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Big Read News

THE

P. 3-6

PASSION A Lifestyle Magazine

Sunday November 3, 2013

APPLAUSE

Look good even when married –Abike

Anglican Communion:

>>27

DUDE STYLE

I am a perfume freak –Baba Tee >>29

Stir of the homosexuals

I know what I want in a relationship –Madam Eba Ano >>26

I use sex to settle quarrels with my husband –Ada Bongo

News

P. 8

Boko Haram storms wedding, kills groom, 30 others

>>38

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 3 No. 47

Sunday, November 3, 2013

G7 govs to PDP

N150

We’re running out of patience with Jonathan Party moves against Kwara gov’s re-election

30 die in Anambra church stampede

P. 7, 14

FIFA U-17: Golden Eaglets beat Uruguay 2-0, through to semi-finals

P. 8

Nigeria, others to witness solar eclipse today

P. 63

Right: Golden Eaglets striker, Taiwo Awoniyi celebrating his goals during Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat of Uruguay in the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, yesterday. Right: Nigerian players celebrating with fans after the game.

Oduah: Pressure on Senate panel not to compromise P. 8

Workers threaten showdown with minister, agencies

News

Delta Speaker escapes death in bomb attack

P. 9

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What’s new Politics

Seven Days TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK NOVEMBER 3, 2013

Wellness

Dearth of potable water linked to cholera outbreaks –Experts Cholera is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacterium. The recent outbreak across the country has again brought to the fore governments inability to provide potable drinking water for the citizenry.

President yet to address our grievances –New PDP The seven aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors under the leadership of Abubakar Baraje faction has given indication that they might soon dump the party for another platform ahead of the 2015 elections. They insisted that they are running out of patience over the inability of President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the party to meet their demands. The governors

Senate threatens zero budget allocation to SURE-P The Senate has threatened to stop appropriating funds for Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, projects if the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, cannot defend the application of the funds so expended. The threat followed the inability of some ministers to appear before the National Assembly to defend the

use of the funds appropriated under the programme. A visibly enraged Chairman of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on SURE-P and Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, while addressing journalists at the National Assembly chided the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, over his inability to appear before the committee following an earlier invitation.

N255m armoured cars: PDP washes hands of Aviation Minister The embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, has failed to get the support of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the ruling party distanced itself from the N255m armoured cars purchase scandal. The party stated emphatically that it is greatly worried by the scandal. A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Chief Olisa Metuh, said the position of the

party on corruption was unambiguous while its practical examples in zero tolerance for corrupt practices abound. Hence, the party declared that it had never and would never condone any form of corruption. The PDP said that it would not cover up for Oduah over the bulletproof cars’ scandal, warning that the culprits shall not go unpunished.

N31m bribery scandal rocks Reps’ power committee Once again, the House of Representatives is beaming its searchlight on itself. This time, it is on its Power Committee. The committee has

been accused by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of receiving a N31 million bribe from it. Chairman of the House Committee

include Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aliyu Babangida (Niger) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara). The meeting of the faction of the PDP, which includes the G7 governors, could not hold at an earlier proposed venue, Sokoto Governor’s lodge as the men of the Nigeria Police force barricaded the venue.

Niyi Omogbenigun MD/CEO, RAINBOWLIGHTS PRODUCTION

MON

WED TUE

Passion

First of all, Rainbowlights Production is a multi-media outfit and we are into TV production and event coverage. On Mondays, I look at my timetable because I don’t just go to work without checking my itinerary. I do go through my diary to see what I want to achieve on that day. I set a target and on each day, I always have about five targets and I will start with the most important one just as it is in opportunity cost. It is the same thing as my Monday My third working day of the week is also the same as my Mondays and Tuesdays.

THU

…as troubled PDP features no candidate

ity of Nigeria, FAAN, bought two armoured Lexus cars that cost N120m (N60m per one) for Oduah. This is aside two other Toyota Prado cars whose costs were yet to be known. There were also revelations that Coscharis Motors lied to the Minister of Finance, the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, and the Nigerian Customs Service about the real owners of the cars, ostensibly to evade paying customs duty. Documents revealed that the armoured cars were meant for Lagos State government whereas they were the property of Oduah/ NCAA.

tively. The House resolved to investigate the allegation after the NERC Chairman, Sam Amadi, with top officials of the Commission appeared before it over the financial queries raised against it by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation which covered between 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Thursdays are somehow light for me. This is the day I see people who have given me job. Sometimes, I hang out with my friends. People say weekend starts on Fridays, but I disagree with them. My own weekends start on Thursdays. I start gathering momentum for my Friday.

FRI

Ngige, Obiano, Ubah go for broke

The scandal rocking the aviation ministry over the purchase of N255million armoured cars for the minister, Ms. Stella Oduah, by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, got messier on Wednesday. At the ongoing public hearing of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Aviation investigating the scandal, it was revealed that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, granted import waiver for the armoured cars. It was also revealed that the Federal Airports Author-

on Public Accounts have resolved to commence full investigation into the allegation by the NERC for capacity training of its members with no evidence that the training ever took place. The amount, it was learnt, was supposedly paid to the Power Committee in two installments of N18 million and N13 million respec-

I do almost the same thing on Thursdays. I’m an entrepreneur, a boss of myself. By noon or one o’clock I’m already closing my office. That is usually the time my friends start calling because I’m into entertainment industry.

SUN SAT

Anambra governorship debate

Oduah: Okonjo-Iweala linked to cars scandal

I go for functions and engagements on Saturdays. I go to church; I don’t miss it. If there is any event to attend later in the day, I go for it. *By Adaeze Amos (0802 301 2293)

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

November 3, 2013

Gay couples

Anglican Communion:

Stir of the homosexuals There is growing disquiet in the Anglican Communion over the vexed issue of homosexuality, a practice that has resonated in the permission of same-sex marriage by some dioceses, especially in the United States and Europe. But the Anglican community in Africa, particularly Nigeria, is resolute in its rejection of homosexual practice. Deputy Editor, Kayode Fasua, reports that the debate is currently raging like wildfire, in God’s vineyard

arried for words, a crowd of spectators that milled at the gate of United Bible University in Ojodu, Lagos, was stupefied. They watched on end as sprightly men held hands in sensual display of affections as they gathered to worship. Ordinarily, it was no big deal as the hue was that of a Pentecostal church holding a special programme inside the auditorium of that theological school. But certain indices added up to confound the onlookers. All the worshippers were young men, natively regarded as ‘aje butter’ (spoilt children). They were smartly dressed and were occasionally engaged in impassioned kisses and suggestive whimpers, as to express the joy of the occasion or the ecstasy of hot kisses or both. The next day, the media in Nigeria went viral with reports of the gay church fellowship, announcing

that for the first time, a gay church has made a debut in Nigeria. That was five years ago. Today, leader of the dramatis personae behind the Lagos gay gathering, is 40 years old. He is Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, who then founded House of Rainbow Fellowship, a Christian community for sexual minorities and marginalised people, in Surulere, Lagos. The son of a theology teacher, Macaulay who is being pilloried at home for being a gay preacher and for building a community of gay Christians, is ironically now making waves in England, where he is being celebrated. This maverick preacher, who started out as a Pentecostal pastor, has wondrously found inroads in the Anglican Communion where he was recently ordained a Deacon of the Anglican Church. In an elaborate ceremony June

‘NIGERIA’S ANGLICANS WON’T BE PART OF SUCH UNHOLY PRACTICE’

this year in Chelmsford, United Kingdom, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend Stephen Cotterel, ordained Macaulay at the Chelmsford Cathedral. Though Macaulay’s ordination was anchored on his religious sagacity, having inspired many ethnic minority people in the Newham area of London when in 2000 he played ‘Jesus’ in 2000 Newham Millennium Passion Play, other suggestions saw his ordination differently. Macaulay’s emergence as an Anglican Church cleric was seen in some circles as a hit below the belt for anti-gay Anglican community in Africa, which has been campaigning stridently against homosexual practices. The African Anglicans are particularly wrought that homosexual behaviours, regarded as demonic, had crept into the house of God. But in the Church of England, which is the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, there is unhidden tolerance of homosexual members while the global church is divided as to the godliness in allowing same-sex marriage. Enthused over his ordination, Macaulay had told journalists, “My ordination into the Anglican Communion is an important continuation of my call to parish ministry, to reach out to all people regardless of who they are. I believe whilst my ordination is not anything new to the church, for me, it is both relevant on the state of persecution and righteous living for sexual minorities. My message to all, especially Lesbian, Gay, BisexuCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

I’M PROUD TO BE A BLACK GAY PASTOR, SAYS MACAULAY

The Big Read

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Nigeria’s Anglicans won’t be part of such unholy practice’

Most Rev. Welby

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 al and Transgender (LGBT) people of faith and none, is to hold on to their dreams and hopes in the face of hardship; God is a good God and loves all people.” The gay pastor also traced his antecedent in the Anglican Church, which eventually calibrated in his emergence as a deacon. “I played the character of ‘Jesus’ in the passion play, which was staged outdoor throughout the London Borough of Newham in 2000; this alone did not change my life but nonetheless, it was a single contribution to enhancing my relationship with the Anglican Church and more so, with my Christian faith.” Macaulay had a baptism of fire in bringing to the open in Nigeria, the gay dimension to Christianity, which is culturally, socially and religiously rejected in the homeland. Alluding to this, he said: “2008 was a very busy year for House of Rainbow and the ministry was at the height of its popularity as we have become a household name in Nigeria, particularly well known for its inclusive welcome of marginalised communities. “We stood for change, peace and reconciliation; however, violence was thrust upon us as a community and many people, organisations and the media were simply looking for “dirt” about us. In February, I was ambushed by the media in Abuja at the Africa Sexuality Conference. In March/April, the newspapers were filled with sensational headlines; by July we have had many more ‘undercover reporters’ join us and they started to record and take photographs. By August/September, we received unprecedented hostile media coverage, increased violence and numerous death threats. Those who attacked us used this for their own gains. After the second year anniversary celebration of House of Rainbow in Lagos, I went to Abuja for several meetings and when I returned to Lagos, the environment became extremely hostile and the Board of House of Rainbow decided it was time we re-strategise. I was advised to return to London for my own safety and we moved the ministry underground to make it safer for those who attend. House of Rainbow since 2006 has always remained an active ministry in Nigeria with three active groups.” But Macaulay said despite persecutions, he would

Robinson

Primate Okoh

MACAULAY HAD A BAPTISM OF FIRE IN BRINGING TO THE OPEN IN

NIGERIA,

THE GAY DIMENSION TO

CHRISTIANITY, WHICH IS CULTURALLY, SOCIALLY AND RELIGIOUSLY REJECTED IN THE HOMELAND not be deterred by his resolve to keep shielding and pastoring gay Christians as he himself is a professed one. His words: “The subject of homosexuality is rarely addressed in churches today, even more so the topic of gay/lesbian Christians. Most ministries refuse to accept that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals can be born-again Christians. The belief is; you cannot profess to walk with Christ if you make a conscious decision to walk in ‘sin’. From many church pulpits, there is constant reference to Biblical scriptures like Sodom and Gomorrah which they say illustrate the consequence of this ‘chosen lifestyle’. These sentiments are also echoed in the lyrics of some well-known Gospel songs. “Whether you agree with this or not, the fact remains that LGBT communities are often condemned to ‘fire and brimstone’ damnation and ostracism. They are seen as the ultimate of all sinners – ahead of the adulterers, idolaters and gossipmongers. There have even been extreme cases of this ‘non-acceptance’ with arson attacks on gay-welcoming churches – one such example occurred in Hawaii a few years ago. “The irony of the matter is that the hatred towards

LGBT Christians is more likely to come from the black church which was once oppressed by the white community pre-civil rights days. Yet despite this history, the perceived bigotry from the black congregation remains and my experience is testimony to that,” he explained. Macaulay who said “I am proud to be gay and of Nigerian descent” also declared that “with the love of my parents, I continue to excel as a son who just happens to be homosexual.” However, Macaulay’s father, 80 years old Professor Kunle Macaulay, in an interview with Sunday Mirror, lamented, saying: “Though my son is a gay, I have been praying for him and I will keep praying for him, because that is what the Bible demands of us…also, I have rallied other men of God to join me in prayers as gay practice is a sinful act.” Soon afterwards, however, Macaulay the father, said Jide, his son, was gradually dropping the gay habit and that he hoped that with time, he would become a changed person. Professor Macaulay who is the National President of Association of Christian Theologians (ACT) in Nigeria, added that the incident of five years ago where gays gathered to worship was in no way connected with his United Bible University (UBU) in Ojodu Lagos, as his son’s Pentecostal fellowship group only hired the auditorium for use, at a time he (the father) was not in the country. Objecting strongly to the tolerance given to homosexuals in the Church of England, the Anglican Metropolitan Archbishop and Primate of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, recently warned of its dire consequences. “Such practices contravene the law of marriage as instituted by God. The Anglican Church of Nigeria is not in support of such. We maintain our stand despite the present pressure by the Church in Europe and some political forces compelling us to accept and approve same-sex marriages in Nigeria. We are proud to say that we stand by our belief in the true word of God as we will never be part of such unholy practices presently destroying the church of God in Europe,” His objection, penultimate week, was also amplified CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Air crashes in Nigeria

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Big Read

Sunday, November 3, 2013

‘It is possible for a man to feel that he’s a woman’ Dr. Adeyemi Suraj of Psychiatric Hospital, Oshodi Annex, Lagos, in this interview with Tai Anyanwu, reacts to why a man or a woman would crave after coital union with someone of same sex. Excerpts: What would make a man or a woman to become a homosexual or lesbian? There are different reasons and we can look at it from biological, psychological and social causes. The biological cause: a person who has a brain damage; it can have a tendency towards becoming mentally retarded and subsequently engage in homosexuality. Not because he wants to; but because he is mentally ill as at that time. Tendency towards the abnormal sexual affection could also be psychological. The way a person sees himself, for instance, it is possible for a man to feel that he is a female. Such people just have that kind of sexual abnormality because they have this feeling that they are neither male nor female. Such a person can engage in homosexual act. Then people who have this low self esteem can also develop such attitude. The psychological framework of a person generally is also involved. Then social causes; if it is socially accepted in an environment, like in the United States of America for example, some people will engage in homosexuality like a normal thing. Like if it is signed into law that homosexuality is normal in Nigeria; and a person that grows up in a society where homosexuality is practised openly, it will increase the tendency of the person to be a homosexual. That can also count for it. But these are medical terms; people have spiritual leanings and belief. But it is considered in some societies like Europe, America and the United Kingdom. But presently in Nigeria, it is illegal; so we consider it as a problem although to most psychiatrists, homosexuality has been removed as a psychiatric problem worldwide. It is not considered as a psychiatric problem anymore. So those are the things that could lead a person to becoming a homosexual. How does a homosexual see himself in the society? Well; it depends on the society. The first one is if they find themselves in a society where homosexuality is legal, they see themselves as normal. They don’t have any problem with you; they don’t have any problem with themselves. They see themselves as normal human beings, and they are treated as normal in a society where it is accepted. In fact, it is illegal for anybody to treat them as an outcast. In such environment, they

Suraj

are normal human beings. But in a society where homosexuality is considered illegal, like in Nigeria, there is a mixed feeling. Some of them are angry. That is why you will see some people come up in the media and annoyingly tell you that why should homosexual not be allowed to practise what they believe in? So, they see themselves as inferior and they get angry. There is this anger that grows within them; and sometimes, because they do it in secret, there could be some fear attached to it, anxiety attached to it. In such society, there is fear

attached to it, anxiety attached to it; they do it in the secret and there is a lot of lies that even when people catch them, they will lie about it because they don’t want the law to catch up with them. It brings anxiety, brings condemnation; and some of them, because the society does not accept it, they begin to see themselves as being abnormal and this even leads to depression for some of them. In fact, some of them can end up committing suicide in a society where homosexuality is illegal. But in a society where it is legal, they grew up in the society; they see everybody doing it as a normal thing. So they don’t feel bad. Such people will not get anxious to do it. Even in a legal society, religious beliefs can also cause anxiety, mixed feelings and condemnation for homosexuals when they know that their religion does not accept it. How can homosexuals be helped? In a society where homosexuality is legal, they are normal; there is nothing wrong with them. So you don’t help a normal person. In a society where it is considered illegal, like I earlier said, homosexuality is no more a psychiatric problem. It becomes an offence. So, there is no psychiatrist that will diagnose homosexuality as a problem. But in our society, culture does not permit, the law does not permit and religion also does not permit. So, help will need to be initiated by the person if the person realises that what he is doing is not comfortable with people. In Nigeria now, nobody can come out categorically and say he has homosexual problems and you cannot help a person that does not want to be helped. The only people that can be helped are people that will come out on their own to say ‘look, I have this homosexual tendency and I don’t like it. Those are people you can help; people who enjoy what they are doing and who have held it secretly; they are on their own, even when they are caught, there is nothing you can do about it; because they are not ready to change their attitude or their way of life. If anybody comes and says ‘look, I need help, I want to be a heterosexual’, they can be helped psychologically. One of the ways the person can be helped is psychologically. If the person undergoes a thorough investigation, and there are no brain damage, and psychological influence and social influence had been identified as the causes of the homosexual tendency, then those things will be corrected as appropriate. But majorly, the person will have to undergo psychotherapy. Most times, it is a psychological thing, they must change the way they think.

I’m proud to be a black gay pastor, says Macaulay CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 by the Anglican bishops who met in Nairobi, Kenya, where they roundly condemned homosexual acts. They warned that such practice was capable of breaking up the Church. How far the African bishops can go in the latest campaigns against homosexual practice and endorsement of same-sex marriage remains to be seen, as some parishes of the Communion in Europe and the Americas have gone far afield. For instance, three dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada, namely, New Westminster, Niagara, and Montréal, have extended the blessing of civil marriages to same-sex couples. This same scenario applies to the Episcopal Church of the USA which in 2009 adopted a resolution allowing individual bishops to choose whether or not to allow the blessing of same-sex unions within their bishoprics. That decision was widely seen as a form of compromise, following which gay marriages went viral in some US churches. In the same vein, the homosexual bug is not peculiar to the Anglicans, as the Catholic Diocese of the Old Catholics in Germany had recently approved of homosexual civil unions. Also, a retired Anglican, American Bishop of the Diocese of the New Hampshire, Gene Robinson, a professed

gay, said that he had led a retreat a few years before for gay Catholic priests. He opposed the Roman Catholic ban on homosexual seminarians, stating, “I find it so vile that they think they are going to end the child abuse scandal by throwing out homosexuals from seminaries.” Robinson who divorced his female wife in 1986, subsequently went to marry a fellow man, Andrew, in 1988. But the Archbishop of Canterbury, the symbolic leader of the world Anglican Communion, Justin Welby, seems to have beamed tacit smiles on homosexuals in the Church. In August this year, he warned Christians to repent over wicked attitude to the homosexuals. Welby who once voted against same-sex marriage in the House of Lords and opposed allowing gay couples to adopt, may have thus vascillated as he said that opposing gays and lesbians would be seen by a majority of under-35s as tantamount to “racism and other forms of gross and atrocious injustice.” But in Nigeria, the Senate last year foreclosed granting legality to the rights of the homosexuals as it passed the same-sex marriage bill, slamming a 14-year jail term on any two men or two women caught in the act. But for the Anglicans and other churches in their fight against homosexuality, advocacy remains the only weapon, so far.

Macaulay

The Big Read

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Homosexuality: We’ll rather break up than concur, say 1,358 bishops

Newly wedded lesbian couple

Chukwuma (right) and another Bishop on arrival from Kenya

DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

t’s not quite clear why the issue of homosexuality was not included the communiqué of the second Global Anglican Future Conference, GAFCON that ended in Nairobi Kenya, between October 21 and 26 where 1,358 delegates, including 331 Bishops representing tens of millions of the Anglican faithful worldwide, including Nigeria attended. Yet GAFCOM, as Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma of Enugu Diocese said, was primarily formed because of the issue of homosexuality and lesbianism that was accepted by some Anglican faithful in Europe and America. Coming out of the meeting almost enraged, Chukwuma warned that if care is not taken, the issue will again throw the Anglican Church worldwide into fresh crisis with the Church of Nigeria and other sister churches across the world threatening to secede from the Church of England. Chumkwuma further said the Archbishop of Canterbury did not help matters on the issue at the Nairobi Conference as his stand was neither here nor there on an issue threatening the union of over 20 million communicants. Addressing newsmen at Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu when he returned from the GAFCON conference, Chukwuma stressed that if the American and European communion of the Anglican Church that favour homosexuality do not renounce such acceptance, the Anglican Communion may disintegrate worldwide. He emphasised that it was one of the key outcome of the conference, maintaining that different communions of the Anglican church may secede if they insist on imposing homosexuality on the church. Different Bishops of the Anglican Church from the South-East that arrived the airport from Nairobi with Chukwuma agreed that what Bishop Chukwuma said was their opinion, stressing that they would severe their relationships if their pro-gay Bishops do not back down. Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, Caleb Maduoma was also among the Bishops that resolved not to compromise on the issue of homosexuality. The Anglican Bishops said they were rather more interested in having other issues to discuss, rather than homosexuality, adding that they deliberated on things

Two gay priests being joined together in wedlock

WE FEEL THAT HE (ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY) IS STILL SYMPATHETIC WITH THESE HOMOSEXUALS…AND IF

HE DOES NOT COME TO OUR SIDE, THE NEXT

LAMBERT

CONFERENCE, WE WILL NOT ATTEND

concerning their future in theological education, ministration, Holy Spirit, the way Islam is invading the churches and the whole world, culture, among others. The Church of Nigeria and others in Africa, Britain and America expressed readiness to secede because they were not ready to yoke with colleagues they called unbelievers or to have communion with a person who is a lesbian or homosexual or a Bishop who has forsaken his wife to marry a gay friend. They said they were standing seriously on the authority of the Bible, to defend the faith, adding that there is no going back. Bishop Chukwuma who spoke for the Nigerian Bishops said: “We are not going to compromise. And we have made it quite known even to the Archbishop of Canterbury and to the whole Europe and America, that there is no compromise as far as the scripture is concerned. So, if they do not repent, we are ready to stand on our own and go ahead with that authority of the scriptures and confess that faith as Anglicans for the future of the church of Anglicanism. “We are ready to secede because if you look at Ephesians Chapter 5, verse 7, it says that you should not have anything to do with those people who are becoming disobedient. So, why should we yoke with unbelievers. So, if they do not repent, we are ready to say, go away, we go our way. We love them but we hate their sins. “He (the Archbishop of Canterbury) left a day be-

fore we came because he was going to baptise the grand child of the Queen of England. But we got his statement which is very pathetic that he is not straight forward about his stand on this homosexuality and we are not going to comprise with this at all. We feel that he is still sympathetic with these homosexuals and we need to really watch him. And if he does not come to our side, the next Lambert conference, we will not attend.” He disclosed that from many dioceses in Africa, even from Britain and America, all over the world, the bishops came to Nairobi and they were all saying that they did not want homosexuality. Bishop Chukwuma said they were making a force that would shake the whole world. In a communiqué after the GAFCON, the Bishops resolved to commit themselves to teaching about God’s good purpose in marriage and in singleness and to oppose the secular tide running in favour of same-sexmarriage. They also resolved to commit themselves anew to the Jerusalem statement and declaration, with emphasis upon the gospel of Christ, as well as rely on the power of the gospel to be effective in mission. They further resolved to commit themselves to supporting mission and encouraging lay training in obedience to this great Commission to make and mature disciples, with particular attention to children and youth. “We commit ourselves to work for the transformation of the society. We repudiate all violence against women and children. We shall work for the economic empowerment of those who are most deprived and we shall be a voice for persecuted Christians,” the Bishops stated. The conference identified the Anglican Church core priority, according to Matthew 28: 19-20, to mean making disciples in the word, meaning that the movement must be committed to evangelising the West Africa and bringing the gospel to unreached people. It also identified another priority to mean supporting genuine gospel initiatives, re-organising that there are times when the maintenance of structures can constrain the gospel. “In such circumstances, we will seek to work beyond those structures as an obedient response to our Lord’s primary command to take the gospel to all nations. “Guarding the gospel, we shall continue publicly to expose any false gospel that is not consistent with apostolic teaching,” part of the communiqué said.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday, November 3, 2013

2015 : PDP moves against Kwara gov’s re-election, shops for replacement AYO ESAN

he Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed who is the only one serving his first term among the G7 Governors that walked out of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, mini-convention last August has reportedly been marked out for punishment. Ahmed had left with other leaders like for-

mer Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to the new PDP. Sources close to the national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, informed that the party has vowed that Ahmed will not be given the chance to contest the 2015 gubernatorial election in Kwara State under the umbrella of the party ‘ It will also be recalled that the factional chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Kawu

Baraje is also from Kwara State and the former Governor of Kwara State , Senator Bukola Saraki who is believed to be the godfather of Ahmed is a strong member of the new PDP. The source said that the PDP top hierarchy is already searching for a loyal and strong PDP member from the state who will replace Ahmed. Feelers from Kwara PDP indicate that the party is beaming its

searchlight on loyal PDP members who are not part of the new PDP. Two politicians are said to have been shortlisted after a thorough search which has led to the visit of the state by top hierarchy of the party from Abuja. They are Alhaji Bio Ibrahim and Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem. Our source said the duo have indicated their interest in contesting the 2015 gubernatorial election in

the state and one of them may likely emerge the PDP candidate in the election. Alhaji Bio Ibrahim was the former Minister of Sport and he resigned from the ministerial position to aspire for the Kwara governorship office but was denied the slot by the party . Before he became the Minister, Bio was a member of the House of Representatives and a speaker of the state’s Assembly. He is seen by political analysts

in Kwara state as a formidable contender who can deliver the state to the PDP if fielded. Abdulraheem too is a former Vice –Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and was also a gubernatorial aspirant in 2011. He was later picked as Director-General of the Fatah Ahmed Campaign Organization which successfully carried out the campaign of Ahmed to become the governor of the state.

2015: Suswam asks aspiring aides to resign HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference, Sen. Femi Okurounmu (4th left); Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (middle); Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule (3rd right); Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (4th left behind) and others, during a the visit of the Presidential Advisory Committee to the governor in Lagos at the weekend.

Igbotako Day: Ibrahim counsels community on development strategy HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE.

he Group Managing Director of Energy Group and publisher of National Mirror, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, has called on the people of the Igbotako Community in the Okitipupa Local Government area of Ondo State to set aside their political affiliations by joining hands to work towards the development of the community. Ibrahim who stated this yesterday in Igbotako during the 10th Utako Day Celebration urged the people to continue to chart a developmental way for the community, irrespective of their political leanings. He appreciated the people of the community for putting up the special events and said no amount of contribution towards the development of the town will be too small, urging them to continue to be good ambassadors of the town.

“I am not here to make speech but to support the development of this community in my own little way,” Ibrahim said. He also called on the youths of the community to always feel free to express their needs to those who can always help them saying, “I am talking in terms of employment; we have many sons and daughters of this town who can help you get employed. Talk to them and you will be helped. You are the future leaders of this community and we can keep enjoy enjoying this development if we develop our youths.” He, however, promised to get 25 young graduates of the community employed in different federal establishments before the celebration of the next Utako Day. Speaking on the occasion, the paramount ruler of Osooroland, Igbotako, Oba Dr. Gbadebo Bajowa, appreciated the supports of ‘sons and daughters’ of the

town for displaying uncommon understanding and cooperation toward the development of the town. The monarch said “It is beyond any shadow of doubt that Igbotako has experienced unprecedented grassroots development which is a clear indication of the giant strides being taken by us towards the transformation of Igbotako.” He listed among others, the construction of general hospitals, solar energy supply, tarring of township roads, rehabilitation of the township hall, and purchase of a police patrol van as some of the community’s development projects executed by the people of the town. The monarch noted that the projects have given the town a facelift which has ranked the town as a place of pride among the neighbouring communities. He specifically appreciated Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim for his support for the community describing

ibrahim as a worthy ambassador who is always interested in supporting developmental Projects of the town. “Jimoh Ibrahim singularly donated towards the restoring of electricity to this community which has been turned to darkness for some time. I do hope and believe he will not relent in supporting the community,” he enthused. Oba Bajowa, however, called on the state government to fulfil its promise on the execution of projects in the area, saying the state government should in a matter of time embark on speedy construction of model schools as promised by the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. Some of the dignataries at the celebration of the 10th Igbotako day include, traditional chiefs from differnt quaters, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, Paul Akintelure, Hon Niyi Adebusuyi, Falolu Adejekun, among others

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has asked those jostling for governorship position in the state to exercise patience, noting that the whistle is yet be blown to commence campaigns for elective positions. Governor made the assertion at the weekend during the burial of a foremost politician and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Shugaba Dam Ayali, who was buried in his countryhome of Shitile in Katsina-Ala Local Government of Benue State, at the weekend. “I want to sound this note of warning that whoever is willing to offer himself for contest of any elective office come 2015 should either resign or give one year notice…or else what they are doing now could be tantamount to distraction,” he said, stressing that government functionaries owe the state a responsibility to be focused.

He however assured that when the time is ripe, “everybody will know; it will not be a hidden secret.” On those clamouring that he should join the race to the Benue North-East senatorial seat, Suswam said he would give his response at the appropriate time. “If you must know for now, I still have two years and other pressing projects are there for me to execute and if I should engage in campaigns now, it will distract my attention from carrying out the enormous projects for the people,” he stressed. Also speaking, chairman, Tiv Elders Stakeholders Forum, Chief Abu King Shuluwa, who was a Commissioner for Agriculture in the Second Republic in the state eulogised Dam Ayali for his steadfastness throughout his career in partisan politics, saying that he was a man who believed in politics of without free during his time, urging others to emulate his leadership style.

Attempt to burn Kano PDP secretariat foiled

nidentified persons yesterday attempted to set ablaze the Kano State Secretariat of the Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Court Road in the metropolis. A man who said he witnessed the incident told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that ``some miscreants” stormed the secretariat at about 6.30 a.m. and set ablaze a car which was parked near the secretariat. The witness said the hoodlums were about to enter the secretariat to carry out similar act when some

good samaritans saw them and chased them away. He said it was the quick intervention of the people around the secretariat who put off the fire that saved the secretariat from being burnt. When NAN contacted the Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Alhaji Jafar Bello, he confirmed the incident, adding that investigation had commenced to ascertain the circumstances behind the incident. ``Investigation is being carried out to find out whether it was arson or an accident’’, he said.

