Bible University, Ojodu, Ogun State, the problem is that in present day Christianity, there are so many magicians, herbalists, and others who should have nothing to do with the church who are working in the church today.

“One thing I keep telling people is that there is manipulation and what we call suggestibility. There are languages in the satanic world to persuade people; to convince people to make them do what they think is right which in the spiritual sense is very wrong.

“I was in a programme sometime ago and somebody said ‘If you come out and shake my hand, you will get double power.’ People were coming; they were rushing to shake the man’s hand and they

Sunday, January 10, 2016

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Consequences of spiritual

Two prophets in a handshake

A handshake in many cultures is perceived as an act of friendship and trust between two people.

This act has also being carried into church as a sign of peace among worshippers, but recently, some men of God have extended the handshake as ways of transferring power to Christians who are seeking favourable outcomes in things they have embarked upon, such as granting of visas for those who want to travel or success in business among other things. ODINAKA URUAKPA speaks to clerics to get their view on this practice. were dropping money. This is a display of intellectual and spiritual ignorance because when you know the truth, nobody can deceive you. We can’t say that it is a spirit that is under the cover of Father Christmas; everybody knows that Father Christmas is a man, many people may not recognize the person, but it is still a man wearing the cover, and not a spirit. The problem we have with Christianity is that there are so many magicians, so many herbalists, and so many people who have nothing to do with church work in the church today. It is very unfortunate that we don’t have any regulatory organization, not even government can control this menace that is making many people not to believe in church any more. When you look at the church today, the church has lost its credibility. Some of us are afraid to call ourselves reverend now, because when you say you are a reverend, you must be able to perform magic or you are a liar; this is not right. Something must be done to stop this nonsense. There is nothing like spiritual or prophetic handshake. Remember what we keep on saying that when you pray, God decides whether to grant you that request or not, whether it is going to be good for you, whether it would glorify God, whether even what you asking for

One thing I keep telling people is that there is manipulation and what we call suggestibility.

There are languages in the satanic world to persuade people; to convince people to make them do what they think is right which in the spiritual sense is very wrong.

is going to destroy you. God knows, then He decides when and how to give it. But these people assure you that when you come, you get it; it is not right; they are not God; but only meant represent God”, he said.

Speaking on the reason Christians allow themselves to be manipulated, Macaulay said: “There are so many churches or people who are not doing the will of God and this is worrisome to some concerned Christians who see reason for people to speak out. My very self have been approached on this and there was a time a cleric who was interviewed in one of the newspapers said church work is business, that when he needed money, he would call for revival and he would make money. You can see that kind of thing that is happen-

ing. Let me tell you something today, like I mentioned earlier, there are magicians; there are business people in church leadership today and they would do anything to make money. I don’t know why you would ask people to come forward for visa, to come forward for prayer for their businesses to grow; it is not in the Bible.

Bible does not tell us to pray for visa or any such thing. When you are saved, the salvation God is giving to us includes prosperity, protection, provision of good things, progress because the Bible states that I will protect you, I will provide for you, I will be with you, I will direct you ; I mean what else do you want. So, you can see the difference between the one that is preaching the real word and one that is preaching for his belly.”

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Cover

Sunday, January 10, 2016

handshakes for Christians

On the reality of transferring power from men of God to people through handshake or other part of the body as obtainable in the Old Testament, the theologian said: “I want to talk as a Christian. Whatever happened in the Old Testament is meant to teach us a lesson.

We are Christians; we are not talking about Judaism now, we are talking about Christianity. There is a difference between Judaism and Christianity. When Jesus Christ came, that was the end of Judaism and the beginning of Christianity; a new religion, a new belief, a new way to heaven and that is what we have to practice.

“Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit that the father would give to us will be in us and it would direct us. He (Jesus) never told us to pass any power from us to somebody else and He never asked us to shake any hand. No man can give any man power because with Christianity, everything is controlled by God Himself.

When they practice anything in Judaism, let us sit down and find out why they practice it. But in Christianity, it is a different religion entirely; it depends on God, on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and not on any man. The grace we have is directly from God and that is all we need.”

Giving account of the origin the handshake, Pastor Afolarin Adebola explained that one school of thought is of the view that handshakes originated in wars, as another school of thought suggests that the custom began in marriages and was then carried over to war situations.

“One school of thought that says the handshake originated in wars indicates that the handshake signifies peace and that the hands bear no weapons. In the present days, all athletes including boxers shake hands before and after the match to show that they bear no ill will

towards each other. Politicians also shake hands, at least after the result is announced, to demonstrate that they have forgotten the bitterness displayed during the election campaign. This present day custom of shaking hands seems to confirm the school of thought that the custom originated in wars. In many cultures, holding the hand of a girl by a man or of a man by a girl is construed as marriage in itself. The holding of hand is a promise of friendship, and kinship for ever between two persons. It is also perceived in some cultures that the act of a handshake either transfers to a person positive or negative energy that exists in another with a higher aura. If actually the handshake makes one more prone to an attack by negative energy existing in another individual and also provides a means for the negative energy in the other individual to enter into another individual, then it is not something thst should be encouraged in any worship centre except the owner or organizer of such has bad intentions”, he revealed.

When asked if those who shake hands as sign of peace in the church are also in the wrong, Adebola said: “Sharing the sign of peace is not the same thing as asking people to come for spiritual handshake.

What we are talking about here is giving something for something because the supposed clerics involved in this act always ask the recipients of the spiritual handshake of their clients as I choose to call them to bring specified amounts of money so as to receive the handshake that would bring them success in what they seek for. The handshake made for sign of peace is a normal harmless gesture made by worshippers in the church.”

Adebola while advising non suspecting victims of the dangers involved in going for spiritual handshakes with

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I must warn anyone who calls themselves Christians to rely on God as they pray to Him for success in whatever they intend to do. No human being can do it but God. clerics, claimed that since they (worshippers) do not know the intention or source of power of these clerics, they should be careful not to receive negative energies from these clerics.

“I must warn anyone who calls themselves Christians to rely on God as they pray to Him for success in whatever they intend to do. No human being can do it but God. So, I would advise them to be careful not to receive negative energies from these pastors who are on the rampage to ruin people’s life as they cajole them into believing that they are there to help them achieve success.

They must remember that just like there are two sides to a coin, these clerics could either be passing good or bad luck to them. So, they must be very careful when they decide to go for the spiritual handshake”, he admonished.

For Reverend Fr. Paschal Obioma, Director of Catholic Apostolate, Abbi, Delta State, many of these men of God who ask worshippers to come out for handshake to achieve things they crave in their life are agents of the devil who are on the prowl to manipulate people with evil machinations.

“Whenever an individual pastor or group of churches have programmes and introduce such things, but if people suspect that there is something bad there,

they should not do such a thing. Many of these people are not real pastors; they are agents of the devil.

It is not biblical for anyone to ask people to come shake their hands so that they would get whatever they are looking or aiming for. It is not right at all. Whoever is involved in such thing is manipulating the people he is telling this and that is not a godly thing to do at all”, he claimed.

On the possibility of powers being transferred from one person to the other through handshake, Obioma said: “People should be careful about what they believe. Christians are not supposed to entertain such devilish believes as power transfer from a man of God or any other person for that matter to another.

Just like I said earlier, any person(s) who sell such ideas or give people the impression that such thing as transfer of power exist in the christen religion are agents of the devil who are on the prowl to manipulate people with evil machinations.

I would advise anybody who patronizes such men of God in Quote; to open their eye, so that the cobwebs that was covering them (eyes) would fall off in good time i.e. before it is too late and they have being defrauded of the little cash on them which they certainly must put down to get the handshake.”

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From the

Pulpit

That enemy shall not escape Sunday, January 10, 2016

General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, says evil should not be allowed by Christians. Excerpts:

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xodus 14:9-14, “But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.’ And Moses said unto the people, ‘Fear ye not, standstill, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.’ The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Many people are been tormented by devil and his agents. These agents of wickedness follow them wherever they go to terrorize and ruin everything that is associated with their progress. These enemies are the cause of sicknesses, diseases, poverty, madness, barrenness, paralyses, stillbirth, etc which people suffer in different stages of their lives. But assuredly whoever that is behind the reason for your problem shall not escape the wrath of the Lord today.

Since you became born again, or since you were born, your situation may have been worrisome, and if you can reminisce you will discover tons of thorns tormenting your life and posing as threats to your future. But today that battle is being taken away from you for it is not yours but of God. If you can allow God takes control of your life today, your life will never be the same again. I am assuring you that all the problem your enemies brought against you shall be swallowed up today in Jesus name.

You remembered how Pharaoh’s magical snake was swallowed up by the rod of Moses, I am assuring you that every pharaohic snake after your life and everything projected against you shall be returned to the sender and today shall be the end of their work against you..

I do not know the serpent terrorizing you which has brought no peace, joy, stagnancy of life and pain, today there is a rod that will swallow them. So get ready for your freedom. Isaiah 45:23 says, “I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”

God possesses absolute authority over all things and He will exercise it throughout eternity. He has the right to order reward for the wicked, thus your enemies that have decided to give you no rest shall not escape His wrath today in Jesus name.

The enemies and the fact that they shall not escape Beloved, our chief enemy is the devil. Your father, mother or siblings are not your enemy although sometimes they are influenced by your arch enemy the devil to harm you. Revelation 12:7- 10 states, “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. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

I want to let you know the dragon (devil)

had his angels fourth but they were defeated and cast to the earth. Now one may ask what are his angels doing on earth, the truth is that they go about afflicting injuries pain, sicknesses, problems on the people of God and on humanity, these are their primary assignment on earth, but God has come to deliver you and they will not escape the sledge hammer of God today.

I want you to understand that devil operates in many ways and uses so many weapons and strategies to make human’s life unbearable, and the Bible says in John 10:10 (a) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:” All his works are to steal, to kill and to destroy. So, he uses poverty, sicknesses, and afflictions, barrenness, lack of favour, delay in marriages, and miscarriages to afflict the children of God. That is why failure has characterized the life of many but today my father will fight for you.

I do not know how many years these enemies have been fighting you, and want you to be discouraged and think there is no God to deliver you. But God has decided to step into your situation at His time and will arrest your enemies and they shall not escape in Jesus name.

I don’t know what they are using to afflict you, may be poverty, frustration, broken marriage, lack of favour, unemployment, evil dreams, hatred from people, backw a r d n e s s, etc. I do

not know what they have release to afflict you and everything is working against you, even when you do good to people they pay you with evil, I really may not know the strong opposition against you, but honestly today the Lord will deal with your enemies. Indeed there may be enemies, but one thing that is certain today is that they shall not escape. 1Thess 2:18 says, “ Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” I don’t know where they have hindered you, from making progress, getting your spouse, having children, enjoying your marriage but whatsoever they have done against you today must be reversed. Whenever it seems something good is coming your way the demons and satanic human agents will arise and begin to fight in order to close the door against you so that your condition will continue to deteriorate. . 1Corinthians 16:9 says, “ For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” When it appears that it is going to be well for you, the next thing is for it to become worst.

When it appears you have gone the right way, suddenly you will find yourself in the wrong way. When it appears you want to surrender your life to Christ and become born again, there will be so many enemies after you to frustrate all attempts to join the Lord’s army. But don’t bother yourselves again by this message no matter how many of them after your life, progress or family, one thing that is certain today is that they shall not escape. God will destroy all. God who preserves you till date in spite of the opposition against you will do it again. Same God who has not let them to kill you will deal with your enemies not minding their arsenal.

•Malachi 3:6 says, “ For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

Beloved, that God that kept you alive, has not changed, that God of yesterday that gave you husband or wife is still the same God today, that God that saw you through in all the battles when you were a toddler has not changed, that God that is giving you all that you demanded never changes, that God who delivered you in time past, that performed miracle even in the Bible days has not changed, that fought for the Israelites as of old, that divided the Red-Sea, and brought the children of Israelites out of Egypt, caused their enemies to drown, divided the Red Sea, that God has not changed. Today that God will never change because of you, and therefore no matter what they have cast down to follow after you shall be swallowed up today in Jesus name. The same way Pharaoh and all his armies did not escape the Red Sea on their pursuit of the children of Israel, the same way your enemies shall end up in Jesus name.

Exodus 14:13 says, “ And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, Pastor Muoka stand

still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.”

Whatsoever they are using to pursue you, my advise is that you should stand still and fear not, for that problem, poverty, spiritual prison shall end today. That pain, sickness, delay in marriage, delay in conception, rising and falling, poverty, which you have been having, shall be seen no more forever, that is why I am telling you that the Lord is the same today, tomorrow and forever. Exodus 14:14 “ The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

My friend the Lord is still fighting for His people and if He still fights for His people today He shall give you victory.

Exodus 14:19-20, 23-25 say, “And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

You can see that they saw that the Lord is fighting for the children of Israel and they taught to flee, but they were too late. Many of your enemies are thinking on how to jump out from here but they are too late, already I have commanded them to be bound and arrested and am assuring you they shall not escape here today.

Some evil kingdom have been watching you in their mirror and they are casting a spell or making incantations against you that kingdom shall catch fire, that personality, that evil man or woman shall catch fire they shall not escape that judgment in Jesus name.

• Matthew 15:13 “But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” Every seed that is not of God here today, they shall not escape judgment is upon them. Isaiah 45:23 “ I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” I don’t know dose pursuing you they shall bow in Jesus name.

Exodus 15:9-10 “ The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.”

Only wind fought them that time but today the spirit of God and the invincible wind shall fight your enemy today, all of them shall sink and the grave shall cover them, they shall never follow you out today say amen. One thing that is very certain is that your enemies and their activities shall never escape in Jesus name amen.

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From the Pulpit

Sunday, January 10, 2016

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Wisdom is the most desirable thing General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, teaches about wisdom. Excerpts:

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isdom is the most desirable thing for a person who wants to succeed and make it in life. If a person is not wise, all the things in this world would run away from him or her. A person must be wise, and out of the wisdom he or she would learn a work, or get education or riches. Wisdom is applied in several ways. A wise woman stays long in her matrimonial home. It is the unwise woman that is sent packing from her home.

Similarly an unwise man does not experience long life with his wife and children. A wise person would know how to handle his or her parent, children, wife and husband so that there would not be rancor, misunderstanding among the family. A pastor complained to me about his wife. His complaint was that his wife was giving him problem. I decided to counsel him based on my experiences. Prior to my change in perception and motion about my relationship with a woman was not all that cordial. I advised him to desist from

finding faults and rebuking his wife for every mistake she makes. This would bring about fear, more respect and mutual understanding between two of them. In fact , my experience enabled me to counsel him what a wife is and how the husband should be relating with her that would bring peace into the home. Seek for wisdom for everything one does because the bible says in the book of James 1:5 – 6 “ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to

Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

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esus is the prince of peace according to Isaiah 9:6 and when He invited into and involved in any matter, He ensures that His peace is established. Children of the Peace of Peace have the authority to call the God of peace into any situation for the God of peace shall bruise and crush the devil under your feet shortly Romans 16:20.Chaos and pandemonium may ensue for a while but shortly the God of peace will take charge and bring calmness. I decree calmness, quietness and peace to every turbulence in your life in the name of Jesus.

The Bible explicitly states in James 5:16, that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous makes tremendous power available. What is effectual prayer? This is prayer with the confidence, assurance and backing of the word of God. Righteous people of the nation of Nigeria, children of the Prince of peace, it is time to confidently invite the absolute peace of the Almighty to take charge of the forth coming election.

I can hope for peace and you can talk about the need for a peaceful, calm and smooth election process all day long but I assure you that it takes God to ensure absolute peace over situations that can easily degenerate into chaos. Let me

you. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind”. A would – be trader or business person need to think about the kind of trade or business he or she wants to embark on. What are the risks involved in the trade or business that could collapse the business? What are the necessary things to do in depression situation?

All these require application of wisdom by the person to handle the situation that might confront the trade or business. But what is in the mind of the prospective trader or business person is to get money and invest without consideration for all mentioned above. He or she would never if think this business or trade would bring fortune to him or her and in turn change his or

her life. Even if a wise trader or business person that keeps his or her proceeds in manner that give room for people to steal the proceeds that person is not wise. It is imperative for people to apply wisdom in any situation they find themselves.

Jesus Christ applied wisdom when the Pharisees asked him if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. He asked them to give him a coin (Demarius).

They brought it to him and asked whose image is on the coin. They told him Caesar. Then Jesus said in the book of Mark 12:17 “…And Jesus answered and said to them render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s and they marveled at him”. Some people see and get money but they spend it lavishly without having reserve. A person that spends money lavishly is spending his or her life wastefully.

Those that spend lavishly are those that have plenty money and reserve. Some people whenever they get money, they spend the money for women who are not their wife. These people should know that these women Prophet Oloruntimilehin are obstacles to

the men’s success.

These women would desert the men after finishing the money lavishly, the men later became poor.

There are some men I warned to stop having affair with women other than their wives but they failed to heed my warning. Now they are facing the consequence.

Imagine a man had about three million naira to embark on a business venture.

He started to put the required things in place for the take – off.

But the purported wife advised and influenced him to sponsor her birthday and he obliged her. Now the money is finished, the business could not take – off. He is lamenting and trying to borrow money from his friends. Be a wise person because the bible says in the book of Proverbs 29:11 “ A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man must hold back”. Brethren, do not be a fool who had money but due to lack of wisdom, he or she mismanage the money and become poor.

It does not mean that some people would not be poor but when God in His infinite mercy grant you divine wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Also I implore you to pray for wisdom and I know God would grant your request because the bible says in the book of Mark 11:24 “ Therefore I say to you, whatever thing you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them”

Pray for the peace of Nigeria explain this explicitly, a feeble man no matter how much he desires it cannot bring about peace, it takes strength to silence the oppositions and bring peace into any situation according to Psalm 110:2, strength is required to rule peacefully in the midst of your enemies.

How do I know this? The prince of Peace in Mark 4:39 had to rebuke the storm and called forth peace before calmness could be generated. He had power and authority to silence the raging voice of the storm and cause peace to reign. People of God, the situations of life listens to the Prince of Peace and bow immediately, indeed the forth coming General Elections will bow to the Prince of peace in the name of Jesus.

Understand therefore, that the responsibility of the redeemed is to invite the Prince in every stormy and chaotic situation. In the example quoted in the last paragraph from Mark 4, the disciples were troubled and disturbed and did the right thing by waking the master who was resting in the boat to take charge of the situation. The church must invite the master to take charge of Nigeria. You and I must pray that God will take charge.

Therefore, how do we pray, remember, effectual prayer is based on the assurance of the word of God. Let us therefore consider the first part of Job 34:29, the Bible says, ‘when he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble……’

Our first prayer goes thus, ‘Father, trouble every troubler of Nigeria and bring absolute peace and quietness in

the forth- coming election and beyond in Jesus name’ People of God, I believe strongly in the efficacy of prayer. Witches and wizards, no matter how strong cannot bring peace and calmness because they are in the service of an enemy whose primary purpose is to cause chaos and pandemonium but the purpose of the Prince is to bring peace.

The world does not have the capacity to give peace and quietness, in the beginning according to Genesis 1, the world was chaotic, null and void but God brought order. Therefore whenever the world is in charge of any venture, it is only a matter of time before pandemonium ensues. Therefore we will not leave the orderliness of the forth coming elections to the Law enforcement agencies alone, we will intervene and bring peace on our knees.

Understand that the peace that God brings surpasses the understanding of men according to Phillipians 4:9 and defeats the calculations of the wisest of men. He is in the business of bringing the counsel of the heathen to nough and make their deives of none effect according to Psalm 33:10 The Ahithophels of this generation are planning evil already but He that has the ability to make mockery of the greatest of men’s wisdom will surpass their intelligence in Jesus name. Ahithophel according to 2 Samuel 16:23 had the mental capacity to give Absalom strategies that will overturn the ruler ship of King David in one night but the king prayed a prayer in 2 Samuel 15:31 for God to turn that counsel into foolishness and this be-

comes the second prayer we will pray.

Second Prayer: My father and my God, scatter and turn into foolishness the counsel of every Ahithophel that has been employed physically or spiritually to upturn the forth coming elections in Nigeria in Jesus name. Make their diviners mad and bring their wisdom to nothing in Jesus name.

Nigeria must experience a free and fair election, there will be no state of emergency, there will be no unrest or loss of life but the peace of God will reign as we stand in the gap on behalf of the land in Jesus name.

Remember, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel and many others saw impending doom and injustice and stood in the gap for their land, first and foremost before the Almighty God who then granted them the desires of their hearts. What God seeks is a man now imagine when we raise our voice to Him as a people.

Shortly, the God of peace will takeover in Jesus name. Finally, only a peaceful nation can grow and develop. God will grant you understanding in Jesus name.

I admonish that you pick up the two prayer points and pray them at churches and in every gathering of the children of God you find yourself until the peace of God is established in Jesus name.

Stay blessed

•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

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January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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 OBIORA IFOH AG ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

Buhari ’s maiden media chat

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n December 30, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had his first robust chat with local media. The outcome of the development is still eliciting mixed reactions with the country polarised along two huge divides.

Nobody should seem surprised by the venom of the criticisms that greeted the president ’s showing, or the torrential accolades poured on him. This is democracy at work. Irrespective of the side of the debate divides to which one belongs, the most positive feature of the entire exercise is the opportunity offered Nigerians to once again scrutinise their leader from a close range, seven months into his administration.

An adaptation of America ’s fireside chats (evening radio addresses precisely) instituted by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt between 1933 and 1944 to exhaustively explain his policies, ideas and programmes directly to the people using the most far reaching communication medium then, contemporary presidential media chats have not deviated from this original purpose. The set up, when deployed, is meant to provide a more relaxed and informal ambience for social intercourse between a leader and the led.

For the listening audiences, they are a rare opportunity to wring their leader and size him up using designed parameters.

Nigerian leaders have keyed into the philosophical underpinnings of this tool to reflect on their style and content of governance; they have used it in illuminating issues of national interest; posting their performances, and modifying roadmaps. It has also served as a tool for manipulation for some of them, we may add. We unequivocally think President Buhari stayed with the tool ’s positivism in that December 30 outing.

That media chat has once again confirmed popular imagination that President Buhari comes across as an honest and dependable leader, who would not shy from calling spade a spade. This reassurance is comforting, given the past experience of Nigerians in the hands of manipulative leaders. However, he betrayed his comfiture and poise when asked touchy questions bordering on his deportment with the dictates of the rule

WE SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAL OF ABRIDGING THE RIGHTS OF SUSPECTED HIGH PROFILE CRIMINALS, WHO ARE NOTHING BUT THE ENEMIES OF THE STATE, IF THIS WILL ALLOW THE LAW TO TAKE ITS FULL COURSE. of law and constitutionalism. For him, fidelity to both constitutionalism and the rule of law hinders effective governance.

This must have influenced his refusal to allow the bail granted to former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd); and his unwavering strong opposition to allowing the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu ’s, be treated as a hero, which a bail would have made possible.

This also explains his scorn for and lack of sympathy for Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Shi ’ite sect in Nigeria over his last December 12 clash with the military, despite the heavy toll on the fiery Islamic leader.

While not making justification for the reluctance of President Buhari to stay on the path of constitutionalism and rule of law, the three cases touched above are windows into the gargantuan socioeconomic and political challenges confronting Nigeria under Buhari charge.

The Sambo Dasuki saga is quite revelatory on the dysfunctionality of a section of the political class as exemplified by

the wholesale looting of our national patrimony. Nigeria has anti-corruption institutions (EFCC and ICPC are examples), but their efficiency and efficacy have been tempered by the demand to absolutely adhere to these twin pillars of liberal democracy. We think the country needs a break. We subscribe to the ideal of abridging the rights of suspected high profile criminals, who are nothing but the enemies of the state, if this will allow the law to take its full course. We believe this is the raison d ’être for the current dilemma of Mr. President.

On the Kanu case, if he has deliberately chosen to tread the path of treason by undermining national security through his actions, the law must be allowed to take its course. While people cannot be prevented from having a say in the affairs of their country, this must be done within the ambit of the law. Platforms exist for the resolutions of group and individual grievances; and they should be exhaustively utilised. Recourse to unbridled and unproductive nationalism is definitely not the answer. This is the same prism we contextualise the unruliness of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which Sheikh Zakzaky heads. To allow the existence of oases of caliphs with parallel grundnorms within a country is invitation to anarchy.

If truth must be told, President Buhari inherited manifest symptoms of a failing state – one mired in ethno-religious and regional animosities fuelled by power hungry political elite locked in the struggle for state control and the misappropriation of national resources. The retired general has his mind set on certain ameliorative and redemptive palliatives that could transform the nation into his dream state that is strong enough to contain and overwhelm all countervailing and centrifugal forces that might engage it in a battle of will.

We feel strong enough that Mr. President is clear about his vision and sincere about his mission. It is in this sense that whatever measures his administration is putting to instill sanity into our national institutions to make them more efficacious must be appreciated by discerning Nigerians. The caveat is that this drive must not be shed of its humaneness.

Reminiscences JANUARY 10 IN HISTORY 1962: 4,000 die in Peru hurricane An avalanche of ice and snow destroyed villages located at the base of a volcanic formation called Mt. Huascaran. It was estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 people had lost their lives, and bodies were buried at least 40 feet under the rubble.

1946: First UN meeting holds in Britain The first General Assembly of the United Nations, UN comprising 51 nations, convenes at Westminster Central Hall in London, England.

1957: Harold Macmillan becomes prime minister Harold Macmillan accepts the Queen ’s invitation to become British prime minister following the sudden resignation of Sir Anthony Eden.

1967: Lyndon Johnson seeks support on Vietnam In his annual State of the Union message to Congress, President Lyndon Johnson asks for a six per cent surcharge on personal and corporate income taxes to help support the Vietnam War for two years.

1974: Kissinger pleads over global oil shortage Following a global shortage of oil, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, asked all oil consuming nations to work together to increase oil supplies and solve the world ’s energy shortage 1991: UN attempts to avoid war in Middle East The United Nations Secretary General, Javier Perez de Cuellar, will leave shortly for Baghdad in a final diplomatic effort to avoid war against Iraq. Saddam Hussein is under UN orders to pull his soldiers out of Kuwait within five days. .

1996: Jordan ’s King Hussein visits Israel King Hussein of Jordan has made his first public visit to Israel ’s largest city, Tel Aviv, in the latest indication of the new warmth between the two countries.

2004: Toyota, Peugeot in joint venture in Czech Republic A joint automobile venture was reported to be established in the Czech Republic. This new venture was to be carried out by Toyota Motor of Japan and PSA Peugeot Citroen of France.

The purpose of the building of this car plant was primarily for the exportation of cars to the EU.

PASSION

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Sunday, January 10, 2016

A Lifestyle Magazine

APPLAUSE

‘My love for the media motivated me into acting’

>>21

Winning beauty pageant boosted my confidence –Esther Kenneth >>20

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>>20

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Passion

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Winning beauty pageant boosted my confidence –Esther Kenneth

Esther Kenneth is former Miss Actors Guild of Nigeria. She is a Mass Communication undergraduate of ESEA University of Benin Republic. The Delta State-born celebrity told ADAEZE AMOS that becoming a beauty queen boosted her self-belief, among others.

making friends easily with people I don’t know. That As Miss Actors Guild of Nigeria 2014, what did you do was why I didn’t make numerous friends as a beauty to touch lives? queen. However, I kept in touch with old friends.

The first thing I did which makes me happy whenever I remember it was that I encouraged some youths What did you benefit by helping them improve their talents. I also from the pageant did not neglect the less privileged in sociand the ety. I’m happy that I did my best durtening my tenure. I really touched and impacted on lives. I would have done more but my tenure just lasted for a year which was ideal anyway.

At that time, how did you relate with your friends?

My beauty crown never got into my head.

My friends attested to it. I saw my tenure as a platform to work with. I related well with my friends. I’m not the type that jettisons old friends because of a beauty crown.

But my weakness is t h a t I ’ m n o t good i n

ure?

The pageant made me courageous and ever willing to help people. I’m about starting my NGO and nothing would stop me.

What’s your advice for the present Miss Actors Guild of Nigeria?

My advice to her is to keep her head high and stick to things that would project the guild in a good light. She should be creative and be ready to help the poor as whatever help she renders would come back to her bountifully.

Did the pageant add to your number of fans?

Yes, I had numerous fans. So many girls wanted and still want to be like me. Aside from having numerous fans, I attended so many glamor-

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Applause

Sunday, January 10, 2016

ous events, dined and wined with great personalities. In fact, I had so many admirers. Indeed, there is no ugly side to beauty pageant. I never had any ugly experience when I was a queen.

What fashion item forms a larger part of your wardrobe?

Shoes, of course. I love shoes and I walk well in them, no matter how high a pair is.

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‘My love for the media motivated me into acting’ Adaeze Amos

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jeoma Eneh Udekwe aka Oma isn’t that popular in the entertainment industry but the pretty Enugu State-born actress, beauty consultant and businesswoman has undoubtedly made her mark in the entertainment world.

“Yes, I have actually endured. Aside from acting, I’m an industrious entrepreneur. I have a beauty/spa outlet where I sell cosmetics and ladies’ accessories. I’m proud to say that the business is huge,” she said smilingly.

Udekwe began as an actress before branching out into business.

“I started acting when I was young because I have always had flair for it, but professionally, I ventured into acting three years ago. I have infatuation for it but business is what I do because acting may not be paying all my dues. It’s always good for a woman to diversify in things that can fetch income for her. Don’t put all eggs in one basket,” she counselled.

Another career she had loved passionately is journalism.

“It is my love for the media that brought me into acting. I had an in-law who was in journalism and because I loved it, I joined him. It was while practising journalism that I dabbled into acting. How it happened was that there was a day he called and sent me a script online to rehearse. I was to interpret the role of a worried mother with a sick daughter. It was a Federal Governmentsponsored project. I delivered my lines well.

It was fun and tasking as well.

“I felt happy seeing someone like the popular actor, Saka (Hafix O y -

elowo), as one of the crew. That was how acting started for me and since then, I have never stopped. I have featured in some movies and soaps, in fact, they are countless.

But the few I have starred in are ‘Mother,’ ‘A hit lady’, ‘A witchdoctor’, to mention but a few,” she recalled.

This amiable lady says what thrills her about her acting career is the make-believe nature of the vocation.

“It’s fun pretending to be who you are not and doing it well. Before then, I used to go for auditions and casting. The beauty of it is that I always get picked without lobbying or sleeping with anyone, though I hear it happens in the industry. I think it’s my ability to deliver and carry out my lines that do the trick,” she emphasised.

Udekwe said the major weapon one must hold firmly if you want to do well in acting and journalism is good a command of English language.

“You must know how to speak and write English, have a good command of the language. That was what helped me when I was working in the news department of a TV station. Then, my boss was always telling me that I have the face and the looks to be on TV. And because I could speak English flawlessly, my interest in journalism grew. The desire to learn more about broadcasting made me enrol at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) where I learnt the basics in Radio/TV presentation.

For the past one year, I have been handling a live programme on radio where I discuss beauty issues, problems and solution to callers – it’s Rainbow 94.1 FM on Mondays 1:30 p.m., it’s called Beauty Corner. This I had been doing before I started acting. I’m always proud to say that my love for the media that actually motivated me into acting,” she explained.

Besides radio presentation and acting, Udekwe is as well an entrepreneur.

“I am also a beauty consultant; I do everything about beauty from make-over to hair, face, body, nail and wellness consultancy. I have my beauty/spa outlet where I also s e l l

cosmetics and ladies’ accessories. I do the three daunting task effectively. It’s all about good management. I have my schedule for everything I do. Mondays are meant for my radio presentation, every other day is for my business and acting. If it wants to clash, I drop one for the other, that’s how I manage them and it’s been working for me.

I think in the next five years, I hope to see myself fully established in my beauty business possibly a beauty empire. I will like the name ‘Oma’ to be a household in the movie industry. I see myself running my own beauty show on TV with a complete different concept from what we see these days,” she said.

But there is a major challenge she won’t forget easily.

“That was when early in my acting career, I got a role as a chief priestess. I had prepared for it, but on getting to the location, I met them shooting on the street.

My role was changed totally to a sophisticated rich lady, wow! I was angry initially but since I like challenges, I picked the script immediately, went to a corner of the street, sat quietly and rehearsed it. It was a lengthy script, I got into the character, carried my lines without missing out any and I delivered it well. The whole crew, and director, even the cameramen were surprised because many refused to take the role unprepared that day because of the lengthy lines,” she recalled.

How about lessons life has taught her?

“Over the years, I have learnt never to be dependent on anyone. My dad taught me this as I grew up. I believe so much in what I can achieve and make for myself. I believe everything is possible. You just have to make some effort, that’s all.

Her role models are, “Eucharia Anunobi, Patience Ozokwor, Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson and Mr Ibu. They act well and natural,” she said.

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Opinion

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Uncensored

Sheriff Folarin

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

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hristine Largade’s visit to Nigeria last week was considered as both welcome and unwelcome. It meant different things to different people. She’s the International Monetary Fund’s Managing Director; so, financial experts, bankers and economists, expectedly, were quick to weigh her visit on different scales and employ different lens to look at it.

Some considered it a timely, thoughtful act, while some saw it as ominous; and yet others perceived her coming as a validation of the thesis of the strategic importance of the Nigerian economy to Africa and the world.

I am a political scientist; and as is often expected of us, I can only consider that visit from a more critical and cynical perspective; that is, see it skeptically, condemn it and probably dismiss it as a neo-colonialist ploy to take (undue) advantage of the troubled economy and more probably cage their new bride, Buhari and reduce him to their newfound Africa errandboy. But I choose to look at it from (possibly) all different angles. My mind will wander about, situating the visit in different contexts- the ugly, the bad and the good.

Now let’s imagine that Largade came to finish off what the G7 had started in Berlin months ago, and had come to issue the marching orders to President Buhari to implement the template handed out on how to manage the political economy of Nigeria. Buhari had, since the visits to Germany, USA and France, where he had wined and dined with the superpresidents of those superpowers, seemed to have become the beautiful bride who could conceive and deliver for the capitalist world on

Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

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

L T

ast week I told you of the laudable safety practice by some organizations such as Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC) and ABC Transport based on global best practices. hese practices like I observed, are driven by the position of the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank which lays emphasis on specific safety measures as planks for promoting safety consciousness and reducing road traffic crashes; the template emphasizes on seat belt usage, drink driving enforcement and speed control which the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) is set to tackle through the April1, 2016 enforcement date as approved

by Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari as a demonstration of government commitment to safety.

With less than 90days away to April1, 2016, it is instructive to rehash the journey on the speed limiter enforcement which began on June 22, 2012 when a 1-day Consultative Forum with stakeholders was put together by FRSC to deliberate on rising cases of speed related crashes and its multiplier effect.

Arising from the forum, a Technical Committee was constituted, to come up with a policy document on maximum road speed

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Let’s think Largade’s visit their Africa agenda. After all, Largade looked imperial in all her outings in Abuja and sounded authoritative. She did put on the appearance of a mean colonial leader, who seemed to be telling the clueless agbada-wearing political rulers, to their faces, that their economy was sinking and would sink more, petroleum prices were crashing and would fall for a long time to come, and that their ship (Nigeria) was having a titanic time in the stormy waters; asking them to remove their toga of comfort and gird the loins for tougher times ahead, while taking tough measures now, which, sadly, must strangulate the economy of the masses, but only for now.

There had been fears exhibited months ago when Buhari was on a “change-mission” to that Eldorado part of the world, that the western support President Buhari enjoyed before, during and after his election was for a more sinister purpose than for the love of the man, his country or appreciation of his great physique. The apprehension was that Nigeria, being the continent’s biggest economy should be in the safety net of the west, if China and the likes must be contained. Also, having the country’s economy closer to their supervision or control would guarantee a gateway to the entire continent. A country with the richest man and woman in Africa is not one that could or should be brushed aside or merely winked at; a strategic game must unfold to grab or interface with it, or clobber it. The reality is that there are never free cakes, tea or coffee in Europe and America; President Buhari, like most of his people, should know what’s up next.

With the falling oil prices, sliding value and strength of the Naira, tightening of the looseends to ensure slow or difficult outflow of capital but significant inflow of same, it was obvious that Nigeria (the potential threat or strategic partner) was occupying the troublespot, where the west exactly wants it. This is usually the desperate position and time, when western powers suddenly begin to offer “reci-

pes” for solution or “succor”. Again, the Central Bank governor, Emefiele has been, in recent times, coming up with tough measures on banking, capital outflow from Nigeria and the likes, which some consider as helping the fight against money laundering as well as boosting inflow and circulation of local and imported capital. This is what obtains in the US and few other capitalist countries. Ironically though, as the man comes up with these policies, the Naira groans, even under the yoke of the CFA! Hence, Emefiele could be seen as either doing it the way the west does it and thus earn Largade’s admiration (on behalf of her principals in the state houses), or Emefiele’s understanding and employment of the western trick to tower above smaller economies were getting too cold for comfort.

The bad side of Largade’s visit could be this: She came in reaction to Buhari’s recent media chat in which he openly condemned devaluation of the Naira. Buhari said devaluation would make Nigeria cheap to buy by the west, with super Dollars, Pounds and Esuros. This was a sharp contrast of the expectations of his Bretton Woods friends he met in the capitals of the powerful nations.

Devaluation, falling oil (or general market) prices and attendant measures are usually the symptoms of an ailing economy that the imperialists would soon seize. So, Dr. Buhari might have exhibited his vintage self, forgetting momentarily that he was the same president that used (long or short) spoon to dine with the “devils” not too long ago. Largade’s coming might be to remind Buhari of his commitments and warn him of (severe) consequences if he reneges.

There is always a bright side to every development, so it is said. This may not always apply in all cases. But for the IMF visit, it does.

Since Buhari’s assumption of office, leakages are being plugged on a daily basis; busted “witches” are confessing to public fund theft; former political leaders, ministers, national

security advisers and “veteran” broadcasters, among others, are owning up to eating security votes and “forbidden Yam”. Aside everyday arrests of thieves in high places and refund of stolen money, the stance and body language of the president on corruption are complemented by action and declaration of amount and frequency of recovered loots.

These developments might have attracted the attention of well-meaning international agencies and bodies that contend with international financial crimes, such as the IMF and its clientele. What these bodies see is often deeper than what others see- they probably see a serious-minded government that seeks to stem the tide of corruption in all ramifications. IMF and capitalist agencies generally enjoy a less corrupt clime because it aides the planting and growing of their own capital or investment. Their overall interest in the fight against corruption in any nation, is, primarily, to secure such clime for their own purpose. Ms Largade might therefore have meant well by coming, to show solidarity with and endorse the anti-corruption as well as the economic policies of the Nigerian government. Put differently, contrary to the negative and hopeless picture earlier painted of that visit, it could be an endorsement of the current administration’s approach to critical governance.

But, what if, contrary to all aforementioned theories, Largade’s visit was rather a rapid response to a personal problem, with the view to remedying a legitimacy crisis she recently suffered at the IMF? Visiting Nigeria might just distract or divert attention and give her a good and busy press about taking a trip to the continent’s top (but distressed) economy, to offer “solutions”.

Sheriff Folarin (PhD), an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, writes from Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Still on my 2016 agenda

limit for vehicles. Members of the Committee included Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) among others.

On 4th September, 2013, a prepared draft policy document was reviewed and adopted by a larger committee.

The reviewed document was accepted by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) Technical Committee on the 28th May, 2014.

Subsequently, the document comprising both the installed requirement (Part I) and specification for system and component requirement (Part II) was approved by SON Governing Council on the 27th August, 2014.

After series of meetings and consultations, rallies and discussions with stakeholders like I mentioned last week, the President was briefed and he approved the1st April, 2016 enforcement for speed limiting device.

The new date is an over-turn of the initial commencement date of 1st Sept, 2015 which came about due to stakeholders’ plea at an earlier meeting held on 7th October, 2015.

Now that a new date has been approved and in view of the need to fine-tune strategies for its success, the Corps has scheduled follow up activities to prelude full enforcement; these include public enlightenment from Nov – Dec 2015 and from 1stJanuary – 31st March, 2016 –commencement of cautionary patrol operations and; 1stApril, 2016 – full enforcement

commences. In my Zone, we have fine-tuned arrangements to release every arsenal to reach out to stakeholders through the various parks, religious organizations and other platforms for a successful enforcement and compliance in the Fct and Niger State.

This is in addition to a stakeholder’s platform to further reinforce the need for complete buy in.

This speed limiter novelty, like I wrote last week, will form a greater focus for 2016; its initial challenges and hiccups and ultimately the success story as I am convinced that the speed limiter enforcement will do for FRSC and the nation what the seat belt enforcement has accomplished for us even though we are yet to fully implement it for all occupants of a vehicle.

In keeping with the same WHO template, I believe strongly that out efforts to rid our highways of the consequences of driving under the influence could be approached from an angle that I have canvassed over time especially after my small stint in Lagos as Sector Commander.

What obtains in Lagos is the same across all other states and parks where sale of alcohol is openly done making it easy for drivers to ensure they top up before embarking on a journey.

It is therefore important to consider cleansing the parks from the sale of alcohol and weeds while sobriety checks are increased on the highways by operatives of the Corps .

The fact is that alcohol is a depressant drug which slows down the activity of the central nervous system, including the brain.

Alcohol could affect your driving by causing impaired vision, reduced reaction times, reduced concentration and vigilance, feeling

more relaxed and drowsy, which may cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel.

It could equally cause difficulty in doing several tasks at once such as keeping in the lane and in the right direction, while concentrating on other traffic, failure to obey road rules and over confidence, which may lead to risk taking.

The hangover effects of alcohol can make it hard to concentrate and drive safely, and might cause you to doze off on the wheel while driving.

A person who has been drinking alcohol often deludes himself that they will be careful and that they will be able to drive safely.

However, alcohol affects views and experiences of reality and therefore affects driving skills.

If you read last week’s piece on the same topic, you must have read the pathetic story of a father who lost his 10year old daughter on the 23rd December, 2015.

The crash, like I wrote, was caused by tyre burst. Just like speed related crashes, tyre burst is a huge challenge as the level of ignorance and ultimate compliance is at the lowest ebb.

Most drivers still tow with the state of tyre and the care for tyre and because of the increasing cases of speed, tyre burst naturally occurs regularly.

This is why the importance of tyres will also be of priority in 2016

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

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday, January 10, 2016

23

Demolition: Between traders and Oshodi transformation Habib Aruna

E

ver since the Lagos State Government took a bold step towards the realization of the Oshodi transformation agenda on January 5, 2016 with the demolition of the Owonifari Market within the notorious loop of Oshodi, there have been hues and cries in some quarters over the development.

While many see the development as long-overdue owing to the need to go in the way of sanity as it was unreasonable to allow a few people to continue to hold the generality of the people into ransom, some others especially the traders in the market and those agitating for them, are of a contrary opinion.

As a matter of facts, some of the traders, who were not prepared to move to the alternative market provided for them by the government, which is an ultra-modern market in nearby Bolade in Oshodi, had alluded to some reasons to justify their action, which included ‘spiritual activities’ associated with the newly built Isopakodowo Market.

The traders had equally claimed that the available space in the new market could not accommodate them, while some of the traders actually said they prefer to be relocated to Arena Mall belonging to the Nigerian Army.

But while that was on-going, the State Government on Thursday came out to defend the relocation of the traders and demolition of the Owonifari Market, saying the actions were taken in the overall interest of public good, safety and security.

The government recalled that in preparing the minds of the public towards the relocation and demolition, it issued a statement where the actions were brought to the public space before they were embarked upon.

The government had, in the said statement, said it had commenced the fencingoff of the set-back on Agege Motor Road that stretches from Ilupeju end of Oshodi all the way to the PWD/Ikeja GRA end of the area. The government had further explained that the Owonifari loop would be

transformed into an ultra-modern bus terminus with new bus shelters that are befitting of a structured park in a mega city.

However, not satisfied with the misrepresentation of facts and background of the relocation and demolition, the government again organized a press briefing which was jointly addressed by the State’s Ministries of Information and Strategy, The Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Office of Civic Engagement, where it set the record straight.

According to Lagos State Government, the alternative market stall could conveniently accommodate over 600 shops and hundreds of kee clamps, and that government agreed to subsidize payment by giving shops at the new market at a monthly give away price of N5,000 to the traders.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde said the traders were adequately notified before the exercise took place as required by law, and that government engaged with the leadership of the market severally before carrying out the demolition exercise on Owonifari Market.

Ayorinde said it was important for people to note that the issue of the market had been on for nothing less than ten years, adding that government had been engaging the leadership of the market to make them realize that it could no longer continue in the manner in which the market was being used.

Ayorinde said having been satisfied that government had provided a befitting alternative, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, through the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, invited the leadership of the market to the Executive Chambers and met with them on December 16, 2015, where he reiterated his plans for Oshodi and the need to move the traders to Isopakodowo which as at that time had been ready for a couple of years.

Giving a further background, the Commissioner said: “A few of them expressed certain misgivings but largely they felt

that if their interest would be accommodated within the Isopakodowo Market, that they were willing and ready to move and on our part, we said that the discussion should be ongoing particularly regarding how much they would pay for each store within that market.

“After that, on Monday December 21, 2015, Governor Ambode went on a tour of that market area particularly at Isopakodowo in company with a few members of the State Exco. Again, we met with the leadership of the market where it was eventually agreed based on the proposition by the leadership that what they were willing to pay for each shop at Isopakodowo was N5,000.

“There is nowhere in Lagos where you will agree to be paying N5,000 per shop not to talk of the central Oshodi, but the Governor agreed with them and we said we were ready to concede after which we now formally served them with a quit notice through the office of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development,” he said.

Speaking further, Ayorinde denied allegation that many goods of the traders were destroyed in the demolition exercise, adding that such was far from the truth.

“The intention was not to destroy the market or destroy properties or to make life inconvenient for them. We believe very strongly that Isopakodowo market is quite ideal; it’s a lot bigger store-perstore than where they had been removed now and the aim of government, as we stated earlier, is to ensure that that area of the market conforms with the type of image that we want Lagos to be, which is to return sanity to the place, to beautify the market, to construct a world class bus terminus around that place and to ensure that people who use that place on a daily basis – the commuters, traders, everybody enjoy what it means to go to a market in a mega city.