News

Sunday November 3, 2013

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Oduah: Pressure on Senate panel not to compromise …as unions prepare for showdown OLUSEGUN KOIKI

embers of the Senate Committee probing the fraud allegations against Aviation Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah, have come underpressure not to compromise in its investigations of the purchase of two armoured cars at N255 million. Sources close to the committee disclosed yesterday that various interest groups ranging from the aviation sector to the human rights community have written to the Senate, warning of the dangers in allowing undue influences that could extricate the minister in lieu of

possible indictment. “Some of the groups’ members have even been making physical representation, asking for justice on the matter,” disclosed a source, which preferred anonymity. However, yesterday, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, joined the fray, declaring that the industry unions are already preparing for a showdown with the embattled minister or any agency found culpable in the ongoing financial fraud rocking the country’s aviation industry. NUATE, however, said that it would not take any action until those panels saddled with the responsi-

bility of investigating the cars fraud involving Oduah came out with their reports. Speaking on the phone with our correspondent over the weekend, the Secretary General, NUATE, Comrade Abdulkareem Motajo, said once the panels submitted their reports to the appropriate authorities and a party is found wanting, the unions would unleash all their “arsenals” on the culprit. Besides, he said that the unions would no longer tolerate a situation where their members are owed several months or years of allowances due to them by any of the agencies under the pretence of “inadequate funds. He said that with the

several disclosures in different quarters on the acquisition of two BMW760 armoured cars to the minister at the rate of N255 million and also to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi, it was clear that there are enough funds in the coffers of the agencies to cater for the welfare of their members. “I don’t want to conclude that the minister is fraudulent; all these are the information that we are hearing, but we are preparing our arsenals for a fight. Whenever the whole thing is clear that there were corrupt practices in any of the agencies with facts, then,

we are going to ask for and ensure the right allowances are paid to our members without any further delay. His words: “But we don’t want to pre-empt the outcome of the investigative panels; we are a very responsible organisation and know the law. We want to abide by the laws and we will do the right thing at the right time. We will fight the management. They will not tell us there is no money. We will tell them we know the money is there and we will fight for our members without any excuses.” Motajo vowed that the unions would protect the interest of their members, saying that rather than castigate the whistle blower, the various chief executive officers who saw the graft and refused to expose it to the public should be sanctioned by the government. He added that instead of threatening the whistle blower, such a person if known should be given a national award for exposing the rots in the system.

“Should any management or even the Federal Government attempt to penalise anyone over this matter, the unions will not take kindly with the body and I will give you the reason. The law of the land says even if you enter somewhere illegally, where crime is being committed and you see the crime and report such to the appropriate authorities, the issue of your illegal entrance or what have you does no longer come up. A lot of the revelations have been disclosed so far by the joint national assembly committee; that tells us that a lot have been happening in the sector. “All the things that the Director-General and all the Managing Directors have been exposing at the National Assembly, are they blowing any whistle? This is the reality of things. If those information are found out to be correct, the helmsmen responsible should be penalised for not bringing out those facts until they were blown open and investigation comes to them.

Boko Haram kills bridegroom, 30 others in Borno INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

B Voters queuing to cast their votes at Ede Oballa Ward of Nsukka Local Government Area, during the Local Government elections in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

30 worshippers die in Anambra church stampede NWABUEZE OKONKWO\ ONITSHA

ragedy struck at Uke, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State as no fewer than 30 worshippers lost their lives in a stampede that erupted in a night vigil which took place at the Holy Ghost Adoration Catholic Prayer Ministry, Uke. The stampede which occured at about 2 a.m. as a result of an explosion, left scores of others worshippers in a state of coma. According to the source, the incident occured shortly after Governor Peter Obi, accompanied by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Willie

Obiano visited the Adoration ground and addressed the congregation where he promised to sponsor 20 persons to pilgrimage in Israel. Confirming the incident, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG in charge of ‘C’ Department, Mr. Kachi Udorji who visited the scene yesterday, told newsmen at the Police Area Command Headquarters, Onitsha that only 28 persons died on the spot during the stampede. Udorji, accompanied by the the DIG incharge of Operations, Philemon Leha and AIG Ballah Nasarawa, Anambra Commissioner of Police, said he had visited the adoration ground and later to Crown Hospital at NkporUno where some of the corpses were deposited and the in-

jured are being hospitalized. He expressed rude shock over the incident and said investigations will continue to unravel the cause of the incident. One of the worshippers, Emeka Ilodiuba, who lost his wife to the incident, told newsmen amidst tears that they had come out of the prayer ground on their way through the crowded place to where they parked their vehicle when suddenly, there was shouting everywhere and people started scampering for safety when his wife fell down and never survived the stampede. “I m from Nnokwa in Idemili South council area of Anambra state, I came to Ebube Muonso with my wife, when the prayer ended

around 5.30 am, we stood up to find our way home, then the governor and his entourage had left but when we got to the entrance, there was unprecedented crowd trying to find their way out of the prayer ground, the crowd surged forward and that was when my wife fell down and people fell on top of her till she died”. He also revealed that Governor Obi had shortly left when the incident occurred and maintained that the presence of Obi and Obiano at the prayer ground had nothing to do with the incident and called on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the major cause of the stampede that claimed the lives of the innocent worshipers.

arely a week after some suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched an attack on a security post along Bama- Banki- Firgi road in which they went away with some security patrol vehicles after setting the entire place ablaze, another group of terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents blocked a convoy of a bridegroom with his invited guests to a wedding in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa state, killing over 30, including the groom. Our correspondent gathered from a reliable source that the groom, his friends and family associates from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital went to the wedding Fatiha in Michika town, where the wedding was performed successfully; but luck run out of them as they were ambushed by a group of suspected terrorists killing over 30 of them. Bama- Banki –Firgi federal highway along the junction is about 40 kilometres away from Cameroon Republic, 100 kilometres to Maiduguri and 26 kilometres to Gwoza Local Government area of Borno

State, which is one of the mountainous areas suspected to be an enclave of terrorists who fled from the Sambisa Forests during the offensive military raids after the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa on May 14, this year. A motorist who did not want his name mentioned told our correspondent that, “ I drove from AdamawaMichika - Bama- Maiduguri road with my passengers, but I have to thank God because when we reached a place along the Firgi area, we saw a lot of dead bodies killed by gunshots and some were even slaughtered beside the road. In fact, my passengers advised me that we should make a u-turn to Michika, but I summoned courage and told them that God is in our control.” Another security source and a Hospital source in one of the federal hospitals in Maiduguri said, “ We have received over 30 dead bodies of people suspected to be those coming from a wedding Fatiha where most of them wore wedding uniform (Anko, in Hausa) on Saturday evening,

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News

Sunday November 3, 2013

BAD PORTION OF THE LAGOS/ABEOKUTA EXPRESS ROAD

The deplorable condition of the Lagos-Abeokuta Express Road, Abule Egba, Oja Oba and IIe Epo of Lagos State, a reflection of the harrowing experience of tax payers

PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Delta Speaker escapes death in bomb attack T he Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Ochei, yesterday at Obomkpa in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, emerged unhurt from what his loyalists described as assassination attempt. Two locally made Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.) exploded and critically injured a female aide to one of the Speaker’s associates

The explosion, however, left two persons with severe injuries. A source identified one of the injured persons as a female personal assistant to Bishop Ken Ebolum of Dominion Christian Centre, Asaba. He added that the two victims were rushed to the Delta State Teaching Hospital, Oghara, for treatment. Several eyewitness sources said that chaos broke out as

soon as the suspected bombs exploded, with the speaker and other scampering for safety. One of the sources disclosed that the speaker had arrived in Obomkpa to inaugurate his political group, “Otumowane,” in preparation for the 2015 general elections. His close associates have revealed that he has indicated an interest in running for the governorship.

Ochei, who was on a routine familiarisation and thank-you tour of his Aniocha North Constituency, had barely finished exchanging pleasantries with political faithful at the Eke Market square venue, when a loud explosion and its attendant smoke threw the crowd into pandemonium. According to a source at the scene, Hon Ochei had not taken his seat immediately

on arrival, as he was busy exchanging greetings when the canon which was ignited and propelled from the rear on trajectory to the Speaker’s seat on the front row, was however inhibited y the set of chairs which even though were shattered provided some cushioning effect. A police source said that an Assistant Commissioner of Police from the Delta

State Police Command immediately mobilised a team of police officers to the scene. Efforts to reach police spokesman, Lucky Uyabeme, proved abortive but a police source confirmed the event. The source revealed that some arrests had been made and that the suspects were being interrogated at the police headquarters in Asaba, the state capital.

14 bag first-class degrees at Bell varsity graduation Low turnout as PDP

he Bell University of Technology, Ota in Ogun State yesterday said 14 students had bagged first-class degrees at its 2012/13 convocation. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Adeyemi, made this known at the 5th convocation and the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees, and presentation of prizes in Ota. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 208 graduating students participated in the ceremony.

They comprised 14 students bagging first class honours, 64 being in second upper division, 83 second class lower division, 43 in third class, and four receiving ordinary pass. Adeyemi urged all the graduating students to have belief in their abilities that they could make it in life in spite of the existing situation in the country. He emphasised the need for them to be patriotic in their bid to move the nation forward. ``I also wish to inform

you all that the postgraduate degree programmes (PGD) and postgraduate diploma programmes had been approved by National Universities Commission. `` The approval of these courses will give room for the institution to carry out numerous researches that will lead to development of both human capital and the nation,” he said. Adeyemi said that the approved PGD courses included M.Sc in biochemistry, industrial chemistry,

computer science, information science. He said the diploma courses were to be offered in microbiology and applied physics. He said that eight students had since registered for their masters’ degree programmes in the institution. Adeyemi announced that a philanthropist, Prof. Emmanuel Edizien had donated a 500-seater theatre to the institution, saying the hall would be properly put to use.

Don’t post Igbo in police to B’Haram states, group tells IG CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

pan-Igbo human rights group, NdiIgbo Voice, has urged the Police Service Commission and the InspectorGeneral of Police to halt “the deliberate, proposed plan to transfer policemen from South-East to Boko Haram troubled states.” It was learnt that about 97 policemen and officers, were pencilled down to be transferred from Imo State to Borno State. Addressing a World Press Conference in Owerri in Imo State at the weekend, Chief Uzoma An-

unihu, President-General of the group, warned that such the move was ill-intentioned since the policemen to be transferred did not understand the terrain of the Boko Haram troubled states of the North. Anunihu said that policemen especially those from Imo State had not been duly trained in counter-terrorism in order to effectively equip them for the task ahead. ``Again, why must it be solely a massive transfer of policemen within Imo State Police Command; and others from the SouthEast that are being pushed to the North?” He queried.

``If such deployment should be made, it should have a national spread considering the nature of work and hostility of the said troubled northern states. ``We should recall the Ombatse group case, where over 110 security operatives, who included police officers and SSS Operatives, were allegedly ambushed and killed in a mysterious way. And up till now, no single arrest has been made and no progressive investigation is done on the matter. ``Again, we cannot easily forget the attack on Nigerian Army troop, meant for the Sudan Mission, on

their way to Lagos in Akure by suspected terrorists few months ago,’’ he said. The group, however, urged the Chairman of Police Service Commission, Mr Mike Okiro, to use his expertise to stop the proposed transfer in the interest of the unity of the country. In a related development, Ndi-Igbo Voice, condemned the on-going personal and vociferous attacks on the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, by some groups and individuals without relevant anti-grant agencies concluding their investigation.

sweeps Enugu council poll

ate arrival of materials and apathy in most places marked yesterday’s local government elections in Enugu State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the candidates of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were unchallenged in most of the wards and councils, as the exercise was merely a rubber stamp. Reports from some areas, however, indicate that the elections took off smoothly and witnessed large turnout, especially in the constituencies of chairmanship candidates. A correspondent who visited Umabor, the hometown of the chairmanship candidate for Nsukka, reports that a large crowd showed up to affirm the candidacy of Mr Charles Ugwu, the only contestant. A civil servant in the area, Mr Festus Aleke, told NAN that it was incumbent on the people to show solidarity with their own. ``Charles is our son and we have to support him. Even if he doesn’t have an opponent, we have to come out and support him,’’ Aleke said. Conversely, voter apathy was recorded in most of the polling stations in Acha-

ra Layout, Enugu South Local Government Area. The voters were yet to arrive for accreditation at the Igbariam Primary School polling station and others as at 10 a.m. One of the presiding officers, Mr. Chibueze Chukwu, told NAN that the election materials had not been supplied just as the voters were yet to show up. ``We are still waiting for the supervisor to come with the materials. Whenever they come, we will start accreditation after which the voting will start,’’ he said. In Udenu local government, the outgoing chairman, Dr Godwin Abonyi, told NAN that the turnout was impressive and that the election was going on smoothly as at mid-day. At Ikem, headquarters of Isi-Uzo local government, voting started late as the APGA councillorship candidate for Ward 2, who is the incumbent councillor, insisted on the right way of doing things. An eyewitness disclosed that there were skirmishes between the supporters of the APGA candidate and their PDP counterparts, which held up voting in the area.

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Man in the News NOVEMBER 3, 2013

Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd)

Is ex-Army officer a stormy petrel? THE COUP, NOW

AYO ESAN

WIDELY KNOWN AS

ol. Tony Nyiam (rtd) who is a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue last Monday created a scene when he shouted down the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during the South-South pre- conference hearing in Benin City, the state’s capital. As Oshiomhole was making his contribution at the pre-conference event where various ethnic nationalities, including the Ijaw, Urhobo, Benin and Isoko made presentations, Nyiam became the arrowhead of the disruption of the scheduled talk as he shouted down the governor while making his contribution. The governor, who took the stage to make his contribution shortly after the Isoko ethnic group had spoken, said he objected to spending huge public funds on a wasteful venture, saying, money was spent on a similar conference and at the end, nothing came out of that conference. “I will be surprised if anything changes. Sincerely, I have no business to deceive or mislead anyone. I believe that the outcome of this conference will not be different from that of other conferences we have had in the past.” But as soon as Governor Oshiomhole made this statement, Nyiam jumped on his feet and would perhaps have lunged at the governor were he close to him. He was, however, restrained by other members of the Presidential Advisory Committee who were taken aback by his action. Even while Oshiomhole was still making his contribution, Nyiam started screaming at the top of his voice for the governor to shut up and sit down. He was then joined by the party thugs, who disrupted the proceedings and many scampered for safety as a result of the rowdiness that followed. The governor, who insisted on concluding his remarks, however stopped when the thugs were getting violent. Shocked by the attitude of Nyiam, the Presidential Advisory Committee apologized to Oshiomhole “over the unruly behavior of Nyiam.” In a letter by the chairman of the committee, Senator (Dr) Femi Okurounmu, titled, ‘Dialogue Committee Condemns Unruly Behaviour’, the committee apologised to Oshiomhole over the incident. Nyiam was absent as the committee sat in Enugu mid last week to meet the South-East people at a similar event and this has given credence to the speculation that Nyiam might have resigned his position due to pressure from other members over his unruly behaviour at Benin or that he might have been told to stay away to prevent a recurrence of the Benin ugly incident. Condemnation has trailed the action of Nyiam since last Monday with the main opposition party, APC condemning the disruption of the South-South zonal public sitting of the Committee in Benin during the presentation by Oshiomhole. The party said that the incident vindicated its refusal to be part of the proposed conference. Describing the incident as despicable, the opposition party said it was sponsored by some persons, but failed to name the persons. In a statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the APC said the committee should be thoroughly ashamed of itself as one of its members led the show of shame that was put up in Benin. The party demanded an unreserved apology from the

MAJOR GIDEON OKAR’S COUP, FAILED BUT NYIAM FLED THE COUNTRY, COMING BACK YEARS AFTER

committee to Mr. Oshiomhole, and a public caution or outright ejection of the member “who acted so unruly and irresponsibly. ”The truth is that in proposing the conference, the government has no sincerity of purpose, does not believe in engaging in any dialogue with anyone but itself, and has only used it to distract the attention of Nigerians from the total absence of governance and sense of direction by the Jonathan administration. ”This is why we refused to participate in what is nothing but a sheer deceit. We have already been vindicated even before the start of the conference,” the party said. APC pointed out that since the essence of democratic discourse was for all sides to be allowed to have their say, it was wrong for anyone to be shouted down because their stand did not tally with that of the committee or the organisers of the meeting. “What a contradiction that a member of a panel set up to help forge national discourse does not even believe in the plurality of opinions. Does anyone need any further evidence that the committee has already made up its mind on the direction their so-called assignment will take? “How can you sincerely hope to midwife a dialogue with Nigerians when you cannot even oversee a dialogue in a town hall meeting?” It asked rhetorically. The opposition party expressed total shock and disgust that the governor of the state that was hosting the advisory committee “was treated so primitively by hired thugs. ”Even if they have no respect for the person of Governor Oshiomhole, couldn’t they have at least shown respect for the office he is occupying? If a person in the calibre of the governor, with his antecedents and prominent role in the national political discourse, cannot be allowed to air his opinion on any issue, what then will happen to ordinary citizens?” The party asked. It commended Oshiomhole for his maturity and decency, which showed through in his handling of the whole situation despite the indignity meted out to him. ”By his comportment, from which his security and other aides apparently took a cue, Governor Oshiomhole averted what could have been a violent confrontation and left no one in doubt that he is a true democrat. In the end, those who conspired to humiliate him have unwittingly

played up his tolerance, his decency and his democratic credentials.” The Edo State branch of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has called for an outright disbandment of the committee, describing the verbal attack on the governor as a threat to Nigeria’s nascent democracy. State chairman of the CRPP, Dr Samson Isbor said, “The purpose of the PACND, we were made to understand, is to collate the views of individuals, ethnic nationalists, interest groups and other stakeholders ahead of the so-called National Conference. But the CRPP was taken aback with characters that form the committee of fundamental issues that affect the development and the corporate existence of our dear country. “The action displayed by the members, particularly one Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd), at the South-South pre-hearing conference during which he shouted down Comrade Adams Oshiomhole when the latter was making his presentation just like every other Nigerians, is untenable.” Edo Reps caucus in the House of Representatives was joined by traditional rulers and youths from the state to declare Col Nyiam persona non grata in Edo State. Nyiam, despite the spate of criticism, has defended himself, saying Governor Adams Oshiomhole made “sarcastic remarks” against the proposed National Dialogue, asserting that, “governors who are in the habit of kicking against the laudable efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan should wait for the response of Nigerians.” Nyiam who was asked if he has resigned, said, “The situation is that I have not told anybody in the public that I have resigned.” He explained that the governor was “talking down on people and he is not supposed to do that because our job is to meet with the people and not the governor since we have paid him a courtesy visit earlier.” His words: “Governors who have a penchant for insulting the President or making sarcastic remarks against the sense of judgment of the President of Nigeria should be ready to tolerate response from Nigerian citizens to tell them ‘no’. The committee’s role is advisory, we need to consult with the people to advise us and we will then synthesize the peoples’ opinion and use that to advise the President because we believe that we need to work towards a peoples-driven constitution which we never had in our history”, he said. Nyiam was the most senior officer in the April 22, 1990 coup, which tried to topple the government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

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Politics

Anambra 2013: PDP sure as Supreme Court hears Ukachukwu’s appeal • Asks Jega to redeploy state INEC boss, Onukogu

P 13

PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES

NOVEMBER 3, 2013 THE AMBIGUITY OF A PARTICULAR REGION HOLDING ON TO POWER

Ominous sign over siege on new PDP

FOR TOO LONG AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER REGIONS IS NOT GOOD AND

P 12, 13

PORTENDS DANGER FOR THE COUNTRY AND HER PEOPLE –CHIEF ISAAC

SHAAHU

Anambra governorship debate

Ngige, Obiano, Ubah go for broke CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

head of the Anambra State gubernatorial election fixed for November 16, the trio of Dr Chris Ngige of All Progressives Congress, APC; Dr Willie Obiano, of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, of the Labour Party had on Friday re-enacted their rivalry as they strode the finals of the debate sessions organized by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group led by Aremo Taiwo Alimi. Generally, Obiano and the three other contenders performed very well during the debate; however the event was nearly marred by the very cold relationship which the key participants displayed among each other throughout the proceedings that were watched by their cronies and admirers. The debate proper began after the moderator, Imoni Amaliria and Head of Elections Debate Group, Alimi, had respectively made their opening remarks, outlining the rules and procedures that guided the event. And once it was their turn to speak and respond to questions and issues raised by the panelists, during the proceedings that lasted for about three hours, the three contenders went on the offensive, throwing brickbats at each other and denigrating their individual manifesto, all in the attempt to outwit the one another. The moderator had to wade in and caution them over their contentious utterances, which he deemed as violation of enabling rules. The candidate of Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, Chief Godwin Ezeemo, who was among the four frontrunners that took part in the final session held at the Women Development Centre, Awka, took a middle course and discreetly avoided making contentious remarks. Each of the candidates was given three minutes to make his opening speech and another three minutes to answer both the main questions and the follow-up questions that consequently arose. No candidate was allowed to read from a prepared note. The question and answer session: The main question thrown at them dealt with the issue of why do they want to rule Anambra State now? The first to respond was Ngige. He said he wants to rule again because the foundation he laid when he first served as governor has been uprooted and destroyed. According to Ngige, “It is a second missionary journey; my blueprint which I left for Obi,

…as troubled PDP features no candidate

Ngige

I want to come back and accomplish them; security of lives and property. I have done it before and we have to wire the state security-wise and install bomb detectors at strategic points to secure the State.” He also said that he is going to change the school system by introducing vocational subjects as well as introduce an agricultural scheme for graduates who cannot get employment. He called for the decentralisation of the Police and retention of immunity clause for governors. Ngige threw brickbats at his colleagues, saying, “For me, I don’t know how to import dual purpose kerosene but I know managerial skills and administration and they don’t have it; they will do four, four years apprentice scheme when they come in and we don’t need such people”. Responding, the APGA candidate, Obiano, said he is contesting because he wants to bring his experience as a world-class banker to bear and bring up Anambra State to the next level. He said he would pursue four pillars of development spread across these sectors: agriculture, education, health, security, infrastructure and youth development. According to Obiano, “We have 14 items which we have put our energy in to researching. As for agriculture, we would mechanise it to create jobs. Oil and gas, we need to improve those areas to create jobs;

Briefly Katsina gets committee on national dialogue Katsina State Government has set up a sixmember committee to produce the state’s position for the national dialogue. This is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sani Kabomo, an issued in Katsina yesterday. The statement announced Justice Mamman Nasir, rtd, former President of the Court of Appeal, as chairman of the committee. Other members include Alhaji Sani Lugga; Dr Lawal Musawa, Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly; Sen. Ibrahim Ida; Amb. Adamu Sa’idu Daura, and the state’s Head of Service, Alhaji Lawal Aliyu. It also said that Alhaji Hussaini El-Ladan, from the Governor’s Office, would serve as secretary to the committee. The statement said the terms of reference of the committee included public sensitisation on the activities of the National Dialogue Advisory Committee, and the collection and collating of submissions from interested members of the public. The committee is also mandated to prepare a state paper and make any other recommendation as deemed appropriate. It further advised interested members of the public to submit their memoranda to the committee’s secretariat at No. 4 Olusegun Obasanjo Drive, Katsina.

Obiano

we shall pursue industrial clusters and industrialisation. We want to generate more jobs, increase the revenue potentials of the state and boost security through massive job creation and equipping the police and vigilance groups.” He stated that the Nigeria Police as presently constituted is okay; adding that what is important is to equip and retrain its officers effectively. Obiano attacked his contenders, saying, “The business we are here for is not for school certificate holders; my colleagues on this platform cannot support the true federalism we are fighting for because their party is not an Igbo party and cannot therefore represent Igbo interest. And when this government came into being, nothing was on the ground and it has to introduce ANIDS with focus on the millennium development goals and that is why APGA is talking of continuity. Obiano lambasted the key antagonists, stressing, “Before we came in, roads and facilities were moved to peoples’ towns, we will ensure that things will be properly planned and distributed, I will not go against the immunity clause, but, what is important is that we must ensure that people with questionable characters are not allowed to rule us”. When it was the turn of Labour candiCONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Shema

Kwankwaso counsels Imams against partisan politics Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has advised Islamic scholars and imams of Juma’at mosques in the state against engaging in partisan politics. The advice is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Press, Malam Halilu Dantiye, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano yesterday. According to the statement, Kwankwaso gave the advice while addressing imams of Juma’at mosques from the 44 local government areas of the state at the Government House. “It is not appropriate for Ulamas and Imams to turn their pulpits into platforms for political comments and inflammatory remarks,’’ the governor counselled. He reminded them that their partisanship could be misunderstood, degenerate into misgivings or even lead to unrest. He therefore urged them to preach peace, tolerance and mutual understanding as leaders of the people. “It is annoying that some Imams use their sermons to blackmail political leaders. They have turned into politicians in disguise and this is not the best for our society,” he lamented. He assured them that his doors would remain open for constructive advice, pointing out that he was bound to make mistakes as a human being. “As religious leaders, you have the right to seek audience with me and I will be ready to listen to you so that together, we can move the state forward,” he said. The governor also enjoined people to avoid rumour mongering in order to ensure that peace and harmony reigned supreme in the state and the country at large

Politics

AYO ESAN

ather than abate, the crisis within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has, like a sore tomb, continued to fester. Of late, the breakaway faction of the party, which styled itself new PDP, has been under intense siege from the Presidency and the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP. Last Sunday, the police aborted a meeting of the G-7 Governors under the leadership of the Abubakar Baraje-led nPDP. The meeting, which was scheduled to hold at the Sokoto State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, at 8 p.m., was abruptly stopped by truck loads of riot policemen, who were armed to the teeth. Not deterred, the members regrouped at an undisclosed location and discussed briefly before they dispersed. Governors in the G-7 include Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa). Others are Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). They had among the party leaders which included the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, announced the former acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and the former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as the factional National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. The faction had alleged that their decision to pull out of the parent PDP during its August 31, 2013 mini-convention was taken to salvage the party from those who they claimed had hijacked it. During the Sunday blockade, two trucks

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Ominous sign over siege

Jonathan

Tukur

Baraje

loaded with policemen were parked close to the entrance of the building which served as venue of the gathering at 7.45 p.m. Drivers and vehicle owners were prevented from stepping close to the building as parking was not allowed. National Publicity Secretary of the Baraje-led group, Mr Chukwuemeka Eze, confirmed the siege saying members were forced to beat a retreat strictly for security reasons. The ordeal of the Baraje-led group

started when on September 7, the police authorities sealed off the headquarters of the nPDP located along Oyi River Crescent, off Babangida Way, Maitama District of Abuja. Explaining the rationale for sealing off the headquarters, Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Femi Ogunbayode, said the police took the action “in order to ensure there was no breach of the peace, law and order in view of a court order directing the two factions to maintain

the status quo”. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on October 11, issued a notice to the new PDP that the secretariat had been marked for demolition. Undaunted, the factional group announced that it would be temporarily operating from the Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge in Maitama, Abuja, but the Federal Capital Territory Administration on October 12 also announced the sealing off of the Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge, cit-

Anambra governorship debate Ngige, Obiano, Ubah go for broke CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 date, Ifeanyi Ubah to speak, he said,” Politicians have to be sincere with what they say; the most important thing for us is to conduct local government election withi 90 days of this government. Anybody that is here must confirm to people that they should conduct local government election within 90 days.” He said he would tackle power and security problems and improve on human capital development through the creation of industries. Ubah stated that he does not support the idea of creating state police, while warning those using Ojukwu’s name to campaign to desist from such act. “Ojukwu is my brother and you cannot be more Catholic than the Pope; you cannot bring the issue of Ojukwu in to this event. It is very unfortunate the people who came into governance through the backdoor are now saying that they have governed,” Ubah stressed. He lashed out at those allegedly slandering his personality, saying, “All has been said about Ubah and none has been proved; the problem I am facing is that I have come out to serve the people; we have to ensure that the judiciary is independent. I came here from the football field; I have a mini-stadium around my house. You cannot give what you don’t have, there is no stadium in Awka and if I become governor, I will promote sports” The PPA candidate, Ezeemo also spoke during the debate. He said he would lay a solid education for the development Anambra State. He stated that he came out

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anambra 2013: CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

Ubah

Ezeemo

for the race in order to make a difference and lift the welfare of the people. He summed up his mission statement, contending,” I was in the United Kingdom for almost 20 years and I came home and found that nothing works here and people were being cheated and past governments had not addressed the issue of power. I considered it so important that it is my priority area; I will generate power, invest in agriculture and create jobs. Farm settlements would be set up to keep the youths busy and generate jobs and that is why I am running,” he said. Ezeemo, who maintained that he does not support any sort of immunity for governors, stated that most people who are coming up to rule don’t know what

they are there to do. “The immunity clause should be removed; people should face the consequences of their actions. We are people with common problem,” Ezeemo said. At the end of the proceedings, the participants were honoured with certificates of participation presented by Alimi, leader of the NEDG. The debate sessions which started on October 29 with the deputy governorship candidates of the listed 23 political parties contesting, progressed smoothly with the weaker parties dropping out, until the final lap which featured the four governorship candidates of APC, APGA, Labour Party and PPA, even as PDP remains in the limbo due to the pending litigation arising from the contest for its ticket.

tate Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Ken Emeakayi, at the weekend expressed optimism that the party would perform creditably in the November 16 governorship contest despite that its candidate is lagging behind in his campaign. This is as the Supreme Court prepares to conclude hearing on the appeal filed by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, which declared Comrade Tony Nwoye as the legitimate candidate of the party for the governorship poll. However, managers of the PDP have urged the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega, to transfer the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukogu, from the state, as they have lost confidence in him. It will be recalled that the apex court had last Thursday made an interim order restraining PDP from inaugurating Tony Nwoye’s campaign scheduled for yesterday. The restraining order was made as the apex court prepared to hear tomorrow, the appeal filed by Nwoye’s rival for the PDP ticket, Prince Ukachukwu. The court had during Thursday’s proceeding dismissed an application for joinder brought by Senator Andy Uba.