“We also believe that the exercise will largely reduce the gridlock that is associated with that area and then the crimi-

nalities that were rampant in that Oshodi. What we have done is in the interest of the generality of Lagosians,” Ayorinde said.

Ayorinde added that the demolition actually confirmed the intelligence report as a concrete bunker with arms was discovered underneath the shops.

Also speaking at the press briefing, Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said contrary to claims in some quarters, none of the occupants’ properties was destroyed in the demolition exercise.

He said: “On Tuesday night, we found that all the occupants have complied and moved to the new market. The only one that remained actually called us to say that he was in the East burying his late mother. For that one, we had to evacuate his properties and they are safe with us.

So, nothing was destroyed in the exercise.

The other shops destroyed were full of garbage so there is no iota of truth in the allegation that goods were destroyed.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowoshe said the demolished site was not originally designed for market, adding that things went wrong along the line.

He said the fact that the previous administration could not fully actualize the transformation plan for Oshodi does not preclude the present administration from moving to do the right thing.

With the above facts and cogent reasons enumerated by the government why the demolition had to take place to secure Oshodi, which many Lagosians see as a central point to various locations, the traders would have to find other reasons why they should be allowed to remain in a place designated for other meaningful development.

For now, the government has demonstrated with this demolition its willingness to put the larger interests of the generality of the people above pecuniary interests.

Aruna is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State

X-raying TETFUND’s achievements under Bagoro Ishaku Garba

E

ducation is the bedrock of societal development. No nation can ever progress with dysfunctional education sector. No wonder, there is clarion call for adequate funding of the sector both by Nigerians and international agency such as UNICEF.

In the ivory towers, like the multifacet problems in the primary and post primary education, the rot has been glaringly manifested.

The tertiary institutions have been facing a lot of problems ranging from lack of infrastructural facilities, absence of human capacity to mention but a few.

It’s in view of the strategic importance of the sector that various policies are being put in place by government to overhaul, resuscitate or improve it.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, which is one of these policies was originally established as education trust fund (ETF),by the act no

7 of 1993 as amended by act no 40 of 1998(now repealed and replaced with tertiary education trust fund act 2011).

TETFUND is an intervention agency set up to provide supplementary support to all level of public tertiary institutions with the main objective of using funding alongside project management for the rehabilitation, restoration and consolidation of tertiary institution in Nigeria.

Succinctly put : TETFUND is targeted towards intervention both in terms of infrastructure development, physical infrastructure as well as academic content.

With the appointment of Prof Sulaiman Elias Saidu Bagoro as the Executive Secretary of the agency by the former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on 15th April, 2014, TETFUND has become a success story.

Within the period under review, Prof Bagoro has brought his wealth of experience to bear in re-shaping and repositioning the agency which catapult it to limelight.

TETFUND has been carrying out interventions programmes as required by the acts that established it.

The Fund as it were today, has spent much on lecture capacity building to facilitate academic staff programmes, acquire library books and e-resource which will encourage research activities, set up TETFUND zonal offices for administrative convenience; academic staff development and training for M.Sc and PhD; entrepreneur studies in tertiary institutions; establishment of research Centres among others .

Without mincing words, all these catalogue of achievements or success could not have been possible with no financial frugality.

Indeed, transparency and accountability have become the watchwords of the agency. It was in recognition of Bagoro’s hardworking, efficiency in managing the agency that many organisations conferred on him numerous awards. This is a testimony of uprightness which has become rare in today’s world.

There is no gainsaying the fact that, TETFUND of today is synonymous with intervention in tertiary institutions to salvage it from total collapse.

This, unarguably, has assisted tremendously towards arresting infrastructure decay in our high institutions of learning.

The present administration of President Mohammed Buhari has expressed its determination to improve education at all levels.

With the footprints of shining legacies bequeathed in the TETFUND by Professor Bagoro, the Nigerian tertiary institution will wear a new look courtesy of adequate funding by the Buhari administration.

It is believed that Bagoro has infused new life in the TETFUND particularly looking at the giant strides recorded so far. He has shown that he is equal to the task and also a worthy son of Zaar community of Bauchi state.

Ishaku Garba, (Matawallen Dass) is the chairman, Board of Trustee, Northern Youths Forum.

24

Perfect Cut

African Look Enliven your plain English stuff with African fabric Adaeze Amos

H

ave you observed that good fashion designers now pep up plain fabrics such as cotton, taffeta, linen, viscose, gabardine, and a lot more with African fabrics? You shouldn’t blame them for that good concept. African fabrics, of course, are rich cotton stuffs with bold colours. The concept comes out alluring at last.

Take a closer look at this page and admire how Sandra Anthony, a beauty queen and Miss Curvy Nigeria, did justice to her style by combining cosmopolitan materials with African fabricss? Take a cue from her.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion f

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, January 10, 2016

facts/resolutions for 2016 Adaeze Amos

T

he year is still young, it would be right to still consider it as a new baby. People are still going about with their new year resolutions on their minds. And whether they would keep to their resolutions or not is a story for another day. Now the question is: what are your fashion resolutions for this year? You may have resolved to jettison some bad style habits and chosen a good one. But if you haven’t, it’s not late.

Below are Constance Nwachukwu’s tips that can help you. Constance is a style aficionado/fashion designer and CEO, Fab_Fabrikz.

• Don’t follow vogue sheepishly: This is one of the fashion resolutions to abide by this year. Ensure you don’t choose a fashion just because everyone does. If you were doing it before, decide within yourself this year that you would desist from that. Consider your physique or body type before opting for any style, even if it’s in vogue.

• If you must flaunt, choose what is not offensive to decent minds: Remember this is one of the fashion rules.

If you must slip into that mullet dress with its front far above your knees, make sure your legs are hot enough. Or if you must wear that backless sexy dress, you have to be sure that your back is perfectly smooth and spotless. Let this be one of your fashion resolutions.

• Brush aside body-con dresses if you don’t have a good shape: Do you have a big belly button/navel and you are slipping into body-con dresses that reveal the whole size of your navel? Too bad! Or you have a protruding tummy and you still wear body-hugging styles? Stop! This is a blunder; opt for roomy gowns to cover your flaw (big tummy).

• Fond of sporting peep-toes even when your toes are ‘screaming’ for pedicure? If your toe-nails are ‘screaming’ for care, you need to give your feet some tender-loving care before slipping into your designer peep-toe heels.

Have your toe nails filed and well polished first.

• Try and admire good things on others: Ensure you drop that envious attitude of yours. When you see something good on a friend or colleague, give out a little compliment. It wouldn’t remove bad belly from your mind.

• Ensure your poise is intact: You have to be determined that this is the year you would carry yourself with pride, walk shoulder high in your well-tailored dresses. Remember you’re a lady.

• Decide to blend your colours appropriately: Stop that lackadaisical attitude of yours when it comes to blending your colours. There are colours that blind the eye, which are not meant to be worn in the day. There are alluring colours that can be worn even when the sun is bright. Be mindful of your colours this year.

• Opt for good fabrics: Insist on good fabrics for those styles you have been longing for. Good fabrics are durable though they may be costlier.

• Reduce your bad hair days: There are assorted weaves/wigs in the hair shops that can help you. Go get good ones. But still find time to give your natural hair adequate attention. Keep in mind that it’s your crown!

Perfect Cut

25

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Sunday, January 10, 2016

Dude Style

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

I wear anything that’s fitting –Apostle Samuel Apostle Chris Samuel is the president of Flaming Believers International Outreach. He studied Petroleum Engineering at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and also bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Zoelife Theological College, in the United States of America. In this interview with VICTOR UDOH, he unveils his style.

How did you become a preacher?

Ministry for me is the bedrock of my life. I am an apostle by calling and started preaching at the age of 10 because I find fulfilment in preaching the gospel and bringing deliverance to humanity. Just as the Lord said of the prophet, Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you and ordained you a prophet to the nations”. The same thing applies to me.

What excites you most about preaching?

Preaching the gospel, for me, is a mandate, like Apostle Paul said, ‘Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel’. The more I preach, the more I find satisfaction and joy seeing lives transformed by my effort. It’s really exciting for me.

What thrills you about being a man of God? Being a man of God is a humbling cause.

The joy of being selected by our Lord Jesus Christ as one of his representatives on earth is awesome. I witness the hand of God using me in the area of healing and deliverance.

Who is your mentor?

My mentor is Bishop Gabriel Narley, but I draw inspiration from great men of God such as Bishop David Oyedepo, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, and Rev. Chris Oyakhilome.

These are people whose lives and ministries have impacted on me greatly.

Tell us your brand of fashion.

I

love anything that looks good and nice on me tend to plant a branch in South Africa. I also have a couple of crusades within and outas a preacher. side the country.

What is that fashion item you can never be Tell us the qualities of your ideal woman. caught in?

My ideal woman must be one who has an I cannot be caught in a tan-top while preaching. Some people do it, but I will never try that. undying passion for the kingdom of God. She must want to see men and women being liberated from the work of darkness.

What was growing up like?

My growing up was centred on church activities. I had a very normal life as a child, but I What is your philosophy?

The prophesies of today are the realities had this unquenchable thirst for the things of of tomorrow.

God during my childhood.

What are the current projects you have at hand?

Currently, I’m working on my second book entitled, ‘Beautify your dream’, which will be published by an international publishing firm. I also have a ministry abroad and I in-

What is your advice for Christians and young ministers?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, be an addict to the word of God. Hold fast to your profession of faith without wavering because faithful is he that has promised.

Remember what happened to the biblical Lot’s wife. That invariably means never to look back when you start the work of God. How do you see 2016?

2016 is a year of glad tidings; it will be a year of celebration for God’s people. It holds good things.

How do you get inspired?

I am inspired by day-to-day activities. It may be what I see along the way, sometimes it could be structure, building, people and my environment. Mostly, I get inspired by reading the word of God What lessons

have life taught you?

Life has taught me to be patient, focused and hardworking. The greatest people in life are those with unfailing visions. I have learnt to be full of vision.

Besides preaching, what else do you do?

Everything I do is knitted into my ministry. I’m also an author, life coach and musician.

What is your vision?

My vision is to raise people who would be burning and shining for God. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

The next five years, by God’s grace, will take me to global stardom and bring me into the limelight as a preacher.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

January 10, 2016

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I ’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos

Ene Ochu

߾ࠆ߾ࠀࠁ߾߿ࠀࠀࠇࠁ ߶ࠡࠛࠡ ࠝࠜࠚࠧ߷

Why you must drink more water when pregnant

I

s being pregnant driving you to drink? Of course it should! As a mother-to-be, it ’s essential to be doubly sure that you ’re drinking enough water. This is one of the questions doctors usually ask. It then means that water performs a lot in your system during this time. Below are those basics water does.

It delivers essentials to your unborn baby The good stuff in the prenatal vitamins and healthy foods you ’re consuming every day are shipped to your fetus by water. This helps your body absorb essential nutrients into the cells and transports vitamins, minerals and hormones to the blood cells.

To that end, you ’ll need more water to keep your system running for you and your unborn baby.

The American Institute

of Medicine insists that pregnant women in temperate climates should aim to drink 12 or 13 glasses of water (they count a glass as eight ounces) each day, which is slightly more than the amount for nonpregnant women (around 11 glasses each day). Try to space out your sips to keep them coming steadily throughout the day rather than gulping a lot at once, which could leave you feeling uncomfortably. Since most of us don ’t drink enough fluids, filling a water bottle or two every morning and keeping it handy all day takes the hassle out of hydration.

Be sure to sip before, during and after you work out, or if you find yourself outside on a hot day. Note, too, that if you feel thirsty, it ’s a sign that your body is already on its way to being dehydrated.

How can you tell if you ’re getting enough? If your

trips to the bathroom are common in pregnancy, frequent and your urine its pressure can cause is pale or colourless, your bleeding. drinking is on track.

Acts as aid in faheadaches, Helps to prevent con- tigue, stipation and hemor- swelling and overheating rhoids Now that you ’re pregnant, You feel hot the more you ’re not just eating and when you are pregdrinking for two — you ’re nant, so it ’s ideal to also excreting for two. You drink more during therefore will have more pregnancy. By so dotrash to take out of your ing, you can keep the system than ever before. body ’s cooling system Water helps to dissolve running smoothly — the waste products and even when your inner flush them from the kid- thermostat is cranked neys. Drinking enough all the way up — by also keeps your urine dispersing excess heat diluted, which not only in the form of sweat. keeps things flowing but An ample flow of flualso helps urine to flow ids also keeps pregin and not hang out too long nancy tiredness in your bladder and could check — one of the become a breeding ground first symptoms of defor infection-triggering hydration is exhausbacteria, as well as blad- tion — and can also der and kidney infections. keep headaches at A copious consumption bay (another dehyof water also helps im- dration symptom). It measurably in the poop also helps your body department to move solid get rid of excess salt, wastes more speedily among other things, down the digestive path. minimising swelling Since constipation is — particularly edema.

e n o e m o s k ‘I dran ’ k n i r d t f o s else ’s

I

have always cherished watching movies.

I therefore went to view a movie at the cinema some time ago and I put my drink (Sprite) in the hole on the right hand of the chair that I was sitting.

The lady sitting by my right put hers (Coke) on her left side and was also watching with rapt attention. I was carried away that I forgot that my soft drink bottle was on the right side of the table.

So, I unknowingly drank the girl ’s coke who was sitting beside me.

She, too, was watching and smiling.

I wasn ’t aware of what I did until I belched

and the gas from my stomach was let out through the mouth and it was the smell of coke that I perceived.

I suddenly became curious and wondered where I got the Coke from when it was Sprite that I bought.

On a check, I realised I had drank the girl ’s coke.

She too didn ’t notice.

She made same mistake, busy sipping from the bottle of my Sprite. I didn ’t want to tell her initially but I did later and both of us laughed confusedly.

That was indeed naughty of us.

•Ochu is an actress -ADAEZE AMOS

28

Movies & Music

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

& usic M Movies With Victor Udoh 07067124302 e-mail: victorudoh804@yahoo.com

V Daddy

Fresh drops Oyoyo video

eteran artiste, Daddy Fresh, has released the video of his ‘Oyoyo’ single which he dropped recently.

The film is one of many he’ll be releasing as the new year unfolds.

The singer who was one of those that brought attention to the ghetto city - Ajegunle is coming out with a new album in April after many years of re-strategising and redefining his music. The album will have 12 tracks, he said.

Versatile Fresh, who came into the limelight over two decades ago, having led a group named Pretty Busy Boys and gone solo with his ‘Follow Me Go Dance All’ hit song, says he’ll continue to do good music and entertain his fans with

the kind of songs they always know him for.

“I started as a hip-hop rapper and became versatile and able to do R&B, dance hall, reggae and different genres.

Music has always been my first wife, so I have come out with different songs for my fans. ‘Oyoyo’ video will be out latest on Monday after which other videos such as ‘I no be onion’ and ‘See dem’ will be shot before my fifth album drops in April.

Watch out for the best from Fresh Records,” says Fresh, who hails from Abia State.

He however urged the government to support music and show business like the American government who have reaped from it.

Queen Elizabeth honours David Oyelowo, Idris Elba

Daddy Fresh

2016 ‘Normal’ for Funmi

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Funmi

ospel singer, Atewogbola Funmilola aka Queen Funmi, has expressed her delight following the success of her latest music album entitled: ‘Normal’, which was released last year.

The juju singer conveyed her gratitude especially to Yinka Ayefele and Saint Janet both of who featured in the album.

She described the collaboration as a great one.

“It was a plus to the success of my new work. I appreciate the fact that they believed in me as well as supported my music career through their passion. I am grateful and honoured with their impact.”

Queen Funmi called on her fans to be on the lookout for more hit albums this year.

“I have a lot to deliver this year. I have a lot of plans in the pipeline to take my career to the next level,” she said.

Oyelowo

H

ollywood actors, Idris Elba, and David Oyelowo, have been honored by Queen Elizabeth II and have both received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for their services in the film industry.

Elba had been excellent on the big screen in 2015. The British actor got three SAG nominations a few weeks ago and later received two Golden Globe

nominations, one for the Best Supporting Actor category in a motion picture ‘Beast Of No Nation’ and then his second for ‘Best Actor’ in a TV mini-series in BBC’s ‘Luther’.

Oyelowo, who recently played Martin Luther King Jr. in the film ‘Selma’ was recognised for his outstanding performance in the movie.

Oyelowo, speaking on the award by the queen said, “To be honoured by the Queen in this way having been aided by her son’s charity feels like a beautiful full-circle moment.”

Elba on his part said, “Awards and honors come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other, but this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn’t be more proud for receiving this right now. What a year. On me head son.”

The Order of the British Empire was also installed on Imelda Staunton, who was made a Commander of the British Empire for her stellar performances on stage.

Popular designer, Stewart Parvin, Dr. Michael Jacobs among several others were also recognised by the Queen.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, January 10, 2016

29

Fisayo Ajisola set to take over movie industry

F

ast-rising actress, Fisayo Ajisola, popularly known as Freezon, has revealed her commitment to storm the movie industry this year.

The resourceful actress, who is also a musician, is confident that the year would be an outstanding one, as she promised to continue to give her best in entertainment as well as poise to take over the movie world. Speaking on her success in 2015, the graduate of Biochemistry from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, (FUNAAB) Ogun Sate, noted that 2015 for her was full of good health and prosperity among unforeseen challenges, adding, “I ascribe all the glory to God. The outgoing year challenged me to be strong and better in all my undertakings. I thank God that I completed my university education and had time to travel around a few continents. Also, my career took a positive turnaround.”

As part of her zeal to affect lives positively, especially to the needy, the actress, through her NGO, The Jewel Empowerment Foundation (JEF), ended last year on a good note by putting smiles on the faces of the underprivileged and needy.

Fisayo’s mission for the year 2015 was, indeed, accomplished as she and her team made the last Xmas memorable for about 500 underprivileged and beggars including their children in Agege, Oshodi and Ebute Meta, as shey fed and spent time with them.

The actress, however, restated her readiness to make a landmark with her talent in the movie industry this year, especially soup operas as well as to give more welfare initiatives. She said: “I think I have the time to fully concentrate on my career now having finished my first degree.

Year 2016 would be an outstanding one. I will not hesitate to give my best in the entertainment industry.”

Ajisola

Nwachukwu

‘Miss Tourism Nigeria’ unveils ‘My Heritage’

Q

Collete

hue Concepts, organisers of Nigeria’s awardwinning pageant, Miss Tourism Nigeria World, has launched the 2016 edition of the show.

With the theme, ‘My Heritage’, the show also marks the fifth anniversary of the international franchise and it is powerpacked to celebrate our rich dynamism and cultural aesthetics as well as values.

According to Santiago Roberts, president of the Miss Tourism Nigeria Organisation, this edition is designed to incorporate live entertainment into a robust tourism and cultural presentation to be witnessed by government and non-governmental functionaries, members of the diplomatic corps, moguls/icons, traditional rulers, upwardly mobile fashionistas who are warm, fun-loving as well as the press.

Opened for young Nigerian females between the age of 17 and 28 who are five feet tall and above, Mr Alex Akarhume, the pageant director, said, “We are looking for the next Tourism & Ultimate Brand Ambassador. We are hope to find that young Nigerian female who has spunk, charisma, attitude, and that selling point to be the next face to grace billboards and pages of magazines as well as exude ‘life’ across televisions around Africa and the world. An ambassador who is fun, convivial, trending; not just able to represent our sponsors and partners but most importantly, becomes a symbol of our rich HERITAGE. The 2014 Miss Tourism Nigeria winner, Queen Collete Nwadike, who became SA on

Tourism to Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, a month after winning has also become a major face in the Nollywood industry playing lead roles in the Nollywood factory/ Mnet Africa production ‘The Calabash’.

She recently became the first black girl ever to win the ‘Miss Exquisite face of the universe 2016’.

The 2015 Miss Tourism Nigeria World, Ifeoma Sharon Anya, was recently inducted as a high chief (Ada Eji Eje Mba 1 of Enugwu Aguleri) as well as aUnited Nations Ambassador (SDG).

Ms Benny Nwokoro, Business Development Director encouraged sponsors to leverage on this huge platform, saying with a very robust BTL/ATL media partnership cutting across new media, broadcast, print, social networks, the Miss Tourism Nigeria project provides any forward-looking and experimental premium brand a great branding/activation opportunity. The winner of this year’s show will get a brand new car, an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the next Miss Tourism World pageant, receive a brand endorsement and lots of other consolations.

Tecno Own the Stage surprises contestants

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ith four contestants out and two expecting to be ousted at the end of the show, show-host, Uti Nwachukwu’s surprises on the sixth episode of Africa’s first televised karaoke competition were well worth it. At least, they doused the tension a bit.

The sixth episode of TECNO Own the Stage was aired recently. The first surprise for the audience was Uti’s introduction of model and television personality, Vimbai Mutinhiri, as his co-host. Former BBA housemate and star gist presenter, Vimbai, who was rocking a chic Lanre Dasilva couture, is no stranger to co-hosting as she performed with IK at the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in Lagos. The appearance of the dazzling 28-year-old Zimbabwean attracted a loud ovation. After the first surprise came the revelation of the theme of the day’s show: ‘Love and heartbreak’. As a theme that has become the common fodder of artistes, ‘Love and heartbreak’ are on two ends of the same spectrum; to know one, you must know the other. Back to the show, both the in-studio and home audience had been wondering how the contestants have managed the remarkable improvement most of them have recorded since the contest began. Some have attributed it to the competition’s atmosphere while many have said the ouster of the first four contestants was the secret motivation. Surprise! Surprise!!

Though both factors may have contributed, the miracle is really in the training dished out to the contestants from three of Africa’s foremost songwriters – AY, Anto Neo Soul and ID Cabasa. No wonder their performances have been getting better and better with each passing episode.

With the judges – Bien, Yemi and M.I. – expected to eliminate two contestants at the end of the show, the 11 contestants left in the contest came into the show strong and poised to impress and remain in contention for the $25,000 star prize.

Who wouldn’t give his or her best at that point?

So when the first performer of the day, Kenyan Ramar254, came on stage to perform KC’s ‘I’m missing you’, it was full of showmanship and good voice.

Coming immediately after Ramar was Zoccu, who sang Alicia Keys’ ‘Falling’, a song that seemed like it was personally dedicated to M.I. going by the way the Tanzanian kept pointing in the direction of the judge, and his animated reaction whenever she did.

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Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

January 10, 2016

Lessons of Life TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART

ADAEZE AMOS Adanneamos@gmail.com 08023012293 (sms only)

‘How Stella, my childhood friend, ruined my marriage ’

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A model

Amanda and Stella were babyhood friends who grew up in the same neighbourhood and attended the same secondary school. While Amanda proceeded to the university, Stella Maris could not make the grade to secure admission.

“

I gained admission into University of Nigeria Nsukka to study Pharmacy, but StellaMaris couldn ’t have a good result after secondary school. Her West African Examinations Council result was poor. She had just two credits and failed the rest five papers. When her parents knew that I performed well, they scolded severely that she stopped talking to me. Even when I was in school, I tried to keep in touch. I wrote her letters but she didn ’t reply. I actually wanted her with me in school, so that she would enrol in preliminary studies and be sure that she would make her papers in the General Certificate Examination. But she wasn ’t keen and thus never replied to my letters even when I told her what I was planning for her.

That was the last I heard of her, ” Amanda recalled.

When he graduated, she was posted to Jos for her National Youth Service.