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Politics

Sunday, November 3, 2013

on new PDP

Lamido

Aliyu

ing alleged use of the property for political party activities. In a statement issued to the media by the FCTA, it said the closure was sequel to what it described as ‘abuse of the Abuja Master Plan’ by the Adamawa State government. The statement which was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, said converting the building to a political party office had negated “the spirit of urban planning and (was) causing untold hardship” to resi-

dents of the area. “All the Governor’s lodges in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja are enshrined in the Abuja Master Plan to be for residential purposes, but not for political party secretariat as the Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge is currently being used,” Hazat said in the statement. The A-Park Gardens owned by Senator Aisha Al-Hassan, representing Taraba North located near the OAU Quarters in Maitama District in Abuja, was also being

marked for demolition on the excuse that the government wanted to use the land as part of monorail for public transportation. Senator Alhassan is a known member of the nPDP. The owner of the events centre, Senator Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan, had told newsmen in Abuja, that the planned demolition was being done to persecute her for belonging to the nPDP, led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje. She said she had not contravened any urban and regional law, describing the planned demolition as an act of witch-hunt and deliberate persecution by the PDP, led by Tukur, which she claimed had threatened to deal with members of the Barajeled faction of the party. However, the FCTA said it was not being used by the PDP to witch-hunt the opposition member, adding that the planned demolition was not done in isolation, as it affected some other event centres within the vicinity. “This is being done in accordance with the urban and regional planning laws, as well as in tandem with the agreement signed with Senator Al-Hassan in 2011,” the FCTA said. Its management had, in a notice, claimed that Senator Al-Hassan contravened the agreement contained in her letter of allocation, which stated that she was given permission to build the park and event centre, using temporary structures. Mr Nosike Ogbuenyi, Spokesman to the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the agreement stated that she would evacuate at any time, when asked by the FCTA, with no compensation paid to her. Ogbuenyi said there was no PDP crisis, and that there was no sitting minister in the FCT as of the time of the agreement.

He further pointed out that the master plan of the area was for a light rail line project which had commenced in some parts of the city, saying that her move then made some other people to also start operating fun centres in the area. A plot of land belonging to the Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was also revoked on the grounds that it had extended into a green area. Ogbuenyi confirmed that the land had been revoked. In addition to all these, political watchers noticed that the security personnel attached to the factional Chairman, Baraje, former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, in Abuja and Ilorin, have been withdrawn. Senator Danjuma Goje, a former governor of Gombe State, was said to have also had his security details withdrawn. In a similar vein, it was gathered that Governor Amaechi of Rivers State, has no ADC and a Chief Security Officer, CSO lately. Political analysts also see the decision of Bayelsa State government to place the Chairman of nPDP in the State Mr. Richard Kpodo, who is the former Special Adviser to the former Governor Timipre Sylva on Security Matters under security watch over an “alleged inciting statement” as nothing but a witch-hunt. It has been gathered that the police in Bayelsa had declared the chairman of the faction, Chief Kpodo, his secretary, Sivi Godswill, and other members of the group wanted for allegedly belonging to a political party alien to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Political observers believe that the siege on the nPDP may not lead to immediate or quick resolution of the impasse rocking the ruling PDP. Rather, it may exacerbate it.

PDP sure as Supreme Court hears Ukachukwu’s appeal • Asks Jega to redeploy state INEC boss, Onukogu

Jega

Ukachukwu

Speaking to journalists about the effect of the delay in starting the party campaign, Emeakayi stated that there was no need to worry as Anambra is a PDP State. Emeakayi, who represented the party at the interactive session held for security agencies and stakeholders of the gubernatorial election at the State Police

Command headquarters, contended that most residents of the state are PDP members. He stated that they have a strategy for the election and that three days would be enough for PDP to campaign. “Elections are all about strategy, even one week is too long a time in an election. There is no ward in Anambra State

Nwoye

where you do not have PDP members. This is a PDP state; we are here and you know that three days is enough for us to work and win this election,” Emeakayi stressed. He dismissed the rumour making the rounds that PDP had conceded the governorship to All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. Emeakayi also denied the

allegation that the party was fielding multiple candidates in the election. His words: “We do not have multiplicity of candidates; what we have are aspirants and you know PDP is a big family.” Emeakayi, who predicted that PDP was coming back to take over in Anambra, which he claimed belonged to them, added that their strategy for the election had not changed. He urged their supporters to work hard and ensure that the party won the ballot. Emeakayi insists that their earlier demand that Onukogu should be moved out of Anambra State still stands. Meanwhile, the crisis trailing the party’s ticket manifested during the final of the governorship debate held at the Women Development Centre, Awka, where the party and its candidates were not listed among those that took part in the final contest. He buttressed their position on the issue of Onukogu, saying, “For sure we still hold the position that the REC commissioner must be go. We have made a formal request to that effect that Prof. Onukogu should be deployed out of Anambra State; it does not matter whether he is doing well. He can’t be here for eternity.” According to Emeakayi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner is biased against PDP.

Politics

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

G7 to PDP:

We’re running out of patience with Jonathan

Amaechi

Nyako

OBIORA IFOH

He said, “You are aware of how we are being chased around, sort left and right, from Sokoto, to Kano, everywhere. It shows that we are now the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics today. Suitors are after us and of course you know that suitors can only follow beautiful brides. “The reason why they are following us is because they know that with the calibre of people with the new PDP, you cannot talk of anything meaningful in politics without these leaders. “A state like Kano with its high population figure, you can be sure that the impact of such state in any political calculation can be unimaginable. Similarly, a state like Sokoto, apart from being the head of Muslim society, they have a say in who becomes what in Nigerian politics. This also applies to Adamawa, Jigawa, Niger and the other states that are in the new PDP. You can’t be talking of the presidency of this country when you don’t control these states, they will have a greater say in determining who occupies Aso Rock.” The faction’s spokesperson said that it would be foolhardy for the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to think that he can approach the 2015 general election without the G.7 governors and numerous other party

ABUJA

he new PDP has said that President Goodluck Jonathan has a few days’ grace left to meet the demands of the faction or risk losing the faction. The new PDP led by former PDP National Chairman, Abubakar Baraje also has in its faction some notable bigwigs in PDP such as the former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Group of Seven governors from the party, Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), and Sule Lamido (Jigawa). The leadership of the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress led by former military leader, General Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu has continued to woo the governors to join the APC. They had told Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in Kano emphatically that: “We are here on a very tough and ruthless recruitment drive.” The APC delegation who were in Sokoto to meet with Governor Wamakko State on Tuesday also met Governor Lamido in Dutse, Jigawa and Governor Aliyu in Minna, Niger with the same message. But speaking exclusively to Sunday Mirror, the spokesperson of the group, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka said that the faction’s patience is tried beyond bound and warned that unless President Jonathan quickly addresses their grievances as soon as possible, it would have no other choice than to move into the opposition camp. According to Chukwuemeka, the new PDP because of the respect they have for President Jonathan, it would wait until he resumes fully to duty after the pilgrimage vacation and the burial of his mother in law.

Wamakko

Former Kebbi State governor, Adamu Aliero

leaders who have since identified with their cause. “All these while, we have been preaching peace, nobody wants to take us seriously. This is unfortunate because these are the same people who are planning to

YOU ARE AWARE OF HOW WE ARE BEING CHASED AROUND, SORT LEFT AND RIGHT, FROM SOKOTO, TO KANO, EVERYWHERE. IT SHOWS THAT WE ARE NOW THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF

NIGERIAN POLITICS TODAY. SUITORS ARE

AFTER US AND OF COURSE YOU KNOW THAT SUITORS CAN ONLY FOLLOW BEAUTIFUL BRIDES

Ahmed

go to election, it shows how unserious they are. The fact remains that no one can undermine our impact in the political system. “We are proud that our importance is being recognised by political heavyweights because they understand that any group we join should start preparing to occupy the villa. Any group that undermines us is not serious for the 2015 election.” Chief Eze said: “having said all these, we cannot take any stand or side within the group until we have the meeting with Jonathan because we are men of honour, we respect our President. We have to hear him out and he has to also hear us and until after that, we will decide.” Meanwhile, he said that any group is free to woo them but whatever decision of the faction will only come after the meeting with the President. “We will tell Nigerians our next step. We are doing all these because we are concerned about the future of Nigeria and the plights of the next generation.” But PDP in a reaction condemned the actions of the opposition party saying such moves portrayed the APC as a party that lacked electable material at all levels. The ruling party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said: “In turning around to woo members of the PDP, a party it has continued to castigate, the APC has shown the height of hypocrisy and ultimately confirms to Nigerians that it has nothing to offer and truly lacked genuine ideology and principle. “The APC has shown that it lacks genuine followership and electable materials. Otherwise why would it be desperate to poach from the PDP? Why would it celebrate and dramatise mere discussions with three or four aggrieved governors of the PDP?” he said.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Interview ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER NOVEMBER 3, 2013

We’re developing youths to lay solid foundation for the future –Kwara Gov Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, recently had an interactive session with newsmen in Ilorin, the state capital, to take an appraisal of his administration’s policy on the youth. The governor, who will be 50 in December, underscores the need for youths to enjoy top priority as a way of laying a solid foundation for the future. He also explained his government’s policy to make them meaningfully engaged and marketable. Wole Adedeji was there. Excerpts: On assumption of office in 2011, one of the key areas you promised to focus on was youth empowerment. What is your scorecard in this aspect? I want to use this opportunity to express our sincere condolences to all those who lost their families during the recent Sallah stampede in ‘Charity House’. It was an unfortunate incident and may God in His infinite mercies grant the lost souls eternal peace. May He also grant the families the strength to bear the loss. Having said that, I would say reasons for our administration’s focus on youth development is not unconnected with the fact that we are very concerned about the stages of the population of the state and the demographic of people of different shades. Statistically, we found out that 60 per cent of the population are youths. In a state of three million people with 60 per cent falling between the ages of 15 and 35, that tells you that we must give special attention to them. It is therefore not too much if government decides to concentrate its programmes mainly on developing the youth who are the current drivers of the economy, and we must ensure they are favourably positioned. As a government, our responsibility is to create an enabling and conducive environment for the youth to properly function as drivers of the state economy. We have taken various steps to ensure their interests are well protected. The first thing we went into was enumeration because if you are planning, you must know how many people you are planning for. We created offices and employed Youth Empowerment Coordinators in the 16 local government areas of the state whose responsibilities were to create data base in all the local councils regardless of being a Kwaran or not. Is the state’s data base meant for indigenes alone? So far, if you are resident in Kwara, born and have been schooling here; you are captured in the data base since we have the responsibility to take care of everyone that is based here. That is why we said we needed to create a data base. We are supposed to know those of them that are educated to PhD level, master’s degree, first-class degree, HND, OND, NCE and of course early school leavers. That enumeration gave us a figure of about 32,000 as at the time it was launched and from what I got in the last check, we are almost getting to 70,000. I mean those who have participated in the enumeration exercise. That has also given us a clue into the number of people that have registered so far. We are attending to them in stages and working towards making them gainfully engaged and finding a way of driving them to entrepreneurship. I am happy to let you know that we started with the empowerment scheme to offer immediate support to 2,000 youths; these youths have since been migrated to proper jobs. Some are taken as teachers, local government workers, to federal and state levels and they have since been replaced with another set of youths. In other words, the first set of 2,000 youths has been fully ab-

Ahmed

sorbed. You recently indicated interest in sending doctors on training via a bond scheme, what informed that decision and what form would it take? It is also another way of supporting our youths. We are trying to look at how much support we can give to the system. One of the most critical areas that need attention is the health sector. We know it will continue to run a deficit in terms of manpower. The reason is because the population is always increasing. The number of people in Kwara in 2003 is not what you have in 2011 and 2013, and development of infrastructure has unfortunately not been made to be commensurate with the growing population. There is always pressure on the existing infrastructure. In ensuring that we retain our health workers, we must create a programme that makes it easy for them to be retained and also be available to support the growing population. From experience, we noticed that once you recruit medical officers and they are posted out of the metropolis, they are off within two months as they get some jobs somewhere and move on. Perpetually, we do have shortages of doctors in areas outside the metropolis and it has been a major challenge for years now and it is not unconnected with the fact that whether we like it or not, the infrastructure support to make work at rural areas encouraging has

not been fully met. That was what prompted the last administration’s desire to construct doctors’ quarters in all the 16 local government areas of the state where we have hospitals and health centres. Our plan is to retain them. If the environment is enabling, then they might decide to stay but we would have a scheme such that every year we are able to sponsor medical doctors to go and specialise in some critical areas, especially areas that are prevalent now which is non communicable diseases. We would train personnel who would be supporting our people. Diseases these days globally are moving from infectious to non communicable. The likes of cancer, cardiac issues, kidney and liver problems are all non communicable diseases that are now prevalent. On their return from training, they would be bonded to work for the state for minimum of two years and under the bonding schemes we could post them to any location; and because you are working under a bond arrangement, you are most likely to stay there for that period. After paying their due, if they decide to move on, so be it. Therefore there won’t be a lacuna and we are not talking about medical doctors generally but about residency specialisation in some specific areas. Don’t forget that the University of Ilorin train doctors, CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Interview

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Zimbabwe farmers have opened our eyes on agriculture’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 while Kwara State University (KWASU) and Al-Hikmah University will start soon. We don’t have a problem in training general practitioners but we have a deficit issue in taking them to specialisation areas. We also want them exposed to best practices on how to manage the noncommunicable diseases. We would sponsor them under a bond, bring them back to serve the state and it would become a yearly scheme. How can the youth key into the International Vocational Centre you established in Ajase-Ipo, Ifeloduin Local Government Area? It is a vocational centre that is of international standard and I am proud to let you know that it will be the first of its kind in the country. I am not aware of any vocational centre that was started on that kind of platform. We are a little bit proactive; we are not just building any other vocational centre, we are building one that will train youths that will be marketable beyond the shores of the country. This is largely informed from what we have seen on various trips abroad. We have seen artisans, work men who are trained and they work outside their environments. On close enquiries, we found out that most of them have been certified with qualifications that are acceptable outside their shores and that quickly brings to mind what form of certificates would be available to products of the centre that would make them marketable outside the boundaries of the country. The one that easily comes to mind is the City and Guilds which is recognised globally. The youth that would be enroled into the scheme would be expected to feed companies like the marine, building, telecom industries and all business that require hands with skills that would be available in such places. As it is today, we are partnering with C and G of London to help us design the curriculum and training scheme so that our youths can go through that scheme, train and become entrepreneurs. They are also helping us with what is called incubation centres and those enroled are first taken to an incubation centre where they would be moulded and prepared for entrance into the vocational training. Are there centres that would cater for the trainees of those schemes? Incubation centres would be set up in the nook and cranny of the state in preparation to feed people to the Ajase-Ipo centre that is largely designed in partnership with the C & G. The regulators of technical education in Nigeria recently called me and stated that under the act that established it, it is the only body that is allowed to administer technical education in the country. It was also stated that the act has enabled them replace C & G of London and as such we may not be able to ask C & G to run the school. I said no, C & G is not running the school, they are just helping us to set it up and design the programme. The kind of scheme we are coming up with would also make people useable anywhere in the world and we would export

them. India is a large country, every 8th man in the world is an Indian, and every 5th black man in the world is a Nigerian. With the population we have, it means we are under-utilising our capacity to feed Africa with entrepreneurship. We love to refer to the country as giant of Africa but we can only be a giant when we truly begin to position ourselves and be supportive in most of these areas. So our youths are to be trained and equipped for marketability anywhere in the world. More youths are interested in agriculture; what is your administration doing to carry them along in this regard? Agriculture as it were has been seen as a job that is left with the man in the village to continue producing food through tilling the ground with the normal old system. We have all seen that this thing has not been able to go beyond putting food on the table. We recognise the fact that the last administration took up promoting commercial agriculture in the country. We have since picked it up from where the last administration stopped to drag commercial agriculture. Agriculture can only be made into business if it is clearly understood as been driven under a value chain. The Federal Government is also into agriculture As a state, we are a little bit further because, the bringing in of Zimbabwe farmers to start commercial farming here in 2003 has opened our eyes into the way commercial farming is done. It is not the same way we used to do it. You see there is a lot of what we call planning that goes into agriculture and for our youths to be beneficial of this, we must go back to the basics. The basics require that we must begin to let them see what you mean by value chain agriculture. How do they come as youths? How do they see it as a scheme they can key into and develop themselves and create wealth? That took us to firstly looking at what commercial farming in Kwara looks like. How do we translate what we have learnt into our people with the Zimbabwe farmers? That saw us setting up what we call the ‘Youth Agric Training’ in Malete. It was a scheme designed to train youths on commercial agriculture so that they would continue to see agriculture not as the old man business in the village, but as a one that can create jobs, planned ahead for and you can use it to create wealth. They can sit down and plan and the most important thing is that we’ve made funding available for them through a single digit lending window which the Federal Government made arrangement for. We have some hitches in trying to access this fund in Union Bank in the last few weeks, especially from the second tranche of it, but the first batch of people have benefited from a single digit interest scheme that enables them to access funds and grow crops. What are your other expectations from the youth? For our youths, we want to see a complete turnaround in terms of understanding how agric can become a business. That took us to selecting 10 farmers from each of the local governments because we cannot do with over 20-30 farm-

Ahmed

ers at once. We firstly try with the small numbers of farmers. The success would now enable us to begin to expand it. That is why we chose people from the 16 local governments who largely would become what we call “change agents”. This scheme will now be replicated in all the senatorial districts in the state. Can we get an update on the youth entrepreneurship scheme? As a government, our responsibility is to make the environment enabling and to use the platform to create access to input. We know that one of the biggest challenges that our youths usually face is access to funding, and that is why government on its own has set out what we call a debenture and has made it available to micro-finance banks which have been trained in the business of lending and collection. As a government, we don’t have the capacity to give out money to people but to make sure that they pay back, which is the purpose for which micro-finance banks were set up in the first place so that they can deal with these small terms entrepreneurs. Those who ordinarily would not be able to get money from the GTB, UBA and Zenith are supposed to access money from microfinance banks. We have already created room for our youths to access funding but that fund cannot be accessed except you switch into two categories. Firstly, you must be part of a cooperative group. Cooperative group will enable you to access money under a scheme where you will self guarantee each other. They also understand the concept of cost of money. You see the days are gone when you expect somebody to just give you a largesse and say you want to do business. You have to come out with proper report that is bankable which will be seen we have people that can help you produce that if you cannot produce it, there are people that can help you produce it. Then the money will be made available to you, you will use and pay

back and it will keep growing as such. With the various youth-oriented programmes and policies initiated by your administration within the last two years, what other interventions can Kwara youths look forward to in the coming months or years? We will be doing a lot of advocacy on all the programmes we have outlined. They have not been fully tapped by the youth. They require to understand the scheme. When they do, they’ll begin to key in and expand. The scheme outlined under agriculture for instance has been seriously under-tapped. Same with those under master trainer and micro finance banks. The major thing that we will be seeing when the year runs out in addition to creating additional funding window would be advocacy, sensitisation for our people to know that these schemes and programmes exist. They can tap on them, come up with new ways of improving on what we are doing. The whole thing is about firstly taking advantage of what we have on ground, then we must begin to see how we can grow organically and inorganically. We would begin to see how our youths would begin to truly move their mindset away from expecting government to employ them. Rather they should be looking forward to how government can create employment for them. The advocacy is a continuous thing. I think generally people keep imagining that government should be the employer, so we must begin to let people know that government’s responsibility is only to make it enabling for the jobs to be created and for employment to happen. So, our youths that ordinarily would have been in Olaiya’s place learning welding, in Adisco learning panel-beating, maybe some other persons learning mechanic, should have optimism now that there is hope for them to start things on their own after they have graduated. There is a window where they can access money and drive businesses of their own.

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

Tribute to Baba Omojola

foremost patriot and activist of the socialist bent, Baba Oluwide Omojola, died lately at the age of 75 years in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Reports said he had presented a paper at the Akure Town Hall Meeting, but slumped and died later in his hotel room shortly after the outing. In other words, Baba Omojola died in active service, doing what he knew how to do best - proffering solutions to the Nigerian dilemma. The town hall meeting he attended in Akure before he was snatched by the cold hands of death was organised by the Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on National Conference. Born on July 13, 1938 and named Adewale Babarinde Omojola Ajibola, the veteran activist was better known as Baba (Oluwide) Omojola locally and internationally. He was educated at Ilesa Grammar School, Osun State (1952 - 1956); London School of Economics, where he distinguished himself with a First-Class degree in Economics (1958 - 1961); and Central School of Planning and Statistics, Poland (1969 - 1970). Baba Omojola enjoyed the working relationship of such eminent international figures as Fidel Castro, the former Cuban leader, and Che Guevara, a leader of the Cuban Communist Movement, among others. He featured in African Liberation struggles in Algeria, Congo-Zaire and Southern Africa. He worked closely with Ahmed Ben Bella, the first President of Algeria after the defeat of French colonialism; as well as Winnie Mandela in the anti-apartheid era. Former Ghanaian President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah; and Pa Michael Imoudu, the first President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), equally enjoyed his services as a revolutionary teacher, political and labour activist. He was venerated as a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple of England (1962); Fellow of the Royal Economic Society of Eng-

land (1963); Research Fellow of the United Nations Research Institute for Developing Countries (1969); Member of the Economic Commission for AfroAsian Peoples Solidarity Organization, Cairo (1970); Consultant/Specialist of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa (1975), and a life member of the Nigerian Economic Society since 1984. He was listed in the Data Bank of Social Scientists as a member of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, Dakar, Senegal, 1983. Indeed, the renowned economist was rated among the 99 best economists in the world. In the Nigerian social movement and activism community, Baba Omo-

His death should spur all patriots to be more committed to achieving a fair, equitable and balanced polity jola was a critical, yet quiet organiser and strategist at different levels. These include the erstwhile Movement for Popular Democracy (MPD); Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Socialist Revolutionary Vanguard (SRV); National Consultative Forum (NCF); which organised the 1990 aborted national conference under the leadership of the late Mr. Alao Aka-Bashorun, a renowned lawyer. He was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which gave military dictatorship in the country a good fight; All Nigerian Socialist Alliance (ANSA); Pro-National Conference Organisations (PRONACO); Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) and June 12 Movement. Besides, Baba Omojola was an archivist and editor of several journals on

popular struggle. He was the custodian of the most extensive materials on labour struggle and social movement in Nigeria. He was the author of ‘Imoudu Biography, a Political History of Nigeria, 1939-50’, for example. Baba Omojola died as the Chairman of Eco-consultants (Oversees) Limited, an integrated economic, industrial engineering and environment-based outfit, which he established in 1988. He was a political adviser to the defunct Peoples Redemption Party-led Kano State government of the late Abubakar Rimi (1979-83). Baba Omojola’s strategic maxim of ‘working on two legs’ while remaining focused on the socialist transformation of the society led him into engagement with diverse peoples and organisations in Nigeria and overseas. In Nigeria, he worked with nationalists and patriots of different generations. Some of them include Wahab Goodluck, Dapo Fatogun, Eskor Toyo, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Aminu Kano, Obafemi Awolowo, Gambo Sawaba, Sam Ikoku, Mukwugo Okoye, Anthony Enahoro and ME Kolagbodi. Others were Ola Oni, Balarabe Musa, General KKM Kassonghor, Abayomi Ferreira, MT Akobo, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Alfred Ilenre, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome Kuti and Ambassador Olu Otunla, to mention but a few. Baba Omojola lived a fulfilled family life. He was married with children. Shortly after his demise, reports said Baba Omojola’s presentation at the Akure meeting contained the draft of PRONACO’s ‘Peoples Constitution’ adopted in 2007 under the leadership of the late Chief Anthony Enahoro. We think the document would be of immense benefit to the proposed National Conference. His death should spur all patriots to be more committed to achieving a fair, equitable and balanced polity. They should, in addition, insist on a referendum to ratify the outcome of the planned conference.

Reminiscences NOVEMBER 3 IN HISTORY 1957: Dog launched in Space

A dog was launched into orbit as the first animal in space on board Sputnik 2, a Russian spacecraft, and became the first living animal to enter the Earth’s orbit.

1960: Camerounian opposition leader murdered

Felix Mounie, the Cameroun opposition leader, was assassinated in Geneva.

1976: Jimmy Carter becomes president

Democrat Jimmy Carter won the US presidential election, defeating President Ford with his “trust me” slogan.

1986: Joaquim Chissano succeeds Samora Machel

Joaquim Chissano was chosen to succeed Samora Machel who was killed in a plane crash in South Africa as President of Mozambique.

1990: Mozambique becomes Republic of Mozambique

People’s Republic of Mozambique became the Republic of Mozambique after a unanimous vote by the People’s Assembly.

2004: Bush wins a second term

George W. Bush was elected president of the United States for a second term of office.

2007: Pakistani President suspends constitution Hundreds of government opponents were thrown into jail after imposition of martial law, suspension of the constitution and dismissal of most of the Supreme Court justices by President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf. 2011: Cuba allows private home sales

The Cuban government passed a law that allows citizens and permanent residents to buy and sell homes privately for the first time since 1959, marking an important milestone in free-market reform.

2012: Pakistan bomb attack kills politician

A bomb attack in Buner, Pakistan, killed a local anti-Taliban politician and three guards. Police stated that a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of the politician’s vehicle.

Opinion

Sunday November 3, 2013

Uncensored Unc

Sheriff S Folarin

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

ip service, that’s how best to describe the so-called anti-racism campaign of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA). The FIFA campaigns have been on for years now. The anti-racism stance sounds harder and seems harsher in principle. But these days, there are more frequent and intensified monkey chants and banana-throwing incidents targeted at African players, cat-calls on some Asian and South American footballers, and the pitchscenes of harsh referee decisions against African teams. The more the racist chants, the more outspoken FIFA has been against it; and yet the harder FIFA seems to come, the louder and more frequent the racist shows on and off the soccer pitches.

Sadly, the racist incidents have not excluded any particular player with coloured skin. The festering racist sentiments have had at the receiving end, big soccer stars of African descent on the big stage as well. Roberto Carlos of Brazil has had bananas thrown at him on a couple of occasions while playing for his Anzhi club in Russia. Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon fled Barcelona in Spain for Russia because of persistent persecution by racist fans and club officials, but turned out to have had more racist acts against him in his new Russian base, until he sought succour in Chelsea, England. Ghanaian former AC Milan playmaker, Kevin Prince-Boateng was shell-shocked and burst into tears in anger to see Roma FC fans throwing bananas at him in an away match sometime last year. Last season, after a UEFA Champions League away match, which Chelsea lost, Nigeria’s potential 2013 African Player of

The FIFA ‘Fair Play’ hoax

the Year, Mikel Obi was almost in tears to see his social media profiles inundated with all sorts of racist abuse by his own home fans for his error in goal against his club. He had to close all his facebook and twitter accounts after that ugly episode. Just last week, Yaya Toure was racially abused in Russia in a UEFA Champions League encounter against CSKA Moscow. The list can go on. However, aside these spectator stands racist charges, is also the callous refereeing targeted at African teams or teams with African players, or black players in a foreign team or club. At Italia 90, Cameroon was on a crushing mission on their way to winning the World Cup until a referee sunk them in the quarterfinal by two undeserved and controversial penalty kick giveaways to England, to progress ahead of the Africans. That same Cameroonian team had earlier suffered two straight red cards in the World Cup opening match against defending champions, Argentina in what appeared like a conspiracy to open an equalizer window for the Maradona-led side after one of the Biyick brothers had opened the goals scoreboard at the FIFA mundial. It did not however work as Cameroon beat Argentina and made history as the first country from the black continent to beat a defending champion and in on the biggest stage. Four years after, another referee was sent packing from the World Cup for very poor (racist) officiating against Nigeria in a match against Maradona-led Argentina in a group match. Nigeria’s history-making feat was aborted in the second round of that USA ’94 when another racist referee gave Italy a clear chance to edge out the African Champions by a clearly undeserved penalty. At the 2005 Under-21 World Cup, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles’ hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time was scuttled by two dubious penalties (one per half) awarded to Lionel Messi’s Argentina to edge out the Africans from making that feat. Aside the open and clear cases of rob-

bery by FIFA-badged referees, some of them top FIFA umpires, there have also been cases of undermining and undervaluing African players by foreign clubsides. The European leagues play down the value of Africa’s best while their misfit or equivalent European or South American counterparts are overpriced. Players from Africa in the European leagues earn far less than what their relatively underperforming colleagues earn. The players also sparingly experience league matches as they warm up the reserve benches most of the time. Yet, these are the same players that return home to get the job done for their countries at crucial continental and World Cup encounters. Also when the transfer window opens, the best African legs are the more likely ones to be sold or loaned out cheaply or freely in some cases. All of these racial injustices and inequalities happen right under FIFA’s nose. In fact, the FIFA statute books, which also underlie the UEFA regulations, uphold these racist agenda. When FIFA makes representation at the World Cup unequal, having just five nations from Africa that has the highest number of member-nations of 54 in the world body, what message or signal is FIFA passing across to the nonAfrican soccer stakeholders? Europe has 53 states in FIFA, and yet sends as many as 15-19 countries to the mundial. The disparity between 5 and 19 is similar to the distance between the earth and the moon. Why will Europe not be winning the World Cup more than anyone else? If not for the undeniable expertise of Brazil and the fact that a Brazilian was at the helms of affairs at FIFA for decades, how would a South American team have had the opportunity of winning, or having the highest number of wins in the Cup history? After Nigeria’s victory in 1985, several multinational sponsors of the Under-17 (then Under-16) World Cup backed out as they considered an African team winning the maiden edition as a huge waste of their investment at that level. In the Ball’on ‘Dor

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(World Player of the Year) award, only George Weah of Liberia has managed to win it. After that feat, FIFA has not repeated that mistake again, despite the emergence of more George Weahs in persons like Eto’o, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Rashidi Yekini, Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele Ayew, or Roger Milla, who should have won it in 1990 or 1991 for being the oldest footballer ever to play in the World Cup and to have tucked in so much of goals in the net at such biggest stage of soccer. In this year’s selection, names of African players who deserve to be listed for their exploits between last year and now, such as John Obi Mikel, Didier Drogba and Victor Moses are conspicuously missing. These ones are missing because they will be strong contenders with the European and South American players who have been generously listed. Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure’s name is listed because he is a very weak contender and will be easily voted out in the second round of screening. What does that look like? Fair play? FIFA should stop brandishing the fair play banners and message on or off the pitch because they are not sincere about it. The administrators in Zurich, their officials on the pitch are human like the fans that make racist jeers. They have their emotions too. They have their sentiments too. They have colour prejudice too. And they exhibit it consciously or unconsciously by their words, attitude and actions. While I commend the FIFA President, Sepp Blatter for making the bold statement that Africa was grossly and unfairly underrepresented at the World Cup, I call on him to persistently sing this new song and to have several anti-racist elements at FIFA chorus it along with him until fair play, in all aspects of the game, comes home to roost. •Dr. Folarin is the Head of Department of Political Science and International Relations at Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.

A minister’s fraud and non-accountability syndrome HANNATU MUSAWA

part from the outrage most felt at the tenacious sit-tight attitude of the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, after our numerous air mishaps under her tutelage, the recent expose of the outrageous purchase of bullet proof cars with public funds for the Minister is quite simply an affront to the sensibilities of Nigerians. With this latest scandal plaguing the Aviation Minister, together with so many other cases of venality in government, if anyone was in doubt as to whether the government was losing its war against corruption, they best be advised to take back their benefit of doubt and be rest assured that the folks behind the rock are continuing to do their best down that greasy path of corruption, ultimately dismantling Democracy.