“It was in the orientation camp

that I met Gilbert. He graduated from University of Port Harcourt and was always bragging that the varsity he finished from was a walking distance from his father ’s compound in his village. In the orientation camp, he was the platoon 12 leader, a very lively unit that I belonged. Somehow because of the way he handled things, he became the cynosure of all eyes in the camp. Every female member in the platoon including yours sincerely wanted him closer. He too admired me so much that he would like to sit beside me, especially in our ever busy Mami market where we used to chat away time.

“He was indeed fun to be with and could crack jokes with every little thing around him. We were always seen together although he never wooed me. Though people thought we were dating, he never spelt it out to me until one evening.

“We were at the Mami market together and I told him that one of the big shots in town was throwing a party and he said he would send someone to pick me up for the gettogether …that he had already told our camp commandant to allow me. You needed to have seen how Gilbert frowned at what I said. His countenance changed, I pulled his legs the more by telling him that

I would like to bring a suitor home from the party just as I promised my mother before leaving my house.

‘Mum said I was ripe for marriage, who knows, I might meet him there, at the party ’, was my exact words.

That was when he decided to unveil his mind. He asked me if he was not more of a suitor than the one at the party. When I looked at him to be sure he was serious, I saw that in his eyes.

“Looking into my eyes, he asked, ‘Am I not ripe enough to be brought to your mother? It was at that point that he told me what he had in mind concerning me … “how we would be redeployed to Port Harcourt, serve together and get married eventually. I was happy to hear that. I had been desirous to hear that from him but because he felt it was too early to propose marriage to me, he kept it to himself. After all, we just met at the orientation camp. But I felt that Gilbert was mature enough to get married. And being the only son of his parents, he said he imagined how happy his mother would be if he took me home, ” she revealed.

When Amanda and Gilbert were redeployed to Port Harcourt for their primary assignment, “we both worked in the same establishment.

Gilbert ’s dad owned an oil servicing company. Within the outfit, I was asked to work in the pharmacy de-

Ola, needs a girl of 18-25 for friendship.

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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!

partment. Gilbert, a petroleum and gas engineer, fitted without much assistance. All was going on well between us. Before he brought me home to visit his parents, he had already spoken to his father about me. He watched me with eagle eyes; He presumably believed that God had given his only son the woman that would make him happy all the days of his life. When Gilbert told me what his father said of me, I was thrilled. The first person I called to tell was my mum, my number one confidant.

I told her that I was yet to meet his mother but that we had been communicating on the phone.

“Gilbert ’s mum used to pray for me on the phone and would always tell me that I should make prayer a habit because a prayerful wife was a winning wife. I asked my mum if I should give her Gilbert ’s mum ’s number. She declined as she didn ’t want to appear pushy, ” she said.

Interestingly, Gilbert and Amanda became married immediately after their service.

“My marriage was as sweet as honey until I met Stella my childhood friend who the devil used to leave an indelible dent in my marriage, ” Amanda grieved.

•To be continued.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona

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Sunday, January 10, 2016

any who were held bondage by the powers of familiar spirit ended up in the grave with their chains of bondages. Those people either they were not shown the way of escape God has given us in Jesus or that they were shown but they refuse to embrace it. Child of God, the embarrassment and torture of the powers of familiar spirits have come to an end, because Jesus has triumphed over them at the cross. This medium of escape God has given us has five channels which are: 1) Hearing the word 2) Believing and confession of sin 3) Repenting and forsaking the old ways of life 4) Living a new life in Christ 5) Undergoing deliverance process to possess your possession in Christ.

Hearing the word Experience has shown us that most people who are under the bondage of familiar spirits hear voices. Most often, these voices might not be audible but the voice of the mind. This is what we call mind manipulation, or demonic telephone of the mind in deliverance. In such cases you see them battle within their inner thoughts. These thoughts are not pure thoughts. They are defiled, dirty impure and or polluted; such thoughts could be itemized as follows: a) Thoughts bordering on lust of flesh b) Evil imaginations and the fear of their manifestation c) Thoughts of revenge d) Inner bitterness sometimes without a cause e) Thoughts and imaginations bordering on fears of unknown f) Strong feelings and believe that he / she will soon die Someone with this state of mind needs the word of God. The person’s heart is filled with darkness. He needs light. It is only

Familiar spirits (8)

the word of God that can bring light into that life. If the light of the word of God is not quickly introduced to that person, the devil would finally have that person broken down to the state of despair and the end result could be disastrous. In John chapter 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” The word has been with God, from the beginning and the word was God. In the word is life and that life is the light of men.

Beloveth the only profitable way given to us to escape from the torment and manipulations of the powers of familiar spirit is the word. You must develop passion for the word. To hearing it always, and to reading it. The scripture which we read above says, that in the word was life and the life is the light of men. When you have the word, richly enough, you have the life of God in you. And that life radiates light into your entire being and the world around you.

This begins from your spirit into your soul, touching every component of your heart, to your general body, then to the world.

People around you see the good work of the Lord in your life and testify to the glory of God. All those polluted thoughts that filled your heart which came from the kingdom of darkness is driven away. Go for the word today. Grab it, eat it, let it digest into your system and become part of you, it would amaze you, the kind of new person you would become Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Believing and confession of sin In Prov. 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” When the ear receives the word, the spirit believes and absorbs it into the soul. The soul is immediately convicted. Then the person humbles himself before the word which leads to confession. Confession is admitting that you are a sinner, that the word of God is true about you. Then you confess the sins

of your past life, and present life. Confession is very important in deliverance if you fail to confess, it means you did not accept the word. Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Repenting and forsaking the old ways Repentance and forsaking follows confession. After confession the next step is repenting and forsaking what you confessed. Confession made without repentance and forsaking is made in hypocrisy. However, the problem God is having with us is not in confessing.

God is weary of our confession. Many confess everyday but lack the strength to forsake. What God values in confession is the repentance and forsaking that follows it. That is why the scripture in Proverbs 28:13 says that it is only those who confess and forsake shall obtain mercy from the Lord.

Dear child of God, today ask for the grace to repent and forsake every besetting sin. God shall surely help you out in Jesus name.

Living a new life in christ To live a new life in Christ is to be born again by the word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. A new life is Christ is a regenerated life, redeemed by the precious Blood of Jesus. In 2nd Corrin. 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Being a new creature in Christ, the old ways of life are gone, and then a new life style is seen in you.

You notice that you are really a new person, your friend observe it, your family members and the world around you sees the new man in you and glorify God. Then the devil would not have any ground to accuse you again or to lay any hold on you.

You must undergo deliverance process Many believe, that it is unbelievers and those who are not yet born again has need for deliverance. But they are wrong. Those who are not born again are the property of the devil. Would

you cast out devil from what he has legal claim on? The answer is NO. Rather it is those who are born again those who have divorced the devil, renounced evil covenant they had with devil, withdraws their allegiance to him, and accepted the lordship of our Lord Jesus over their soul that needs deliverance? Reasons being that the Bible says in Isaiah 49:24-25 “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” The mighty and the lawful captive is the devil. He is the lawful captive, to any soul, when that soul has not renounced him. Once the soul renounces the devil, he is no more a lawful captive but an intruder.

Prayer point – Let every network of the manipulation of familiar spirits in my life be dismantle by fire in the name of Jesus.

Testimonies Yoke of poverty broken I joined this church, when things were very hard for me and my family. I had a house, it was uncompleted building.

That was where I was living with my wife and family. Few months after joining this church I began to see the light of God in all did. My first son travelled outside the country. Today, God has actually broken the yoke of poverty in my life and family, you see I have built a new house and completed the one I was living before. God has also blessed me with a new jeep, praise the Lord!

Bro. Akebwe •Address: Pastor Kingson I. Bona, General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries, No. 6, David Egbetuyi Street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos.

Tel: 08023404926, 08038206508 Website: wwwchapelofholiness.org facebook: pstbona@chapelofholiness. org

News

Nigerians urged to take problems to God

…as Apostolic Faith, Berger hosts night of music Odinaka Uruakpa

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he Deputy Director, Lagos Region, West and Central Africa, Apostolic Faith Church, Revd Peter Atoe, has urged Nigerians to take their problems to God since it is only Him (God) that can rule the affairs of the people and nation.

Atoe gave this charge at the 2015 night of music of the Apostolic Faith choir and orchestra, Akiode Branch held on Christmas night, tagged “The all season Jesus.”

Speaking on the significance of the concert, Atoe revealed it is an annual programme of the church geared at winning souls to God. “We want to win souls to God through music because people love music. Music is a common word for everybody in the world. Thank God He (God) has provided

the knowledge of music, so we want to extol God as we use the opportunity to tell the people about the mercy and grace of God”, he said.

On expectations of Christians at Christmas, Atoe said: “Christmas is the gift of God to man. When man fell, at the time, there was no way he could be reconciled to God. It required the blood of the innocent, a clean person to get ransom for sinners. The ransom came through the blood of Jesus Christ; so Christmas is the greatest gift God gave to man. Jesus who is the son of God was with God in heaven. He left all those things and decided to come and die for our sin. So, it is significant to commemorate or remember His birth and His death also is very significant. But I think also that His birth is more important.

On the myriad of problems confront-

ing the country and his thought on how the present administration could tackle them, he said: “We are praying for the president. We are going to a prayer session for this country; we have to take our problems to God because it is only God that can rule the affairs of the country.

I agree that we need scientists, economists and other professionals to handle our economy, but I want to tell you that God is the only one that can really turn the economy around.

There are many examples of nations in the Bible whose economy was really down that God turned around. God can do same for us and we are praying that would do it for us.

I have read so many comments in newspapers were people have said that the budget which has being passed cannot work; I don’t believe in that. I believe

in prayers and I know that by this time next year, we would come to celebrate what God has done us. I trust in God to change things in our favour.

In his message for Nigerians, Atoe advised the citizens to turn to God who is all powerful and ignore the negative comments of atheists.

“We cannot substantiate what atheists are saying, but we can substantiate the power of God. Like I said before, God can turn this country around. Who would have believed that we can have a change in leadership of the country? This time last year, with all that was on ground, did you believe that we can have a change in government without war, without crises with Boko Haram and other problems which are machinations of man? God will put a stop to these problems; I believe Him for that”, He confidently expressed.

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From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

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Email: profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com (08023032698, sms pls)

he study of the Bible confirms that God sent Jesus to the world not to call the righteous but sinners. So, the call is for a specific purpose. It is interesting to watch the modern church invites people to embrace Christ. Jesus said, ‘’For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost’’. Lk19 :10. What I am saying is that the call of God is not for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour but for unbelievers. This is not done by men and women but God himself. Christianity is spirituality and it is about the work of God alone but done through people who are filled with the Spirit of God. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit that convinces us of our sin and enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ. This Spirit of God persuades and enables us to embrace Jesus Christ.

I love to study the Bible because it makes me know what I know about the will of God for man and the world. Jesus was physically present in the world and the Bible said that he was on the go. He was out and about. He never shut himself in door or calls on people to meet him at an organized revival. He was at the lake shore, in the synagogue, on the streets, in somebody’s house. He was always on the move. The Bible confirmed that he went around doing good…. Acts 10 : 38 Jesus had a lot to do, so, nothing could turn him aside.

I mention that effectual calling is not for the righteous. Jesus found Matthew a tax collector. The Bible said, ‘’ After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. Follow me, Jesus said to him and the Levi got up, left everything and followed him’’. The Bible said that Jesus

Hour of Change with Primate I.O

N

Oyelowo

‘’

o man can serve two masters: for either he will haste one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye can not serve God and mammon’’. Mathew 6:24

Almighty God is the creator of heaven and the earth and everything there in them, gold inclusive. Remember that God In his infinite mercy, created everything that man would need before he was created in order to make life meaningful for him.

But because of his lust of the flesh, man contravened God’s commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil with the result of disobedience clearly and vividly made known to him (Gen 2:17) Also bear in mind that the freewill given to man differentiates him from other lesser creatures, which was supposed to be a blessing to him eventually became a snare to him. Other lesser creatures behave with instinct; in essence, they behave as pro-

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The call of God is effectual

ate at the house of this man who was despised by people and when some people complained about Jesus dining with sinners, his reply was very simple. He said, ‘’ I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance’’. Lk5 : 27 – 32.

Is our church in Nigeria concerned about sinners – robbers, kidnappers, drug-users, prostitutes, assassins. Our leaders are not concerned about the soul of man but the body, so, they think of how to turn a poor around to be rich and the rich one to be richer. They are more interested in praying for the barren and assuring politicians of their success at the next election. They reject the poor, criminals and elderly. But these are the people Jesus sends his disciples to. The ministry of Jesus “ is calling them in’’.

When he met a Samaritan woman that was a social outcast in her community because of her wayward lifestyle, he turned her round because in this woman there was something for Christ to use.

She became the first evangelist to preach the Word of God. Matthew the tax collector, a man with power and faculties who was used for external work became one of the writers of the books of the Bible.

He wrote the story of Jesus.

Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, who was very short climbed a sycamore fig tree to see Jesus Christ but when Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, ‘’Zacchaeus, come down immediately I must stay at your house today’’.

The Bible said that for this action of Jesus alone, people complained, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner”. Jesus was not bordered about the wealth of Zacchaeus but about his soul, so, Jesus said, “Today, salvation has come to this house’’, I mean the house of Zacchaeus because his soul was saved. Lk9 : 1 – 10 The work of a Christian preacher is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ which he himself preached and also instructed his disciples to preach. The fact remains

that when this gospel is preached, God will go into the heart that is prepared and there will be a miraculous change in the life of the hearer but when another gospel is preached, it will motivate the hearer to act but without God. That is the reason why the modern church is not winning souls nowadays but motivating people to love the world more. Christians are ambassadors for Christ. Their duty is to offer people the kingdom of God, so that we all may become the co-workers with Christ on earth and co – heirs with him in the eternal life hereafter. When the Word of God is preached, people are saved with an everlasting salvation, redeemed, crowned, sealed and baptized into Christ. Sincerely speaking, all done by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. If anybody fails to accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour and if he does not allow Holy Spirit to teach him, then with all the wealth of this world, his abilities and successes, his life is a failure. He is a godless man and dead to spiritual things.

God knows the great treasure in you. He can speak to your present situations, turn you around, supply all your needs and use you for his eternal purpose.

What you need to do now is to obey.

This is a mental thing. It is a decision you have to make to leave all. Note that you will be assisted by a divine grace.

What many people do not know is that true religion means entering into great possession and then life receives meaning and purpose.

I want you to make a decision today, leave all and give yourself to the living redeemer of life now.

The church you attend, the tithe you pay and your position in the church do not guarantee your salvation. Confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Saviour will guarantee your way to the kingdom of God. Jesus said, ‘’ I am the way and the truth and

God or gold– Choose one

grammed by God. In return what God requires of man is to serve him in truth and spirit. (John 4:24). The only thing for him to do is to acknowledge him as the sovereign God and not to have any other gods before him, not bow down for them, (Exod 20:1-2). God also advises man not to take his name in vain (Exod20:25). Anything that replaces God in our lives is gold. Let it sink into your mind that Gold is God’s creation; it is perishable and cannot be taken out of this world (1 Tim. 6:7). On the other hand, God is invisible, eternal, immortal and the only wise God (1 Tim.1:17). Therefore Endeavour to be with him at judgment day. He (God) is happy when we put him before any other thing and give him his rightful place in our heart and he promises to add everything we need for sustenance (Matthew 6:33).

Every believer must learn from the life of Jesus Christ from the beginning to the end. He placed God before any other thing in his life. he obeyed God’s command to the last letter which accounted for his un-paralleled success during his earthly ministry, and when he finished his race, he received the privilege of being in the right hand of God (Mark 6:19) and charged with the responsibility of being a judge at judgment day over the dead and the living.

However, it is disheartening that believers measure success by the number of houses built, the fleet of vehicles owned and the number of titles conferred. Let it be said here that the writer of neither this article nor the Bible

is against these possessions provided they are legally and lawfully acquired. The Bible in the book of Ecclesiastes 5:10 says; he loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity’’. Some people do not rely on their lawful work to acquire wealth. Rather they device all sorts of un-orthodox mean to acquire riches. It is no longer news that people kill their fellow human beings for money which the bible forbids and prescribes death penalty for the offender.

The rate of kidnapping is daily increasing. Inflation of contract price is regarded as norm rather than a sin. Stealing is no longer as a crime. Bear In mind that Achan stole things consecrated to God, he was killed when he was fished out because his crime subjected the nation of Israel to humiliation and defeat in a battle between it and Ai (Joshua 7:5,25) All those who do these crimes retarding the progress of their nation and oppressing their fellows.

Hear what proverbs 22:16, 22, 23 say: ‘’He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoil them’’.

Do not forget that it was because of man’s disobedience to God’s command and corruption against one another that man’s was reduced to one hundred and twenty years (Gen.

the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’’. Jn1 4 : 6 We are now in the New Year (2016).

The days of prosperity preachers and miracle performers in Christian church are numbered. With the prayers of Nigerians and the wisdom of God directing the affairs of this nation, the economic situations of the country will soon improve and there will be employment for many able people. The service of some pastors and prayer contractors who collect money and pray for jobs and visa will soon be a thing of the past. Many Nigerians know that some pastors are taking undue advantage of human situations in the country. Many have lost interest in Christian leadership. Some see church as a place to receive blessings or solve human problems. Let me assure you today that if you can depend on God and accept his promiseswhich you can only find in the Bible, then you will be successful in life.

I want you to study this great promise of God, ‘’ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to ‘’prosper’’ you and not to harm you, plans to give you ‘’hope and a future’’.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’’. Jer 29 : 11 – 13 When you look at ‘’ Me and You’’ in this Bible passage , you will appreciate that Christianity is a personal relationship between God and man.

While I am not writing off attendance at the congregation of believers, I want my reader to understand that personal relationship with God will give you spiritual results and satisfaction.

•Prof Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies United Bible University, Lagos Phone: 0802 – 303 – 2698: email : profkunlemacaulay@ yahoo.com Twitter : KunleMacaulay1

6:3) and further reduced to seventy years (Psalm 90:10). Don’t you know that if you spend above the age bracket shown; above, your health will be further depreciating to the extent that you will be praying for death to come when life becomes meaningless.

It does not end there , if you die without accepting Christ unto your life, the wealth you acquired illegally will be give to the righteous. ‘’A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up to for the jest’’ (Proverbs 13:22) Moreover, the riches you leave behind when you die can be a source of enmity for your children rather than unity. ‘’As the patridge sitteh on eggs and hateeheth them not; so he that getteth riches, not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at the end shall be a fool’’ (Jeremiah 17:11) I counsel you to love and serve God with all your heart, be diligent, be patience; God’s blessing will be your heritage. ‘’The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow’’.(Proverbs 10:22).

Accept Jesus unto your life, let him be your Lord and personal savior and he willnot disappoint you. Merry Xmas and Happy new year in advance Till then shallon.

•You can contact us at: The Word of Life, Agbo Igbala Ti Kristi Aladura Church 70 Patey street Lagos State. Tel: 07040517413

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33

Vineyard

Briefly FARIM holds ‘Operation takeover’

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ll is set for the maiden edition of Freedom Foundation Apostolic Revival International Ministry FARIM programme tagged “Twelve nights of operation take over.

The event billed for 30, Ajisebiaramecca Street, Opposite Low-cost Estate, Sabo, Ikorodu, Lagos will begin on Monday, January 15, 2016 from 10pm daily.

In a Statement signed by the host, Prophet Sam Ojo OmolojuJesu a.k.a Prophet with a proof, God has sworn to enable all the participants to take over whatever rightly belong to them and they will occupy their territories as they attend the programme.

Omnipotence Mission of God marks anniversary

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he 2016 Bethel programme of Omnipotence Mission of God which started on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the church ground located at Seme-Badagry Expressway will culminate with celebration of the 20th Anniversary/Special Anointing Service of the ministry today, Sunday, January 10 beginning from 9am at the National Stadium NIS Sport Complex, Surulere, Lagos.

Speakin on the Programme, the General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God and host, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin assured all comers of God’s blessings in terms of spirituality, finance and other areas of their life.

Addording to the Press/Media Officer of the ministry, Biodun Oyelewa, guests would be entertained immediately after the service.

He also revealed that Music would be supplied by Mega99, Demola Suzzy and a host of other gospel acts.

Choristers from the Philiphines on the occasion

Cross sections of worshippers

Celebration Sunday, January 10, 2016

Muoka assures Nigerians of God’s blessings Odinaka Uruakpa

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he General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, has urged Nigerians to fear God as well as submit themselves to God in all things, as he assured that God is ready to bless the nation abundantly.

Muoka, who gave this charge at the 3-day crusade of the church, tagged “What God has determined shall be done” further assured that as they draw closer to God, citizens will enjoy the presence of God, as well as prosperity in the affairs of the nation.

Speaking on what people need to do to ensure God’s blessing in their life, Muoka insisted that even in the midst of so many challenges, scripture has it that whatever the children of God lay their hands upon, God will make them prosper.

Muoka assured that no matter the difficulties citizens are passing through, if they remain committed to God; what he has determined for them will come to pass.

“At every point in time, God is not in lack of anything to give to His children.

As long as we are born again, we live our life by faith and by miracle; God of heaven will continue to open ways for us, make connections for us and meet all our needs. I encourage all to rely upon God and ensure that nothing is standing between them and God so that the promises

Pastor Muoka and some foreign participants

He made, He would bring to pass.

On challenges confronting the ministry, Muoka said: “There is nothing one does that they don’t encounter on challenge or the other. We have financial challenges; challenges in the area of opposition, challenges also in ensuring that this multitude is living their life according to the will of God. It takes a lot of grace; so it is a big challenge of its own. So, in ensuring that these brethren remain focused; it is the work of a shepherd to ensure none of them goes contrary to the will of God. The shepherd goes through a lot of challenges to put the flock in order.”

The cleric pointed out that no matter the situation on ground, Nigeria is more like heaven when compared to many places in the world.

“Forget about what is happening here now, the problem is that the press all over the world is always interested in negative report. Like I said before, Nigeria is like heaven when compared to many places in the world. Here, we have people that fear God and cannot do what many some people outside are doing. You can see all the white people that came here and their joyous mood.

This is because things like this do not happen in their place. I want you to understand that no matter the corruption and other vices being talked about, if we should project the work of God here, the whole place would change overnight.

On how he intends to achieve the 10 billion souls mandate, which God gave him considering the problems on ground in the world today, Muoka said: “The mandate as you know is 10 billion souls and one thing that is certain is that as long as God is concerned, this vision is accomplished. What I mean by that is this; now, you can see the presence of almost all the nations of the world,

and it takes one understanding what you are asked not to do and understanding the vision. Imagine the number of people here now; many came from other nations. Of course, technology has advanced so much and as I am talking to you now, I am preaching in almost every country in the world. I can say that the vision is accomplished, but then one thing that is very certain is that the world is not coming to an end today. So, the vision is still on course; believe it that the vision will be accomplished because God has determined it to be so.”

When asked to advice government on how to tackle insecurity in the country and what God has for the country, he said: “As a Christian, I believe in prayers, and I want to let you know that we are praying for the nation and as we pray, we believe God for the unity, peace, progress and security of the nation.

As we pray, God will protect His people.

What I want us to understand is that the whole thing still boils down to citizens to seek the face of God. We should draw closer to God. God has answer to everything.

I want to let you know that God has determined peace, unity and progress of this nation. God has determined that this nation will move forward and that determination would be realized by us drawing closer to God.” The programme, which witnessed large turnout of worshippers, numbering over a million who defied the early morning cold weather, as well as the afternoon hot weather, also had free transport arrangement as participants were conveyed to the venue from locations within Anambra and Imo States. Hi-tech security measures were on ground to address any breach of order.

Those who visited were seen in fervent prayers for God’s favour and deliverance.

The crusade witnessed People from Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Ghana, Benin Republic, Cameroun, South Africa, USA, Australia, Austria, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, China, The Philippines, among other countries.

34

From the Pulpit

The voice of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo

F

rom scriptures, we understand that thanksgiving and praise are covenant platforms through which we encounter fresh oil from God, among others. For instance, David, the praise giant, praised God seven times a day and God speaking of him, said: I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him (Psalms 89:20-23; see also Psalms 92:12, 10; 119:164).

This helps us to understand that God is the ‘Anointer’ with fresh oil, but we cannot access His presence without engaging the mystery of thanksgiving and praise. That is why the Bible admonishes us to enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise…

(Psalms 100:4). It is also important to know that fresh oil here connotes the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and without Him, we cannot fulfil God’s plans and purposes for our lives. Concerning Jesus, the Bible says: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38; see also Isaiah 61:1-3).

This means that when we praise and thank God, His presence is invoked and He pours the anointing of the Holy Spirit on us for fulfilment of our destinies in Christ Jesus (Psalms 100:4, 23:5-6; 34:1).

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

The question is, “Can you please tell me who a lady is?”

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o be able to answer the question, we will have to take a look at the QUALITIES OF A LADY. This l will do in relation to Genesis Chapter 24.

1. Hard work:- In this generation, no man is ready to settle for a liability, that the generation of the lady sitting and eating the labour of the guy has passed, now it’s an exchange process. That even if love is so blind thereby not making the man to see, he has his hands to feel and he can feel his pockets. By the time the pocket weight is reducing he will adjust his eyes and start seeing properly immediately.

A child of God must find joy in doing house chores, cooking and learning. 70 per cent of ladies are ready to make use of a house help even when they are yet to marry, too lazy to do stuffs even for themselves.

Some ladies are so dirty especially with their undies, clean and radiant outside but very dirty and stinking inside, waiting for someone to help. Also in the aspect of cooking, cooking expect for professionals, you can learn by just watching and then practicing it, but since they are not always around they wouldn’t be able to do it.

Though technology and eateries had made

Sunday, January 10, 2016

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Accessing Fresh Oil through praise and thanksgiving!

But, what is in the Anointing of the Holy Ghost?

From scriptures, we understand that the anointing of the Holy Spirit engenders our access to the following: Supernatural victory: The anointing empowers us to conquer in any situation that may confront us. For instance, by the anointing upon Christ, the scripture records that every demon possessed person He encountered trembled saying: “Have You come to destroy us before our time?” (Psalms 92:10-11; Acts 10:38).

Vision: This is the ability to see into God’s plan and purpose for our lives, and fresh oil engenders our unhindered access. Thus, when we are challenged, the enemy simply wants to rob us of the treasures that await us in future. However, when we engage in praise and thanksgiving, God anoints us with fresh oil and our vision of the future is enhanced (Joel 2:1-11, 28).

Revelation: The anointing of the Holy Ghost also grants us access to revelation, which is the spiritual understanding of God’s Word. As it is written: But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10; see also John 14:26; Isaiah 60:1-22).

•Wisdom: This is an unusual insight into doing what it takes for things to work. Nevertheless, to keep things working at all times, we must never lack fresh anointing of the Holy Ghost. For instance, when Solomon worshipped God with a thousand burnt offerings on Mount Gibeon, God made Him the wisest man in his days. However, when he began to worship other gods, his anointing became stale and his wisdom was turned to foolishness (1 Kings 3:3-12; 1 Kings 4:29-34; Isaiah 11:1-3; Ecclesiastes 1:2).

There is nothing in the world that compares with divine insight (wisdom); therefore, we must constantly thank and praise God, for the continuous flow of fresh oil.

Divine protection: The anointing sets a seal of protection over our lives against every form of evil. As it is written: When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm (Psalms 105:13-15; Isaiah 10:25-27, 59:19).

The Spirit of Love: The fresher the oil on our heads, the “hotter” our love for God which makes us living wonders on earth. It is written: …because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Romans 5:5; see also 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Thus, it takes fresh oil to love God at all times, the situation or circumstances notwithstanding. This is because under the influence of fresh oil, we become addicted to God and ignore all alternatives.

The oil of joy: Speaking of Jesus, the Bible says: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (Psalms 45:6-7).

From the above scripture, we discover that the anointing upon Christ is called the oil of gladness, which empowered Him to rejoice in the Spirit at all times. As it is written: In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth…

(Luke 10:21).

That means it takes the anointing to access joy and the Bible says that with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah12:3).

Therefore, with the anointing we have access to joy and that in turn grants us access to divine strength, health and vitality (Deuteronomy 28:46-48; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 84:7; Proverbs 17:22; 18:14; Matthew 3:11-13; Romans 8:11).

However, it is important to know that depression never adds value to our lives, it only erodes them. Also, it doesn’t provide a solution to our struggles; instead, it complicates them. This is because when we complain in a seemly negative situation, the anointing on our lives runs dry and the situation grows worse. For instance, after Elijah complained to God that Jezebel had killed all the prophets except him, his oil began to run dry and he contemplated suicide. This helps us to know that irrespective of our status or calling, whenever we complain, our oil (anointing) becomes stale. Therefore, we must jealously guard the oil on our heads and never allow it to run dry; and one way to do so is by celebrating God at all times (1 Kings 19:1-4; Ecclesiastes 9:8).

However, until you become born again, your praises will not be acceptable to Him. To become born again means to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, and He will in turn accept you as His child. If you wish to become a child of God, please 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: Understanding The Power Of Praise, Understanding The Anointing, Anointing For Exploits and Anointing for breakthrough.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.

•I know this teaching has blessed you.

Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Qualities of a lady

chores and cooking easier but that you can’t really enjoy because the laziness will not even allow putting great efforts in learning too. Getting serious with your academics, taking it to a level whereby you can be able to stand on your own (Masters or PhD level).

Be at a position that no man can be able to easily shut you down or walk over you. Any one that wants you will know that he is going for a precious and valuable lady with great dignity. And if you are going into Vocational training, train yourself to an expert level so that you will be able to stand out.

Don’t be like those that start well but foolishly derailed and couldn’t continue. However if that has even happened, well, you can still pick yourself up and with great determination continue. Ezekiel 16:49, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom ...... and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters,.....”

2. Good character: - Many believe that you can’t have it all, that as an educated, elite and high up there lady you can never have good character and behaviour. The two are far from been put together. Yes, l agree with them because the devil is not happy seeing you achieving that much, getting to the top and enjoying it, both physically and spiritually. He will therefore look for all means to pull you down, and the most available tool for him to use is Pride. Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace,

but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” 1 Timothy 3:6, “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”

Unconsciously ladies takes to this spirit believing that they are creating class and before they could really understand what they have done they are already on the floor, disappointed and dejected.

3. Very beautiful yet still a virgin. Not at age eleven but like twenty 3,4,5 etc. Nay, not in this new school generation. However, that is what your creator requires from you.

They will tell you that you can only use what you have to get what you want. Your beauty is a very great assist and you just have to use it well. As a result, many have given up their virginity, using their beauty to get things of the world that are temporary and will soon fade away. Of which at the end you will lose on both sides. Virginty gone, beauty gone and the material thing ( e.g. Car, phone, visa, contract etc) destroyed.

Let your creator order your life, let Him be in control, hand over the steering wheels over to Him. The more you tried to do it on your own, the more you fall deeper and deeper into the pit. Rebekah’s life was ordered by God, He arranged everything to favour Rebekah.

He moved

lsaac’s father to send the servant, He was also the one that moved Rebekah to be the one that will respond to the servant’s prayer. Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

4. Ready to go extra mile. Stop looking at yourself alone, start giving considerations to others around you too. Selfishness leads to obsession. As a lady you have to be very careful, otherwise you can be pushed to the extent of killing the other lady just because of a man. That which God has prepared and given to you can never be for another lady unless you made it known to God that you don’t want him. English adage says, “If that thing is yours leave it let it go it will definitely come back to you.” Also to let you know, it’s only when you are fully married to a man that you can fully lay claim on him.

Let God give you your own man and no one will be able to take him away. Some ladies because of money tend to be selfish to the detriment of the next person, be careful, what you did for another will definitely turn around but even in a greater and higher level of manifestation in your own life. In everything you do put God first.

To be continued next week.........

•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

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From the Pulpit 35

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Living in abundance {john 2:1-11} Miracle Arena with Bishop

Theo Ugochukwu

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Introduction t has been said that the world is alive with God. Some people have eyes to see and behold a multitude of miracles in their lives. To others God is invisible and they see nothing of miracles, only luck, fate, or happenstance.

This story of the wedding at Cana tells how Jesus revealed his godliness. This story is more than a quaint story of day gone by. It is a story that shows us how God moves in our lives and reveals himself in our world.

Common things When we look closely at this miracle, or as John identifies it—a sign, the fact that Jesus uses dirty water to reveal his glory catches our attention. In other gospel stories, Jesus uses spittle and mud to cure a blind man, loaves and fish to feed five thousand, and a wooden cross to save humankind.

God seems to take particular delight in using the common and ordinary to glorify himself and to accomplish his purpose. We know that this is true not only in the Bible, but also in our everyday lives.

There have been countless times in my life when I have felt that I should call someone and make phone contact with them. When I have followed my gut feeling, I have been surprised at the number of people who have responded positively to my call and said that it made a difference in their

C

ollins Dictionary and Thesaurus defines oil as any of a number of viscous liquids with a smooth sticky feel. They are usually flammable, insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, and are obtained from plants and animals, from mineral deposits and by synthesis. They are used as lubricants, fuels, perfumes, foodstuffs, and raw materials for chemicals.

Just as natural oil has characteristics, sources and uses so also the oil that comes from God.The oil of God has unique characteristics and what the oil can do in our lives. The oil of God is always fresh because the source of the oil (God) is ever fresh. The oil of God simply means an avenue for God to operate in our life, the release of the nature of God into a man. This fresh oil divinely enables a man to do what he/she cannot naturally do. It is also refers to as the anointing of God. In fact, when you are having this oil upon yourself, it can be said that you are anointed. In Exodus 29:7 - Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him. The Lord instructed Moses to pour oil upon Aaron as proof of the anointing of God upon him.

So, everyone that carries the oil of God is anointed of the Lord.

The people that had contact with the oil of God has beautiful story to tell about the great turn-around they experienced in their life. Example of such people was David. The exploits in David’s life can be traced back to the time he had contact with the oil of God. It was after this contact that he killed Goliath and steadily rose to prominence in Israel. When the anointing comes upon your life, it will turn your life around. The secret of David’s success was the fresh oil of God upon his life. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed

lives.

God moves abundantly Jesus used a lot of dirty water—one hundred to one hundred eighty gallons of water to answer Mary’s request, meet the need of the wedding host, and give the disciples a glimpse of who he truly was. When God moves, he moves in an abundant manner.

The wine steward comments that the wine that Jesus made from the water was the best wine of the celebration. When God moves, God gives good gifts. Second-hand and leftovers are not in God’s vocabulary when God deals with the creation. God is a God of abundance and not scarcity.

We know that God is a God of abundance not only from the pages of the Bible, but also from nature and from our lives.

• It takes only a few dandelion seeds to make a weedy lawn, but God provides hundreds of seeds from every plant.

• Our own lives are lives of abundance that are filled with blessings. We know this to be true when we take time to count our blessings, and stop looking at the other guy.

The gift of faith The main miracle in this story is not the making of wine for a wedding celebration. Rather, it is the faith of the disciples. They saw the wine for what it was—a sign of Jesus’ godliness and divinity. The disciples saw and believed.

God hasn’t stopped moving to create faith in people today. We believe that Desert Streams is God’s congregation. We believe that God will use Desert Streams in ways beyond our wildest imagination. We will grow. We will reach out into the community and lives will be touched.

We will grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and

grow in our spirituality and in our level of commitment.

God will probably not bring these things about through a slight of hand or out of the air.

God will take the common things that we give to God—our gifts, talents, time, treasures, commitment, perseverance, to name just a few, and God will do great and abundant things through them.

The following testimony is a confirmation of what God can do out of the little seed we sow from our heart.

Testimony of god’s uncommon favour: {barr. Christy} “I’m here today to testify of the miracle of God’s divine favour upon my life through this man of God. For some times, one of my children had been seriously ill and every medication had proved abortive. We were rather referred to abroad for treatment, but our greatest challenge was how to raise some millions for this treatment abroad. But God in his mercy brought this Bishop to my church (Word Foundation Assembly) to minister during our church monthly vigil. And during the service, he asked us to raise an altar against any challenge we are facing. I went and sowed a seed of N2000 as my altar, and that was the only money with me. At the end of the programme, I got a call from my house that my sick child was dying. I started crying, asking if this was the altar I raised. I rushed home and took my child to the hospital, and the fact that I had no money with me made me to start crying, not knowing when a woman came to me and asked me why I was crying. I told her of my challenges. As if she was sent by God to wipe away my tears, she asked me to accompany her to her car and gave

me the sum of ten thousand naira and also collected my bank account details. I never knew that this God-sent woman could start soliciting for fund from her friends on my behalf, and brethren, I tell you as I’m giving this testimony more than two million naira has been deposited into my account for the child’s treatment abroad. This is the miracle of the N2000 altar I raised during the vigil.

This church is really blessed with anointing for genuine deliverance and grace for divine lifting. My advice to all therefore, is to obey the Words of this prophet and always key into his prophecies”. Praise the Lord!

Conclusion We may have faced more than a mere shortage of wine. All we need is to increase our financial support of God’s kingdom projects so that we become self-sustaining and do not need to rely upon the largesse of others.

God is who is Everything has the capacity to bless you with all abundant gifts and place you in a state of abundance through your obedience to His Words.

We are confident that God will move, powerfully and abundantly to reveal his glory and to achieve his will. God will do this by using us.

Amen!

•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

The fresh oil of God

him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.(1 Samuel 16:13). In another place David said this about the oil of God upon his life, ”Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalms 23:5). The oil of God upon David conferred upon him some success in the midst of his foes.

In this 2016, for you to possess your possession and enjoy what God has for you; you need the anointing of God. You need the oil of God to succeed in the midst of hostilities.

You should make it one of your top priorities to get the fresh oil of God upon your life in this New Year.

Encounter with fresh oil The men that had encounter with the oil were never the same. When Saul had an encounter with the oil of God, the scripture says a new heart was given to Saul and he became a different person. The display of God’s power through our Lord Jesus Christ showed how much the anointing of God can change a man. David was one the few men that enjoyed the power of the oil of God. When the oil came upon the disciples in the form of Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost; their lives were never the same. You cannot have an encounter with the oil of God and you remained the same. But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me (Psalms 92:10-11).

That is the testimony of David about the oil of God. The life Job was another example of what could happen to a man when the fresh oil is lacking. He was having a wonderful life

Opayinka

before everything changed and he began to experience distressful things.

Manifestation of fresh oil 1. All-round recognition: When the oil is upon your life, everybody will be forced to recognise you. In Job 29:7-9, the fresh oil of God brings honour into the life of Job. The oil of God brings respect to your life.

2.

Power to set free: When you have the fresh oil, you cannot be bond. Job 29:1117, Act 10:38, David recovered all his lost possession, Abraham was able set Lot free when he captured by the enemies. As a family man, your family will live in freedom when you have the oil fresh upon your life.

3.

All-round prosperity: Your success and prosperity will not be one sided when you have the oil of God fresh in every area

of your life. Job 29:19, Lk5: 2-7 4.

It brings fresh glory: Job was narrating what kind of glory he had when he was still enjoying the oil of God in his life. Job said “my glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand”.

The presence of Fresh oil renews your strength and you will always be relevant.

5.

An Effective weapon: David said of the provisions of God for his life in the presence of his enemy because of the oil of God upon him. Touch not my anointed…, when you carry the oil of God upon your life; the enemy cannot just mess with your life anyhow.

Contacting fresh oil A. When you maintain an effective prayer life couple with fasting B. Absolute meditation in the word of God, Joshua 1:8 C. Maintaining a giving life D. Read books of anointed men of God, be a reader because readers are leaders.

E. Maintain a constant fellowship with God;each fellowship brings fresh oil upon your life.

When you have the oil of God upon your life, you live in favour, your strength is enhanced, the enemy will become like ashes under your feet. In this 2016 as you pursue your vision; make sure you don’t lack the fresh oil of God. Be committed to your fellowship with God who is the source of fresh oil. Shalom!

Bishop Joshua K. Opayinka Glorious Tabernacle International, Behind Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State.

08060297831 glorioustabernacle@gmail.com

36

From the Pulpit Priesthood House with Pastor Bola

T

Bello

he ingathering of seed planted would naturally bring a time of reaping in joy if the seed produced during the planting season becomes harvest. This is the expectation of those who have sown before the harvest time and, it is the same with God, the first farmer, who has insistently being sowing to humanity with expectation of precious harvest (James 5:7).

However, the kind of the seed sown determines the kinds of the harvest reap. When Adam was planted in the Garden of Eden, Adam was a very good tree.

It was expected that Adam would produce good fruits. ]However, a tare was planted in the soul of Adam and he became corruptible tree with corruptible products.

Ever since the deception of Adam, what man has brought to God as harvest was corruption until Christ came as the second Adam who was planted as the tree of righteousness for man to become a tree of righteousness for a precious harvest (Is 61:3c). No wonder, God, as husbandman is waiting patiently for the prized harvest of the earth. When Jesus proclaimed harvest as daily occurrence, what it implies is daily planting for harvest.

Truly, man is sowing seed on daily basis and is also enjoying the harvest of the seed sown previously. In this piece I would like to concentrate on two types of harvests in which man is reaping on daily basis.

It is my prayer that this will empower you to sow the seed of righteousness and obtain the crown of glory.

Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (Jn 4:35). The natural standpoint of man is to place a time lag for harvest after planting, but the Lord Jesus recognized this as inaccurate position. Harvest is now and it is a daily thing. Meditating seriously on the Lord’s judgment about harvest, postulate curiosity in me on what should

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Church as God designed it – The Harvest (1) be the definition of harvest.

Harvest is the season when ripened crops are gathered.

Harvest is a crop or yield of one growing season to the individual grower.

It could be simply define as the time of year when you reap what you sown.

However, Jesus sees harvest as both eschatology and always present with us. In verse 36 of John chapter four, the insight to harvest is further broadened “And he that reaps receive wages, and gathers fruit unto life eternal that both he that sown and he that reaps may rejoice together. Herein is that saying true, one sown and another reap. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour; other men labored and ye are entered into their labours (Jn. 4:36-38).

This implies two meanings; the harvest of end times, which is eschatology and the ongoing harvest.

The present harvest could be divided into two kinds; the harvest of your daily labour; and the harvest inherited from the labours of others.

Every day is harvest time and everyday is a sowing time.

There are so many seeds in the holding of man. Word is a seed.

Your works and walk are seeds.

Your service is a seed, your offering is a seed and man himself is a seed.

It is therefore worthy of note, that what you are today is a product of the seed sown yesterday.

Paul in his admonition made this statement. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not…” (Gal. 6:9-10).

This exhortation points to our daily sowing and the tendency for daily harvest when we do not fall into weariness.

If the harvest must be daily, sowing must also be daily. Fainting in sowing is failure of harvest.

Harvest has distinctions; the act of sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit. Sowing seed unto flesh denote sowing seed only to self rather than others.

Also, seed that gravitates towards self ego, wrong motives, desire to

promote self rather than God is also known as seed unto flesh.

Giving offering is a good seed; it must however be motivated by sincere intention for the growth of the kingdom rather than for the intention of self financial increase.

We give naturally with intention to receive back from God, and God often respond to such.

We must however develop another kind of habit which is nobler in giving, especially when our passion is to see the kingdom grow, kingdom expansion and kingdom spread.

The position of God is to respond with incorruptible harvest. God may not respond to certain seed because of corruption of the seed.

Giving to the needy and to the poor with intention to bail out the poor from difficulty is sowing good seed unto God and it attracts good harvest (Pr. 19:17).

There is another kind of seed which Paul admonished us to sow; and this is a seed unto the Spirit. “…..He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting” (Gal. 6:8b).

The word Spirit is spelt with capital “S” denoting a person.

As earlier said, our position is to sow to flesh while we erroneous belief that sowing to the Spirit is for devotees of Christ, and these are negligible.

How do we sow to the Spirit? There are many ways in which we can sow to the Spirit.

Things of God can only be harvested by the help of the Spirit of God. However, you cannot harvest the spiritual things except through the Spirit of God. Sowing to the spirit is to desire or covet Spirit in partnership.

This requires sowing seed of intimacy, prayers and meditation in the word. Also, denial of fleshly pleasure, obedience and submission to God’s instructions and courting Him as friend are good tenets in which you can sow to the Spirit.

We need to develop spiritual capacity to harvest the Spirit, having the Holy Spirit abundantly, brings us unto the things of God. “No man knows the things of God,

but the Spirit of God in Man” (1 Cor. 2:11b).

Knowing the things of God enhances our accuracy and brings good harvest.

Many invest their money on motivational books; it is a seed unto the flesh.

There is different between the knowledge of God and God being formed in you. You may know God without him knowing you. Only those that God is formed in them are known by God. This can happen by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

There is another kind of harvest which is an inherited harvest.

You do not labour for it; you only come into such harvest.

“I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour; other men labored and ye are entered into their labours” (Jn.4:38).

The first example of such harvest, is the believers in Christ reaping the righteousness of God which is by faith of the His Son. This is a bestowal of harvest of the labour of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.

This righteousness is not by our merit but by Christ’s labour.

Another kind of bestowed harvest is what we inherited from our parents.

Some inherited houses, monies, and other good things. Some inherited curses and thorns from parents depending on what the parents sowed.

However, such harvest could be maintained or remitted depend on what you desire. Ruben inherited curse from Jacob but it was remitted by the prayers of Moses.

Bennoin, later called Benjamin would have inherited sorrow from his mother before Jacob remitted it. Jabez inherited sorrow but remitted it through prayers.

Humanity inherited sin and death from the first Adam but the Second Adam remitted it.

What can remit the wrong seed sown into your life by your parents or progenitors is Christ.

• Please worship with us at Power and Glory Tabernacle, FUTA, South Gate, Akure. You surely rejoice you do.

Pastor Bola Bello – 08033704564

News

Anglican bishop, Ademowo urges Nigerian to embrace God Odinaka Uruakpa

T

he Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd (Dr.) E. Adebola Ademowo has appealed to Nigerians to turn to God in prayer rather than welcome the New Year in self-created merriment and boisterous hilarity.

Ademowo,Pastor whoBamidele made this appeal in his New Year message, stated that if citizens enter the New Year with humble desire and prayer, only then can they face the future with confidence and hope.