Looking at just this saga with Mrs. Oduah, it is no wonder that Nigeria still rates towards the bottom of the global corruption barometer. When an official, who is in the annals of government exercises the systematic convention of organised and endemic corruption, while showing

no mind for any accountability, it stands to reason why we are still far from a wellfunctioning society with secure peace and sustainable development. And it’s not so much about the fact that the Minister was allegedly caught with her hand in the cookie jar or about the fact that she seems absolutely inept in overseeing the duty of which she has been unsuitably awarded, it’s more about the symbolism her seemingly haughty continuance in office represents where she appears not to take accountability, despite all the scandal surrounding her and the slapdash manner in which she is crippling the sector which she oversees. This business in Nigeria where no one feels the need to take accountability for their actions and where no government official takes responsibility when they do wrong or when things under their guidance go awry is just no good business at all. And no matter how we cut it, if one really thinks about it, at the root of Nigeria’s problems is a deep lack of accountability. And with that lack of accountability and responsibility come the lack of conse-

quences and sanctions for bad behavior. And with the lack of consequences and sanctions for bad behavior comes a free for all that gives way to the dangerous combustible combination we are seeing today in this country. The problem of our lack of accountability isn’t necessarily because the legal framework for accountability does not exist. After all, was accountability not the reason for the set-up of the EFCC and the ICPC? Was it not for the purpose of sanctioning wrongdoing that the Oputa panel was conducted? The laws are there, the courts are there to correct all the anomalies in the system, but the real problem is that our leadership seems unwilling to fight corruption and to tackle the panicky accountability issue. And even the bodies that have been established to fight corruption and force government officials to be accountable basically lack the directive, powers and resources to combat graft, because as a society we have developed a syndrome where no one takes accountability for anything. Despite the fact that every one of us in

this country, at some stage, probably has to take responsibility for our countries decay, the lion’s share of the blame resides with the government. But, as far as the government is concerned, lack of accountability is an integral part of their existence and operations. In other civilized societies, it is not uncommon for government officials to resign when a mistake has been made within the organization or sector which they head, even if that mistake wasn’t in anyway their fault. However this is not the case in Nigeria. Our environment has deteriorated to its present state precisely because no one takes accountability for their wrongdoing and government hardly ever accepts responsibility for its mistakes. There have been so few prosecutions, criminal proceedings or other serious consequences and punishment of misdeeds, especially as it relates to issues of corruption and the misuse of public resources. For the few that have been caught red-handed and prosecuted, often times, they are brought back after a short hiatus to become the darlings of the government. *Musawa is a social commentator

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Praise Worship E-mail:richardeghaghe@yahoo.com

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EDIFYING GOD

QUOTE

If you are not a financial seed sower, you will be limited in your access to financial blessings. All the covenant fathers, who walked in financial fortunes, were celebrated givers. Abraham was an addicted giver (Genesis 14:20).

–Bishop Oyedepo Sunday November 3, 2013

US spied on Pope Francis few minutes to emergence –Report

he National Security Agency spied on the future Pope Francis before and during the Vatican conclave at which he was chosen to succeed Benedict XVI, it was claimed at the weekend.

The American spy agency monitored telephone calls made to and from the residence in Rome where the then Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio stayed during the conclave, the secret election at which cardinals chose him as pontiff on March 13. The claims were made by Panorama, an Italian weekly news magazine, which said that the NSA monitored the telephone calls of many bishops and cardinals at the Vatican in the lead-up to the conclave, which was held amid tight security in the Sistine Chapel. The information gleaned was then reportedly divided into four categories — “leadership intentions”, “threats to financial system”, “foreign policy objectives” and “human rights”. At that time, Benedict XVI was Pope, suggesting that the Vatican may also have been monitored during the last few weeks of his papacy. The allegations follow a report on Cryptome, a website that gathers intelligence on surveillance and national security, which claimed the US intercepted 46 million telephone calls in Italy between December 10, 2012 and January 8, 2013. The monitoring of communications, in-

Curse should not hold your destiny –Rev Izuchukwu 21

cluding emails, continued after Benedict’s resignation in February and encompassed the election of Pope Francis. “It is feared that the great American ear continued to tap prelates’ conversations up to the eve of the conclave,” the weekly magazine said. It added that there were “suspicions that the conversations of the future Pope may have been monitored”, but provided no hard evidence or quoted sources for the claim. Archbishop Bergoglio was of interest to US diplomats and intelligence agencies as far back as 2005, when he was mentioned as a possible candidate for the papacy after the death of John Paul II. According to US State Department cables released by WikiLeaks in March this year, the US embassy to the Holy See drew up a profile of him, describing him as a “wise pastor” who had been praised for his “humility”. Brent Hardt, the embassy’s charge d’affaires, discussed the future Pope as one of 16 possible candidates, noting that he “has been reluctant to accept honours or hold high office and commutes to work on a bus.” The US agency also intercepted telephone calls relating to the selection of a new head of the scandal-ridden Vatican bank, Panorama said. The NSA was also reportedly interested in intercepting communications relating to the 2012 Vatileaks scandal, in

God will soon close many ch hurches, sa ays Pastor Chidi 41

which Paolo Gabriele, Benedict’s butler, was caught stealing sensitive documents which lifted the lid on power struggles and alleged corruption at the heart of the Holy See. Asked about the espionage claims, Federico Lombardi, the Vatican’s spokesman, said: “We have heard nothing of this and in any case we have no concerns about it.” The American embassy to the Holy See referred queries to the State Department in Washington. Leaks by Edward Snowden, the fugitive former US intelligence operative who has been granted asylum in Russia, have suggested the NSA conducted extensive spying on several European countries in addition to Italy, including Spain, France and Germany. The revelations have seriously strained relations between the US and its European allies and trade partners. Separately, reports claimed on Wednesday that the NSA secretly tapped into the main communications links that connect Yahoo and Google data centres around the world, enabling it to collect information from hundreds of millions of user accounts. The NSA’s “acquisitions directorate” sends millions of records every day from Yahoo and Google networks to data warehouses at the agency’s headquarters at Fort Meade in Maryland, according to The Washington Post. It then analyses the information it gathers with a project called MUSCULAR, which is operated jointly with GCHQ, its British counterpart. In a statement, Google said it was “troubled by allegations of the government intercepting traffic between our data centres, and we are not aware of this activity.” A Yahoo spokesman said: “We have strict controls in place to protect the security of our data centres, and we have not given access to our data centres to the NSA or to any other government agency.” Gen Keith Alexander, the NSA director, dismissed the report, saying the NSA is “not authorised” to do this and instead must go through a court process”.

Briefly Church slams England minister for misrepresenting the poor Christian leaders, including the Right Revds Bishops Tim Stevens and Nick Baines, have criticised Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, for failing to apologise on behalf of the government for misrepresenting the poor. Twelve senior representatives from Churches and Christian organisations in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have written to Lord Freud after he failed to affirm that steps would be taken in order to ensure that the poor would no longer be misrepresented by the government. “We do not wish to live in a society where personal responsibility is demanded of the vulnerable but is not required of those who exercise power,” their letter states. “All people are valued creations of God who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. An essential component of this is to be spoken of truthfully, including benefit claimants.” The Prime Minister David Cameron asked Lord Freud to reply on his behalf to a letter from ten Church denominations based in all four nations of the UK, as well as two major national ecumenical charities. The Church leaders’ letter dated 6 June expressed concern over government ministers making demonstrably untrue statements stigmatising the most vulnerable in society. However, Lord Freud’s reply “neither attempts to answer nor even mentions any of the points raised” in their letter. Church leaders criticised this neglect as “both surprising and disappointing”. April saw some of the most controversial and wide ranging changes to the benefit system in a generation. In March, the Baptist Union of Great Britain; the Church of Scotland; the Methodist Church in Britain and the United Reformed Church launched a report - The lies we tell ourselves: ending comfortable myths about poverty - confronting the most common myths told about people who are in poverty or in receipt of benefits as well as highlighting some of the most abused statistics.

Sunday Mirror/Babcock University Bible Quiz: • Winners can collect their prizes from the office of the Editor, Sunday Mirror, 151/161 Broad Street, Lagos anytime from Monday to Friday. Participants should always indicate their names when sending their entries.

Walking in financial fortune! 42

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

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Ephphatha, let it open, says Pastor Adewunmi House of Prayer Ministry’s General Overseer, Pastor Segun Adewunmi, in this episode shows how pray your way to open doors. Excerpts:

“A

nd again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.” (Mark 7:31-35)

This prayer is for those whose ways to success are blocked. It is for people that experience delay. It is for those that have illluck. It is for those that experience spirit of dishonour. It is for those who cannot marry. It is for those who cannot bear their own children. It is for people suffering from stagnation. It is for people suffering from hatred. It is for anyone that finds life difficult. The person involved in this story was deaf and dumb. To be deaf is to be isolated from good things of life. The deaf cannot be communicated to. When success beckons, the deaf cannot perceive it. He is totally unaware of when to move in the direction of prosperity. The deaf may not be promoted at work. He does not stretch out his hands to receive blessings because he cannot be told. Similarly, the dumb cannot tell of what he feels. He is in obscurity because the world cannot appreciate his potentials. He knows how to generate wealth but the opportunity to do so is not available to him. He cannot communicate his desires to those who will appreciate him. He is often misunderstood since he is unable to express himself. We were not told in the Bible for how long the individual discussed in the introductory text above here has been deaf and dumb. It is possible that he was born into this unfortunate circumstance. It is also possible that he suddenly found himself deaf and dumb. The real concern of this message is that he was released from his plight and straight away. Every one that reads this message and finds life difficult due to the impediment in his spiritual speech will be set free. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Among the attributes of God is His capacity to do the impossible. Among the various impossibilities that became possible were the parting of the red sea (Exo 14:21), the suspension of the sun on mount Gibeon (Joshua 10:12-14) and the various instances when the dead rose. “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” (Exo 14:21), “Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the

Adewunmi

sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.” (Joshua 10:12-14) The very God who set the dumb and deaf free will set you free today. I will give you some prayer points that will do the impossible in your life. It is about the word of God which the Bible says in John 1:1-5 that it is God Himself. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the begin-

Holy Inquiry with Pastor Paul

Nkirukah E-mail: pstpaul11@yahoo.com

Dear Pastor, I have seen and heard that some people that are in need of the fruit of the womb go to native doctors or herbalists and they conceive. Why? Does it mean that Satan can also give children? Francisca from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Dear reader, You have asked a very good and intelligent question, because this is what almost everybody used to think, that Satan can and have been giving children. But this is very far from the truth, it can never be. Satan has no such power or gift. To prove beyond reasonable doubt, let’s examine the scriptures below together. Psalm 127 : 3 – 5 reads, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward, 4 as ar-

ning 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.” (John 1:1-5) 1. The children of Israel were in the captivity of the Egyptians for four hundred years. God decided to set them free. This decision was communicated to Moses whom God appointed to lead His people out of slavery. After visiting various plagues on the people of Egypt, God’s people were released. To ensure that the menace of Egyptian disappeared forever, God destroyed their army in the red sea, so Israel was set free forever. You are hereby set free.

“I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.” (Lev 26:13) 2. The Israelites were under the tyranny of Jabin whose head of the army was Sisera. Sisera had 900 chariots of war but the people of Israel had none. God sent Barak with Deborah to mount Tabor where the army of Sisera were discomfited and scattered. Sisera was killed by the nail that Jael rammed into his temple. Every reader of this message that is limited by the Devil will be set free. 3. In the time of Gideon, the children of Israel were under terrible oppression of the Midianites and Amalekites. Gideon even thought that God has indeed abandoned the children of Israel. But the visiting angel told him to use his power to rescue Israel and himself. “And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” (Judges 6:14) With the above authorities, I declare you free from Poverty, Hatred, Stagnation, Sickness both terminal and ordinary, Spirit of dishonour, generational and other curses, Marital challenges, lack of fruit of the womb and any other thing that makes life bitter. Finally, brethren whatever impediment that constitutes an obstacle to a good life for you are hereby destroyed. I recommend the daily reading of the above three Bible stories and the text of today’s message with the word “Ephphatha (Be opened)”. God will open for you doors of success, progress, prosperity even before the end of year 2013. •For counselling, contact Pastor Segun Adewumi on 08039425631 Email: past orsegunadewumi@gmail.com

Can Satan also ‘give’ rows are in the hand of a mighty man: so are children of the youth, 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. According to the scriptures above, it is very clear that beyond every reasonable doubt that children comes from God, it is only God that can give and has been giving children, because it is only God that has the power to create and that is why he is called the creator. May I inform you that Satan the devil has no power to create and can never, ever create anything; not only children but everything. There is nothing Satan has ever created, and can never create anything, it is impossible. Furthermore, if I may ask, do you believe that the Bible is the word of God? Do you use to study the word or Bible? If yes, have you come to across anywhere in the Bible where it is recorded that Satan gave and can give children? Well, for me, I have not been able to discover or get to such place in the bible, and I don’t think I can ever discover such a place because there is no place like that in the Bible. I have read that God gave children to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and even

Zechariah, Mary and many others; but I never heard nor read anywhere that there is another source of children apart from God. However, I know you will like to ask the above question again: why do some people become pregnant when they go to native doctors? Below is a very good and understandable answer to your question. First of all, I hope you know that Satan is an enemy of progress? As such, he can and will always oppose any good thing that is coming to people. Let’s quickly examine the scripture below for a better understanding. Zechariah 3: 1 reads, “And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. Do you understand that, time will not permit me to write about Daniel whom Satan stood against his request in form of prince of the kingdom of Persia? Meanwhile, with the above understanding, let me explain how and what makes people think that Satan can and has been giving children. Let me start by informing you that since Satan cannot create but can stop or stand in-between blessings and people, and when this is done, there are

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Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

Curse should not hold your destiny –Rev Izuchukwu

nd he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isa.53:9-10.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 11 Cor. 8:9. True Jesus methods of obtaining money were sometimes unconventional, but money has the same value, whether withdrawn from a bank or the mouth of a fish. His methods of providing food were also at times unconventional; but a man who can provide a substantial meal for five thousand men plus women and children certainly would not be considered poor by normal standards. So when did Jesus become poor for our sakes? The answer is: the cross. Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he has destroyed thee. Dt. 28:48. Moses summarized absolute poverty in four expressions: hunger, thirst, nakedness and want of all things. Jesus experienced all these in their fullness on the cross. He was hungry. He had not eaten for nearly 24 hours. He was thirsty. One of His last utterances was: “I thirst!” Jn 19:28. He was naked. The soldiers had taken all His clothes from Him. Jn 19:23. He was in want of all things. He no longer owned anything whatever. After His death, He was buried both in a borrowed robe tomb. Lk. 23:50-53.

children? only two ways to get that blessing. Number one is; either you go in prayer to God for God to force the devil out of the way for you to get the blessing or you appease the devil through the native doctor for the devil to step at side for you. But one thing is sure if you decide to choose to use the devil, there will be agreement known or unknown between you and the devil which will be entered on your behalf by the native doctor, which you will pay either knowingly or unknowingly, and any child you appease the devil for before you conceive must need serious deliverance, especially as an adult, otherwise, you will regret having that child. But when you use God through His servant, you don’t pay anything, it is free of charge, and that is why it is very dangerous for a servant of God to charge money or anything before he prays or ministers deliverance to people. Let’s quickly see Proverbs 10 : 22 which reads, “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it.” My dear, don’t be confused; the devil can neither create nor give any good thing, not to talk of baby. So believe in God only and all things shall be possible for you.

No curse old or new can dare you because followers usually enjoy full benefit of redemption,” says Rev Izuchukwu Chukwudebelu, Presiding Minister, Assemblies of God Church, FESTAC (2) Lagos. Excerpts:

Izuchukwu

Thus Jesus, exactly and completely, endured absolute poverty for our sakes. Jesus bore our shame that we might share His glory. Isa. 53:4. Jesus endured our rejection that we might have His acceptance as children of God. Isa. 53:3. Jesus became a curse that we might receive a blessing. Isa. 53:7-8. TAKING IT BY FORCE Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Mt. 11:11-12. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. Lk. 16:16. Though redemption or salvation is free but a certain degree of spiritual violence is required to enforce the dividends. It is not given to such people who are given to taking life simple and cool. Such usually end in the cooler of the devil. Unmistakably the promises and blessings of the kingdom are not for those who casually coddle in wishful thinking or pious converse. It demands ‘vigor’, that is an attitude of unchanging fortitude that presses ahead regardless of every kind of difficulty or discouragement. We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. Any road that bypasses the tribulations will not take us into the kingdom. Once we have settled this issue in our minds, then the tribulation will not deter us. Do not allow the logic of your circumstances triumph over that of your faith. Challenges of life are real but the promises and prescriptions in the word of God are

more real. It is high time you stretched your faith to violently lay hold on your redemption package. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22. Henceforth, as you put all you have read to work in your life, no curse is permitted to hold your destiny any longer. The crown on Jesus head represented the curse of thorns; the purple colour of His robe represented the curse of thistles. Consequently, the thorns and thistles choking your life before now have lost both their license and certificate of occupancy on your destiny. Praise God! And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Mt. 4:19. When you follow as commanded, no curse old or new can dare you. Followers usually enjoy full benefit of redemption. Check out on the lives of His early followers, none ended a mean person. Peter an ardent follower that the statement above was made to lives beyond the grave. In Rome, the Catholic Church calls where the popes are buried ‘St Peter’s Crypt. They call where the popes are laid in state ‘St Peter’s Basilica’, and call where international dignitaries sit during the funeral service of popes, ‘St Peters Square.’ You and I need no further proof to be convinced that Peter was really made by following Christ. Peter also lives in every community because there are many St Peter’s Church in every nook and cranny of the world. Now that you have been set free, you must set yourself to follow. Every destiny in the kingdom is made by following. The logic is very simple. Follow Him and He will make you, do not follow Him and you will unmake yourself. The choice is yours. Twenty six years ago, He emancipated me from the evil clutches of curses

and since then I have been an unrepentant sold out follower to Him. Some of those who thought I was to follow for a while and retreat, are now following Him with me. When the word of God matters to us than any other, He will prepare a table before us, even in the presence of all our enemies put together and our cups will surely run to over flow. As you follow Him, no curse will muster the courage to follow you any longer. I was once in the pit of curses of life, so I am writing from experience. To totally paralyze the threats and activities of curses, stay with Him. Do not allow present day life’s challenges, vicissitudes or necessities to rub you of the benefits of following. Be a following freak or addict. He will make you! The Cross versus the Curse Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gal. 3:13-14. The cross is God’s answer to the curse. The cross has all it takes to both cancel and crash any curse. Just submit yourself to redemptive tenets as enshrined in the scriptures. Digging out poison or charms as it were is not the major. Stop wasting of resources on prophets who parade themselves as curse breakers. They usually charge their victims so that they could go and dig out buried concoctions. Jesus and the apostles never did that. It is a new propensity of these modern prophets whose practices depict that of witch doctors. Do not fall victim to their antics, they are commercial prophets. RESTITUTION And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold Lk. 19:8. Return all within your possession to appropriate quarters. Whatever is in your custody that belongs to another should not be in your house while you are approaching God for redemption from a curse. Do not play games with God; He is not your mate. All Tithes, vows, stolen properties, among others that are in your hand should not see the end of today in your house if you truly want to be free. Restitution is God’s initiative; it is not a religious teaching. So you are choice-less than to strictly adhere. Restitution with men paves way for your reconciliation with God. Do not toy with it! •Revd Chukwudebelu Izuchukwu is deliverance cum Presiding Minister, Assemblies of God FESTAC 2, Plot 268A&B, 4th Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos. izuchukwudebelu@yahoo.com +2348028390885, +2348056027044, +234704414424.

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

‘No more mercy and grace for them…’ (2) General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this series, harps on the need to obtain mercy and grace while the opportunity lasts. Excerpts:

eloved, last week we made you to understand that grace and mercy of God last only while we are alive. And that whatever is to be granted to us by God must be obtained while we are alive. This is because everything we need, including mercy and grace, cannot be availed to us after death. So, everything that is to be done in life should be done once and for all, before one dies. For the Scripture says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27). No one comes again to make preparation, or repair the evils which he has caused by a wicked life or to implore pardon for sins for which he had failed to ask for forgiveness.

Anybody that believes in heaven must do everything now while he is alive to secure a place there, otherwise he misses it forever. There is no repentance after death or in the grave. Salvation is to be obtained now before one dies and nobody knows when this will be. So, note that after rapture, the mercy of God will be no more. And whoever that does not take advantage of it now, repent and be saved, has no more chance for his/her repentance. The story of the rich-man and Lazarus gives us a vivid answer to what happened after death. While the rich man snubbed the opportunity for mercy and abused the grace for righteousness, Lazarus lived all his life graciously receiving the dreg of existence. And when the inevitable came, both died to face judgment and be rewarded according to each person’s stewardship while alive. Lk 16: 22- 31 says, “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented” In the passage above, the rich man had a splendid burial, for his body was placed in a costly tomb, but unknown to the dignitaries that attended his burial, he was thrown into hell as soon as he closed his eyes to death. He pleaded for mercy, and asked that Lazarus should be sent to drop a tip of water to cool his tongue. But no mercy came his way because he has crossed beyond the bound of mercy where salvation is no more. I want to let you know that, that rich man that Jesus talked about, over two thousand years ago, when He preached the sermon is still in torment till date without a drop of water and without any comfort and will remain in that condition forever. Lazarus on his own, had no friend on earth but after death was waited upon by many angels who carried him to heaven where he is still comforted and will remain so from eternity to eternity. He secured his salvation before he died and that gained him everlasting joy.

Muoka

It is very unfortunate that many are still living in sin and claiming to be born again. I wonder how such people can make it at the end of their life The divine order applicable at death is that you cannot trample on the grace of God and reject the mercy of God while alive and be expected to switch over to the place prepared for those that sought after forgiveness and obtained mercy while alive. Repentance and mercy must only be gotten when one is alive and any clemency not sought and granted by the living cannot be requested and obtained after death. This is the divine order which cannot be altered by either the cry of the loved ones or prayers of relatives. Praying for the dead who died in wickedness is like pouring water on a rock, it is a fruitless effort. The one who is being tormented, will continue to be tormented till eternity, while the one that is comforted is comforted forever. No amount of evil that could bring out the person who is in the bosom of Abraham and no amount of good wish and prayer that can bring out the person that is in torment, like the rich man. And no more mercy for him as the time of mercy has expired for him. My prayer is that none of those that will be opportune to read this message will remain adamant to the danger of hell fire. None will ridicule the precious grace of God made available for our salvation. It will be more terrible for one to read this message and ignore the counseling before his death. This is because, your action and reaction to this message will be judged at the time of judgment. Rev. 20: 12-13 says, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the

dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works” At judgment all the dead shall appear to be judged according to their works. Those buried in sea, and those buried on the land, the small and the great, in whatever world they may have been. This includes the young and old, the rich and poor, the bond and free, the sick and well, the happy and the unhappy, the righteous and the wicked. And books that contain all the record of human deeds will be brought for the final trial. And another book will be brought which contains the names of all who shall enter into heaven. Only those who continued faithfully unto death will be taken to heaven. All whose names are not found in this book, who either were not citizens, or whose names had been erased from the book because of crimes against the state, Church, and person could claim none of the privileges which belong to the chosen ones. So those who either did not belong to the Chosen people or who have forfeited their rights and privileges by sin, and had died in that state, will be cast into the lake of fire. This is the way in which God, at the Day of Judgment, will treat sinners. So, in order to escape the terrible condition of sinners after death, you must ensure your name is written in the sacred book and, if written in, see that it will never be blotted out. All those people that their names are not in the book of life who rejected the grace and mercy of God here on earth will be cast into the lake of fire. And all those whose names are in that book shall enter into glory to be with the Lord forever. Beloved, the golden question now is your name written in the book of life? If you don’t know, why don’t you take advantage of the mercy of God, grace of God through Jesus now and surrender

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your life to Jesus and begin to live right. If that is not yet done, then something must be done now before it is too late. Matthew 25:31 -33 says, “When the son of man shall come in his glory and all the holy angels with him then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory And before him shall be gathered all nations; and shall be separate them one from another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goat. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goat on the left.” On the Day of Judgment the Chosen ones and the Children of the world dwelling together, in the same cities, churches, families shall be separated and sentenced to a state of everlasting happiness, or misery. Christ the great Shepherd, and Judge of the whole world will at that point distinguish between those that are His, and those that are not. All other distinctions will be done away but the great one between saints and sinners, holy and unholy, will remain forever. The happiness the saints shall possess will be very great. The most valuable possession on earth cannot be compared with the blessed state of the saints in heaven. It is a prepared place for the prepared people. The Father provided it for them in the greatness of His wisdom and power, the Son purchased it for them and the blessed Spirit preserves it for them. It is prepared from the foundation of the world. The wicked shall not be privileged for such glory because they were called to come to Christ for life and rest, but they turned down His calls. But now their punishment shall be an everlasting punishment. Thus life and death, good and evil, the blessing and the curse, are set before us, that we may choose our way, and as our way is, so shall our end be. The Bible says the goat will be asked to be at the left that is all those people who refused to take advantage of the mercy and grace of God and be saved will be called goat, and will be put at the left side and shall thereafter be cast into hell fire. But those people that take heed of the counsel, accept Jesus Christ on the basis of His mercy and grace and go on to live right, would be like sheep, of course you know obedience characterizes the actions of a sheep, the way you put them is the way they will remain. And obedient helps them gain grace and mercy. It is very unfortunate that many are still living in sin and claiming to be born again. I wonder how such people can make it at the end of their life. Are they going to repent after death? But repentance is not going to be accepted after death. So, if you are claiming to be born again settle it with your conscience now and obtain mercy and grace to live a righteous life without any compromise, without any sin so that on the last day at death, nothing will be standing between you and God. So, many have refused to take advantage of the grace of God and ask God to help them to live right. Many also are compromisers and never cared what will happen to their souls at the end of this present life. Nobody owns his life, anything can happen at any time and the owner of life can require it at any time. So if you are procrastinating and saying you are going to repent next, week, month or year, you must understand that you are not the owner of your life. The owner can require it at anytime. So, what you need to do is that you should take advantage of now that is acceptable and do something very urgent, for there is no mercy or grace for those that died without repentance.

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Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

‘As it is done on earth, so it is in heaven’ General Overseer of the Rock of Salvation Ministries, Iju, Lagos, stresses that there is nexus between earthly activities and heavenly results, calling all to righteousness. Excerpts:

For some months now, I have been talking to my children about righteousness, which without, no man can see God, and which some ministers don’t always see as important. Someone once asked, “What is the benefit of going to church? Men and women now engage themselves in worldly meetings or clubs because of when they die. The club, children, money, good health, mansion, expensive cars or wealth cannot guarantee your position in heaven, but will all perish here on earth (they are only temporal). Let’s forget our earthly gain and focus on heaven’s requirement. Contraband: In a simple explanation, it’s what a country rejects to be brought into it. Let’s take our country Nigeria for example; there are things our government will not allow across our borders, in which if when we go against it, it becomes a punishable offence. Sometimes people even die in the process of smuggling. I want you to know, that as it is done here on earth, so it is in heaven. Matt 6:10 says, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Anything done here on earth is a reflection of what is done in heaven, that’s why the Bible tells us to obey the authority, whether good or bad, because whether you like it or not, they are appointed by God. Romans 13:1 and 3 state, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God, the power that be, are ordained of God. For rulers are not terrors to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same. “When a law is made in a country, sometimes people grumble, saying the government is wicked by not allowing business to flow, but forgetting it is for their own good because there are type of business that can destroy you. One time (a long time age) I

went to a street in Ikeja, Lagos; what I saw shocked me. People were lying down in the gutter, some on the street naked, some were abnormal, so if a government should say, ‘we don’t want the importation of drugs’, who’s to gain? It’s like God telling you don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, to whose gain is it? Is it God or you? If you are caught they may kill you, you commit adultery, you get infected with a deadly disease and you die leaving your family to suffer, how does it affect God? The Bible says, “the devil came to steal, to kill and to destroy,” whatsoever that comes from the devil is destruction, but God came to destroy the work of the devil and give you freedom. Rev 12:10 says, and I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God and power of his Christ, for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before God day and night.” The devil will only deceive you to sin and at the same time accuse you before God of your unfaithfulness, as he accused Joshua in Zechariah 3:1. you have a brother that always comes up with an ideal of something, and each time, he reports you to your father when the deal gets sour, what will be your reaction towards that brother? You will be very careful of him and even try to avoid him, then why won’t you avoid the devil, see the devil as that wicked friend or brother. Know that every sin you commit is sewed up in a bag, and it’s not possible for you to carry anything in your hand into heaven (Job 14:17). You must let go now for the Bible says, “there is no repentance in the grave”, When someone dies, and they say, “may his soul rest in peace” ‘can never give peace’ because those things in your hands, bitterness, anger, malice, idolatry, selfishness, covetousness and so on, can only take you to hell. As my teaching on righteousness still goes on, a lady just like you heard and repented, she brought to me all the idols and abominations in her hands (Jewellery worth millions of naira, wigs trousers to be destroyed, she let go and gave her life to Christ as her Lord and Saviour, now she is in the evangelical team, I tell you “she has acquired her ticket to heaven if she remains in faith”, and God says, “all other things will be added unto you”, those benefits you seek from men, are all in God’s hand, and he says he will give it to

you, only if you seek him first. In the bible study, someone asked a question, he said “why is it that some men of God ministers with their head covered, is it not a sin?” I answered and said to him, “it’s not just an ordinary cap, it is their crown (earthly crown) because whenever you see them you know who they are through the crown on their head and worship them, I told them a story of a great and powerful man, he controlled almost half of the world, he was respected and worshipped as a god, but when the spirit of God came upon him and showed him the truth, he forsook his position, took off the crown of man off his head and humbled himself as a common man to receive the crown of glory which is what we should all be striving for (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Matt 13 :15 &17 states for this people heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest at anytime they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things ye hear, and have not heard them. It is not that these people do not know the truth, but the devil has blinded them, so that they may look but not see they read, but can’t understand, 1 Corinthians 11:14 says. Every man praying and prophesying having his head covered dishonored his head. Vs 14 say doth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man has long hair, it is a shame unto him? You will even see a man plaiting his hair with an extension, when the Bible says it is a shame unto him to have long hair, their heart is hardened not to hear the word and do them, so that they may be condemned on the last day. 1Timothly 1:9(KJV) states “In like manner also, those women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broided hair, or gold or pearls, or costly array”. Dress in away that will bring glory to God. If checked today, 96% of our women goes with extension, they make themselves artificial, no one is proud anymore of how he or she was created by God, we must add just a little touch for beauty, I’m not saying you should go dirty and smelly, Eccl. 9:8 says. Let thy garments be always white, and let

L-R: Sis. Funke Akin-Williams; Sis. Yewande Falugba; the president, Sis. Lande Fadipe; the minister, Revd. Tunde Oniyide; Sis Aganga-Williams and others at the 80th year anniversary thanksgiving service at the Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos.

Utibe-Abasi

thy head lack no ointment. Make yourself clean, dress decently, keep your hair clean, the bible says in 1 Cor. 11:15 that long hair is the glory of a woman, not of God, so don’t go to the house of the Lord with your hair uncovered, cleanliness is next to Godliness, and don’t engage yourself in buying things that are unnecessarily expensive, the bible is against it, that money can be used in bettering the lives of one or two persons, God says “Love your neighbor as yourself, your neighbour is suffering and you are wastespending. I know it’s your money which you suffered to get, and you should enjoy it, but remember there is more blessing in giving. We should strive for things that will give our soul peace on the last day, not things that will only give us a minute pleasure. Mark 8:36-37 states. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his own soul? What shall you give in exchange for your soul? The Bible says “only your good works shall follow you”. My fellow Christians, suffer not the devil to speak to you, he has only come to steal your blessings, kill your destiny, and destroy your soul, and the devil has nothing good to offer you. Hear the word of God and have a change of mind, God says if you are ashamed of him and his word, he shall also be ashamed of you (Mark 8:38) but if you that are called by His name (Christian) shall humble yourselves and turn away from your unrighteous and wicked ways, He is faithful and just to forgive you, and will remember your sins and iniquities no more. Do not think of what people will say or do to you, your friends and family may even turn their backs on you for accepting Jesus Christ and doing away with all the abominable things in your possession. Jesus Christ says “who is my father, mother, and friends? Only those that hear my word and do them. 1st cor. 6vs14 says: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbeliever, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? When you turn to God, the light of God shines through you, for that they cannot stand because they are darkness. 1 Cor. 7:15a states. But if the unbelieving depart let him depart. If any depart let him or her go, for with God you are majority. My fellow Christians, nothing abominable can be attached to heaven, no slim way in, but the straight gate. Please, look into your lives and have a change of mind. Whether you are righteous of wicked, it profits God nothing, but can only affect your fellow human (Job 35:7-8) why you should be good is because what you sow is what you reap.

Praise & Worship Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani

Email: letsgobible@gmail.com

y phone was on the dinning while I was using the gent, on coming out l noticed my fiancée hurriedly dropping my phone and rushing into the kitchen. On picking my phone l noticed that it was hot meaning it has been on use for some time (actually l was in the gent for over 20minutes listening to a song), also a new text message that came in was unread and a call that came in was answered. Before l could even ask my fiancée, the caller, who happened to be a female and the wife/ vice-President to the CEO of the company l was waiting for their response after my interview with them two days ago, said she called to inform me of my appointment and that l was to report to office on Monday but my WIFE told her that am not interested. I tried to apologise to the woman but to no avail, that why she called back was to tell me that with how my fiancée abused and lashed her on the phone she doesn’t see me having a good future with that woman, and that was how l lost a multinational company job, which l never was able to get back.

So many people have been asking me to forgive her, but l just couldn’t. We’ve already picked our wedding date (all this happened after our introduction ceremony) but l don’t think l can continue. At first l shifted the date till after 7months hoping that l will get a good job so as to take the incident out of my mind but l couldn’t. Now l think l want to stop the whole thing. What do you think Ma? For females, l want to believe that before you can get to the level of calling a man your fiancé, you’ve come a very long way. Meaning you’ve crossed the hurdle of Getting to know, dating and courting. Reaching that height there are two things that are very important out of so many others; First is LOVE, while the Second is TRUST. If you don’t have those why go into a relationship with him, even up to the level of preparing for your settlement. A woman that trusts his husband has no business checking his phone. Even if he is into to some shady stuffs why don’t you cast all these burden upon God and let Him fight for you, for the battle is not yours but of the Lords. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” He is the one that created him; he knows how to handle him. With your own method what has been the result? On the other hand, for my dear brother, what you need is the KEY OF FORGIVENESS. As a child of God, vengeance is not yours but of the Lord, let Him handle her for you and l’m sure He will do a very good job. Forgiveness can be difficult, many couples also struggle with forgiveness in adultery, addictions, or financial irresponsibility. It’s not easy to maintain a forgiving attitude especially in the light of broken trust, love or promises. No matter the object of forgiveness—God always makes a way for couples who are tempted to hold on to an unforgiving attitude: 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.

Sunday November 3, 2013

I can’t forgive her And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”. Take the following steps as a way towards forgiving your spouse: A. Choose forgiveness: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). We have a choice to forgive or to not forgive. God isn’t going to force us to forgive our spouses. Making the choice to forgive doesn’t mean that there aren’t consequences for the transgression. It doesn’t mean that they “get away with it”. Giving our partner the gift of forgiveness has more to do with our relationship and reverence for God than with our spouse. B. Pray for God’s healing for your brokenness: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). The Lord promises to never leave nor forsake us in our desperate situations. He heals the wounds caused by our partners with accuracy in His perfect timing. Just as the healing of physical wounds take time depending of its severity, so it is with spiritual and emotional trauma. The Lord’s healing is completely thorough when we put our complete trust and dependence on Him. C. Recognise that you have faults as well: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We may have not sinned in the same manner as our spouses, but we have sinned at some point in our lives. In forgiving our spouses, we must resist the temptation of comparing our sins to theirs. Jesus died for all sins—both small and great in our eyes, but in the eyes of God—there are no small sins. Sin of every size and shape separates us from having an intimate relationship with God. Ask the Lord to reveal any sinful actions on your part in the relationship. D. Resist the urge to continually bring up their transgression: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” (Isaiah 43:18). “Forgive and forget” is a common saying many people recite when dealing with the issue of forgiveness. We may never completely forget an offense, but we don’t have to mull it over and over, in our minds either. Through the grace and healing of God, He’s able to take the sting of the transgression away even if the memory persists. As we grow in our relationship with God, we move away from the desire of revenge and wanting to punish our spouses to a place of contentment. E. Believe God: “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Mark 9:23. Whatsoever that happens to a child of God does not just happen, there is a purpose for it. Though it’s not good, God can bring good out of a bad situation. Also don’t give up hope yet; God might be planning something better. For everything works together for good for those that believe and love God. Believe God can do better than your multinational job for He is God and in Him all things consist.

F. Express your love in action and not just words. “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Love isn’t a passive feeling. It is expressed in the action of husbands and wives who love God. How can we love God and not forgive our spouse? It can’t happen. Your relationship with God is most evident in how you show love after choosing forgiveness. No one knows the love language of your spouse more than you. G. Forgive, forgive, and forgive again. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:21-22). We will have to forgive again and again. Not necessarily for the same offenses, but maybe, depending on our situations. The Lord provides the strength and the insight for us to keep forgiving our spouses. If we do it in our own strength, we will fail. However, if we depend on God’s grace to forgive our spouses, we will always have room in our hearts to forgive. Forgive? It’s not fair! You’re right. It’s not fair. It wasn’t fair for Jesus who never sinned to bear the sins of every person who was, is, and will be born on this earth. It wasn’t fair for Him to be separated from the Heavenly Father because of our sins. It wasn’t fair for Him to suffer with many stripes, beatings, and be-

Christian Relationship with Taiwo

Odubiyi

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ing nailed to the Cross. For your sin. For my sin. For the sins of our spouses and children. “But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we were healed.” Isaiah 53:5. In the light of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, none of us deserve to be forgiven of our sins. But we are because of His great love and mercy poured out to us. In the same manner, out of the forgiveness shown to us, we choose to forgive our spouses and trust in God to heal our brokenness. Looking at it from another angle: I want you to be highly prayerful, in that, what happened could be a check from the Lord. He could have been talking to you about the lady not been the right partner for you but you were too busy to listen, so in a way to get your attention he could have arranged this, so be highly prayerful to know the will of God for your life. However there is no way you can get through to God without first forgiving her, still make use of the key of forgiveness, then seek the face of the Lord for His guidance. The question is before you entered into this relationship, did you seek the face of God and were you able to receive a go ahead from Him. Go back to the beginning and really check if you did it well. •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

Any emotional aff ing your pastor.” Tammy looked up as her anger grew. She shouted, “He hid it from me! He didn’t tell me. I complained about his closeness to this lady but he didn’t listen to me!” “You should have told your wife about it. You should have also prayed ...” (Culled from my novel ‘Oh Baby!’)

E-mail: info@pastortaiwoodubiyi.org.uk

“B

ut before I continue, I’d like to know how you got so close to that woman.” Pastor Tom said, looking at Richard.

Feeling greatly ashamed he answered, “I was only trying to help and be a support to her. I was just trying to be friendly. I mean ... we were just friends.” Richard’s wife, Tammy shook her head and sighed as she folded her arms across her chest. She kept her face turned away. Pastor Tom went on. “That has always been the root cause of extramarital affairs. People say they are just friends, friends without their spouses. I can’t count the number of people who have said that. They continued to see and spend time with those friends against better judgment and advice. Most of them ended up getting attracted and having affairs with the so called friends.” Tammy shook her head sadly again. She had warned Richard about this lady but he said there was no problem. He even accused her of hating the lady. Pastor Tom continued. “When two people begin to feel attracted to each other and they don’t break or stop the attraction, they have entered into an emotional affair and most of the time, emotional affairs lead to sexual affairs. Richard, the moment you began to feel the attraction was when you should have backed off or told your wife ... or even me, be-

In the novel, Pastor Richard, a married man, knew he was getting really very close and attracted to Helen, his church member but did nothing to stop it. He continued spending time with her, telling himself that they were just friends and he could handle the friendship. Keeping their conversations and meetings away from his wife, Tammy, he ended up sleeping with Helen and destroying his marriage. I have heard people say that sometimes a person does not know he or she is having an emotional affair until the feelings have grown too deep or it is too late but I don’t agree. There is no way a person will be attracted or begins to feel some sexual energy because of someone and will not know it in the heart. Married people involved in emotional affairs know something is going on and it is wrong, that is why they keep it a secret and lie or deceive their spouses. What is an emotional affair? When does friendship become an emotional affair? An emotional affair is an affair of the heart that involves someone who is not the spouse, and a seemingly innocent friendship becomes an emotional affair when: 1. You begin to feel attracted to the person. Seeing the person gives you sexual en-

PASSION A Lifestyle Magazine

Sunday November 3, 2013

APPLAUSE

Look good even when married –Abike >>27

DUDE STYLE

I am a perfume freak –Baba Tee >>29

I know what I want in a relationship –Madam Eba Ano >>26

I use sex to settle quarrels with my husband –Ada Bongo >>38

Passion

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I know what I want in a relationship –Madam Eba Ano Mama Christy Okonkwo’s name may not ring a bell instantly. But a closer look at her will convince you that she has featured in so many movies and stage dramas. She is popularly known for her motherly and comic roles. In this interview with Adaeze Amos, she speaks about her acting career, relationship with her fans, and dispels the rumour that she was down with a terrible ailment. What was your transition from youth to womanhood like? I don’t like talking about it. Not that it was too rough, tough or whatever. Why I do not like talking about it is because I always feel like crying each time I recount it. I lost my father very early in life. He died in 1973. So, I don’t like talking about my growing up because there is no way I would tell my story without remembering him. My late mother tried her best to raise me and my siblings up. I am her first child and I knew what she went through. You wouldn’t

know how it feels narrating that part of my life. Did you study Theatre Arts in the university? No, I did not. The acting job I’m doing is a gift from God, or I should say I’m talented to do it. This is because when I was in secondary school, I used to act in the church. I was also part of the old ‘Village Headmaster’. I acted in the ‘Yam Festival Episode’ in the 1970s. I have really endured in the acting world. Having endured in the industry, what are those evergreen experiences you won’t forget easily? There is however nothing to regret about. Some would ask me if anybody has made advances at me. All I know is that actresses are human beings. God created Adam and Eve and that is man and woman. There is no beautiful person that people would not make advances at. Even if you are ugly, they would still make advances. But it depends on what you want. What I wanted from acting was fame; not even the money. The money would come when you have fame. If you are not known, you won’t be getting jobs. So, what role or movie gave you that fame? It was Charlie Boy’s show that brought me into the limelight. It was on his show that I popularly came to be addressed as Madam Eba Ano. Today even on the street, in the market, shopping malls and anyway I go, people would call me Madam Eba Ano gladly. They recognise me at a quick glance. Today, I’m reaping the sweet fruit of fame. How do you cope with fame knowing that you have no privacy? I manage fame very well. I don’t allow it to get into my head or control me in any way. I’m neither arrogant nor pompous. I’m friendly with everybody. Even when you see me first and look the other way, I would be the first to call and greet y o u . S o m e times when I enter public or commercial vehicle, my fans would call me and say mama you entered commercial vehicle today. And I would smile and gist with them. I’ll ask them why won’t I enter commercial bus; am I not a human being? I re-

late well with people. That I’m a celebrity does not mean I should not enter a bus. If I don’t enter commercial vehicles, people would say because she is a celebrity or star, she doesn’t want to enter a public bus. I’m down to earth. I go to market to buy foodstuff unlike when I hit stardom newly. But it is no longer like that today. There is a friend of mine who avoids market because of fear of embarrassment from her fans. I asked to go with her so as to douse her fears. When we got to the market, they didn’t even recognise her. I was the one they were hailing and I was also responding happily. They asked me to introduce my colleague to them, and when I did they said they didn’t know her. Mine is different because it’s been long. I started acting in the 70s. Where do you draw the line with regard to some fans that may want to get intimate with you? The relationship with my fans is just friendly, a platonic one. I know where to draw the line. Even on Facebook, I always watch it. You know I’m a mother and by the special grace of God, soon I will be a grandmother. Why should I be having intimate relationship with anybody? Does intimate affair have to do with age or being a granny? I know it doesn’t have to do with that but why should I be doing that? What do I benefit from that? Having affair depends on what you want. I don’t want any intimate affair with any fan. It’s not because I have come of age; it’s just my nature. This is just how I am. Everybody is my friend but there is nothing more than that. You can see how everybody is calling me mama. That is what I want because when they start calling you auntie Christy, some of them may start having another thing in their minds. They start thinking otherwise. I wouldn’t tolerate such a behaviour from anyone. There is no room for that because I know what I want for myself. What is that scandal that nearly broke you heart? As for stories, I don’t think there is anything written about me that is scandalous. The only thing that I would say that happened is that last year, one of my friends called me from Aba in Abia State. She said my enemy is dead (that I’m dead). I was shocked when I heard that. I told her that it was not true, that I was even shocked to have heard that from her. I was on set when her call came. I told her it was a mere rumour. As if that wasn’t enough, I went to Benin June or July to shoot a movie for one woman. I did a movie where I interpreted a character of someone who was down with a terminal ailment and was rushed to church where she was healed. I just interpreted a character. Some people who watched the movie thought that I was seriously down with a terminal ailment. Hence my friends started calling to sympathise with me. I want to make it categorically clear that the news that I was down with a terminal ailment is a fallacy, it was a movie. When I called the woman I shot the movie for, she said I should ignore the rumour. If truly I attend the church, I would not be fixing weave-on, paint my nails, wear make-up or trouser as I’m wearing now because Lord’s Chosen members don’t wear all those stuffs. What do you do when you want to unwind? I stay at home and take care of my children. I cook for them and watch movies; both the ones I featured in and those I didn’t feature in. I also watch foreign movies. I’m a home person.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Passion

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Look good even when married –Abike ADAEZE AMOS

bikeola Makinde studied Computer Science at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. But because of her passion for hair and beauty care, she ventured into beauty business. Today, she is the managing director of Creative Women Beauty Shop and Salon. Her zeal to make both married and single ladies, including celebrities look good, has not diminished her undying love of becoming a journalist. Hence, she combines her beauty business with her lectures at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba in Lagos. As a beauty expert, she affirms that every woman, no matter her status, should strive to look good. “Every woman should endeavour to look beautiful because looking beautiful is a good business,” she stated. But why does this include married women who should be occupied with how to take care of the home front? “Taking care of your children and home front should not hinder you from looking good and appearing neat. It is even more important to look good, especially when you are married. I hate when I see women tying wrappers across their chests in the morning just because you call yourself a married woman. Stop it! It doesn’t speak well of you. That may be putting your man off. It is such married women that keep complaining about their husbands straying or cheating on them and all that. “I think as a married woman, you should look neat for yourself and for your husband. Looking neat and your appearance come from the inside. Even if your husband is the type that desires anything in skirt, you should still try your best to look good for him. Take care of yourself no matter what happens, so that whenever he is looking at other ladies outside, he would remember he has a neat and beautiful woman at home,” she said. This black beauty believes that when a lady wants to clean up well, she should start from her hair to the toe. “I encourage every woman to look good and let it come from the inside. Don’t see the effort you put into looking good as a waste of time and strength,” she said. According to her, “I pay adequate attention even to the small details. Often times, when I’m dressing, I usually tell my hubby I’m dressing well for him. When he asks why I fix expensive human hair, I usually say I’m fixing it for him, and he would smile. So, I would advise you to emulate me. Make effort to look good even when you are married; it is worth it. Look good for yourself and your husband. If your husband is happy with you because of your kind of hairstyle or the way you look, it is kudos to you.” Abike, as she is known, insisted that variety in beauty is the spice of life. “I think it is necessary to change your looks as well. At times you might want to go for hair that is very long at another time, you might go for very short hair. That is when you hear some people compliment you that you look different, fabulous and beautiful. So, ladies I think it is good to vary your looks,” she affirmed. This hair and beauty executive believes there are beauty tips many Nigerian women are not adhering to as well as many beauty blunders they are committing. “Most Nigerian women seldom go to professionals. I mean professionals in the area of hair and beauty. Oftentimes people look at the money involved and opt for a cheap place where you could hardly detect what goes on hair your hair style, the products to use - provided they are cheap. At times people don’t even know what is good for their hair. You may not know the hairstyle that may suit your face. Please let professionals make decisions for you. They would consider the shape of your face first and choose for you and at last you would like yourself the more,” she counselled. On beauty blunders, she explains that, “Most women choose hairstyles that are not suitable for their faces. For instance, centre parting is not good for ladies with oblong faces. And you see some of such ladies opting for that because of ignorance. But I will categorically make it clear here that centre parting is good for ladies with round face and egg shape face. But centre parting for oblong face is not good. Then for fringe style, any kind of facial shape can go for it. Afro hairstyles are good for slender ladies. If you are big and you are wearing afro hairstyle, you look extra big. When you are plus sized and you are also wearing plus-sized hair, you would look outrageous. “For slender ladies who want to choose afro hairstyle, just be moderate about it so that people would not be looking at your hair per se. They should be looking at the totality of your beauty.” To celebrities who want their hairstyles to stand out, the hair expert has some words. “For celebrities, we look at them as performers. Whatever style they opt for should be signature styles. We should not just judge them based on their hairstyles. I think looking at the celebrities or artistes, we may allow them detect their look and hairstyles themselves,” she said. Makinde

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Faces

& Events

NOVEMBER 3, 2013

Amaka Anakwe crowned Adaigbo 1 of Nollywood ADAEZE AMOS AND VANESSA OKWARA

uper screen diva, Amaka Anakwe, fondly called Amaka South, was honoured with a chieftaincy title of Adaigbo 1 of Nollywood recently. She was crowned by the President of Igbo Forum Nollywood, Eze Omenani Dr. Harris Chuma, aka Ogene Ndigbo. The event which took place in Zaaz Hotels, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos attracted Nollywood stars, music aficionados and people from all walks of life amid a colourful display of Igbo culture and tradition.

Dr. Harris Chuma, Ogene Ndigbo about to crown Amaka Anakwe

Ada Igbo I of Ikeja and her entourage

L-R: Anita Chuma, Princess 2p and Tokumbo Odedina

Adaeze Bongo, musician

L-R: Ijeoma Austin Ketebu and Righteousman

Rommy Imah

Doyin Ami, fashion designer.

Hon. Comrade Chief Hajiya Amina Dangaji

Righteousman

PHOTOS: ADAEZE AMOS

Perfect Cut

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Fashion without w ADAEZE AMOS

ave you ever wondered what what the world of fashion would have been without women? omen? It would have been bleak, boring and dull. Imagine where you ou get rid of hot fashionistas from m the fashion radar! That, of course, ourse, would do a lot of harm in the e fashion circle. Such things as fashion ashion magazines, red carpet events ts and fashion shows would be affected. fected. Razzmatazz would also be gone. ne. If in doubt, check out these e fashionistas who are still painting ng the fashion world red. If you are re the type that misses fashion shows ws and glamorous events and their red ed carpet sessions, you are losing a lot, especially if you love fun and d style. Spotless skin/complexion, beauty and swag are also on display ay. So, think twice.

Models get hotter on ADAEZE AMOS

Fashion will not be complete without these runway mannequins. This the ones that make fashion tick. Little wonder this year’s model casting fashion show, titled Music Meets Runway over 3000 young aspiring fema out as against last year’s 1000 models. The event was held in the Expo Hal in Victoria Island, Lagos. Judges had hard time selecting finalists, as t came for the casting was numerous . Nkem Okorafor, the current Face of who was present said that “whoever emerges the winner will have her year’s winner will go on to become the new “Face” of MMR for a year an major International fashion week in 2014. Speaking on passing her crown the Face of MMR has really opened lots of doors for me, it took me four y The upcoming models now look up to me as a role model, which feels goo lead model b for “The Golden Girl” in this year’s campaign shoot and vide be travelling to participate in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I have m crown as the year has gone so fast, but I’m happy that I’ve laid a good leg be delighted to see who will emerge the winner as the Face of MMR 2013 a in promoting the MMR brand.”

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Sunday, November 3, 2013

women is bleak!’

runway

of course is a fact. They are g for the premier music and ale and male models turned l at the Eko Hotel and Suites the number of models that f Music Meets Runway 2012, life changed forever “. This nd will also participate in a n, Miss Okorafor said “being years to be where I am today. od. I was recently cast as the eo. And later this year I will mixed feelings on passing the gacy for my successor, I will and carry on where I left off

Perfect Cut

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African Look NOVEMBER 3, 2013

Dramatic ball gowns made from African print VANESSA OKWARA

he Ankara craze is getting more exciting. African designers have become very creative in bringing out fabulous designs from the Ankara fabric. This has also enabled the continentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion to make a niche in the international style scene. Ball gowns, mostly considered English attire, can also be made using the Ankara fabric to create sensational designs. Creating spectacular ball gowns out of Ankara print has become the next fashion trend for that fashion conscious lady that loves making dramatic entrances at events. Check out these beautifully designed ball gowns out of the African print and decide to make a ball gown of your own.

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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Pregnancy Talk with

Adaeze Amos 08023012293 (SMS ONLY)

Ethiopian men compete to be village’s fattest

Who does your newborn baby resemble? W

hen Ime was pregnant with her first child, she needed a housemaid that would help her wash dishes and do some other house chores. Elizabeth, her mother, who lived in the village thought it necessary to get a little girl from the rural community who would be taken to Lagos tto help her. “Each time I call Mama to find out how far she had gone with what I told her, she would tell me to give “Eac more time to get a beautiful girl for me,” Ime narrated. her mor She, therefore, became curious and wondered why her mother was insisting on bringing a beautiful instead of just looking for a girl from a good home who would not steal her money as her previous girl inst was doing before she bundled her home. maid w “When I got tired of waiting and my expected date of delivery was fast approaching, I had to call her “Wh to send whoever was available. I made it clear to her that I was not interested in how the girl looked… just needed a well brought up girl from a good home. She told me to give her more time. She said that I ju girls she had seen were not pretty enough. She didn’t want an ugly girl to come to my house so that the girl unborn grandchild would not resemble her.” her unb That answer shocked Ime who held tight to the receiver of the phone, wondering what her mother by that. meant b “Don’t you know that whoever you look at constantly would affect how your baby would look like? “Don I know you won’t believe this my child because according to you, anything that has not been proved cannot be true but this is our belief in Africa. So, now that you are alone in your house because your husband is not yet back from America, I want you to go and buy a calendar that has pictures of beautiful husban babes/women and hang it close to your bed so that you will be looking at it. That would affect your baby’s babes/w semblance,” the old woman suggested. semblan dropped the receiver and had a good laugh. Ime’s mother is not the only one with this myth. This She d is based on traditional belief that everything a pregnant woman sees, tastes, hears and touches will affect her baby. At times, we are told that what a pregnant woman experiences can affect her growing baby. health experts say it is a fallacy. “What your baby looks like will be determined by the genes that But h passed to him/her from you and your husband,” said a medic. are pas “Your baby’s genes determine everything from his skin colour, hair, and nose to how tall he becomes “You he reaches adulthood. There is very little you can do to influence his physical appearance,” the when h expert ssaid. you may wonder why when some babies are born, the shape of their heads would neither reBut y semble those of their mothers nor their fathers. Experts say it is because of the circumstances of their delivery. new born baby’s appearance is affected by his stay in the womb and his birth. He might have a “A n cone-shaped head due to the narrow passage through which he comes. A natural or vaginal birth makes cone-sh bones in his head overlap slightly. Some even have bow legs due to the way the leg bones were curved the bon in the womb. When a baby’s nose is not as pointed as his parent’s, it might be that he had or positioned posit squashed nose during his movement through the birth passage. But all these effects of the womb and a squas canal can disappear after two years that a baby was born and his real face will begin to show. No birth ca matter how you massage his nose with warm water to be pointed and how you press the head to make it round, it would not work. After some time, all these anomalies will be corrected on their own,” medical experts say.

lim might be in elsewhere but for Ethiopia’s Bodi or Me’en people, bigger is always better. The tribe, which lives in a remote corner of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, is home to an unusual ritual which sees young men gorge on cow’s blood and milk in a bid to be crowned the fattest man. Six months after starting the regime, the men emerge to show off their newly engorged physiques and for a winner to be chosen. The champion fat man is then feted as a hero for the rest of his life. Now the little known rite is the subject of incredible photos taken by French shutterbug Eric Lafforgue - who spent time with the Bodi while travelling through south-western Ethiopia during the run up to the Bodi New Year or Ka’el ceremony. Sadly, the Ka’el ritual and the Bodi’s traditional way of life is under threat from the Ethiopian government who plan to resettle 300,000 people from all over the country on their lands. For now, the tribe continue as they always have, and still celebrate Ka’el in traditional style each June. The contest begins six months before the ceremony. Every family is allowed to present an unmarried man for the challenge, who, after being chosen, retires to his hut and must not move or have sex for the duration. Food comes in the form of a cow’s blood and milk mixture, served regularly to the men by women from the village. ‘The cows are sacred to the Bodi tribe so they are not killed,’ explains Lafforgue. ‘The blood is taken by making a hole in a vein with a spear or an axe, and after that, they close it with clay.’ Because of the scorching temperatures, the men have to drink the two-litre bowl of blood and milk quickly before it coagulates but as Lafforgue reveals, not everyone can handle drinking so much at speed. ‘The fat men drink milk and blood all day long,’ he says. ‘The first bowl of blood is drunk at sunrise. The place is invaded by flies. The man must drink it quickly before it coagulates but some cannot drink everything and vomit it.’ On the day itself, the men cover their bodies with clay and ashes before emerging from their huts for the walk to the spot where the ceremony will take place. Culled from Daily Mail

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Connecting with

Vanessa

Vanessaonsunday@yahoo.com

‘I love him but going to marry another, what do I do?’

ave you ever been in a tight situation and really don’t know which way to turn to? Have you been in a circumstance that is tearing you to shreds and yet there seems to be no immediate solution in sight? That was the kind of situation Jennifer found herself in when she met Benjamin who she can only describe as the love of her life. UnfortuModels nately, she was already engaged to be married by the time fate brought them together and there was nothing they could do because it was already too late for them to share their love with each other. By the time she met Benjamin, she was already engaged to Obinna, her lifelong sweetheart. She and Obinna have always known they will marry right from when they were kids. They grew up in the same neighbourhood and went to the same primary and secondary schools together. It was when they finished their WAEC examinations that they started seeing each other regularly. For Jenny, Obinna was like a brother she never had since she was an only child. She practically grew up in Obnna’s house as she was always going there to play as a child. As they grew older, the brother-sister relationship translated to matured love and they made a commitment to get married once they finished their university education and find good jobs. Now they are officially engaged and both parents are very pleased with their decision; although this was no news to either of their parents as it’ had been their desire to see their children come together as married couple. Benjamin epitomises all her male fantasies: cool, handsome, rich and suave. The few times she managed to go on a date with him have been the most exciting times of her life. She has fallen deeply in love with him and now sees her fiancé Obinna as a mere friend. Will it be fair to go ahead with this marriage, knowing her heart now belongs to another? Jennifer’s situation is indeed a dicey and precarious one. She is at a crossroads in her life where any decision she arrives at right now may make or mar her destiny. So she needs to tread softly and go into serious soul searching to decipher which of the men she’ll finally settle down with. The way our life turns out is largely dependent on the choices we make. Life presents us with all kinds of opportunities, some of them good, some bad and others come with a mixture of both depending on the angle we want to look at it. Making a choice which way to go should be dependent on your background, the values you hold close to heart and the pressing desire at that particular time. When it comes to the mat-

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...Find your soul mate here to 08025253996

In need of a serious relationship/marriage Alex, 6ft tall, 30 years old, well built handsome and living in Lagos. I need a lady that is matured sexually active and wealthy between 35-45 years for a relationship –07034629706 My name is Omolade, a student and a Muslim sister. I want a single Muslim man between 27-35 years. He must be caring and a devoted man who fear Almighty Allah. He should be a civil servant or doctor that can take care of me with the help of Allah –07015489458 Michael is my name, 25 years old and an upcoming gospel artiste. I live in Festac town, gentle, jovial handsome and fair in complexion. I need a beautiful hardworking girl for a good relationship –08060491604 I am Ola, 25 years old, living in Lagos. I need a rich and caring lady between 2535 years for a serious relationship or marriage –08126004355, BB pin: 277630c6 My name is Debby Adeniran from Ibadan, 27 years old. I am an undergraduate. I need a matured Yoruba man for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage next year by God’s grace –07081384216 I am Olayemi from Ekiti state. I am a single father of two lovely kids. I reside in Lagos. I need a responsible and God fearing lady for a serious relationship –08063619197 Oladipupo is my name. I am 25 years old living in Lagos. I need a serious relationship with a beautiful lady between 18-24 years for a serious relationship –08185244615 My name is Philip Jones, 31 years’ old living and working in Lagos. I need a working class pretty lady living in Lagos for a serious relationship –08064798855 I am Akande, 38 years old a businessman and educated. I need an educated born again lady based either in Lagos or Ibadan for marriage between26-32 year’s old –08085002294 Nedu is my name. I am 42 years old. I need a well to matured lady for love –08020937788

ters of the heart, we always tend to think with our heart rather than with the head. Love is an overwhelming emotion if you are not careful; it can make you do things that are not originally in our character. For instance, Jennifer was already cheating by going out on dates with another man when she’s betrothed to another. Relationship commitments are binding and require you to keep it sacred until you officially break up. It becomes a dangerous game when you leave loopholes that will give access to cheating. In fact, there’s a thin line between flirting and cheating. It’s one thing to say you are in a serious or committed relationship with someone and yet you still flirt around. You may say it’s harmless at first, but before you know it, it can graduate into a full blown affair. That is why it is not safe to give place to the devil. We must all understand that there’s no perfect man or woman. That person who you may perceive as being your perfect match might end up being your worst enemy. Did you ever watch this Hollywood movie, ‘Sleeping with the enemy’ starred by Julia Roberts? Everything in her life looked comfortable and rosy on the outside but on the inside she was living with her worst enemy who was capable of terminating her life. In the end, she planned her own escape and even changed her identity just to save herself from the monster she had married. What am I trying to bring out here? The angel you know is far better than the knight in shining armour. Jennifer has known her fiance all her life and was in love with him half of that time. All of a sudden a stranger that looks like George Clooney walks into her life and she melts like butter before fire. She forgets that most George Clooney’s of this world only make good boyfriends and not good husbands. In fact, most of them are simply not the marrying kind. All that glitters is not gold. So before you go running off with that new-found love, make sure you are certain what you are getting yourself into will not boomerang in future. Investigate with your head and not with your heart that this is truly what you want. Be sure that it’s a choice you will not regret later in life; it is important for you to look before you leap.