The cleric noted that in the past year,

the nation had weathered all kinds of storms, insurgency, kidnapping, unemployment, corruption, economic depression among others.

Ademowo urged the Federal Government not to relent on plans to pay specified allowance to unemployed youths in the country, adding that it would be a welcome development if the move is incorporated into the 2016 budget.

He further commended the present administration on its rescue mission of wealth looted by some people in the country.

“The challenge before the leadership is to avoid failure to rescue. Certainly,

these times call for unusual courage and boldness. Right now, Nigeria is like a patient in the theatre undergoing a life-saving surgery. God is always on our side, as there is light at the end of the tunnel; if we would all rise to do what is right as individuals and as a nation”, he claimed.

The bishop noted that there has been a terrible wave of lack of conscience over the years, leading to an unprecedented impoverishment of Nigerians and helplessness in the hands of insurgents who abduct, maim, rape, kill as well as occupy some regions of the country.

He also noted that an epidemic of corruption enveloped the nation, afflicted

its leadership recruitment processes, stunted its economic growth, crippled its fighting power and rendered the people hopeless.

Ademowo called on leaders in the nation to move away from politics of promise without performance to politics of action and service.

“It is not wrong if we borrow leaf from the developed nations. Beloved patriots, let us all serve our dear nation with all sincerity, with those gifts that God has given us and put our nation first. Let our leaders demonstrate their love for this nation by leading the people by example”, he admonished.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

January 10, 2016

37

Opposition cries foul as anti-corruption ght expands CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

as stipulated by our laws. The EFCC or any anti-corruption body for that matter is not a court of law and cannot, on its own, be the judge, jury and executioner.

“We also make bold to say that as our members are being accused and arrested for what they did or did not do during the last administration, there are also individuals in the ruling APC, who also have questions to answer.

“We hope these agencies will also have the courage to invite such people no matter what role they are playing in government today. ” Jalo described the PDP 16-year rule as a proof that the party was not corrupt and argued that it would be unfair to criticise the party ’s policies based on Metuh ’s arrest.

“This little setback is an act of God and it will make the party to be greater because of the lessons it has learned. In the party, you can get 80 per cent good eggs and 20 per cent bad eggs. It is there in the APC as well. You can point to people in the APC that we know clearly are corrupt in their individual capacities. The arrest of Metuh, as far as the party is concerned, if this crime is established in a court of law, he has done it on his own as a person, not on behalf of the PDP. ” Apart from Metuh and other PDP chieftains such as the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, former minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, Chief Raymod Dokpesi that were earlier arrested in connection with the arms deal, former National chairman of the PDP, Haliru Bello and his son, Abbah Bello, were also brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja last Tuesday.

They were arraigned along with their firm, Bam Properties, on four counts of money laundering and other related offences.

The EFCC alleged that the accused persons collected about N300 million meant for the procurement of arms for political campaign from the Office of the NSA under the guise of using it for “safe houses ”.

Bello, who attended the proceeding in a wheelchair, was said to have come from a hospital, where he was said to be recuperating from surgery. Both he and his son pleaded not guilty to the four counts charge.

Meanwhile, PDP chieftain, Dokpesi, has said the $2.1 billion arms deal is a creation of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government to witch hunt and decimate the leadership and membership of PDP. Dokpesi, who was recently granted bail in connection with N2.1 billion allegedly paid to his company by the office of the former NSA, however, expressed confidence that the courts would sooner or later prove that “this coinage ” is nothing but a hoax.

“It is meant to destroy the existence of PDP. The persecution of the former NSA, National Publicity Secretary, our Chairman of Board of Trustees will fail when we begin defence, ” he assured. He was speaking at an investiture on him by PDP Youth Vanguard as ‘Freedom Fighter of PDP ’.

He, however, said he would not make any comment regarding the several matters filed before the courts against him and other members of PDP, “as doing so would be subjudice ”.

Dokpesi said Nigerians “are reminded of the events of 1984/85 which by any

Jalo

Dokpesi

FOR THE ONGOING EFFORTS BY BUHARI TO TAME CORRUPTION TO HAVE MEANING OR CREDIBILITY, THEN THE WHOLE EXERCISE MUST BE VERY TRANSPARENT. IT MUST BE DEVOID OF DOUBTS

stretch of comparison are similar to the events of today. ” He claimed that PDP was at a key stage of development as it embarks on critical reforms to reorganise, rebrand and restructure itself for the challenges of governance, but regretted that the governing APC “is making efforts to impede our journey to political maturity through the manipulation of the federal system to serve purely partisan interest ”.

The view of Dokpesi was corroborated by the National Coordinator of PDP Youth Vanguard, Ibrahim Bala Aboki, who condemned what he called the witch hunt of PDP members by the governing party.

Aboki decried the Federal Government ’s selective anti-corruption war and continuous arrest of PDP members by the anticorruption agency.

“We say no to corruption, no to rampant killings in Nigeria, no to intimidation of the judiciary by APC government, no to political brigandage by APC government, no to selective justice, no to continuous arrest of PDP members, no to political vengeance, no to hunger in Nigeria, ” he declared.

In its own view, Lagos State chapter of PDP accused the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, of instigating the persecution of Metuh. The party said the arrest was only being made convenient by the issue of money allegedly involved, stating that the minister of Information who still sits as the National Publicity Secretary of the APC had vowed to clamp down on the PDP publicity office superintended by Metuh.

Speaking through its state publicity secretary, Barrister Taofik Gani, the party

said, “This trend is dangerous and is the last resort to APC attempts to compromise some of us. We have also been receiving funny calls from unknown numbers of threats to our persons if we continue to expose the APC governors. Unless Olisa Metuh is approached within the rule of law and immediately granted administrative bail pending any charge, we shall begin to seek asylum in safe countries. This is no doubt a totalitarian government and the world should be informed. ” According to the PDP, Mohammed also got monumental sums from Lagos State to promote the APC campaigns. It accused the APC of being a ‘pot calling kettle black ’ as it said the party diverted billions of dollars meant for the completion of the now moribund light rail project, ferry jetties, Eko Atlantic Project, $20 million UNESCO grant and also plunged the state into huge foreign debt of over $3.6 billion in order to capture the presidency. The PDP has therefore called on Mohammed to allow for intellectual engagements rather than the military-like type.

Also speaking on the issue of arrest of PDP chieftains in connection with their alleged corrupt acts, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, who is currently representing Ondo East/Ondo West in the House of Representatives said, “I for one will never support corruption. I detest it and I will never shield anyone found to be involved with the vice. However, from all indications, it appears as if the ongoing war against corruption is one-sided. This is glaring for all to see. Look at those being put on trial or investigated by the EFCC, they are PDP members. Is Mr. President telling us that APC is a party of saints? Nigerians can ’t

be deceived.

“For the ongoing efforts by Buhari to tame corruption to have meaning or credibility, then the whole exercise must be very transparent. It must be devoid of doubts. To many Nigerians, what is going on is persecution of PDP members. The day four or five prominent APC members are put on trial by the EFCC, then Nigerians will stop being cynical.

“Again, Buhari should realise that there are other pressing national issues that require his attention. He should not be so obsessed with his crusade against corruption to neglect other areas of our national life that require his attention, ” he retorted.

But the Chairman , Campaign Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, Comrade Debo Adeniran, sees the issue differently. He said people like Dr Dokpesi will behave like any drowning man who will like to hold to any available straw.

He said that Dokpesi ’s claim that the $2.1bn arms deal scam was a way of decimating the leadership of the PDP is a way of justifying what he and others had done, insisting that it was not unexpected of Dokpesi and his cohorts to behave the way they are doing and say what they are saying.

“Talking about politics, they will say that Buhari government wants to decimate their members and leadership but most of those that participated in the looting of arms money belong to their party.

The PDP was in power at the time. It was the one that participated in the implementation and execution of the budget and the spending. Those in opposition then that are now in government couldn ’t have been part of the arms deal fraud because they didn ’t have access to the government purse then, ” he said.

Former Secretary General of the Labour Party, LP, Barrister Kayode Ajulo, noted that in a multi-party system, each party would like to outwit the others.

“As it is now, what Dokpesi said is general presumption and it is for the ruling party to allay the fear but it has not done that. It is the duty of the President to allay the fear of the PDP that his anti-corruption war was not targeted at the opposition. He would need to allay that fear and show that he is the President of all Nigerians and not that of the APC. ” Ajulo also condemned what he called media trial of the suspects in the alleged arms deal scandal, insisting that this was the first time such a trial in the media was so pronounced in the country.

He advised that if anybody is accused of any wrong he should be charged to court to face prosecution rather than be tried in the media.

Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, believes that the anti-corruption crusade of President Buhari, especially investigation into the $2.1 arms deal, is not targeted at the PDP or any opposition but a way of sanitising the country.

Speaking with Sunday Mirror, Igbokwe said: “Opposition must be real opposition and not band of looters of the common patrimony, not wreckers of Nigeria and not partakers in the destruction of everything we hold dear. PDP can be a real opposition if it chooses to be but you cannot give what you do not have.

“APC is not stopping PDP but it must first of all redeem itself. PDP must re-examine itself and call a spade a spade. PDP needs our help to stand up but it must first of all help itself. ”

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Politics

January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Ordinary PDP members were unaware of what leaders were doing ’ Former Federal Commissioner for Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and chieftain of the opposition People ’s Democratic Party in Benue State, Chief Abu King Shuluwa in this interview with Henry Iyorkase argues that any leader worth his salt must tackle corruption head on.

There appears to be some internal wrangling in the People ’s Democratic Party, PDP in recent times to the extent that the position of the Acting Chairman of the party has been nullified by a court judgment. As one of the leaders of the party in Benue State, what would you say on these happenings?

Yes, I read about the judgment that nullified the position of the Acting Chairman in the papers. But I don ’t have good information on it so I will reserve my comments until I get full information regarding it. However, when you say the Acting Chairman, one would ask, was he a Deputy Chairman of the party before? If the chairman resigns, the deputy should act. This man, Secondus, as far as I know wasn ’t the Deputy Chairman so how was he acting? There was no convention so how did he assume the position of the Acting Chairman and what happened to the Deputy Chairman? I know that the chairman himself resigned and therefore, the Deputy Chairman ought to have been acting. But if the Deputy Chairman is not acting and somebody else is acting, then one would ask what happened to the Deputy Chairman. So until all these questions are answered, I will not be able to comment on that.

How would you assess the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari so far?

Buhari ’s administration; let ’s put it this way: We want every government to move us forward and every government in Nigeria is for all of us; it doesn ’t matter which party has formed the government.

A government is different from a political party. Once a government is formed, that government should not discriminate against me because I am a member of the PDP, it should not discriminate against members of the Labour Party, it should not discriminate against somebody because he is a member of APGA; it is a government and the whole world recognise that there is a government in existence and that government is to take care of everybody who is a Nigerian as far as you are living within the geographical confines of this country. Party politics is a different issue and that is why you have APC, PDP, APGA and each of these parties is fighting to form a government to render services to the people. Any political party that forms a government, the government belongs to all of us. How do I look at Buhari ’s performance, Buhari has been elected for a term of four years. He may do two terms or he may do one depending on his performances. For the first term, he has done less than a year and to me, Nigerians are only been too anxious to measure his achievements. You hear them say Buhari is too slow in forming his cabinet. You have elected somebody,

THE LAWS ARE THERE. IF YOU ARE FOUND TO HAVE CORRUPTLY ENRICHED

YOURSELF, THE LAW SHOULD TAKE ITS

COURSE. IF YOU ARE FOUND TO HAVE EMBEZZLED MONEY THAT IS NOT MEANT FOR YOU; YOU

MISAPPROPRIATE

FUNDS, LET THE LAW TAKES IT COURSE AND THAT IS WHAT

BUHARI IS DOING

Shu uluwa

give the person time to choose because the prerogative of choosing his cabinet members is his own; so give him time. Nigerians are behaving as if he could have chosen anybody to be a minister. Buhari took time to choose his ministers because he has agenda for Nigeria. Whoever that is the president of this country has agenda and must choose people who can help him achieve that. He took his time but Nigerians were like Oh! He is too slow to appoint ministers and all that. And then, Nigerians began saying that he travels too much; he is going here and there. The question is, what is he going to do? You see, all the world powers met somewhere and Nigeria that looks at itself as the giant of Africa was invited. When the world meets and a country like South Africa is there with all these small, small countries and Nigeria is absent because Buhari did not attend, how would the world look at Nigeria? Yet, Nigerians are questioning Buhari for going out too much. Buhari has to go out and achieve one of these things: Put Nigeria back on the map of the world. Things were too bad for this country. Many countries didn ’t look at Nigeria as anything; we were no longer respected and now, Buhari wants to put back respect into Nigerians and attending some of these meetings is to make sure that that respect comes back. Another thing is that what is Buhari ’s agenda now? His focus is on security, corruption, unemployment and agriculture for now and corruption seems to be the number one. What I am saying is that I have given Buhari 99 per cent success so far. I remember that sometimes ago, I granted an interview where I said that Boko Haram is the creation of the Federal Government and I have been vindicated. How? The money that was meant for the purchase of arms

was shared among party men; they didn ’t buy the arms and therefore, our soldiers were going into war without arms, without ammunitions and most of them were being killed. That was the making of the Federal Government. Today, Buhari has made sure that Boko Haram is crushed; he has done it.

In other words, you subscribe to the ongoing fight against corruption?

Yes, I support the fight against corruption more than anything else.

What do you suggest should be the punitive measure if one is found guilty of corruption? Would you say our laws have sufficiently provided for this?

The laws are there. If you are found to have corruptly enriched yourself, the law should take its course. If you are found to have embezzled money that is not meant for you; you misappropriate funds, let the law takes it course and that is what Buhari is doing. Dasuki has been arrested because so much money passed through him and Buhari is following due process on it.

For some of us, we may say he is too slow for that but it is good because he is not a military president. He is a civilian president so due process has to be followed.

There are so many things that Buhari cannot do as a civilian president but there are so many things he could have done if he was a military president. If he was a military president, he could say, lock him up, jail him, do that without passing through the National Assembly. But most of these things he has to pass them through the National Assembly to allow for due process.

Back to the issue of internal wrangling in the PDP, which indicates that the party is

drifting a little. What do you think should be the way out of this impasse?

I would say that you are thinking that there are crises in the PDP. Look, the shock which the PDP received at the 2015 general election is still with us. We are still shocked, surprised that we are no longer in power; we never thought that such can happen. PDP never believed that opposition will take over the mantle of leadership of this country. So what is happening now is that we have not been able to bring ourselves together to look at how we failed, who failed us. Most of what our leaders were doing, the ordinary member of the PDP didn ’t know; we didn ’t know. Look at the amount of money that was shared among the leaders of the PDP; the ordinary member of the PDP did not know. These are the things that we should be looking into rather than blaming one another, rather than saying we will go into another party. PDP is still strong in this country but the shock of loosing that leadership is still with us. If we get away with the shock, we can sit and reason among ourselves and choose what to do to wrestle power again from the APC. If not, we may not be able to wrestle back the power.

Do you envisage the possibility of regrouping against 2019?

Yes! There will be a time that the PDP will sit and look back to where we went wrong. They have not been able to do that now and mark you, APC is also finding it difficult to manage the power; they are finding it very difficult to manage the victory because they have not been in power for 16 years. So now that they have come in, it is a shock to CONT ’D ON PAGE 40

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Politics

January 10, 2016

39

What Edo indigenes expect from their next governor Political activities are expected to take the centre stage in every part of Edo State as from this first month no thanks to the build-up to the 2016 governorship election. SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN looks at what Edo indigenes want from the next governor.

E

ven as the dust of the New Year celebrations is yet to settle, residents, stakeholders, institutions, politicians and governorship aspirants in the aspirants have began strategizing on how to take power by winning the next governorship election of Edo State and succeeding the incumbent, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at the seat of power at the Government House on Dennis Osadebey Avenue.

Although the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is yet to release a timetable of activities for the governorship election of Edo State, it is however expected to hold between June and July with the primary elections to pick the candidate of each party expected to hold earlier between February and March.

While the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, opposition People ’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labour Party, LP, are already mobilising their qualified members for strong flag bearers in the forthcoming election, the building anticipation and work have raised the questions of what should constitute the qualities of the next governor of Edo State after the tenure of Adams Oshiomhole administration effectively ends on November 12, 2016.

Leading the way with his outline of the qualities of the next political leader of Edo State is the incumbent who gave a piece of his mind last week to some elders and opinion leaders.

Addressing senior Benin Palace chiefs led by the Eribo of Benin Kingdom, Chief John Oviasogie, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Governor Oshiomhole said he was concerned, like any other resident and party member in the state, about who his successor will be ahead of the emergence of parties ’ flag bearers from the respective party primary election.

As Sunday Mirror reliably gathered from the close-door meeting, Oshiomhole promised, in spite of his worries, that he will ensure a level-playing field for all the candidates to contest to succeed him in office.

Particularly, he underlined his belief that a candidate who believes in Edo State and who has the capacity to manage the state resources very well should emerge as the candidate of the ruling APC that will possibly win the overwhelming votes of Edo people to become the Governor in 2016.

Governor Oshiomhole told the traditional rulers: “From my inner insight of what this job entails, I believe we should look for people who believe in the state and have the capacity to run it. We have the right to educate the people about the person whom we think will be safe. Be rest assured that I am as concerned as you are; because we have seen the damage which a wrong driver can do to our collective vehicle.

“Everything is the same. The only difference is the person who heads the government. May God give us a governor

Osh hiomhole

IF SOMEONE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE STATE, AND HE HAS POWER, HE WILL HELP HIMSELF. RUNNING A GOVERNMENT IS DIFFERENT FROM RUNNING A PRIVATE

ENTERPRISE. WHEN YOU ARE WORKING FOR A GOVERNMENT, THE INTEREST IS THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE that will put Edo people first; that will respect the traditional institution; and that will work for the unity of our people across the 192 wards.

“If someone does not believe in the state, and he has power, he will help himself. Running a government is different from running a private enterprise. When you are working for a government, the interest is the people of the state. The second is to have the capacity to manage finances prudently because you may wish to do your best. But you cannot give what you don ’t have. If you don ’t have the brain, if you don ’t have the knowledge and you don ’t have the capacity, you will not be able to do it. So, we need people who can apply resources creatively, ” Oshiomhole explained.

Harping on continuity of government policies, Oshiomhole said, “We haven ’t solved all the problems. But we have made a lot of progress. I am sure if the next governor will continue from where we will stop after eight years of uninterrupted progress, I am sure that Benin Kingdom will be wearing a completely new look. ” Apart from Chief Oviasogie, the Eribo of Benin Kingdom, other senior palace chiefs that were in the entourage to Government House include: the Esere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; the Ine of Benin Kingdom, Chief E.U.

Uzamere; and the Eguezigbon of Benin Kingdom, Chief Morgan Obamwonyi.

Expressing his appreciation for the visit, Oshiomhole said, “I want to thank you for your kind words. I also want to use this opportunity to repeat what I have said several times over. I have been extremely fortunate not only to have been accepted by His Royal Majesty, the great Oba of Benin but also to enjoy his wise counsel, advice, prayers and all. We have had such a wonderfully warm relationship between the government and the palace. ” “I was at Abudu a few days ago to see what we are doing. The people were so happy. We have a similar work at Igbanke and here and there within the Kingdom.

We are ensuring that we spread development. ” Specifically exemplifying with a leader ’s ability to manage the state ’s available resources very well, Oshiomhole further stated, “Across Nigeria today, I believe that Edo State is one of the two or three states that paid salaries of December to workers before Christmas. The labour leadership came see me yesterday to thank me for ensuring the civil servants in Edo State got their salaries early. So, in a country where most states cannot pay, in we are not as rich as any of our neighbours, our people have got their salaries;

but our neighbours can ’t. So, it shows that capacity to manage. ” As the head of Iwebo from Benin Palace, Chief Oviasogie expressed gratitude to the governor for his developmental strides in the state.

“What you have done in our state is something we are very proud about. You have virtually touched every place. We pray that God will continue to guide and protect you. Every one of us as human being will aspire to the highest level of developing Nigeria. We thank you for the audience, ” Oviasogie concluded.

According to a foremost Benin-based lawyer, Barrister Olayiwola Afolabi, the search for a worthy successor to Oshiomhole should not prove difficult in 2016 if the Comrade-Governor heed his wellthought advice and suggestions.

Afolabi, Principal Partner of Olayiwola Afolabi & Co, said, “The search for a worthy successor to Governor Oshiomhole should be very easy if the governor conducts a free and fair primary election for APC. In other words, all the parties must hold free, fair and credible elections.

“Secondly, Edo State people must not allow money bags to hijack the election 2016.

“Thirdly, the next Governor of Edo State must be a person that has respect for the rule of law and due process.

“Lastly, the next governor of Edo State must be a person that will build on the achievements of Oshiomhole. The incumbent Governor has done well especially in the areas of providing infrastructure.

The next Governor must continue in that respect. A person that will not continue the development strides should not be elected, ” Afolabi concluded.

In a more critical opinion delivered at a media programme, another lawyer, Chief A. B. Thomas urged the governor to resist the temptation of forcefully picking his successor, single-handedly, with the ulterior motive of making him a stooge in power.

“If the Governor insists on picking his successor, we will have to stop him. The only way forward is for him to allow the APC to have a free, fair and credible internal democracy to pick its flag bearer through a free, fair and credible primary election for a free, fair and credible election. It is the same thing with the other political parties including the PDP ”, Thomas said, In his own contribution, human rights activist and Executive Director of the Africa Network on Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev David Ugolor said the next governor must be a man or a woman that would guarantee the delivery of democratic intangibles.

Presenting a special report, Citizen Report Card on Niger Delta Institutions, a collaborated effort with LITE-Africa that compiled projects abandoned by government agencies in the oil-rich geo-political region, Ugolor said, “Without speaking for Edo State government, Oshiomhole has done well in many areas. We in the field of civil society still remember the low level of this state was when he assumed power and the freedom, openness, transparency and accountability that everyone now sees in the state after seven years of his administration. Governance is not only about infrastructure provision. It is also about the intangibles, which the next governor must guarantee. ” Indeed, considered from all angles, the next governor must provide an accessible platform for all the state residents to improve their economic wellbeing in the next four years, as Mrs. Nefy Momoh, a retail food seller at Uselu Market passionately suggested.

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Politics

January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘PDP govt left decit treasuries ’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 them too. Are we the ones in power today?

Oh! Wonderful. So you see, the two parties have found themselves in different but one position of shock.

What are the criteria that indicate that the APC is finding it difficult to manage the victory?

You can find that from the ordinary members of the party who are crying about. The APC has taken over the leadership of the country and is fighting corruption, which is okay. The PDP government left deficit treasuries and a lot of debts in most of the states of the federation; salaries were not paid, contracts were unpaid and so on and so forth. So the APC has come and is trying to pay the salary arrears, pay for the contracts and also manage to keep little, little projects going on.