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Sunday, November 3, 2013

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& ovies M usic M Edited by Adaeze Amos 08023012293 e-mail: adaezeamos@gmail.com

I use sex to settle quarrels with my husband –Ada Bongo Adaeze Nwajames, popularly known as Ada Bongo, is a musician and a TV presenter at Kpakpandu TV on Infinity satellite. She’s very popular, particularly in the eastern part of the country where her style of music is generally accepted. In this interview with Vanessa Okwara, she speaks about her new album and what being a wife and mother means to her. How long have you been in the entertainment industry? I have been in the music industry for six years. In those six years, I attended live shows with my band and we performed at weddings and traditional events. My music genre is the Bongo style of music which is the traditional Igbo kind of music which people like Bright Chimezie and Sunny Bobo brought into the limelight. This style of music is very popular in the eastern part of the country, particularly the Owerri people in Imo State. It’s from this style of music that I got my stage name. I’m mostly celebrated in the East as Ada Bongo. Now I want my kind of music to be known all over the nation and beyond; that is why I have written songs in pidgin language so that I can cut across all sections of the country.

You said you’ve been married for 18 years now, what has it been like? The truth is that marriage can never be all rosy. It all depends how both of you manage the crises period. By God’s grace, there are good times and there are bad times. It is God that establishes a marriage, so it is also God that will support it through storms. I have seven children and I’m very proud to say it because a lot of people tell me I don’t look as if I have grown up children. They are four girls and three boys.

Have you released the album? I have many songs which I did in Igbo language that I sing at shows and weddings. Right now, I just released a highlife track called Uduabiriba. Both track and video will be coming out at the same time by January. The promotion is already going on and it’s being played on most radio stations both in the East and also in Lagos

What do you do when you have problems with your husband? As I said in my songs, udu-abiriba is very important. When there is problem with my husband, it’s the udu-abiriba that we normally use to settle the quarrel. Sex settles every problem with your husband, so it should be used wisely by a wife. The more women are ready to understand that God has given men that position which makes them to be on top and give them their respect, then the fewer problems we’ll have with our husbands. When I have problems with my husband, I don’t go replying to every word he says; I will wait for a time when I’m sure he has cooled down to talk to him and then we will settle the quarrel with udu-abiriba (sex).

What is the message of your song? When you hear about Udu-abiriba, it’s not about the popular town of Abiriba in Abia State. It is a word I just used to symbolise womanhood, a woman’s private part to be precise or a woman’s central bank, if you know what I mean. Most women use this special part of their body that God gave them to punish men, especially their husband. When there’s no money, she will refuse to give her husband her Udu-abiriba. In my song, I said ‘No money no Udu-abiriba’ is not a good character for a wife to show to her husband. So in my song, I’m telling women to use their womanhood as a blessing to their husband. Marriage should be enjoyed and not be endured. Are you saying that women should give sex freely to every man that asks? No! I don’t mean girls or unmarried women. My message goes particularly to those who are married. They should give uduabiriba to their husband anytime he asks for it and they should not give conditions for it. I’ve been married for 18 years, so I have a lot of experience in this area. The program I run on Kpakpandu TV entitled Igirigi is marriage counselling using the Igbo language. I thought, instead of only talking about it, let me also sing about it so that I can reach a wider audience with this message. Most people who might not have time to tune to a TV station can listen to the song on the radio or the alum itself. Is this song written in Igbo dialect? No it’s not just an Igbo song. It’s written in pidgin and also has a mixture of both Igbo and Yoruba words. It is a very funny song every Nigerian can easily identify with. The Bongo songs I normally do are mostly Igbo people that understand them but in this new track, Nigerians will readily get the message of the song.

Have your husband been supportive of your music career? At the initial stage, he did not support me. To him, when he married me I was not a musician and all of a sudden I’m telling him I want to do commercial music where I will be going out to clubs and shows to sing. He didn’t like it at first. With my stature and the way I look as if I’m not even married, it was like a threat to him but he knows the kind of person he got married to and learnt to trust me. When I went to the studio, waxed a song and it sold in the market and people kept calling to say they love my music, he began to see it as a gift. He therefore made up his mind to support me and not suppress my gift out of jealousy. Now I can travel for a week and perform in any part of the country and he will stay back to help look after the children although they are all grown up now anyway. My music career started when my children grew up. The older ones are there to look after the younger ones as well. Some of my children also exhibit my kind of talent. Some sing and others do professional dancing.

Bongo

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Music & Movies

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Love IS show opens at SPANfestival The ‘Love Is’ show, a mesmerising and exuberant musical theatre production featuring chart-topping soundtracks will be showing as part of the events at the coming SPAN festival. Celebrities such as Yinka Davies, Mannie of CoolFM, MC Abbey, among others, will featu re at the event on November 9 at Oceanview, Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos. The ‘Love Is’ show is an intimate and taut portrait of two lives, a man and a woman on a journey in search of the answer to the question, ‘WHAT IS LOVE?’ It is a richly textured stage production that captures the deep-rooted undertones in relationships which are increasingly spreading into the fibre of our society. It is a polished production, with classy costumes and stunning vocals, comical and dramatic, sensual and lyrical, acrobatic and ultimately inspiring. The SPANfestival, where the ‘Love Is’ show makes a debut kicks off with a half hour fashion show by Kinabuti, an ethical fashion label founded in Nigeria by Italian designer Caterina Bortolussi. Based on Bortolussi’s love of fashion, it celebrates women with innovative and eclectic designs, whilst inspiring and supporting them through its social empowerment programs in the Niger Delta. The SPANfestival promises other exciting performances where eclectic fashion fused with an enchanting love-inspired production will keep you glued to your seat. It is surely a worthy experience you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. –Vanessa Okwara

Davies

Vito shines in Gbadun the way Emmanuel Ikaka better known as Vito, is an 18-yearold aspiring music star. His latest singles entitled, ‘Gbadun the way’ is a captivating song that confirms the young lad’s solid grip on his groove. Produced by Woye Sounds, ‘Gbadun the way’ which hit the airwaves on October 25 is the third official singles from Vito’s yet-to-be-titled debut album. The album is planned to be released in 2014 by Brodock Music Group, BMG. It would not only showcase Vito’s talent, but would also demonstrate the amount of emotion and personal endeavour that goes into his music. BMG recently landed an exclusive management deal with Lagos based Artiste Development and Management firm called The Bail Music Company to help Vito develop his brand, and media profile. “Having Brodock Music Group and a management company like The Bail Music Company behind me will open so many doors. Most of all, they believe in me and nothing is ever stagnant. I have already started working on some new materials, and there are solid plans in place,” revealed Vito. The musical video of ‘Gbadun the way’, shot in South Africa by Godfather Production is expected to hit the airwaves any moment from now. Vito announced his arrival into the Nigerian music scene through three debut singles entitled Sofa, featuring W4; Ogbu, and The Town featuring Nigerian pop sensation, Solid Star. –Angela Davies

Nollywood Golden Girls celebrate birthday, refuse to disclose age

Tracy and Treasure

Tracy and Treasure Daniels, Nollywood twins, fondly known as Nollywood Golden Girls, marked their birthday on October 21 in far away Manhattan, New York City, United States of America. The bash started two days before the real day in some orphanages in Nigeria before they travelled out. They have reasons for making orphanages in their motherland a starting point. “That is a way of giving back to the society that made us. That is how we usually do it,” Tracy said. Buttressing her point, her twin sister, Treasure, added, “It is indeed good to give back to the society that made you. That is a way of also showing appreciation to God because without our fans and loved ones, including those in the orphanages, we wouldn’t have been where we are today.” When asked how old they are, their answers were comical. “Our age is left in the hands of our readers and fans,” Tracy said, giggling. “Okay since you want to know, we are adults because we are above 18,” Treasure echoed amidst laughter. –Adaeze Amos

Flavour, Sound Sultan, Chidinma, Kcee, Professor collaborate on Sweet Like Shuga Nigerian chart toppers, Flavour, Sound Sultan, Chidinma and Kcee are collaborating with South African Kwaito star, Professor, on the title track for Shuga’s series 3. The highly anticipated sex-and-relationships drama will premiere on December 1 on MTV Base, DStv Channel 322. The upbeat Afro-Pop song for the new series of Shuga, has been co-written by the artistes and Del B, who is also producing the track. The song, entitled ‘Sweet Like Shuga’, is about the temptations faced by young people and echoes some of the key storylines in the Shuga TV series, which finds its key cast members engaging in a whole range of risky behaviours from multiple sexual partners to unprotected sex, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence and failing to disclose their HIV status. MTV Base has commissioned celebrated Nigerian music video director, Clarence Peters, to create the music video for ‘Sweet Like Shuga’, which will premiere exclusively on Spanking New on MTV Base in mid-November. The track will also be available to download free on the Shuga website and on leading music download sites. Shuga is an award-winning sex, relationships drama and multimedia campaign designed to combat a lack of awareness and misinformation about HIV, sexual responsibility and teen pregnancy among Nigerian youths. The exciting casts for this season’s include Maria Okanrende, Tiwa Savage, Okezie Morro, Chris Attoh, and many others. –Angela Davies

Flavour

Vito

Unforgivable premieres at Silverbird Cinemas

Actress cum producer, Dayo Amusa, pulled a large crowd during the premiere of her movie entitled ‘Unforgivable’, last Sunday. Her colleagues, friends, media icons, entertainment stars and high grade personalities were around and witnessed the debut of the movie which held at Silverbird Cinemas in Ikeja, Lagos. Nollywood favourites in attendance included Desmond Elliot, Kunle Afolayan, Patrick Doyle, Femi Adebayo, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Sodiq Adebayo, Laide Bakare, Niyi Johnson, Toyin Aimakhu and Doris Simeon. Others are Liz-Da-Silva, Bayray Mcwizu, Bakky Adeoye, Ireti Osayemi, Baba Tee, Toyin Alausa, Iyabo Ojo, Funmi Fiberesima, Seun Oloketuyi, Ibironke Ashaolu, Wale Alabi and many more. The red carpet started at 5.30 p.m. Fans looked impressed not just with the storyline, but with the overall production of the movie; from the impeccable performance and delivery of the cast, to the directing and editing. Mike Ezuruonye and Desmond Elliot gave award-winning performances and turned heads with their expressions in Yoruba language. –Adaeze Amos & Vanessa Okwara

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ANGELA DAVIES lessonsoflife2@yahoo.com 08023342083

Lessons of Life ‘I am suffering from my mother’s curse’ TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART NOVEMBER 3, 2013

y name is Ekaete and I have two wayward daughters who have been tormenting my life. Recently, I woke up in the hospital bed but the last thing I remembered was that my daughters asked me to go and buy some bottles of beer, condoms and packets of cigarettes but I refused. I told them I was having a headache; they pounced on me and beat me to a pulp. I guess when I fainted, they rushed me to the hospital. When I woke up on my hospital bed, the first person I saw was my elder daughter, Uwame. She warned that I should not return when I am discharged or I would die this time round. “Madam, please don’t bother coming home or this time round, you will die. I promise that we will kill you,” she warned and dashed out of the room. However, before you judge my daughters, this is my story. As I earlier said, my name is Ekaete. I have lived all my life in Lagos but I hail from Akwa Ibom State. It is with a heavy heart that I tell my story. I don’t want anyone to feel pity for me because I deserve whatever happens to me. As a young girl, my family could hardly eat two square meals. My father was a gate-keeper while my mother was a petty trader. We lived in the boy’s quarters of the house being guarded by my father. I am the first child in a family of three girls and one boy. After completing my secondary school education, I started attending evening classes to prepare for my Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, examination somewhere at Opebi in Lagos. My dream was to study Accountancy at the University of Lagos, and then work in the bank. I was 18 years old then. One evening, on my way home from my evening class, I met Alhaji Rahman. I was strolling to the bus stop when I heard the horn of a car beside me. The car stopped and the driver introduced himself as Afam and offered me a ride to my destination. Since I was already tired, I accepted his offer and he dropped me right in front of my compound. From that day, we became close. He told me he liked me and promised to do whatever I asked of him, especially when I told him about my family situation. He told me that even though he was married with two wives, he loved me so much. Alhaji Rahman gives me money every week just to ensure that I don’t get tempted by other men because he told me I am a very pretty young lady. At a point, instead of attending my JAMB class, Alhaji and I started spending time in his hotel suite, our usual hangout. Anyway, at the end when I sat for the JAMB examination, I failed woefully. I was not bothered because Alhaji was there for me. Also, I took care of my family with the

money he gave to me. In fact, I became the breadwinner of my family. When I took Alhaji Rahman home and introduced him as my lover, my father and siblings supported me. Although he flashed money on their faces, my mother did not hide her disapproval. Hmmm, poverty I must confess is a disease. They saw Alhaji Rahman as a demigod hence my father could not even advise me against dating him. Alhaji bought me a car and I also had a fat bank account. He also opened a big boutique for me ind Ikeja, Lagos and moved me and my family into a three-bedroom flat around Berger also in Lagos. I opened a big provision shop for my parents to manage and also sponsored my siblings who were on the verge of dropping out of school because they could not pay their school fees. One cold Saturday evening, my mother told me she wanted to have a talk with me. She said to me, “Ekaete my daughter, first I want to thank you for all you have done for this family with the help of Alhaji Rahman. However, I think he is old enough to be your father, and secondly he is a Muslim? Do you want to become his third wife? Why not leave him and look for a younger man who will marry you? According to you he already has two wives.”

I looked at my mother scornfully as those words pierced through my heart like a sword. I felt she was ungrateful and had bitten the fingers that fed her. “So you are just realising after almost two years that Alhaji Rahman is old enough to be my father with all that he has done for this family? You ungrateful woman,” I retorted. That evening marked the beginning of my problem with my mother. I felt that as the breadwinner, nobody could talk to me. I did whatever I liked and enjoyed controlling and commanding everyone. However, it was worse when it came to my mother. I suddenly developed an unusual hatred for her. Whatever she said or did that I felt was provocative even though she was saying the truth or doing the right thing, I either slapped or told her to shut up. From there, it graduated to beating. It is unbelievable but true, I started beating my mother and she would cry for hours, after which she would still apologise, or else she would get no form of assistance from me. Nobody could even intervene because they knew that I wouldwithdraw any form of help I was giving to them. It got so bad that my mum would shiver whenever she heard my voice. In fact, beating my mother became something I enjoyed doing until the last beating I gave her.

That fateful morning, before I left for my boutique, I instructed my younger sister, Vivian, to prepare something delicious as I will be coming home with my sweetheart, Alhaji for dinner. When we got home at about 6:30 p.m., I headed straight to the kitchen to know what delicious meal Vivian had prepared. To my surprise, all the pots were empty. I angrily screamed “Vivian, Vivian, where are you? Where is the food I instructed you to prepare?” and walked towards their room. My mother stormed out of their room. “Woman, where is Vivian?” I asked my mother. Sensing trouble, she softly replied, “I sent her to the market to help me get some foodstuff for the house. I am sure she will soon be back,” she said shivering. “Didn’t she tell you I instructed her to prepare dinner that I was coming home with my sweetheart?” I yelled. She told me that she thought she would be back early to prepare the food before my arrival. “So woman why didn’t you prepare the food since it was getting late and she was not back yet?” I snapped. “I have been feeling feverish since morning. I did not even go to my shop today,” she disclosed. To be continued. Please send your advice to the phone number or e-mail address above. No calls, please.

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Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

God will soon close many churches, says Pastor Chidi

he other day, I was reading a popular Lagos evening journal. I was taken aback when I saw the picture of a Pastor who was caught with the head of a human being. What could a Pastor be doing with a head of a human being? According the story, the Pastor had to hunt of human head because he wants to acquire power to do ministry.

I sincerely don’t know who that kind of Pastor would be working for or ministering to. The bible, of course, warned us that not all that call my father, my father that knows the father. I don’t know the kind of sign that you want to see to know that the world is coming to an end. But hear me. I am not afraid of he that can kill the flesh but I am afraid of he that can kill the spirit, the flesh and the soul. That is why you must be careful about any place of worship that you go to worship. If you are a member of this church, why not stay in one place and believe the God of this Assembly? There is a purpose why you found yourself in this place of worship. Not today you are here, tomorrow you are there and next tomorrow you are somewhere else. Listen; you need to know something about whom God has called and who God has not called. I can assure you that I have never stood on any pulpit to preach against or condemn any man of God; simply because I have not called them. But

air? Stop it now ergy or gets you excited but you do nothing to stop it. 2. You keep the relationship or some aspects of it away from your spouse because you know your spouse will not be happy about it, such as conversations, e-mails, texts and meetings. 3. You have to lie or deceive your spouse in order to see or spend time with this person. 4. You think a lot about this person. 5. You pay attention to your appearance because of the person. 6. Your feelings for this person affects your marriage, how you feel or relate with your spouse, causing some distance or strain. 7. You don’t want to share your friend with your spouse or you know involving your spouse will change the way things are between you and your friend. 8. You spend unnecessary or too much time with this person. 9. You confide in this person, discussing things you should share with your spouse only. Sometimes, the discussion is about your marital challenges and how your spouse has hurt you, as Tosin did in the novel Love Fever. How to prevent an emotional affair In my novel ‘Love on the pulpit’, Dave counselled a married man on how to end an emotional affair. He said, “Men don’t want to talk about their wives for fear of appearing boring but what they don’t know is this that is what will save them. Talking about the fact that you are married and how much you love your family establishes a limit immediately. For instance, when I travelled to

General Overseer of Kings in Christ Church, Pastor Chidi Anthony, expresses concern over unChristian behaviours among the faithful. Excerpts:

Chidi

there are certain things you must look for to differentiate between who is a genuine minister of God and a fake. How do you know them? The Bible says that by their fruit you know them. You go to a church where there Abuja last week, there was this lady who became very friendly. I immediately told myself I must be careful. When she began to chat with me, I told her I am a pastor. That didn’t seem to bother her. I had to think of another way to let her know I wasn’t interested in a relationship. When she said she liked fried rice, I said my fiancée likes it too especially with snails.” They laughed. Dave went on. “You shouldn’t have gone for her mother’s burial alone. By going without your wife, you are giving the message that you are a free man, thereby feeding the relationship.” What to do 1. Talk often about your how much you love your spouse and children. Doing this keeps you focused and sets a limit. 2. Involve your spouse in the friendship. 3. Avoid spending time alone with a person you feel attracted to. 4. Of course, as I have said several times, there is nothing we cannot pray about. So, pray for the strength to do the right thing, resist the ungodly attraction and push this person away from your heart. Prayer makes power available to see clearly and do what is right. 5. Don’t start discussing your marital challenges or emotional issues with a person you are attracted to. Keep your issues to yourself. If you must discuss them with someone, go to a person who is not biased and can counsel you and your spouse. 6. As Pastor Tom told Richard in the novel Oh Baby, discussing the challenge of the closeness with one’s spouse will help. Secrecy feeds emotional affairs, making them thrive and continue. When you tell someone who can hold you responsible, the power of the affair is broken.

are over 2, 000 to 30,000 congregation, and the man of God there is living very fine, riding good cars but he cannot marry. And you are still worshipping in his church. It is a very big error. Most of such pastors are homosexuals. We know them. But thank God for the scripture. Any plant that is not planted by my father shall be uprooted. And the time has come. There are many churches that God Himself will close. The time is ripe and any moment from now, Christ will visit His church. Many churches today are operating on past glory. The glory of God is no more there. Where must you go to worship? Our beloved brother John made a comment. He said that we should test all spirits. Do not set your foot on just any place. In some places, they will ask you to bring a ram. They will kill the ram and pour the blood. Then they tell you: buy this and that for sacrifices; and you will buy because you are in need of something. Hear brethren; Satan is ruling the earth now. And this is a time of testing; God is testing to know who belongs to Him. In markets today, many young people no longer do things without using some other means. They move from one native doctor to the other to acquire means o or make things happen in their lives. The patronize Satan; but woe unto you that has one leg in the church and the other one at the native doctor’s p shrine.

A woman came to my office one day crying profusely. Her husband died; and her son who should grow to fit into the shoes of his late father was her source of grief

We shall hear the sound of the trumpet. Why do you defy yourself sister, brother? Is just because you want to get married to that young man or lady? Mama, why mess yourself up, because of the things of this world? Mama do you know that if you die today all those unworthy desire will not be useful to you again. Do you realize that your husband, wife and children will not be there to answer for you? Judgment is personal. Check your life. What kind of life do you live. Who are your friends? The type of friends you keep determines how far you can go in the journey of your life. The love of money has destroyed a lot of people. And when you step in there, going back would be so difficult. I have not come to condemn you, but I have come to blow the trumpet that you might run for your life. Be at alert. As a matter of fact, if you are about to go into and fenced compound and you saw at the entrance gate a notice: “beware of Dog’ you do not need your prophet, you don’t need Prophet Chidi Anthony to warn you that there is danger. You have to very careful. Some will stay at the gate shouting, “Are you sure that the dog is chained?’ because danger is ahead. Hear me: every gift will come and disappear; but only the word of god will remain. I like to ask you at this juncture if you are4 indeed bornagain; because many people seem to be at home with lies. The devil has a great strategy there. Let me make this clear. So far, as you have a cell phone, you are prone to tell lies. There are very few people that have cell phones that do not tell lies. So far as you have one, you are a liar; and every liar is a sinner. Every liar belongs to Satan because he is the father of lies. That is what the scripture says. There are people hat devil has ordained to lie. Even if they are cut read-handed, they will be swearing and laying their hands on the engine of a car and say, if I lie let me die. The one who has caught such red-handed will even be confused and begin doubt if he actually saw well or if he was the one telling lies. Devi has given them certificate and given bachelors degree in telling lies. But may God have mercy on us. What about you, young man? Do you respect your parents? A woman came to my office one day crying profusely. Her husband died; and her son who should grow to fit into the shoes of his late father was her source of grief. The young man, she explained, had lost every sense of responsibility because he had gone wild after their house maid. The young was so crazy to the extent he joined force with the house maid decided to pursue his mother of hers husbands house, so that they would live any how they like without any interruption from the mother. That is the sign of the end-time where children don’t have respect for their parent. And the Bible warned us that in the last days, this spirit of disobedience will possess them.

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

Walking in financial fortune! T The Voice o of wisdom

with Dr. David

Oyedepo E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org Phone: 7747546-8

very child of God is a seed of Abraham. As Abraham’s seed, wealth is your birthright. You are a blessing to your world, not a burden. However, financial fortune is an illusion to many Christians.

Many do not believe the reality of financial fortune, so they remain in financial struggles. Nothing has held humanity to ransom like the quest for money. That is the reason those who pursue money will remain frustrated in life. Many are struggling and doing everything to get wealth, but God cannot be served alongside mammon (Matthew 6:24-32). Let me show you a secret? Seek ye first God’s Kingdom, subscribe to all its demands, and all the things that others are dying to get, will be added to you (Matthew 6:33-34). When God and the expansion of His Kingdom become the excitement of your life, financial struggles, among others, will end permanently. You must first understand that the realm of financial fortune, is only possible on the platform of the covenant. What Is God’s Covenant?: It is a deal

enacted by God, based on well-defined terms and sealed with an oath. When you become a certified covenant practitioner, you commit the Almightiness of God in your life. Without playing your part, you can never be empowered for financial fortune. It is the blessings of the Lord that make rich and add no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22). This covenant is reliable, dependable and ever guaranteed. Accessing The Covenant Keys To Financial Fortune: Seed time is the guarantee for harvest time. Without any seed in the ground, the fruit will never be in view. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest…shall not cease (Genesis 8:22). There are different kinds of seeds. There is the agricultural seed, the spiritual seed (the Word), the stewardship seed and the financial seed. Let’s focus on the different types of seeds that give access to financial fortune: Your life: Your greatest seed into realms of financial fortune, is yourself. Every child of God is a spiritual seed; we are called the seed of Abraham. Jesus came as the seed and He said: Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die... (John 12:24). Sowing your life is the real covenant. The Macedonia church erupted in financial fortune, because they first of all gave themselves unto the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5).

Only those who commit to seed sowing are entitled to fruitful returns. If you do not give your life as a seed, you will surely end up as a beggar. What does it mean to be a seed? It means to love God. It means to engage in Kingdom stewardship. It means to be interested in God’s business. From scriptures, one key area of principal interest to God, is soulwinning. God gave His only Begotten Son to rescue souls; that is how valuable souls are to God. So, soul-winning is God’s principal area of interest. No genuine soul winner knows poverty. This is because every genuine soul winner is on God’s robust payroll (Proverbs 23:26). Financial seed: There is the financial seed that entitles you to the realms of financial fortune. So, if you are not a financial seed sower, you will be limited in your access to financial blessings. All the covenant fathers, who walked in financial fortunes, were celebrated givers. Abraham was an addicted giver (Genesis 14:20). Tithing is the starting point in your covenant practice into the realms of divine fortune. Abraham and his offspring were tithers (Genesis 28:22). So, it is impossible to walk into the realms of financial fortune, without being a tither and a celebrated giver. What you give to the poor is a privilege. Somebody else would have done it, if you had refused. If you were not alive, God would have sent someone else to help the poor. When you

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give, therefore, don’t give as though you are supporting God; give with a privilege mentality. Friend, the power to be a giver, is the exclusive preserve of those who are saved. You are saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. You can do so now if you haven’t, as you say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I can’t help myself. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. From today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am a child of God. I will continue this teaching next week. I am glad to inform you that from December 10-14, 2013 at Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Idiroko Road, Ota, many destinies will be transformed to higher levels of greatness at SHILOH 2013, tagged, Exceeding Grace. SHILOH is the annual prophetic gathering of the Winners’ family worldwide. Be there! Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Understanding Financial Prosperity, Covenant Wealth and Breaking Financial Hardship. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. respectively. •I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Put your hope in God, Pastor Oloruntimilehin

Have you lost something vital to your wellbeing? “All hope is not lost; put your hope in God because he has promised to restore you,” says Pastor Joshua Oloruntimilehin, Founder, Omnipotence Mission of God. Excerpts:

od is merciful and compassionate that when a person prays for his or her lost things to be recovered, He would grant the request. Many things are lost in different people. Therefore I want to seize the opportunity to pray to God that all the things lost in our life should be recovered in Jesus name. I fervently believed that God will do it for you and I because He has been doing it and will continue to do it. Many people do not know that He will do it that is why they do not recover their lost things.

A woman was rejoicing that her lost thing was recovered for her miraculously. This woman lost her only child and son. In fact she became a widow when her son was 12 years old. She has been responsible for her son’s education but the guy died when he was in 300 level in the university. She cried, wailed and slandered God for taking her only child. After some time she repented and begged God for forgiveness and God obliged her.

Several months later, a woman and a lady came to her, she recognized the lady that was always with her late son in the university. The lady said she was pregnant for her late son that they were about to abort it when her son fell sick. She had made attempt to abort it but to no avail. This woman was happy and appeal to the lady’s mum to let them take care of the pregnancy. Eventually the lady delivered twins a male and female. Now God recovered her lost thing for her miraculously. The woman is 77 years old now and the two grand children are treating her like gold. She is always traveling overseas for medical checkup and pleasure. I pray that all that is lost in your life shall be recovered and returned to you in the name of Jesus. Similarly a kidney patient in a Lagos hospital was to undergo kidney transplant in India but he could not get the required fund. He decided to seek God’s intervention into his

Notable artists to perform at TOMOG’s harvest TAI ANYANWU

otable gospel singers are expected to grace the 18th harvest celebration of the Omnipotence Mission of God (TOMOG), otherwise known as Solution Ground. According to Senior Evangelist John O Oriloye, the Harvest planning Committee Chairman, the event tagged ‘Harvest of Freedom’ would commence at 10 am prompt; with thanksgiving service.

Bazaar sales would follow immediately at the church premises, located on

Oloruntimilehin Street, Ipaja, Lagos. “All roads would lead to the church because everyone is invited to celebrate us” the harvest Committee chairman volunteered. It was gathered that activities marking the harvest had been preceded by ‘a night of gospel music explosion’ held on Friday, November 1. Some of the notable gospel artists include Mega 99, Demola Suzi, Afi Ara, Shola Ara, Ayofe Omo, Zakaraya, Sukanmu Oladele and a host of others.

plight. He went to worship God in the church and prayed to God for His intervention. Later, a kidney test was carried out on him; it was found that the two kidneys that needed replacement were working fine. Imagine God recovered and returned his lost kidneys back to him. What is the thing that is lost in you that cannot be recovered? There is nothing lost that God would not recover for you. Even if your star is lost it can be recovered. In the same vein I was with an old man in a town in Ondo state when a guy drove in a Toyota jeep. He gave some money to my host and his family. My host told me that the guy is his nephew and was insane for 10 years after leaving the university. Later he was healed of his insanity and got a job with an oil company. Imagine what he lost to the principalities of this world. Brethren, many people are found in similar situation that all they have are lost. Do not lose hope, the lost things in your life shall be recovered and returned to you because the bible says in the book of Psalms 126:4 - 6 “Restore our fortunes, O Lord like streams in the Negev…” some people are bewitched to be doing odd things. For instance, some men are bewitched to be spending their money for concubines. It is after they spent the money that they realized they had done improper thing. These men do not take care of their wives and children at home. They are remotely controlled by the principalities of the world to the extent that they lavishly spend their money for their concubines. People would think is the money – consuming spirit that is tormenting them. I command that wherever the principalities are spending your money remotely,

Oloruntimilehin

the heavenly host should put a stop to it in the name of Jesus. It is a spirit that spends the money and a spirit collect the money. Brethren, God knows the thought He has for people. So He created man in His own image and for people to be enjoying, multiply and increase on. He had good thought for us. The bible says in the book of Jeremiah 29:1113 “For I know the thought that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thought of peace and not of evil, to give you and expected end…” God does not have bad thought or plan evil for you. It is the devil that always thinks of bewitching and doing evil things for people. It is through God that people are looking and sustaining not through the devil. All things belong to him because the bible says in the book of Proverb 8:15-18 “By me kings reign and princes’ decree justices’… I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea durable riches and righteousness. Let your hope be in God so that your lost things could be recovered and returned to you.

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Sunday November 3, 2013

Praise & Worship

The cosmic conflict

Footprints with Dr. Tunde

Ojewole Email: ojewolea@babcockuni.edu.ng Phone: 08058299434

ur world is beset with untold natural disasters in virtually all the time zones of the world. Tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, health hazards, religious fundamentalism, ethnic cleansing, and countless evil surmising litter our world. Sudden attacks devastate many homes leaving their dreams of success shattered. Sickness and death are ugly realities that stalk our loved ones and myriads of people are despondent. Why all these sufferings?

Most people are quick to lay the blame for all human suffering on God. We ask: “why me Lord?” I guess, we mean: “why not another person or family?” Insurance companies traditionally label natural disasters as “act of God.” God is painted as an angry deity, blood-thirsty and absentminded. The Bible portrays God as a God of love who acted to protect and save humans even before they came into existence. When suffering and death entered the world, God did not just stand on the sidelines and watch the devastation. He revealed a plan to save humans – a plan which is in full operation today. God’s footsteps can be traced throughout history so we may see for ourselves what He offered to save us. The Bible describes a time of blissful existence with not sign of sin and decay in Genesis 1-2. The gateway of sin ushered in human suffering and decay on planet earth (Gen 3). Sin is lawlessness. It is an intruder for whose presence cannot be justified. It is the outworking of a principle at war with

the law of love, the foundation of the God’s government. The originator of sin is Lucifer, anointed as a guardian cherub (Ezek 28:14). Prophet Isaiah describes him: “how you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn” (Isa 14:12). Lucifer said in his heart: “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” Lucifer coveted the honor which the Father had bestowed upon Jesus Christ. Lucifer allowed jealousy of Christ to prevail. The exaltation of self awakened forebodings of evil in his mind and he dishonored God, his Maker. Pride nourished the desire for supremacy. He aspired to be equal with God. Unfortunately, Lucifer diffused this discontent among the other angels in heaven. “With mysterious secrecy, concealing his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God, he endeavored to excite dissatisfaction concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that they imposed unnecessary restraint.” Lucifer urged the heavenly angels to obey the dictates of their own will and secure liberty for themselves that they might attain a higher existence. Despite Lucifer’s incitement of discontent, was God bore long with Lucifer. He was not degraded from his exalted station immediately as God offered him pardon on condition of repentance and submission. However, pride prevented Lucifer from submitting to God’s supremacy. This is how the great controversy between God and Satan, Light and darkness, Truth and error, Christ and the devil began. This is the ultimate cos-

mic conflict! Satan misrepresented God’s words, disseminating direct falsehood. It was his policy to perplex people with subtle arguments concerning the purposes of God. Everything simple he shrouded in mystery, and by artful perversion cast doubt upon the plainest statements of God. God’s wisdom allowed Lucifer’s disaffection ripen into active revolt so that his evil his plans might be fully developed, that their true nature might be seen by all. The whole universe must see the deceiver unmasked. The true character of the usurper must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works. While Satan can employ all manner of lies, flattery, deceit, and misrepresentation, in His dealing with sin, God could employ only righteousness and truth. Why did God not destroy Lucifer despite his rebellion? Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. The allegiance of God’s creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice. The inhabitants of heaven and of other worlds could not then have understood the justice and mercy of God in the destruction of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted from existence, they would have served God from fear rather than from love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been fully destroyed, nor the spirit of rebellion eradicated. For the good of the universe through ceaseless ages Satan must more fully develop, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings. Satan’s rebellion was to be to the universe a testimony to the terrible results of sin. His rule would show the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. The history of this terrible experiment of re-

bellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy intelligences to save them from sin and its punishment. God finally banished Satan, the archrebel and his evil cohorts from heaven. “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Rev 12:7-9). The cosmic conflict is now headquartered on planet earth since Adam and Eve listened and obeyed him (Gen 3). The battle is to gain control over the hearts and minds of human beings. Every onslaught of the devil is to win your loyalty and get you to deny your faith in God. Satan is to be blamed for every calamity human beings experience. Satan caused all disasters and blames God. Every time you blame God you support Satan’s thesis! Satan leads people to justify themselves and seek the sympathy of others in their sin. Instead of correcting their errors, they excite indignation against the reprover, as if he were the cause of difficulty. But you need not be despaired, God has made adequate plan to redeem humans from sin through the death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus is God’s love personified! Give Jesus the full control of your life now. In the battle that is raging, you are on the winning side with Him. Tunde Ojewole, Ph.D., is the University Pastor and Associate Vice-President for Spiritual Life, Babcock University. For enquiries: ojewolea@babcock.edu.ng; 08058299434/08060376577 Answers to 27/10/13 quiz 1. Philadelphia- Rev 3:7, 17 2. Plagues- Exodus Chapters 7-11 3. Aaron- Exodus 28:29, 30 NIV

Have a relationship with God –Pastor Bamidele Until you are in a relationship with God, you will not stop attending to problems. This is the focus of the message by Pastor Lai Bamidele of Christ Glorious Evangelical Church. Excerpts: Listen to me, when you operate in an environment that there is no law everything will be chaotic. But I bring good news to someone today. After today’s message, if I be a prophet of God as you obey every instruction from God before the close of this year, my God will give you total rest. The scripture says that for a long time Israel has been without the true God and without priest and without law. Hear me today, everyone that will obey God’s instruction within nine seven days, if I be a prophet of God, you will receive a sudden visitation of God, you will receive God’s divine visitation. There is someone reading me today, you had been weeping and sorrowing; within nine Sundays from now, your weeping will turn to celebration in the mighty name of Jesus. What do we need to do for God to command your settlement? I will show you some kingdom keys on what you need to do for God to settle. One, you must become a member of God’s Family. Jesus endorses you to be a member of his family. Before you can enjoy God’s total rest, you must be a member of His household. You must be a member of His vineyard. Roman 8:29-30, “For who he foreknew, he also predestined to conform to the image of His son that he might the first one among many brethren. Moreover who

He predestined he also called; and those He called He also justified and who He justified he also sanctified. So the moment you are born again, you have acquired the number one thing you require for you to be settled. Now the year I gave my life to Christ, the number one thing I noticed was that in the mist of what I was passing through I had pace of mind. Before then the burden I carried was like I was carrying a heavy stone. But the moment I was born-again, the problem was still there but I felt like something removed from my head. And gradually, God began to settle me, bring solutions. Gradually my situation began to change. Gradually the storms began to stop. So the journey of your faith begins with your relationship with God. If you are not with God, you are with Satan. And when you are with Satan you are with problems. There must be repentance before restoration. Until you return to God he will not return to you. That is why I like to encourage you, that coming to church every Sunday is not an indication that you have relationship with God. Your relationship with God is of your heart; it is of your mind. If your heart is not with God you are not born-again. Note two key points; you must be ready to settle with God that is, all of you staying with

your God. Many of us after giving our lives to Christ, you can say you are born again. And somebody is still inviting you to a church where they say bring candle; they burn candle burn things. Where did you see it in the Bible? You still go to a prophet that will say go and get bring goat, ram. If you are still patronizing such Church, you need to amend your ways and stay focus. Running into Christ is like running into life. God is the one that will give rest in the times of your trouble. Psalm 48:1, and let someone open Joshua 24:15“great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our Lord in the mountain of His holiness.” Now listen, after my message, we still celebrate gd. The devil is in trouble today. When he sees that in even in the midst of what we are going through, we still have time for Him by way of celebrating God’ He will answer you and you will have rest. Listen, we will not cease from celebration until your season of celebration come. Joshua 24:15, “and if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, chose you this day whom you will serve whether the gods which your fathers served at the other side of the river… Many of you do not know the kind of gods your fathers served. Many of you know where your fathers ended and you too are following it. I told you some-

times ago that I told God that I will not end like my father. There is no good father that will pray that his child will end up like him. A good parent should desire that his children will surpass him. If you see a father or mother that says you will not surpass him, you don’t have a good parent. …But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.” Number three; settle to hear the word of God. Many of a truth go to church but the moment it is time to preach the gospel, it is then that many will complain that the whole church is hot, there is no air conditioner. They will live the service. If you see any friend asking for a discussion, that friend is an enemy, he doesn’t wish well. Settle down to hear the word of God, the word of God is power, the word of God is solution top every issue. When you stop attending church, then you start attending to problems. Luke 10:42.

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

They will still hear about you! (2) Apostle Clement

Ogbonnaya

h child of God hear this! You might have heard a message that says “….. affliction….shall not rise the second time” Nahum 1:9b, and yet you see affliction more than ten times. This does not mean that God’s word is not true. The time you think your first affliction is over, it may just be the beginning of another affliction. But one thing is sure; God will not allow you to die in that affliction. So whenever you encounter tough times in anything you begin, do not use it to determine your destiny. Do not say you are born to suffer that way, because once there is life there is hope. See Jesus being afflicted, yet he became the saviour of our world.

Philippians 2:9-11 records: Therefore (because he stood so low). God has highly Exalted Him and freely bestowed on Him the name that Is above every name, that at the mention of the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and Under the earth, and every tongue should confess and acknowledge That Jesus Christ is lord, to the glory of God the father. Today, the name of Jesus produces miracles, healing, deliverance, open doors and anything good. In John 14:13, Jesus himself said: I, myself will grant whatever you may ask in my name (presenting all I am), so that the father may be glorified And extolled in (through) the son. Without His suffering, the name would not have become so powerful as it is today. Do you know that by the time God finishes graduating you from that ugly situation and places you in higher position, your name will become an answer to many problems. The moment you append your signature on paper with your name, someone can gain favour, secure job, be freed from prison, be promoted because it is a great name everyone would like to associate with. Do not give up yet. There is hope. Only change your approach to the situation you are into now. Develop a positive attitude and you will have a positive answer and solution. In Isaiah 60, it is written, “that even in the midst of crush darkness, my light will shine.” No matter the power of darkness, a little light is glorified. God is the beginning of beginings. So, if you are the image, you will experience what He experienced and be glorified the same way He was glorified. God is interested in your attitude. Temptations are not wrong. Trials are not evil, but your attitude to them matters a lot. God’s attitude to darkness was positive. In Genesis 1:3, the Bible says, “And God said, let there be light and there was light”. So , what is your attitude to your mistakes of yesterday, your challenges, the accusation against you? Every wrong attitude is the product of the mind. You may have been wounded, but your reaction matters a lot. Solutions are easy when situation becomes worst. Do not be in haste to answer that question until you see the end of the problem.

Darkness covered the deep and yet God was not in haste. You may have too many problems coming from various angles: house, office, village, church, all coming at the same time. Do not be in haste to react until you see the end. In verse 14 of the same Genesis chapter 1, “God said, let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night; and let them sighs and token(of God’s provident care), and (to mark) seasons, days, and years”. This, therefore, means that before you have Sighs and Seasons, darkness must be separated. Before you have seasons of Joy, peace and celebration, darkness must give way. Your season may be once or twice in a year, but the most important thing is, let there be manifestation in your season. And you need light for it. What ushers light is attitude. The people of Israel were in the wilderness for forty years instead of forty days because of their attitude. You may have a journey of a week for twenty days because of your attitude to it. There will be no solution to your problems at the beginning until you speak out like God. Have a positive thought and confession about it. In john 1:1-5, the bible records: In the beginning (before all time) was the word(christ) and the word Was with God, and the word was God Himself. He was present original With God. All things were made and came into existence through him, and Without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him Was life and the life was the light was the light of men. And the light shines on Darkness, for darkness has never overpowered it, put it out, or has not absorbed It, has not appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it. The above scripture says that the light shines on darkness and darkness did not comprehend it. It did not stop it. When the light of God shines upon you, people will not understand where you are going. They may have the full knowledge of your ugly yesterday but may not know where you will get to. Let the light of God shine upon you, your business, your ministry, your project, your vision, your family and darkness will not cover it. When your beginning seems tough, keep on going until you reach your destination. Become tough to tough times and you will be celebrated. This is your time to shine. When God is not speaking! Many times, we expect God to talk to us about certain situations but discover He does not speak. We pray and fast for Him to speak but He becomes silent. Why? God’s silence in different occasions means different things. In Exodus chapter 3:6-7, the Bible records: Also he said, I am the God of you’re your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face for he was afraid To look at God. And the lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people Who are in egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters and Oppressors; for I know their sorrows and sufferings and trials. The Israelites have been in these suffer-

ings for hundreds of years and God was silent. He did not say anything until Moses climbed mountain Horeb. There are times when you will be passing through certain situations and God will be silent. His silence means a lot for greatness. His silence means power and glory. If God could tell Moses that He had heard the cry of His people and seen their sorrows, do you think He does not know what you are passing through all these years. These people cried for hundreds of years and God just reacted one day. That long silence meant a preparation for Moses. God’s silence is an indication that his preparing someone for deliverance. There is a person God is packaging for you. Do not dream of two or three persons. Do not dream of multitude. God is only preparing one man or one woman for your upliftment; for your favour and for your deliverance. Do you know that these people cried for hundreds of years and God saw their affliction in one day? That long period of silence meant a long punishment for Pharaoh. One of the major reasons God had not spoken concerning that situation is that He is preparing the red sea to swallow every Pharaoh that is tormenting you. God is silent because Pharaoh has not done his worst. God is silent because He wants to kill pride and vain glory in you. God is silent because He wants to come into your situation when every human effort has failed. God wants to appear when medical doctors have failed and when lawyers have given up in that case. Do you know that God knows you are passing through pains? Do you know that God is aware you are being driven out of your house like in judges 11? Do you know that God’s time is the best? In john 11:20, 21 the Bible says: When Martha heard

‘A

nd David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken; and David rescued his two wives’, 1Sam 30:8, 18

There is nothing that you have lost to the enemy that you cannot recover if you follow divine prescription. As mentioned last week, the panacea for recovery is pursuit by divine instruction. When you pursue and eventually recover, one interesting thing is that you stand the chance of gaining more. “And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David’s spoil.” 1 Sam 30:20

that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, while Mary remained sitting in the house: Martha then said to JESUS, master, If you had been here, my brother would not have died. Martha blamed Jesus for being late to their house. But God does not come late. It does not matter when God arrives at your house. Any time God comes, miracles must happen. Do not be worried when God seems to be silent. He is a Goldsmith and would not produce a gold without passing the metal through fire. If the metal is told that he is going to pass through fire, it will prefer remaining a metal to becoming gold. But no matter how horrible the fire may be, it will not consume you or hurt you. The Goldsmith does not pity the metal when he is passing it through fire. So, do not expect pity, because, you are not an object of pity but a creature of envy. God’s silence is a miracle-in-making. When God is silent, do not ask too many questions for He knows when to take you to your promised land. Continue to remind Him of the miracles He will perform. The two things you must not forget are that God’s silence means miracle for you and a punishment for your persecutors. •Write us if you are blessed through this piece or call or visit us Apostle Clement A. Ogbonnaya, Ph.D Senior Pastor/ President word of Faith Int’l church Inc. kingdom life Bible College and seminary Int’l Email: theapostleofgrace2010inwof@gmail.com, apostleofgrace2011@yahoo.com, www. facebook.com/clementogbonnaya Telephone : 08036774737, 08050838482, 08029704562.

On the roadmap for recovery of that which you have lost, we already learnt that you must be specific about what you want to recover. In other words, you must be able to identify the area you need healing and restoration. Let us continue as we unveil the other things you need to know; Find out what is responsible for your initial loss (Hag 1:5-7): Make an inquiry into what caused the initial loss, is it through sin, carelessness, disobedience or pride. This will enable you to know how to guard what you have lost when you recover it. Your marriage, business, career and relationship were once fine but your apathy opened the door for the enemy. You need to ask yourself again, what is responsible for your loss? Could it be pride, adultery, drunkenness or even covetousness? Vashti lost her place before Ahasuerus due to her pride; if you fail to deal with the cause of your initial loss, even when you recover it, you are still bound to lose it and this time might not have a second chance. Find out what it will cost you to pursue: ‘For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it’ (Lk 14:28). You cannot invade the territory of a strong-

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Sunday November 3, 2013

Praise & Worship 45

The meal of encouragement Pastor

Franca

francaanyawu@gmail.com

elow is a message by Tony Williams ‘integrity!’ what integrity!!... published two weeks ago in this column. Tony Williams wrote in from South Africa: “Thank God for giving us opportunity to serve in His vineyard. I know it might not be easy at all in Nigeria because of so much competition and fake preachers all around and consequently followers cannot separate the shepherd from the wolf.

But you know sometimes after we have given it our all, and our results are short of our expectation, someone can end up drained and frustrated like it happened to Elijah. I counsel us all true leaders to please learn something from Elijah’s case whom God used on mount Carmel to call fire from heaven on prophets of Baal. Yet he fell apart under Jezebel’s threats. By fleeing for his life (sic). He sat down a jumper tree and said “Lord take my life; for it is enough”. This statement was made because his focus has been shifted from God to the enemy. The question that is pertinent to this illustration to all of us called to serve is; are we overwhelmed by any threats of the enemy? It could be in the area of finance, numerical growth, leadership problems, false prophets here and there, competitions of all kinds, etc. Whichever is the case we should not allow our focus to be shifted from God to all the stuff I have mentioned above. If it does happen, as human beings, just remember you are not your own but God’s. Go back to Him. The world is

waiting for your manifestation, child of God, servant of the Most High God. See to it that you do not fail God, for He delights in taking His people from one level of glory to another. Do not hurry Him for god cannot be hurried. Be sure not to fail God when it matters most. This message has provoked something in me and takes me to the question of motive in our dealings in various positions of responsibility. When Job’s wife counseled that he should curse God and die, what she did was a premature post mortem on a living man. How like the impatient generation of today to sound exactly like that. Writing off a person because he came on hard times, making premature judgemental conclusions over a matter one has no insight about. It’s so profound to even wonder that Job himself did not know what he did to provoke the avalanche of afflictions that overcame him. Funny enough the wife did not even do a prayer of inquiry or a prayer of mercy to God before she concluded her own husband. That is exactly how many spectators undertake surgery without investigating the history of the ailment. Who would have believed that Job was undergoing a trial of faith (and love). His trouble was that he loved God and obeyed Him and God could boast of him in all the earth to Satan the devil. Most times people are tempted because of their profession and confessions. And it is a he sorrow when they fall off their trajectory; disappointing God. I pause to declare to anyone going through one experience or the other to receive grace to overcome their moment and emerge victorious. Then God will be mightily pleased

Recovery is possible (2) man without adequately preparing for the kill. You must take into account the required resources, strategy, wisdom and direction from God in your quest for recovery. Over the ages, God had at various times fashioned out ways to reconcile man back to Him but each and all attempts have proved abortive until Jesus was offered as the ransom for the redemption of man. It is your responsibility to find out your ransom; is it sacrificial giving, sowing a seed to support the ministry work, prayer and fasting, etc. This is imperative so that you will not waste time, effort and resources; there are procedures to recovery even if you have lost anything. Gather enough information for your recovery: Adequate information about how and what it will cost you to recover what you have lost is pertinent if you must recover anything. As a student, business owner, husband or wife, what efforts are you making in terms of gathering information? Your level of information about how to recover that thing you lost will either make or mar your recovery process. Get materials, books, tapes, attend seminars and conferences. You may even need to go

back to school or get a coach or mentor in that area you have lost something precious. There is this saying that if you are not informed, you will be deformed but to be informed is to be transformed. Do not remain where people left you, keep learning and improving on yourself, keep moving and acquiring relevant information so that what is rightfully yours will not be given to another. Take steps or initiatives: Until you take bold step, you might not recover anything you have lost. After you must have gathered the needed information, put your plans together into conceivable action and launch out; this calls for an offensive approach against the strongman behind your loss. Procrastination is dangerous as delay could result into another major loss. Go for it: ‘And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward’ (Exo 14:15). When the Israelites came face to face with the Red Sea and were troubled, God instructed Moses to tell them to ‘go forward’. Nothing moves until you move, this is your season to take back what the enemy has stolen from

you, I must say again that your recovery is possible and you will recover all in Jesus name.

They succeeded but did not start out as a success, they became successful as they moved on in faith. Faith says “I can’t even estimate the height but I am willing to take the jump”. I don’t know the depth either but very willing to take the plunge. For reasons best known to God, He takes a look at mankind and chooses to work with men who do not have the right background, the right language, right origins and all the right staff. Then He places such chosen vessels in seemingly difficult situations just to unlock their faith, creativity and other divine deposits deeply hidden inside the man. These deposits and capabilities would not be otherwise exposed to manifested. At that point when it appears there is nothing else to be done, the Almighty God connects man with the right door openers. Disappointingly at this crucial point when the men has gotten to their tethers and, instead of reaching out for God and retaining focus; they fail the test and begin to focus on the enemy, the problem. That is why so many abandoned their divine callings and sought different escape devices. There are now all kinds of microwave answers. I believe that any individual worth his salt should not pray for easy tasks or challenges. They should rather pray for more strength to carry out the task. I tell my loved ones to rather not pray or clamour for easy lives but for powers equal to life’s challenges. In that case you end up more powerful, having richer lives. Then and only then can you qualify to speak on God’s grace because you have experienced it. What I am saying in clear terms is that after getting to this point, you become the miracle instead of looking for one miracle or the other.

Pray these prayers †My head hear the voice of your Maker and co-operate with my recovery. †My Father, show me the secret behind my problem. †In the battle of life, I refuse to be a loser. †Every enemy pursuing me because of my star, receive triangular attack and die. †I receive the anointing to bounce back †My Father, empower me to fight and win the battles of my life. †Every spirit of confusion blindfolding me from identifying my area of loss, die. …in Jesus’ name.

There is an end… There is a lot of deceitfulness being hawked around these days. People now wear crowns they manufactured for themselves. I know you can wear a crown you made for yourself but there will be no glory. What is the essence of such a crown of shame? You know the opposite of glory is shame; and the only way to avoid it is to anchor on the ONE who has it all! Any challenge that does not place a demand on your faith neither pleases God nor involve Him. If He is not involved what would the end be like? Every steward is accountable to His master. And every master dictates the rules. Be encouraged I say! Keep your focus!

•I know this message has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through; info@thehebrewsng.com. Hotlines – 01-7903163, 08085845864. You can also listen to my messages on our podcast at www. thehebrewsng.com/podcast. Rev’d Femi Akinola – The Hebrews International, Lekki, Lagos.

•I know this piece has blessed you. Write and share your testimonies with me through: DIVINE HERITAGE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL, No. 142 Aba-Owerri Road Aba, Abia State. For enquires, telephone: +23480333408354, 08160528563 or francaanyanwu@gmail.com

and a promotion without negotiation comes. When Elijah got overwhelmed by Jezebelian threats, he became weak, angry and frustrated to the point of doing a death wish. But Glory to God! God is not a man that He should put a man on the spot and cause him to commit suicide. Rather, in a kingly, royal, regal and fatherly manner, God ordered a special dish twice delivered by an angel to a weary Elijah. He regained strength to undertake a 40 day journey to mount Horeb. I call that dish a meal of encouragement. When people get discouraged in their work especially in the Lord’s vineyard, they require a large dose of encouragement. But if nobody has remembered to give that food, please encourage yourself in the Lord God of David. David did so even when all his man took up stones to stone him. He encouraged himself in the Lord and emerged an overtaker. Somebody please receive strength wherever you are, and in whatever you may be passing through now. Great people who God used greatly in the good Book did not start great. David wrote the psalms but had an affair, yet God calls him friend and promised him sure mercies still standing today. Jephtah was only an “agbero” social outcast, yet became a king. Samuel could not even call a great father (parent), ye was one of the greatest prophets of God. Out of weakness came forth strength, that is divine language. Rahab was a harlot, yet she made the Hall of Fame in Hebrews chapter 11. These ones made it, but they did not start out strong, they become strong along.

Praise & Worship

Sunday November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Immortal, invisible, God only wise “Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live; and I make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David”, says Isaiah 55:3. Pastor

Ade-David Email: jacobpastordavid@yahoo.com

Your Steward,

PASTOR JACOB ADE-DAVID

54/56 Okesuna Street, Lagos Island Lagos. TEL: 08023535110, 08023539857, 08034078158 Email:jacobpastordavid@yahoo.com.

sk a Nigerian living what his experience was in 2013. He will probably say ‘my eyes have seen hell! It was the year everything became worse. Personally, I lived daily in Lagos with reality of diminished Nigeria. May lived to tell the story while some are forgotten! Yet the year remains only 62 days- is fore look unto the Lord God

And there is none like Him There is no other God beside Him He girded us Yet many do not know! Who else but God of the universe (Light that hides behind the clouds) Psalm 18:9 An unprecedented tidal wave of commandment is breaking. God-defying, soul destroying iniquity sweeps the ocean of human affairs. Never before have men in the masses sold their souls to the devil at such bargain prices. The politicians turned the world upside down. The Military mutilated the clean slate of the country. We stand aghast when we see fine men magnetized by politics but mystified by Christianity! Where are those bright, intelligent, dynamic, industrious and illustrious Nigerians they are gone! Banged and bashed to the wall of destruction, men and women of honour, principle and integrity are being compromised. And God is still God. He changeth not. Our God is infinitely great and worthy of the highest veneration. To whom then will you like God, of what likeness compare with Him? Who is God’s equal among the Heavens? Unquestionable, unquestionable God is His name. The lord is the everlasting God. The creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He is still stretching out the heavens. And will do till the day comes that they shall be rolled together like a scroll. He spreads them out as easily, as we draw a curtain. Opening these curtains in the morning and drawing them close again at night. And heaven is to this earth as a tent to dwell in; it is a canopy drawn over our heads the numerous inhabitants of this earth are as to His eyes as Grasshoppers in ours, so little and so easily crushed. Those who act against Him will certainly be brought down by the mighty hand of God. What we-Nigerians-saw in 2013 should lead us to the creator in 2014. He is also the creator of the ends of the earth. And therefore is the rightful ruler of all. And He is able to save His church as He was able to make the world. There is no searching out His understanding so as to defeat its intentions. None can say thus far God’s wisdom can go, and no further He upholds the whole creation. And govern all the creatures and has power to relieve His church, when it is brought low when

the fake pastors ‘Alakatakiti Alufas’ misbehave. He gives strength to His people and He helps them to help themselves. He will help the willing, will help those who, in a humble dependence upon Him help themselves and will do well for those who do their best – why don’t we cast our burdens upon Him that is MIGHTY. Let’s take the only way to Him Jesus Christ said ‘Am the way to the father- ABIJAH! You know this God is ABIMAEL! The above testimony is my proof. He has been calling you to come and serve for He loves you, He cares and he is ready to take you on. Come to Him through the Main Gate. Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Don’t mind the oniyawo pastors. All other gates are fake and man-made. The might is at hand-God will soon draw the curtain to close. The trumpet will soon sound and the son of man will appear. The crops are ripe and harvest will soon take place. Are you wheat or a weed? Forget about your heavy load. The son is ready and His Spirit, to make us free. 2014 is around the corner, a year of ASEYORI (Success)- it has been predicted; that you shall make it in Jesus’ name. It may mean doom for the careless; come and wait for the lord. He shall renew your strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles throughout 2014, you shall not be weary or faint. We all need regular times to listen to God. Waiting for the lord, expecting that His promise of strength will help us to rise above life’s distractions and difficulties. Listening to God helps us to be patient when He asks us to wait, and to expect Him to fulfill the promises found His word. Come to fellowship all the times and worship with prayers and supplications- Jehovah is His Name. He gives power to the powerless. This new year coming soon, He has surprises for you. In this 2014, learn to look out for them for you never know what God is going to do

next – He is the only wise God. Watch out for them o! I mean God’s surprises will appear in 2014; don’t let them slip away into the unseen, knowing that God specialises in surprises and that from time to time, He breaks through in surprising ways in every a believer’s life, makes life an adventure. Be ready for good tidings. But watch out for what you say. Keep your tongue in your lips. You can kill with the tongue. You know our words can convey love and can cause peace and harmony between people and nations, or they can create hatred, wars and enemies and problems. Most especially prophets with virtues on their lips. Intelligence and love should resist oppressions unto death- but never unto murder. Spinsters and bachelors are warned. The believers who are yet to marry, submission is voluntarily co-operating with anyone out of love and respect for God first. Submitting to non- believers is difficult, but it is a vital part of leading them to Jesus Christ. We are not called to submit to non-believers to the point that we compromise our relationship with God; but we must look for every opportunity to humbly serve in the power of God’s spirit. Wives and husbands remember! To vow eternal life is puerile; sexual love is an emotion, divine doubtless but accidental, involuntary, and transitory; but the promise of reciprocal devotion is the essence of marriage and the fundamental principle of the family. Husbands hide your domestic wounds; do not strip your wives naked before the laughter of the mob! Women, do not advertise the discomforts of the conjugal bed: “don’t brush around”. It needs a costly degree of courage to keep conjugal faith; it is a part of Heroism of which only great souls can understand the whole extent. Marriages which break are not marriages. They are couplings, a woman who abandons her husband become an

National and International Coordinator, Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Reverend (Dr.) Mercy Ezekiel (middle) flanked by beneficiaries at the empowerment programme organised by the church last Thursday in Lagos.

apostate form Honour who is forced to be licentious because she is neither virgin nor free. Don’t take over power from your husband- it may mean curse for your children. The evil that men do lives after them. Obey your husband, he is your Lord. Marriages are then sacred and indissoluble when it really exists. But it cannot really exist, except for beings of a lofty intelligence and of a noble heart. The animals do not marry; and men who live like animals undergo the fatalities of the brute nature. A living relationship with God depends on right relationships with others. Jesus said that if you have a problem with a fellow believer, you must take it right with that person before coming to worship. If men use their position to mistreat their wives, their relationship with God will suffer. We are all Heirs of the gracious gift of life. Do nothing to hinder your prayers. This year, our loyalty should be to God’s truth. His way of life, His dedicated people- BELOVED- the secret of 2014 is that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us. All who obey his commandment abide in Him, and He abides in them. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the spirit that he has given us – that bear witness that we are children of THE LIVING GOD. Above all – Beloveth since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another- without grudges. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is perfected in us! The real test of our love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us- our family members and fellow believers. We cannot truly love God while neglecting to love those who are in His image. A love that goes beyond affection to self sacrificing service. Not like leaders who milk the followers to satisfy his selfish desire. Such people are more likely to influence us for evil that we are likely to influence them for good – at the end of it they mislead us – they are wolves. We may get plenty of hatred from the world. We need love and support from one another. The love of Christ to us is the real love we are saying “to lay down one’s life for “one’s friends”. And to be lifted above and beyond the boundaries of life, we must know and trust lord of life. So brethren, with all thy heart, mind ad soul, love, honour and fear of the Lord of creation. The devil is mighty; God is Almighty. The stakes are High. The price and prize are great! 2014 is another year to stay with Jesus! Get prepared FOR OUR GOD IS IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, GOD ONLY WISE. RAPTURE will soon take place, before that; he will elevate and promote your life if you take Jesus as your personal SAVIOUR.