But they cannot move faster than that because we have taken away all the money; they have recovered some though. So let them use the money in doing little, little projects. When you award a contract today, it doesn ’t mean that you have to start payment today. Let us see them awarding contracts for the construction of roads, for the building of schools. Let us see that now and that is the area that we have not been seen. All we have been seen is that they are making efforts to pay salaries and payment of salaries in Nigeria is not the only thing to do. If you depend on salaries, Nigeria will collapse. There are contractors who have been owed a lot of money. Some borrowed to do the contracts and they have not been paid while the banks are on their necks with interest rates going up which alone can kill somebody. So, the bailout which the president gave to states, let us have it for contractors too. These are the areas that we think that something is wrong somewhere. People are crying because if you take your salary from government, it is not enough to distribute it to all Nigerians but if contracts are paid, at least, there is the multiplier effect.

Considering the deficit left states by the immediate past administration of the PDP, do you think that Nigerians would still consider returning such a party to power in time to come?

Yes! Why? Nigerians are terrible people; they forget easily. Very soon, they will forget about the debts left by these people. And let me tell you one thing that you don ’t understand about Nigerians. When you steal money to spend, people respect you more than those who don ’t steal; they worship people who have accumulated stolen wealth. Very soon, some people will start saying leave these people alone, do your own and as you can see; do you want us to leave Dasuki alone with that huge amount of money when money was even distributed for prayers? The money that was meant for development- building of roads, schools, health centers have been diverted for prayers alone amounting in Billions of naira.

Your name was awash on the social media that you are in support of the probe of the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam by the Samuel Ortom administration in Benue State. What is your reaction to this?

That is exactly what I said: I am in full

Shuluwa

THE ORTOM ADMINISTRATION CAME IN AND THERE WAS A DEFICIT AND SINCE BENUE STATE WAS CREATED, NO GOVERNMENT HAS EVER LEFT A DEFICIT EXCEPT THE LAST ADMINISTRATION

support of the investigation. Nigerians worship people with money but I don ’t.

I don ’t worship a person because he has money; I worship ideas, innovations and focus. What people are calling probe as far as I understand it is that you don ’t know what has happened and you want to know. Whoever can takeover government and would not know what was in government can cause an investigation to know.

The Ortom administration came in and there was a deficit and since Benue State was created, no government has ever left a deficit except the last administration. So, one would ask, why? Allocation from the federation account was coming in, we had shares, allocation was coming to the local governments, SURE-P funds were there and yet, they left deficit. Now that the investigation has started, it is discovered that all our shares have been sold. Now, what happened to these monies? What happened to the debts that they left behind?

Aper Aku borrowed money and tied to specific projects: This money is borrowed to build Taraku Mills, this money is being borrowed for Benue Breweries, this money is being borrowed for water works, this money is borrowed for this. The immediate past administration borrowed money and it was not tied to any project. So, is it not appropriate to say let me find out what has gone wrong with the money? It is after we will get to know what was wrong that somebody will come to say yes, this has

happened but please, forgive them, leave them alone. But then, we have known exactly where that money has gone. Now tell me, Justice Kpojime ’s Commission has found that our shares at Dangote Cement were sold and one billion naira was given to Benue Investment, three billion naira transferred to Government House; is government treasury in Government House?

The other three point something billion naira, nobody knows where it has gone so far and you say there should be no investigation? Justice Kpojime ’s Commission is to investigate and know what and what happened and how funds were utilized.

If you want to call it a probe, fine and I agree, let them probe. Why do you say they should not probe? Why should people say I should not know about the money that comes to Benue State when I am part of it? I am paying tax and I should not know what is happening with the money? Even the money you are receiving from the federation account, why do you think I should not know about it? We have given you the mandate to take care of Benue State on our behalf and if anything goes wrong, can ’t we know? So if those calling me names on the social media think there should be no probe, then they have something to hide. I don ’t have anything to hide and I want to know what has gone wrong with our money. SURE-P funds were given to sates so that it will ease the suffering of unemployed youth. When the money came

to Benue, was it utilized for the purpose that it was meant? No. The subsidy money was not even captured in the budget and yet it came to Benue State and also the local governments in the state. What has been done with this money? Show me any one project that any local government in the state has done with all this money. As far as I am concerned, people may criticize me on social media but the probe should go on. It doesn ’t bother me and that is how I feel; I want to know. If anybody else doesn ’t want to know, Shuluwa wants to know. At the same time, I want people to understand that this is a fact finding commission and not a witch hunt. If you know that you have not done anything wrong, why are you against investigation? If you want to investigate Shuluwa, I will say yes because I know that I have not done anything wrong and I will answer you. These people that have the money like the former Commissioner for Finance are been revealed as we can hear from t he testimony of witnesses; in fact the aides of the principal actors of that administrationBillions of this was given to this one, hundreds of millions to this one; the money I have not seen before and the figures sound very strange to me. How can a cashier whose level is not beyond 6 or 8 is trusted to withdraw hundreds of millions of naira? If he runs away with it, what would you say? The money can take care of his retirement benefits and everything till he dies. Then, Eight Billion Naira is stacked into an account to which nobody seems to know the owner of the account and yet we are suffering and social media critics would say there should be no investigation? Two billion naira can rehabilitate the Makurdi-Gboko Road. Imagine, we don ’t have pipe borne water in Makurdi; I don ’t have water in my house except for the borehole I use and I have lived here for over 20 years. You look at all these and say they should not investigate? Why? I am in support of the two commissions set by the Executive Governor of Benue State.

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January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LAUTECH doctors list conditions to return to work …as consultants issue six days strike notice

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA, OSOGBO

S

triking doctors of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo yesterday said it would only return to work, if the state government pays them October and November 2015 salaries, even as consultants working in the hospital handed down a new strike notice.

In separate press brief-

ings held in the premises of the hospital in Osogbo, the resident doctors and those in consultant cadre accused the state government of foisting an agreement it was not part of on them and disclosed readiness to resist such a move.

It will be recalled that Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola had, while addressing a symposium organised to mark 75th birthday of former leader of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade

Hassan Sunmonu, in Osogbo, threatened to invoke civil service rules on any doctor, who refuses to report for duty on Monday, January 11th.

The governor, who disclosed that the doctors had not made themselves available for negotiations, despite several efforts to reach them, said his administration may be left with no further option, should their present industrial action stretch beyond next Sunday.

But briefing newsmen on the development, the President, LAUTECH chapter of Association of Residents Doctors, ARD, Dr. Owolabi Adeyinka, said the only condition that would make them return to work is payment of October and November salary of members.

Owolabi said after meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders that intervened in the matter, the association resolved to backpedal

on some of its earlier demands, but accused the state government of using agreement non medical personnel signed with it to determine what it would pay the doctors.

He added that the national body of the association was in full support of the decision not to return to work until the new terms set by the doctors are met and stressed that they are not afraid of being sacked, adding that doctors are leaving the hospitals in droves already.

Commenting in similar vein, members Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital chapter, yesterday said it would embark on industrial action by Wednesday, January 12, if government fails to meet its demands.

Some of the demands include; immediate withdrawal of payment of salaries from CHAMS and its return to LAUTECH account department, payment of arrears of shortfall in salaries from last year July and immediate stoppage of exorbitant tax introduced, among others.

Addressing journalists, the MDCAN vice president, LAUTECH chapter, Dr. R, Akindele, said since resident doctors went on strike, the consultants, who refused to join the initial strike, could only render skeletal services.

He then advised Governor Aregbesola to jettison any plan to sack doctors and advised all stakeholders not to handle issues causing unrest in the state ’s health sector with levity hands because of the grave consequences it may have.

Construction work at Ile-Epo ’ll be completed in April, says LASG

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L-R: Assistant Corps Marshal, FRSC, Corps Logistics Office, Olakunle Motajo; Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi; Deputy Corps Marshal, Motor Vehicle Administration, Charles Theophilus, and Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations, Adei Abu, during the management team ‘s visit to the Road Signs and Number Plates Product Ion Plant in Gwagwalada, Abuja, at the weekend.

Oyeyemi visits FRSC signage production plant AYO ESAN

I

n the determination of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to complete and commission its signage production plant being established at Gwagawalada in the Federal Capital Territory, the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi in company of members of the Management team of the Corps yesterday paid a familiarisation tour to the site preparatory to its commissioning.

According to Head Me-

dia Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, while conducting the Corps Marshal and the Management team round the facilities, the Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, Theophilus Charles disclosed that all necessary equipment needed for the full take off of the plant are being installed in line with the specifications, while the personnel deployed for the project are being given appropriate training to prepare them adequately for the professional service

they would render.

According to him, with the level of work already carried out, he is confident that the scheduled time for the commissioning which is first quarter of this year would be met, saying all the personnel have been adequately mobilised for the task. “The plant would not just be producing the signage, but its products would meet international specifications and would address the present deficit in signage as is being noticed on most parts of the nation ’s highways today, ” he stated.

In his remarks, Oyeyemi expressed satisfaction with the level of work already done preparatory to the commissioning, saying when fully operational, the signage from the plant would resolve the present shortage of traffic signage on most highways in the country.

He further stressed that the plant is part of the FRSC ’s practical demonstration of its resolve to tackle the threats which road traffic crashes pose to road users with lack of traffic signage being a major causative factor.

he Lagos State Government has renewed its commitment to speedily complete the on-going construction of drainage alignment and the bad portion of the Ile-Epo axis of the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, assuring that the project will be delivered by April 2016.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the project site, General Manager, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, LSPWC, Mr. Ayotunde Sodeinde, disclosed that the drainage work with a stretch of about 840 meters and the bad portion of the roads which is about 1000 meters will soon be completed.

According to him, the corporation has already reconstructed 750 meters of the drainage while the remaining 100 meters will be completed by January 24.

He said Lagosians currently having a harrowing

experience while plying the road will soon heave a sigh of relief as rehabilitation work on the road will be completed by April 2016.

Sodeinde said the rehabilitation work which commenced in October 2015 was put on hold until the six electric poles laid on the drainage alignment were relocated on December 31st, 2015.

The LSPWC boss, who recalled that the initial drainage system with a width of 0.6 meters was inadequate to contain the flow of flood water, said the agency had to reconstruct it to a size of 1.2 meters after which massive rehabilitation work commenced on the road.

Sodeinde said the LagosAbeokuta road project was already a failed project right from inception recalling that sometimes in 2013, a portion of the road along Ahmadiya caved in, causing untold hardship for motorists.

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Business

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday, January 10, 2016

Expert lauds CBN’s Zero COT policy implementation

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former President of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mr. Femi Ekundayo, has lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for the zero Commission on Turnover, COT, policy.

Ekundayo told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Lagos that the policy would bring more people into the banking community.

According to him, available records show that more than 60 per cent of the money in the economy

is outside the banking network, a development which can be addressed by the zero COT policy.

He noted the policy which the apex bank had programmed to take effect in 2016 was part of its financial inclusion philosophy, which was aimed at attracting more people into the finance sector.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy on financial inclusion is to get more people into the financial net,’’ Ekundayo said.

The financial expert

explained that COT was perceived in the banking industry as a source of income to Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

While noting that DMBs were expected to operate optimally and attract income, he said that many of them were leveraging the COT to “drive patronage.”

He acknowledged that zero COT would exert some pressure on DMBs at the level of implementation, but stated that the money banks knew how to make it up from other

sources.

“A number of banks have been using COT to drive patronage. What the banks will lose through implementing the zero COT, they will always find a way of getting it elsewhere,” Ekundayo said.

He revealed that the banking community had a lot to gain through the implementation of the new policy, saying that it was a way of ``giving back to the banking community.’’

He said that before now, COT varied from one bank

to the other, but pointed out that CBN’s financial inclusion policy was geared towards international best practice.

NAN reports that COT is a charge levied on customers’ withdrawals by their banks. Before now, most banks charged N1 for every N1,000 withdrawn from by a customer from his account.

The “Guide to Bank Charges” implementation, which started in March 2013, has seen the COT drop to N3 per N1, 000 in 2013 and N2 per N2,000 in

2014.

It finally dropped from N1 per N1, 000 in 2015 to Zero cost on January 1, 2016.

The CBN had in a in a circular titled “Implementation of Revised Guide to Bank Charges –Commission on Turnover”, said there was no going back on the implementation of the policy.

It has directed banks that charged excess COT since the effective date to refund same to the affected customers or be sanctioned.

FAAN cautions Turkish Airlines against flying passengers without luggage

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According to him, the the right reasons, especially with government’s plan penetration will definiteto increase broadband pen- ly help to grow the economy. etration.

he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Saleh Dunoma, has advised the Turkish Airlines to resolve the recurrent cases of conveying passengers without their luggage.

Dunoma gave the advice in Lagos on Saturday in a statement issued by FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Yakubu Dati.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline in its flight TK 624 from Istanbul to Abuja on Saturday repeated the omission which also happened barely two weeks ago.

Some of the aggrieved passengers had invaded

Nigerian Breweries donates classrooms, libraries, boreholes in Kano

NECA backs removal of fuel subsidy

L-R: Niger, General Manager, Procurement, Arc. Temlong; General Manager, Electrical, Engr. Salisu Daura; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr. Saleh Dunoma; Project Manager, Lagan International, Dan Okafor; Airport Manger, Bello M. S., Musa and Regional General Manager, North East/North West Zakari Mahmud, during the inspection of Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport, Katsina at the weekend.

Internet association urges stakeholders to boost Nigeria’s online presence

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he President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NIRA, Mr. Sunday Folayan, has urged stakeholders to help boost Nigeria’s online presence in 2016 and beyond.

Folayan made the plea in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Saturday.

He said that the increase of the country’s presence online would ensure the growth of the economy.

According to him, the country can boost its internet presence but Nigerians must claim their own online identity.

“As the year 2016 unfolds, we are counting on our community, the stakeholders and affiliates, accredited registrars, resellers, registrants and our members to support the needed increase of Nigeria’s online presence, so that we can grow our economy.

“Have you registered

your ng domain name?

If yes, what about your friends? Have you shared the exciting opportunities with them? If not, it is time to act.

“The year 2016 has started on a very good note and we expect a significant growth in the Domain Name System (DNS) industry this year, which will give us better numbers than what we got in 2015.

“We will conduct more trainings on DNS related topics, as well as entrepreneurship trainings that will boost awareness of .ng and the DNS industry, especially among our youths,’’ he said.

The NIRA president said that all the association’s planned activities for 2016 were geared toward promoting local content in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector.

Folayan said that it was hopeful that more Nigerians would be online for

A za Msue KADUNA

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igerian Brewery has commissioned newly constructed block of 6 classrooms, library, toilets and borehole that would serve Badawa School and its environs in Kano state as part of Corporate Social Responsibility in the North.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Managing Director NB Plc, Nicholas Ververde, who was represented by the Kaduna Brewery Manager, Mr.Bolu Obawole, said the classrooms and library were furnished with students’ desks, chairs and tables for teachers.

Ververde said the infrastructures will improve the standard of education in the school and compliment government’s efforts in the provision of basic, quality and affordable education in a conducive learning and teaching environment.

He added that the company’s commitment to the overall wellbeing of their partner community was an enduring testimony in their locations nationwide, as they would continue to sustain and improve on their corporate social responsibilities as long as they are guaranteed the enabling environment to operate.

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he Organised Private Sector, under the umbrella of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, on Saturday commended the Federal Government for the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The Director-General of NECA, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, made the commendation while fielding questions from newsmen in Lagos.

Oshinowo said that though the government said that the new dispensation would be predicated on what it called “price modulation”.

He said that hopefully, the issue of fuel subsidy and its financing would not surface again in govern-

the tarmac, demanding for their luggage, though the airline compensated them after investigations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The statement said Dunoma, who spoke at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Saturday, expressed the transport ministry’s displeasure with the development.

The statement described as unacceptable, a repeat of the incident barely two weeks that a similar one had led to a breach of airport security.

The statement said Dunoma called for a quick and lasting resolution of the matter, which is capable of disrupting the peace and harmony in the airport.

ment’s budget.

According to him, it is pertinent for the government to focus on the policy framework as well as incentives that will ensure that Nigeria is self-sufficient in the refining capacity to meet her energy needs.

However, Oshinowo noted that the organised private sector was expecting a decisive, unambiguous and explicit policy statement that the subsidy regime had ended.

He said that the government should also ensure the privatisation of the four refineries and jointly agree on a timeline and modalities with Investors on the utilisation of the licences already issued for the setting-up of Private Sector-owned Refineries.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

January 10, 2016

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Laa varsity locks out monarch, others from convocation IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

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he maiden convocation ceremony of Federal University, Lafia, came to a sour end when most of those who turned out to grace the occasion were either barred from entry or manhandled by security operatives.

Some of those who were denied entry at the gate of the institution include a traditional ruler

of first-class status, the Andoma of Doma, HRH Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah, who waited for over 45 minutes for his convoy to get clearance which never came.

Also denied entry was the executive chairman of Doma local council, Henry Omaku, who pleaded endlessly with the security operatives to grant the monarch entry which fell on deaf ears as they claimed to be acting on the instruction of the

chief security officer of the university.

However, the council chairman was on hand to avert a crisis which was brewing when irate youths who felt slighted by the way the monarch was treated threatened to pull down the gates of the institution.

Omaku, who expressed dismay at the manner the management of the varsity handled their guests called on the institution to tender unreserved

apology to the Andoma of Doma and the entire traditional institution in the state.

Also, parents and guardians were not left out, as many who had letters of invitation which guaranteed them entry into the convocation hall were also turned back.

A parent who gave his name as Mohammed Bunu said he travelled all the way from Abuja to witness the convocation of his first son but

was prevented from gaining access even when the family was given an invitation card.

Equally barred were members of the press as the security operatives denied being informed to allow journalists in.

However, our correspondent gathered that a total of 119 students graduated with six bagging bagging first class honours degrees.

Nasarawa State Government Governor, Uma-

ru Tanko Al-Makura, in his address said his administration would give automatic employment to four out of the six firstclass graduates who are indigenes of the state.

Al-makura also offered automatic employment to a visually impaired graduate and noted further that if the student wanted to further his education, the state government was ready to grant him scholarship to the doctoral level.

Sacked Adamawa Rep picks KOWA party ticket in rerun LIVINUS MENEDI YOLA

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Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Samaila Yombe (left) and Chief of Dabai, Alhaji Isah Sami, at the Rumu Uhola festival in Zuru L.G.A. local council of the state …yesterday.

Kaduna govt begins free feeding in public primary schools A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he Kaduna State Government has announced the beginning of free feeding of all public primary school pupils effective January 17.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Shehu Usman Adamu, who explained why public primary schools would resume on January 17 and their secondary school counterparts on January11, said it would ensure the readiness of food vendors and schools to fa-

cilitate effective delivery of the free feeding programme.

Adamu added that between January 11 and 15, vendors would be reconfirming their logistics and deepening their relationships with school authorities.

According to the commissioner, the vendors recruited in each of the 255 wards have been organised into cooperative societies to serve free meals in every primary school in the state.

Adamu said: “The past few months have been a busy time for the Kaduna State Ministry of Educa-

tion. During this time, the government has begun a programme of school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment and training needs assessment for current teachers. Each of these initiatives has recorded tremendous progress, and these priority areas will continue to command the attention of the government in the current session and beyond.

“As you are aware, the 2016 Budget makes ample provision for this government ’s School Feeding programme. This intervention in improving the nutrition of our young pu-

pils commences this term, from the very first day that school resumes. This intervention reinforces our thrust to expand access to education ”.

The commissioner added: “Therefore, the school feeding programme will be formally launched when pupils in government-owned primary schools in Kaduna State resume on Monday, 17 January 2016. This will afford the primary school pupils 11 weeks of tuition, with no loss of academic time. However, secondary schools across the state will resume as scheduled. ”

acked Social Democratic Party, SDP, member representing Numan, Demsa and Lamurde, Federal Constituency, Kwamoti Laori, at the weekend dramatically emerged the candidate of KOWA party for the rerun election fixed for February 6.

The Court of Appeal ruling which annulled the election of Hon. Kwamoti and ordered a rerun election into the Numan, Demsa and Lamurde National Assembly seat also disqualified the SDP from participating in the polls but, however, remained silent on the fate of its candidate who got the KOWA ticket.

Laori, desperate to reclaim his lost seat, needed to use another party platform.

The Appeal Court held that the SDP flouted the electoral guidelines for fielding him and consequently quashed his election.

But the drama which surrounded his emergence at the weekend, had to do with the circumstances that led to the resignation of the candidate of KOWA party.

Mr. Gabriel Bala, who

contested under the March 28 2015 National Assembly elections was initially rumoured to have died, and that his death was allegedly cooked up to allow Laori, who was desperately angling to reclaim his lost position to participate in the polls.

But the sudden appearance of Bala yesterday at the primaries of his KOWA party caused a stir.

It took the intervention of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Umar Mustapha, to calm frayed nerves.

State party Chairman, Alhaji Saidu Bobboi, took pains to explain what actually transpired. He said the party decided to woo Laori to come and contest under its platform following the decision of its candidate, Bala, to quit politics sequel to his acceptance of a traditional appointment in the Bachama kingdom.

“Bala has quit politics for good and is now holding a traditional appointment in Bachama Chiefdom. When this opportunity came up for byeelection, we notified him of the opportunity but he rejected, hence we invited Laori and others interested for fresh primaries, ” Bobboi said.

Bauchi senator provides boreholes, water pumps to farmers

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enator Ali Wakili, representing Bauchi South, has provided about 206 boreholes in the constituency which comprises seven LGA ’s of Bauchi State This was just as the lawmaker has also distributed about 300 water pump ma-

chines to enhance the dry season farming Wakili had in a statement in his residence while inaugurating the distribution of the items said, the measure was to eradicate poverty for economic development “The distribution of the water pump machines

and the boreholes will go a long way to provide effective food production in the senatorial zone, considering the urgent need to fight poverty, ” he said.

According to the senator, the Upper Benue Basin Development Authority is in partnership with his

programmes to support the beneficiaries on how best to utilise the water pump machines.

The gesture, Wakili stressed would no doubt reduce the over-bearing difficulties of hunting for foodstuffs in the state as well as reduce idleness among

unemployed citizens of the areas.

The senator cautioned the beneficiaries not to sell the items given to them, but should use them judiciously to eradicate poverty and for self reliance.

He noted that his tenure as a senator would mark a

positive dawn for the provision of democratic dividends in tandem with the APC change mantra Wakili also said he had provided 206 boreholes in the senatorial zone to end the perennial water scarcity in line with democratic norms and value.

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South

January 10, 2016

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

141 staff sacked in Osun Colleges of Education BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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wave of retrenchments swept through two Osun State-owned Colleges of Education in Ila and Ilesa, with 141 staff of the two

institutions asked to go home.

But the leadership of the unions of both colleges has directed the affected staff to ignore the retrenchment letters.

When the leadership of Academic Staff Union

of Polytechnics, ASUP, and Non Academic Staff Union, NASU, of the two institutions, learnt that letters sacking some staff had been brought from the Ministry of Education, Osogbo, it ordered them not to pick them until they

are told so to do.

A non-academic staff of Osun State College of Education, Ilesa who, though not affected in the retrenchment exercise, and was at work on Friday, told Sunday Mirror that there had been tension

L-R: Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; groom, Emmanuel Olude; the bride, Folake and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, during the wedding at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday.

22-year-old man set ablaze by his father

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22-year-old man in Omu-Aran, Kwara, Sola Akangbe, died in the early hours of yesterday following wounds from a fire allegedly set on him by his biological father, Kehinde.

The deceased, a cart pusher, was said to have suffered high degree burns and was confirmed dead by doctors at Ajisafe Hospital, Omu-Aran, where he was rushed to by the police on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that doctors at the hospital bat-

tled to save his life as the fire affected most parts of his body.

The deceased was said to have been accused of stealing an undisclosed amount of money from some roadside beggars on Friday and was apprehended and handed over to his father.

The father, a commercial driver, allegedly drove his son to a nearby bush on Omu-Aran-Isanlu-Isin road, tied his hands and legs before setting him ablaze.

Sola, who was still alive

when he was rescued, told his rescuers that his father was responsible for the act.

The mother of the deceased, Rachael, was seen crying in the hospital after news of the death was broken to her.

Rachael, who is a trader based in Odo-Owa, another suburb, told NAN that a friend had notified her of the development on phone before she rushed to the hospital to check on her son.

The mother, who acknowledged that Sola was

an unrepentant troublesome fellow, however, expressed shock at the father ’s action.

She disclosed that although she gave birth few weeks ago, she had divorced Kehinde about seven years ago as a result of irreconcilable differences.

Mr Ajayi Okasanmi, the Police Public Relation Officer in the state, confirmed the incident, saying that the suspect was already in police custody and that investigation was ongoing.

Only PDP can solve Nigeria ’s socio-economic problems –Jenyo BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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chairmanship aspirant for the March 2016 Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, has said the nation ’s current economic and security woes could be surmounted only if the party is returned to power.

Speaking at the formal declaration of his intention to contest the seat of state chairman of the party, Jenyo, who is the

current Central Senatorial Leader of the party alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had demonstrated gross incompetence in addressing major problems confronting the nation.

While describing as baseless claims that he was being sponsored by a bigwig of the party, he assured civil servants in Osun State of better days ahead, stressing that, “the next PDP State Working Committee (SWC) will ensure the party returned to power ”.

According to Jenyo, “SWC that will come on board in Osun will work to return the party to power in 2018. People of the country have seen that only PDP can end Nigeria ’s woes. Economic and security issues facing the country are proving to be a handful for the party in power.

“The PDP, while in power demonstrated better capacity in dealing with these issues and with what we are experiencing now, Nigerians will be willing to return us to

power, if the present trend of economic hardship and security challenges continue, ” he claimed.

Jenyo, however, maintained that all former PDP elected and appointed officeholders in Central Senatorial District have resolved to back only a chairmanship candidate from the district in the next state congress of the party, with a view to ensuring that the district have two term tenure on the seat of chairman in line with the rotation policy of the party.

upon learning that some sack letters were being brought from Osogbo.

He added that immediately the letters arrived, leaders of the ASUP and NASU directed members not to take them.

He added that 70 staff were sacked in the institution but could not confirm the number of academic and non-academic staff affected in the exercise.

Another source at Osun State College of Education, Ila, who preferred anonymity in a telephone chat said, “37 academic staff were sacked while 34 non-academic staff were also affected by the retrenchment exercise in our school here. ” Commenting, the State Chairman and Secretary of Council of Academic Staff Unions Osun State Owned Tertiary Institutions, CASUOSTI, Comrade Lasisi Jimoh and Comrade Olusegun Lana respectively in a statement obtained by newsmen yesterday said, “Letters of termination of

appointments were issued to several members of staff in Osun State-owned tertiary institutions.

“This is coming just a few hours after the Academic Staff Unions notified the government of their readiness to take any necessary action of last resort after the failure of the administration to address festering issues despite the unions ’ several pleas and ultimatums.

The union has directed members not to collect any letter while congress holds soon to decide the next line of action. ” Reacting to the development, the ASUP Chairman, Osun State College of Education, Ila chapter, Comrade Segun Onifade, confirmed that sack letters were brought for members of the union, but added that the union had directed members not to pick them.

Efforts to get official reaction proved futile as no government official was willing to comment on the issue

...Mysterious re kills septuagenarian in Osogbo BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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mysterious fire outbreak at the weekend killed a 75-yearold man, Lamina Ishola, at Isale Aro area of Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Residents of the neighbourhood told Sunday Mirror that they noticed the mud house which Pa Ishola lived in was on fire and made moves to quench it.

Their efforts, it was however gathered, proved abortive. The arrival of fire fighters also did little in altering the deceased fate as the man was said to have been severely burnt before help could reach him.

A father of two girls, the youngest being 7 and the eldest, 10, it was further learnt, was the only victim in the inferno.

When newsmen visited the scene of the incident, the younger brother of the deceased, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the incident was mysterious, but added that the fire may have been caused by kerosene

in the locally made lantern.

Th late Ishola ’s brother, who identified himself as Ademola Oseni, further explained that someone bought the lantern for Ishola after the Power Holding Company of Nigeria disconnected electricity supply to his house when he could not pay bills.

Oseni added that though no one could tell how the incident occurred, the deceased might have probably made a contact with the lantern and spilled its contents, which might have resulted in the fire.

Oseni said the remains of the late Ishola has been interred according to Islamic rites in his compound and pleaded with the state government to come to the aid of the children the deceased left behind, saying their mother died a long time ago.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, said the police had not been informed of the incident.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday, January 10, 2016

NFF’s youth programmme excites Pinnick

Sport

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Martial better than expected KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS –Van Gaal

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

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CAF Awards: Why Nigerian players can’t win

- Onigbinde Pius Anakali

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very year, the continents best footballers gather for what has become an annual ritual, the Glo CAF awards. As expected, this year’s edition was a great show and a roll-call of who-is-who in football in the continent. Yaya Toure, the Cote D’Ivoire national team captain and midfield king pin for his club in the English Premier league, Manchester City, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Bayern and Gabon national team was also on hand at the awards so also was Ghana’s André Ayew, who doubles as a striker with Swansea City also in the English premier league. Trio were named as some of those who are good enough for the coveted awards.

The question that follows therefore is where are Nigerians? Where are the Mikel Obi’s the Vincent Enyeama, Obafemi Martins, IK Uche, Victor Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho and Odion Ighalo and co. Are these ball jugglers not worthy of the awards, was the question many were asking when eventually Aubameyang was named as the best among the trio.

Well, as former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde explains, Nigeria will continue to play a second fiddle simply because the managers of football in the country has failed to do her job of harnessing talents and developing the game at the grassroots level.

“I have said it time without numbers that football is not developing in Nigeria. And as long as nothing concrete is being done, we will continue to struggle at the continental level in the areas of award like this. The stars we used to know are no longer there, the up and coming ones are running after contracts abroad, such that they lose the basic steps they need to grow in the game”, Onigbinde explains further, adding that as long as that is the case, how do you then win big time award like the CAF Awards”.

Ask if there is hope for Nigeria, especially now that the nation has been winning junior competitions at the world level? Well, Ongbinde continued, “I don’t know”,…but asked rhetorically; how old do you think those so called young boys are?

Towing Onigbinde’s line of thought was former Super Eagles midfielder, Austin Jay Jay Okocha. Juts like Mikel Obi, Okocha was tipped for the award at the height of footballing career but never made it to the top.

Speaking on the award that was last won by Nwakwo Kanu Okocha simply said, “Nigeria performed poorly at the Awards because no Nigerian player is good enough to be named African Footballer of the Year. This is because Nigerian football had gone down drastically.

And I don’t think any of our players at this moment deserve to be there because we have been struggling.

“Deservingly, we are at our current ratings because our results have not been very encouraging. We just need to accept it and then fight our way back”, he added.

If Okocha was disappointed, then the President General of Nigeria Supporters Club, Rauf Ladipo was even more. Speaking to journalists shortly after the Award in Abuja on Thursday, Ladipo said. That no Nigerian won shows that ‘there is problem with Nigerian football”.

“I’m not happy at all. That none of our players has won the award since Kanu did is so sad.

This shows that there is problem on ground,”, said the saddened Ladipo.

For a Nigerian to win the CAF award, such player must live above board for his country and his club. For now, no Nigerians players are particularly outstanding. Except Watford Striker, Odion Ighalo keeps his present pace and Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester city raises the tempo as he did yesterday when score the second goal for his club in his team 3-0 victor over Norwich City we might have to wait a little longer.

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Sunday, January 10, 2016

NFF’s youth programmme excites Pinnick

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Knockout with

Joel ajayi

IFEANYI Eduzor

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

ABUJA

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resident of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pininck said that the emergence of Victor Osimhen and Etebo Oghenetaro as the “Youth Player of the Year” and “Most Promising Player of the Year” at the just concluded GLO/CAF award is an indication that the federation’s youth programmme is on course.

Osimhen who scored nine goals in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament and was part of the team that won the U-23 championship in Senegal, late last year, beat the likes Adama Traore of Mali, and fellow Nigerian, Kelechchukwu Nwakali to the GLO-CAF 2015 Youth player of the year award.

Oghenekaro on the other hand who inspired Nigeria to win the U-23 tournament in Senegal dashed the hopes of Nigerian Okechukwu Azubuike and Malian, Djigui Diarra to win the most promising player talent award.

Amaju who was full of praise for the youth programme embarked upon by the NFF in the last one year said the award won by the two young Nigerians gives credence to NFF’s comprehensive youth development programme.

“We are very happy for their achievements but we are not surprised because we have a

Aiyegbeni decries state of boxing

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Pinnick

very good youth programme in place to assist the players. “We are very happy because if Nigeria was able to win two out of the twelve awards at stake, it means we have not done badly.

“People should not forget that there are 52 countries in Africa and winning two awards deserves commendation. Those players are promising young stars and I will not be surprised if any of them wins the African Footballer of the Year award in future.

Pininck was also optimistic that a Nigerian will emerge as Africa’s best player in 2016 even as he tipped the likes of Odion Ighalo to win the award.

“I ‘m very optimistic that next year , players like Odion Ighalo and other good Nigerian players will not only be nominated for the award but one of them will be crowned as the best player in the continent “, he concluded.

oxing promoter, Francis Aiyegbeni has expressed regrets at the poor state of the country’s boxing noting that something urgent need to be done to reposition the sport.

He told knockout that there is need for concerted efforts to be made by relevant authorities to address the poor state of boxing which in the past accounted for many medals for the country at international competitions.

According to him, it is unfortunate that with few months to the Olympic qualifiers, sports adminis-

trators have not come out with any programme that will help pugilists qualify for the most important game in the World.

“I am saddened with the poor state of boxing in the country which in the past brought a lot of glory to Nigeria. “ As we have entered a new year which incidentally is an Olympic year, I expect the Sports Ministry to map out strategies on how to reposition the sport and make our boxers come out tops in Olympic qualifiers holding in few months time,’ he concluded.

Lafit gym fitness challenge ends in Lagos Ifeanyi Eduzor

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Action recorded at Lafit gym fitness challenge

afit gym fitness challenge which kicked off on December, 19, 2015 at the Gbagada General Hospital play ground ended yesterday with Abiola Jewoola emerging the overall winner.

Abiola showed good knowledge of the rules of the game in such events as 6km run, burpees, jumping jack and tire pull to finish the event at a time of 8.13 seconds to win the star prize of N50, 000 at stake at the championship.

The second position which attracted the sum of N25, 000 went to Tolu Oloketuyi who finished in a time of 7.57 seconds while Chinelo Amobi waded off stiff opposition from male competitors to finish her event at 11.05 seconds to win the third prize and the sum of N15, 000.

Winner of the competition, Abiola Jewoola told Sunday Mirror that the

task was challenging but noted that it was determination and knowledge of the rules of the game that gave him victory even as he urged other participants to prepare well ahead of future competitions.

Organiser of the tournament, Eric Brown noted that Lafit gym decided to organize the championship to promote good health as well as improve the fitness level of people living within its host community.

According to him, the competition tagged “Gbagada Fitness Challenge” will be a continuous one even as he appealed for corporate sponsorship of the event.

“I am highly impressed with the championship because it enabled participants to test their endurance and fitness level which is essential for healthy living and that is why I am appealing to corporate Nigeria to partner with us in our efforts to take the fitness level of Nigerians to a higher level.

Ambrose unaware of Chinese club’s interest

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igeria international Efe Ambrose has maintained he is not aware of the reported interest in him by Chinese club Shanghai SIPG. The Celtic defender said he has no information of such interest from his agent or the club.

“I don’t know anything about the reported interest from the Chinese club,” said Nigeria defender Ambrose.

“My agent or my club have not informed me of interest from the club or offer.”

This season, 27-year-old Ambrose has made 12 appearances for champions Celtic, who are top of the league table with 46 points from 20 matches.

He joined the Scottish giants in the 2012/2013 season from Israeli club Ashdod.

Eagles in full house for Saturday training

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he Super Eagles training camp in Pretoria, South Africa, is bubbling again after all 22 players trained fully on Saturday.

Skipper Chima Akas has returned to full training after a knee injury relapsed in Abuja and he also suffered

Malaria.

Strikers Tunde Adeniji and Chisom Chikatara also trained with the rest of the squad after Friday was observed as a rest day.

“Every player trained fully and very well,” said one of the team officials.

The Eagles will play their final warm-up match against another CHAN-bound team, Cote d’Ivoire on Monday. Nigeria were forced to a 1-1 draw by Angola on Wednesday, while Cote d’Ivoire drew 1-1 with Guinea on Friday.

David Haye (L) exchanging punches with Eric Chisora

I may retire if I beat Haye, says De Mori

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ittle known contender, Mark De Mori is talking about potentially retiring from the sport if he knocks out 35-year-old David Haye in their heavyweight fight this month on January 16th at the O2 Arena in London.

De Mori, 33, wants to retire on a high point and he feels that a victory over the ring rusty Haye would be potentially a great way for him to leave boxing.

“If I win, there is more chance that it will be my last fight,” De Mori said to sky-

sports.com. “If I lose there is more chance I’ll keep on going, because I will want to prove something.

De Mori is an underdog in the fight despite the fact that Haye hasn’t fought in almost 4 years. Most fans believe that Haye will have no trouble beating De Mori but he is optimistic he will emerge victorious.

“I’ve got to pick some point to stop. To knock out a guy like David Haye and retire on a high point, I think would be the most intelligent move,” De Mori said.

Wilder wants to unify heavyweight division

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ndefeated WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder said there is need for unification of the division in order to bring glamour back to the game.

Speaking ahead of his third title defense against Polish brawler, Artur Szpilka, he noted that his target is to keep winning until he unifies the division.

“I’m just a different fighter than these guys in the heavyweight division.

My athletic skills, the way I move in the ring, my speed, the power that I have and the awkward style that I have. Other boxers in the heavyweight division know I am very serious in the ring. Nobody wants to fight me because they already know what the results will be.’’

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday, January 10, 2016

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Liverpool set to seal £18.7million deal

imon Mignolet is close to agreeing a new £18.7million Liverpool contract, Football Insider sources understand.

The goalkeeper is ready to commit to a deal that will lift his salary to £80,000-a-week and run until 2020.

Mignolet’s current £60,000-a-week agreement has two-and-a-half years left but the Merseysiders are willing to reward his No1 status.

A Liverpool source has told Football Insider that talks have been taking place for months about an extension and all parties are now confident that an agreement is nearly in place.

Jurgen Klopp was evasive on the subject of a new deal for the Belgium international at his media conference on Thursday afternoon but an announcement could be made in January.

Mignolet has attracted criticism for several errors this season but Klopp has consistently backed the Belgium international and insisted he has no plans to move for a new No1 in the winter window.

Mignolet

Martial better than expected –Van Gaal M

Gaal

Van Gaal

‘Oxlade-Chamberlain should leave Arsenal’

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Blatter, Platini now free to appeal bans

Martial

rsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should look to leave the club to enhance his chances of making England’s Euro 2016 squad.

That’s the view of former England footballer Ray Wilkins, who believes the 22-year-old may see his game time restricted when the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla return from injury for the Gunners.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move to Chelsea in reports across British media outlets on Friday, and Wilkins feels a change of scenery is something he should seriously consider to ensure he remains a part of Roy Hodgson’s plans.

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ifa’s ethics tribunal said on Saturday it had provided Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini with the reasons for its decision to ban them from football for eight years, clearing the way for them to appeal against the decision.

“The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee ... has notified Mr Joseph S. Blatter and Mr Michel Platini of the grounds for the decisions passed in December 2015,” the body said in a statement.

Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales said the Uefa president had indeed received the reasons behind the ban.

“We’ll read them, analyse them and launch an appeal on Monday,” D’Ales said.

In December, the ethics tribunal banned the Fifa president and vice president from football for eight years, saying they had abused their positions over a $2 million payment made to Platini in 2011 for work carried out between 1999 and 2002.

Blatter, who has headed Fifa since 1998, was also fined 50 000 Swiss francs ($50 000/46 300 euros) while Platini, the head of Uefa, Europe’s governing body, was fined 80 000 Swiss francs.

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Farah

Platini

anchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits that Anthony Martial’s performances at Old Trafford have exceeded the club’s expectations.

Eyebrows were raised when United splashed out a reported £36million to sign the French striker from Monaco, with the fee set to rise over Martial’s time with the Red Devils.

However, the 20-year-old has so far netted eight goals in 23 appearances in all competitions and Van Gaal is over the moon with his progress.

“I am very pleased with how Anthony is developing himself, which is why he always plays, more than I had imagined before,” Van Gaal told the United website.

“I could not predict that he would play almost every match because when you are 19 years old [when he joined] the rhythm of the Premier League is exceptional, which is why I am very pleased with him.”

Farah beaten D at Edinburgh Cross Country

ouble Olympic champion Mo Farah was beaten into second

by American Garrett Heath in the men’s race at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country.

Farah, 32, lost out in a sprint finish as Heath won in 25 minutes 29 seconds.

“It is disappointing to lose but better to lose now than later in the year. I couldn’t really sprint it was very slippery,” Farah told BBC Sport. Fellow Briton Kate Avery, 24, recorded her first senior international victory in the women’s race at Holyrood Park.

Avery, 24, took the lead in the early stages and finished the 6km course in 21:05 for her first senior international victory.

Ireland’s Fionnuala McCormack, representing Europe, was four seconds back in second, with GB’s Gemma Steel third in 21:31.

Farah, competing in the event for the first time since winning in 2011, began his Rio Olympics preparations with a rare defeat over the 8km course.

N I G E R I A I N --The amount Yobe State ex-servicemen realised in donations.

N9.2bn Vol. 7 No.1

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Comment

E-mail: jimunahlive@gmail.com Jim Unah is Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos

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with Jim Unah

overnance, in the context of nationstates, is the act of allocating and administering public resources efficiently and equitably in a manner that evokes public trust and confidence in institutions of state and the individuals who run the affairs of state. Construed in this fashion, the impression is created that where there is no efficient and equitable management of resources, the running of the affairs of state could not be regarded as governance. This query compels the writer to speak of good or bad governance, real or mediocre governance.

By governance, therefore, I mean real governance—the act of exercising authority appropriately and allocating resources effectively to achieve the objectives of the state, which is to promote public interest and guarantee public safety and the collective welfare of the citizenry.

Now, in a country where fundamentalist insurgency, ethnic divisiveness, daily looting of public treasury, and resource protective militancy are gaining more attention than infrastructure provisioning and service delivery to the people, and

N150

F I G U R E S - The sum

N2.7bnCustoms Service Zone C collected in 2015.

Restoring public trust in governance thus making real governance an uphill task for state actors, how can the trust and confidence of the people be restored? How can public trust and confidence in the affairs of state be re-kindled?

The youth—the active population of the country—are not gainfully and constructively engaged. A seven-month old government should, by now, commenced concrete and visible action in the direction of profitable change by way of gainful employment programs nation-wide.

That is not happening yet. As oil revenue is dwindling, investment in agriculture is being daily verbalized and touted as a long neglected sector for economic diversification. Unfortunately, without good, motor-able road and rail infrastructure criss-crossing the major zones of the country, investment in agriculture cannot be encouraged and accelerated. Those who are going to invest in agriculture will need to move freely from the cities to the rural communities and vice-versa. They need good road and rail transport system to do that. There appears not to be a visible activity in that arena.

Massive road and rail construction will provide immediate employment for the idle youths, now being lured, for want of jobs, into militancy, insurgency, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Well constructed roads, rail- tracks and train wagons will make investment in agriculture attractive for urban dwellers who need to travel and convey materials—agricultural inputs

and outputs—frequently.

Regular, uninterrupted electric power supply nation-wide will also boost agricultural investment and productivity. You need storage facilities for a good number of agricultural raw-materials. These rawmaterials also need to be processed into finished products with shelf life to make investment in agriculture profitable for investors. Efficient power supply is indispensible for this to happen. The last government had provided the foundation for power, agriculture and rail infrastructure.

All that is required is for the Buhari government to build on the foundation already laid. Where political contractors had failed in the past government to deliver road infrastructure as desired and required, the new Buhari government should assign tested professional road builders to commence work immediately on the Shagamu-Ore Expressway, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and several other roads in the eastern and northern parts of the country in a similar state of disrepair.

It does not speak well of the new government that all we see after seven months of ascension to power is power tussle within and between political parties; power tussle within and between the legislature and the executive arm of government. At this rate, it is difficult to fathom when the government in power intends to set the ball of service delivery to the people rolling.

Delay is dangerous considering the tempo of youth restiveness, armed robbery and

Aigbogun confirmed as new Enyimba coach

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aul Aigbogun has been appointed as the new coach of Nigerian champions Enyimba, replacing Kadiri Ikhana who led the club to their historic seventh league title last year.

Aigbogun returns to the Aba-based outfit where he previously worked as assistant coach to Salisu Yusuf in 2013.

“Enyimba Football Club can confirm that coach Paul Aigbogun has been appointed as the new Technical Adviser,” club spokesman Farriel Allaputa told BBC Sport.

“We are very confident he can guide the team to great heights and we will give him all the support he needs to succeed” “The management, players and staff are pleased to have Paul back as head coach because he not only has top-level experience, he is equally fa-

miliar with our club and shares our passion and ideals.

“In his previous spell as assistant coach in 2013 when we won our third Federation Cup, he stood out as a thorough professional, one that is as driven as we are for glory and success.

“We are very confident he can guide the team to great heights and we will give him all the support he needs to succeed,” Allaputa added.

kidnapping going on nationwide.

I think that the Federal Government should commence activities in road and rail construction, and the strengthening of security in all the 36 states of the country to effectively check armed robbery and kidnapping. Otherwise people will migrate to the cities in large numbers, and abandon the rural communities. Security, road and electricity are indispensable even for investment in agriculture to produce the desired effect.

Getting down to work and avoiding and abandoning corrupt elements, rather than continue to trade blames with the opposition and mere detractors, will send the right signals that the dispensation means business. And the Nigerian people will notice that politicking is over for Mr. President who is now poised for real governance, for effective service delivery to people who trusted his change mantra with confidence that he will perform creditably and admirably.

Every Nigerian citizen, including Mr. President, should borrow a leaf from what the Tanzanian President, Mr. Mugulufi, has been doing since he assumed office.

That is how not to squander the good will of a change mantra that brought an embattled President to power. That is indeed how to restore public trust and confidence in the business of governance in a country that had been plagued, for a long time, by corruption, impunity and mediocrity.

FA Cup Results

Wycombe 1 - 1 Aston Villa Arsenal 3 - 1 Sunderland Birmingham 1 - 2 Bournemouth Brentford 0 - 1 Walsall Colchester 2 - 1 Charlton Doncaster s 1 - 2 Stoke City Eastleigh 1 - 1 Bolton

Everton 2 - 0 Dagenham

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