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Opinion

Sunday November 3, 2013

Lessons from Jonathan’s tour of Israel Kayode K Fasua

kayodefasua@nationalmirroronline.net (08034101207; SMS only, pls)

he much-publicised tour of the state of Israel by President Goodluck Jonathan and his stream of aides and loyalists was two-pronged: to woo both God and investors. At least that was the impression created when it was announced, shortly before the gathering jetted out, that the visit would cover pilgrimage rites and bilateral talks with the Israeli government and to some extent too, the Palestinian authorities.

Though this powerful team of special national pilgrims would have made the trip unnoticed, its health of purpose was somehow jaundiced with the queer involvement of the embattled Aviation Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah, while the religious rites and other activities lasted. While the minister had left for Israel in advance, perhaps to escape the stir of controversy likely to arise from being sighted with the intending pilgrims of national importance, she was soon to be re-united with her severed co-travellers in Israel. She would possibly thank God for the wisdom granted her or to any such person, resulting in the be-gone movie of a classical, power-packed pilgrimage. Otherwise, Oduah’s roiling controversies relating to the purchase of two armoured cars for an eye-popping amount of N255 million was enough to drop weather-beaten jaws of angry Nigerians who have now seen leadership as being

synonymous with stealing. Nonetheless, the non-sighting of Oduah in the official line-up to Israel only for her to be viewed on prime TV beaming with smiles in the presidential team was not as particularly embarrassing as spotting Col Sambo Dasuki, the National Security Adviser, who was the head of a presidential committee probing Oduah, among the historic pilgrims. There, the natural conjecture would be that the unthinkable had happened: the image of an Oduah on her knees before both President Jonathan and Col. Dasuki, begging in the name of God to whose headquarters they had all come, that the two powerful men should, please, save the day. To that extent, George Orwell’s Animal Farm comes to force in that, ‘All animals are equal but some are more equal than others.’ It is equally a bemusing reality which many have failed to realise, that sooner than expected, the Oduahgate hoopla will first wane, then fizzle into the bottomless pit of history, once there is another national controversial thing to distract. Therefore, would it not now be apposite to start analysing the gains of the President’s tour of Israel instead of continued flog of a dead horse as per the import of an Oduah in Israel? Aside the presidential team’s excursion to Jerusalem and other Israel’s communities to view monumental artifacts that evoke the deeds of Christ Jesus and his followers, there was also the bilateral angle. This particularly titillates upon realising how strategic Israel has become to global agro-allied renaissance of a peculiar genre. Here was an enclave won or if you like, re-claimed through a long drawn war of possession remotely derivable from the mass immolation of the Jewish race by German’s irascible Adolf Hitler who

sought to ‘give’ them what he described as ‘final solution.’ To Hitler, the Jew’s importunity of stalking various lands of which they have no clear claim should be helped to an end by capturing them en mass, and burning them off, inside a gas chamber. This has become known till today as Pogrom. Rising from the ashes of that nearutmost annihilation, coupled with other allied persecutions elsewhere, the remainder of the stock of Biblical Israel, a race said to have eternally attracted God’s soft spot, was soon back on its feet, smarting up with uncanny stoicism, over the reality of its fate. And so in 1948, the assemblage was able to take over its ancestral homelands, many of which had been legitimately occupied by the Palestinians. There, they hoisted the pristine Star of David amid hostile neighbours. Hostilities against Israel by its fellow Middle East neighbours were not just limited to what was considered as illegal occupation of the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and the West Bank but Israel had also had to conquer hostilities from nature, to attain greatness. Its frightening topography of swallowing hills composed sometimes by interlocking spurs amid wide expanses of parched landmass was a qualified setback. But through ingenious recourse to irrigational adaption and innovations, and bearing the reality of hunger without work, Israel soon rose from the shackles of an impoverished, young country to take its right of place in the 1970s, among the comity of nations. This is not however without immeasurable assistance from the United States of America where the Jewish population can never be ignored by any candidate wishing to be elected US President.

Apart from the fact that this God’s pet-country is leading in the agro-allied strides of planting seed without soil, Israel over time has also come tops with exceptionally high growth rate in its Gross Domestic Products (GDP). Apart from breaking fresh grounds in bio-chemical and bio-physical accomplishments, Israel’s expertise in communication technology today also wows the entire universe. But Nigeria, a country that attained independence in 1960, where are we? Run jerkily and wasted by bad leaders, Nigeria is today a dumping ground, a consumer nation and a suckling still being breastfed with the proceeds from the sale of exhaustible oil from the southern part of the country. Regrettably, the country’s universities, which are now in comatose owing to lecturers’ industrial action are not actually offering anything to national growth in terms f technological and agro-allied accomplishments, such that would enable for diversification once the oil wells dry, as they eventually will. Surviving, scanty industries in the country today are gasping for breath as many of them have relocated to neighbouring West African countries from where they import their products for sale in Nigeria. The resultant effect of this killing reign of bare industrialisation is no more than growing unemployment, mass poverty and increase in crime rates; and they all walk on all fours. Now that President Jonathan was able to meet with Israel’s President Shimon Peres with assurance of bilateral cooperation from the latter, isn’t it high time Jonathan seized the moment? Or what else can make this crowded tour of Israel meaningful?

Of ASUU strike and half-baked labour force OLUSOLA DANIEL

oes being a graduate of a Nigerian university guarantee you a good job these days? The answer is no! In a country like ours where our youths are daily faced with the herculean task of successfully completing a bachelors’ degree under the severest of conditions, this is what we have come to expect.

Our graduates, when they finally complete their academic sojourn, enter the labour market with varied degrees; some with a BSc, and others a B.A and what have you...degrees that should make them proud. But, this sense of pride in themselves soon diminishes when prospective employers disregard their degrees and tag them ‘unemployable’. What else could possibly crush the dreams of a fresh graduate with more ferocity? Unemployable? After spending more than the requisite number of years only to come out of school and be thus labelled. It can be disheartening. This issue of ‘half-baked’ graduates churned out by our tertiary institutions is highly demoralising on several counts. Education at the tertiary level is swarmed with a host of problems and challenges of which poor funding seems to have stolen

the spotlight. However, other issues such as outdated curricular, poor staffing, and even management’s incompetence have been swept under the carpet. ASUU has stated emphatically that they consider it unfair to continue to take the blame for the poor quality of graduates, and this should rather be blamed on lack of facilities, expertise, and the inability of our academic institutions to retain bright minds; hence the need to take a definite stand and fight for an upgrade in the academic standard by way of a strike action. If that was all there is to the prolonged strike action, one might applaud their efforts, and even call them noble. However, in the wake of recent developments, there is cause for us to ask whom they are really fighting for. The fact that funding is not as it should be does not in any way justify the outdated curricular and obsolete courses brandished by many government owned universities. There are cases of lecturers resenting students who dare to question the status quo and question the old knowledge harangued by their lecturers with modern ones. You see lecturers who have not bothered to find out the current trends in their respective fields of study still dishing out outdated facts as if it were the government’s responsibility to improve their

own minds. Today, even in the wake of federal government’s agreement to disburse funds to the universities, we must ask ourselves, how much will really go into infrastructure and academic learning? Must this union of academics that has shamelessly resolved to cling to the breast of our motherland milk her dry? The Minister of Finance, herself a daughter of professors, has become a victim of their verbal assaults. These learned people have forgotten so quickly that the allocation recently approved for them is from a fixed pool. It is ludicrous to even think, suggest or imply that a woman who has herself boosted the economic productivity and opportunity for our youth to thrive would want them either to sit back at home or to be taught under the worst possible conditions. These name-calling and placard-holding people, who should be an embodiment of learning, however seem to think so. How have they helped the economy when they themselves have held to ransom the very thing that they claim they want to fix? What they deem to be a selfless act to protect the citadel of learning will be no more than a show of their lack of sensitivity to the plight of the Nigerian youths after all, who is the most affected so far by this shutdown? Certainly not the lecturers

who will still be paid salaries for every single month they sit in their homes and leave the youths to languish. ASUU must remember the saying of our fathers that when you point one finger at someone, the other four fingers point back at you. What are they teaching our youth? To wait for the government to do everything for them? Shouldn’t these people set an example for us, challenging us to be self-reliant, to think outside the box? I find it disheartening that till date they have not mapped out creative and innovative ways to generate funds. No thanks to our dear lecturers, half-baked graduates flood the labour market and the value of a Nigerian-based education diminishes by the hour. While we bemoan the fate of the education sector, the poor infrastructure and learning aids, let us remember that the main object of our concern should be the students themselves. I wish I had confidence in ASUU that the funds, once disbursed, would be used for the very things they claimed they are fighting for. Are they nobler than the politicians and public office holders whom they say should be burned at the stake for their lack of competence and compassion? Only time will tell. *Daniel, a political analyst, lives in Lagos

Wellness

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES NOVEMBER 3, 2013

Dearth of potable water linked to cholera outbreaks –Experts A victim of cholera

Cholera can be contracted through infected drinking water

VANESSA OKWARA AND MURITALA AYINLA

hen news broke in August on the outbreak of Cholera in Ogun State, Lagos State was thrown into panic of a possible spillover of the disease from the neighbouring state. This was quickly dispelled by the state government that they had everything under control. Obviously, that assurance was short-lived because three people were reported to have died from cholera epidemic in Lagos last week. The incident has been confirmed by the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Jide Idris, who reiterated the state government’s efforts to stop the disease before it becomes widespread. Medical experts describe cholera as a severe infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which primarily affects the small intestine. The fast-moving infection causes diarrhoea in victims, leading to severe dehydration and possible death.

Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) given to a child afflicted with cholera

Cholera has a short incubation period, from less than one day to five days, and produces a toxin that causes copious, painless, watery diarrhoea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given. Vomiting also occurs in most patients. The short incubation period of two hours to five days enhances the potentially explosive pattern of cholera outbreaks. It is known to kill within hours if adequate measures are not put in place to arrest the situation. The World Health Organisation, WHO, said there is an estimated 3–5 million cholera cases and 100 000–120 000 deaths owing to cholera every year. It has claimed thousands of lives across the West African country in recent years. Almost 2,000 people were killed during the rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011. In Nigeria, the current statistics of cholera victims is even more worrisome. Minister for Health Onyebuchi Chukwu, said death toll from the current chol-

era outbreaks in the country had risen to 74 and 373 Nigerians had been affected. He disclosed this during the 2013 Physicians Week, which held in Abuja last Monday. Some states in the country were said to have come under the cholera epidemic with Plateau, Sokoto, Zamfara and Lagos recording the highest figures. Cholera is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacterium. The recent outbreak across the country has again brought to the fore governments inability to provide potable drinking water for the citizenry. An instance is the latest infections that struck Zamfara State as a result of lack of potable water for the people. This made the residents to start drinking water directly from streams and untreated wells after a main water pipeline was forced to shut. “We have recorded an outbreak of cholera in the past one week in six local government areas of the state, which has resulted in the death of 50 people while several others have been hospitalised. Road construc-

tion around state capital Gusau forced officials to close a main pump leading to water shortages in several parts of the state. People have turned to streams and open wells for drinking water which led to the outbreak,” Zamfara Health Commissioner, Kabiru Janyau, confirmed to journalists. Contaminated food or water helps the spread of the disease, especially in a community where a number of people drink from the same water source, such as a well or stream. It also occurs in places with poor sanitation and where personal hygiene is not strictly adhered to by the people. Speaking on risk factors that can lead to cholera outbreak, a public health physician with Double Grace Hospital, Lagos, Dr James Okanwa said, “For a cholera outbreak to occur, two conditions have to be met: there must be significant breaches in the water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure used by groups of people, permitting large-scale exposure to food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholera organisms. The virus that causes cholera must be present in the population. Cholera has been proven to be transmitted through fecal-oral route via contaminated food, carriers of the infection and inadequate sanitary conditions of the environment. The principal mode of transmission however remains ingestion of contaminated water or food.” This is probably what happened in the Lagos local council areas where the epidemic took place. Dr Idris explained that surveillance activities and investigations by his ministry revealed that the suspected cases were contracted from food sources such as the African food salad, popularly called ‘Abasha’; well-water sources, especially in areas like Ikare community, Amuwo-Odofin local government area and Badia area of Apapa local government area, and other infected foods from food sellers, and other unhygienic habits. Dr Okanwa linked cholera outbreak in the country to dearth of basic amenities CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

HEALTH NEWS

Cabbage consumption good for diabetics –Dietician UN advocates sex education to curb adolescent pregnancy A dietician at the Garki Hospital, Abuja, Ms Yemisi Olowookere, said that the consumption of cabbage was key in managing diabetic conditions. Olowookere told journalists in Abuja that cabbage lowered blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and would fight diabetic

complications like heart and kidney diseases. Her words: “Cabbage is a leafy vegetable, which is eaten raw as salads and used in many other recipes. “The high nutrient content and numerous medical properties of cabbage make it popular throughout

the world.” She said cabbage was an excellent source of manganese, calcium and potassium, and was also a good source of iron, phosphorous and magnesium. “It is also a very good source of fibre, foliate, omega 3 and fatty acids,” she disclosed.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) says ending child marriage in law and practice as well as giving boys and girls access to comprehensive sexual education; health services, reproductive choices and contraception will curb adolescent pregnancy globally. UNFPA Deputy Executive

Director, Kate Gilmore, stated this during a news conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America while presenting the agency’s State of the World Population 2013 report, entitled ‘Motherhood in Childhood: Facing the Challenge of Adolescent Pregnancy’. She called on govern-

ments, health and education systems, community leaders and families to step up and change the face of adolescent pregnancy. Gilmore noted that every year, 7.3 million girls under the age of 18 gave birth in developing countries, stressing that of the figure, two million were under the age of 15.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wellness

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Know your organs

An eye is a round-shaped organ that works with the brain to provide us with vision. The eye is about 2.5 cm in length, weighs about seven grams and is shaped roughly like a ball. It sits in a special place in your skull called the eye socket. When you look in the mirror you can see several parts of your eye. The white part is called the sclera. The sclera is very tough and covers most of your eye. The first thing light touches when entering the eye is a thin veil of tears that coats the front of the eye. Behind this lubricating moisture is the front window of the eye, called the cornea. This clear covering helps to focus the light. On the other side of the cornea is more moisture. This clear, watery fluid is the aqueous humor. It circulates throughout the front part of the eye and keeps a constant pressure within the eye. After light passes through the aqueous humor, it passes through the pupil. This is the central circular opening in the colored part of the eye, also called the iris. Depending on how much light there is, the iris may contract or dilate, limiting or increasing the amount of light that gets deeper into the eye. This focused light now beams through the center of the eye. Again the light is bathed in moisture, this time in a clear jelly known as the vitreous. Surrounding the vitreous is the retina. The retina is the inner lining of the back of the eye. It’s like a movie screen or the film of a camera. The focused light is projected onto its flat, smooth

The Eye surface. The retina has many working parts such as the blood vessels which bring nutrients to the retina’s nerve cells. The macula is the bull’s-eye at the centre of the retina. The dead center of this bull’s eye is called the fovea. Because it’s at the focal point of the eye, it has more specialized, light sensitive nerve endings, called photoreceptors, than any other part of the retina. There are two kinds of photoreceptors: rods and cones. These specialized nerve endings convert the light into electrochemical signals. There are about 120 million rods and about 7 million cones in each eye! The rods and cones send all the information they gather through the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The brain then uses the nerve signals to put together a picture of the outside world. The place in the retina where the optic nerve exits is called the blind spot. This is because there are no rods or cones in this area, and if an image is projected onto this part of the retina, you cannot see it. The optic nerve sends the visual signals to the visual center in the back of the brain where the experience of vision occurs. Now light, reflected from an object, has entered the eye, been focused, converted into electro-chemical signals, delivered to the brain and interpreted or “seen” as an image. The eye also has a couple of ways to protect itself. The biggest protection for the eye is the eyelid. The eyelid helps to keep the eye clean and moist. Some common conditions that afflict the eye are Glaucoma; Farsightedness Nearsightedness; Pink Eye; Blindness; Astigmatism; Cataracts and Dry Eye Syndrome. Here are some warning signs of eye problems: Difficulty adjusting to darkness; Double vision; Red eyes; Crusty or swollen eyes; Recurring pain in or around the eyes; Excessive tearing or watering; Very dry, itchy or burning eyes and Loss of peripheral vision.

Your

BONE Health

with Dr. Olatunji Idowu

Knee replacements I n the recent times I’ve encountered a lot of patients who have severe osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints and who have been offered joint replacements; total hip and total knee joint replacements. These surgeries which had been in existence since the early seventies but which we have just perfected the art of doing it here in Nigeria always bring an element of fear, uncertainty or sometimes complete unbelief in our patients. I’ve therefore decided to do this piece in the hope that it will help allay the fears of our people towards joint replacements. What is a total knee replacement? A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. The knee is a hinge joint which provides motion at the point where the thigh meets the lower leg. The thighbone (or femur) abuts the large bone of the lower leg (tibia) at the knee joint. During a total knee replacement, the end of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg bone (tibia) is also removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece with a metal stem. Depending on the condition of the kneecap portion of the knee joint, a plastic “button” may also be added under the kneecap surface. The artificial components of a total knee replacement are referred to as the prosthesis. The posterior cruciate ligament is a tissue that normally stabilizes each side of the knee joint so that the lower leg cannot slide backward in relation to the thigh-

bone. In total knee replacement surgery, this ligament is either retained, sacrificed, or substituted by a polyethylene post. Each of these various designs of total knee replacement has its benefits and risks. What patients should consider a total knee replacement? Total knee replacement surgery is considered for patients whose knee joints have been damaged by either progressive arthritis, trauma, or other rare destructive diseases of the joint. The most common reason for knee replacement in the United States and indeed here in Nigeria is severe osteoarthritis of the knees. Regardless of the cause of the damage to the joint, the resulting progressively increasing pain and stiffness and decreasing daily function lead the patient to consider total knee replacement. Decisions regarding whether or when to undergo knee replacement surgery are not easy. Patients should understand the risks as well as the benefits before making these decisions. There is also need to consider the cost of the surgery.

If you have any problem or question about your musculoskeletal system (bones, joints and muscles) do send me a mail at tunjiidowu@live.com for advice. Meanwhile, your comments and feedback on the issues discussed are highly welcomed.

Infected water, cause of cholera CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 such as potable water for the citizens, especially the poor. “Cholera clearly has a direct link to lack of social amenities, including provision of good water sources. When these basic amenities are not being provided by the government of a nation, outbreaks of diseases quickly follow. Cholera is such a disease that is still prevalent because people are so poor in this country that the majority have shallow dug wells as their only source of water supply and some still use the pit toilet as the only place they excrete. Such places are fertile breeding grounds that can readily cause cholera epidemic to occur,’’ he lamented. The ailment is most likely to be found and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation and inad-

equate hygiene. Once persons are infected, they excrete the bacteria. Therefore, the infection can spread rapidly, particularly in areas where human waste is untreated. Dr Idris warns: “Cholera should be suspected in any person who develops diarrhoea with or without vomiting, weakness, restlessness, irritability, dry mucous membrane, low blood pressure, leg cramps, excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) or dies from frequent stooling, hence adequate measures should be taken in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.” The commissioner urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspected case, dead or alive to the nearest health facility and the directorate of disease control in the state Ministry of Health. Dr Okanwa also warns people to be careful when eating food outside their homes

prepared by food vendors. “Most of these food sellers do not prepare their food in hygienic environments. Some even sell their food on top of open gutters and drainages. These are things that can easily breed the cholera virus and cause an outbreak. People should just be careful and identify a good place to eat,” he advised. Although there is a vaccine against cholera, WHO doesn’t normally recommend it because it may not protect up to half of the people who receive it and it lasts only a few months. However, you can protect yourself and family by using only water that has been boiled, chemically disinfected or bottled water and wash your hands frequently. Be sure to use the bottled, boiled or chemically disinfected water for the following purposes: drinking, preparing food, brushing

your teeth, washing of fruits, vegetables, dishes and cooking utensils. Idris advised members of the public to ensure they avoid possible backflow connection between water and sewer system and stressed the need to boil it before drinking when not sure of the source. He said mothers should also continue to breastfeed their babies having watery diarrhoea. “If you have been in contact with a cholera patient, wash your hands thoroughly after touching any item or surface that may have been contaminated and also dispose of contaminated items properly”, he added. He urged health workers to be on the alert and report suspected outbreaks of more than five cases in their facilities to the state Ministry of Health, stressing that people can also call the following numbers: 08023169485 or 0802321333, for assistance.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net Sunday, November 3, 2013

From the Civil Service Government at state and local levels, development partners and other stakeholders in youth development must therefore increase investment in the youth P 54

Tourism Ministry: Battling infrastructure constraints to fulfil mandate JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

inistry of Tourism Culture and National Orientation are part of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) are among the key institutions driving the present administration’s transformation agenda in terms of using them to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural and tourism values to the global community. Also, the Federal Government in its bid to diversify economy and think beyond oil has identified the creative industry as one of the new frontiers to drive the desired growth and development that will enhance its contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As creativity is the most prominent softpower that we can use in advancing our economy, tourism is believed to be crucial to the nation’s foreign exchange earning

capacity and sustainable growth given its direct effects on the social, cultural, educational, leisure, wealth creation, employment opportunities, economic sectors of national societies, international relations. The ministry and some its agencies that have been created to translate the dream to reality include the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM) and National Council for Arts And Culture (NCAC) Others are, the National Gallery of Art, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), National Orientation Agency(NOA), Nigerian Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), National Theatre/National Troupe of Nigeria (NT/NTN) and Centre for Blacks and African Arts and Culture. Although the Ministry may not boast of huge infrastructure capacity to

accommodate all its agencies under one roof, but the leadership, under the supervision of the Chief Edem Duke, is working round the clock to make sure that its various offices are well-organized to facilitate effective coordination of the agencies’ activities with the parent

ministry. When National Mirror visited the ministry and some of the agencies, it was observed that even without adequate information technology ICT infrastructure and other facilities were still operating optimally. At the two-storey build-

ing currently housing National Institute for Cultural Orientation NICO, at 3 Sirasso Crescent, Off Kangeme St. Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, it was apparent that the agencies were functioning very well while the staff, who were recently trained demon-

strated commitment to their jobs for improved productivity of the agency. At the NTDC another agency under the ministry located at old Federal Secretariat Area 1 Abuja which is undergoing renovation, the agency was a CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

L-R: Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Omu-Aran Unit Command, Mr. Suleiman Mohammed; Unit Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Isiaq Ganiyu; Kwara Sector Commander, FRSC, Mrs. Mary Wakama and Area Commander, Police Command, Mr. Olatunji Ayodele, at the launch of the Ember Months Campaign at Oke-Onigbin in Omu-Aran, Kwara State. PHOTO: NAN

Minister tasks states, LGs to invest in youths TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Supervising Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, charged states, local governments and other stakeholders in the country on the imperative of investing in youth development programmes in furtherance of ongoing efforts to enhance the capacities of the youths and prepare them for leader-

840 farmers scheme to benefit from GES fish in FCT

ship roles in national development. Making the call at the occasion of the African Youth Day celebration organized in collaboration with the African Centre for Youth Development and Empowerment (ACYDE) in Abuja, Abdullahi, said developing the youths remained the only option for ensuring sustainable development of the country in the years ahead. The Minister pointed

...advocates re-modelling of NYSC scheme out that the theme of the celebration - ‘Youth United in Action for Agenda 2063’underscored the important roles youth are playing and would continue to play in leadership, governance, socio-political and economic development of the society. Represented by the Director of Network and Social Mobilization, Mrs Joy Ajulu, the Minister reiterated “government’s com-

LG issues 21-day ultimatum to farmers

mitment to entrust young people with high level governance responsibility, in view of the fact that a successful and sustainable development of our dear country lies in the effective involvement and full participation of young people in every sphere of national development. “Government at state and local levels, development partners and other

stakeholders in youth development must therefore increase investment in the youth, involve them and ensure their participation in the process of the conception and implementation of activities and programme targeted at their development”, Abdullahi said According to him, this would encourage young people to devote their en-

ergy, increase enthusiasm, initiatives and creativity to the development and promotion of sustainable development in accordance with the theme of the celebration.” In his welcome address, the Executive Director of ACYDE, the organisers of the event, Comrade Ben Duntoye, explained that the theme sought to look into the future of the African youths in the next CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Kaduna councillors return from Kenyan training

Sunday, November 3, 2013

840 farmers scheme to benefit from GES fish in FCT

o fewer than 840 fish farmers in Abuja will benefit from the Federal Government’s Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme for the Aquaculture Value Chain, a top official has said. The Director of Fishery, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Folake Areola, said this at the launch of the programme at Lato and Hatchery Farm in Bwari, FCT. Areola said the programme 500 juveniles (fingerlings) and five bags of feed were given at subsidised rate to the registered fish farmers in the FCT. Represented by the GES Coordinator, Mr Babatunde John, the director said the aquaculture programme was timely and would help boost fish production in the country. The director urged farmers to make proper use of the feeds given to them by the government, saying the ministry was expecting a feedback from them. ``We want a feedback on what we are giving you. If we give 500 juveniles, we are expecting that in the next five months, you must have grown them out. ``We are coming back for the results. Do not go and sell the feed, make use of them,’’ the director charged. Addressing the farmers, Dr Charles Momo, the state Director, said that the programme was aimed at improving fish production, food security, creation of employment and boosting the income of the farmers. He described the aqua-

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Tourism Ministry: Battling infrastructure constraints to fulfil mandate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

Graduates registering for internship scheme in Yola, Adamawa State recently.

culture programme as a strategy to fight hunger, malnutrition and poverty in the country. He said that each registered farmer was expected to pay N12, 500 for the feed instead of N25, 000 while the government would pay the balance. He urged the beneficiaries to redeem the input and use them properly, advising that they should see their investment as a business rather than a vocation. According to him, there

are three redemption centres in the FCT located at Yuby Farms in Karshi, Lato and Hatchery Farm in Bwari, and Kuje Town Hall in Kuje. Also speaking, Alhaji Ovurevu Ademoh, the Deputy Director, Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, commended the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for the special attention accorded to fish farmers. He urged the govern-

PHOTO: NAN

ment to establish more fish farms to reduce importation and establish fish market to enable farmers to market their products. One of the beneficiaries, Mr Victor Aneke, also commended the government for its effort and gave an assurance that they would promote fish farming. The Chairman, Affiliated Apex Farmers Association, also hailed the efforts of the government and described it as a welcome development.

LG issues 21-day ultimatum to farmers

he Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State has issued a 21-day ultimatum to farmers to evacuate their farm produce. The Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Abubakar Zamau, issued the ultimatum at a meeting in Kware, Sokoto State, at the weekend. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened by the authorities of the

council to address the perennial clashes between farmers and herdsmen. The meeting was attended by the leaders of the farmers and herdsmen, traditional rulers, security operatives and other stakeholders. Zamau said that the farmers were expected to evacuate all their farm produce within the 21 days. ``This is with the view to ensure that the herdsmen are given adequate space to graze their livestock.

``Usually, there are clashes between the farmers and herdsmen, bordering on alleged encroachments into farmlands,’’ Zamau said. The chairman also warned the herdsmen against night grazing as well as allowing their under-aged children to graze animals. A cross section of the farmers and herdsmen, who spoke at the meeting, commended the local government for convening the meeting.

Minister tasks states, LGs on investment in youths 50 years, while recognizing that the fact that AU in the past 50 years had been able to fight imperialism and many countries gained their sovereignty. He said: “today, the struggle continues, as we are still faced with modern day colonialism. Africa must arise above board to claim its sovereignty. “We must be independent minded and be devoid of foreign control and manipulations. We must stand firm as a people, support one another to develop. “I made bold to say Africa has come of age. We have

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no excuses but to seat up. Our leaders should wake to the realities and challenges of the time. We must not lack behind in the comity of nations.” Meanwhile, Abdullahi has also stressed the need for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to be remodelled and repositioned to ensure its relevance in the present day Nigeria. He made this position known when the NYSC National Governing Board of the Scheme visited his ministry Thursday even as he rued the inability of the scheme to justify its existence in recent times,

especially when compared with similar schemes in other countries in Africa. “Anyone who has the responsibility of working with the scheme at this time needs to respond and derive a continual justification for its existence” he stressed. He urged the newly inaugurated Board to initiate new ideas and innovations in order to measure up with the present day realities and challenges confronting the nation’s youths, adding that “we can’t insist that the Scheme is relevant at all times in Nigeria, and at the same time insist it

must be run the same way. That would be contradictory” the Minister added. Earlier, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Gordon Bozimo, highlighted the posting policy, skills acquisition, resuscitation of the scheme industries, among other key areas the Board will focus on to ensure the youths are repositioned for gainful employment. He pledged the loyalty and commitment of the Board to the Transformation Agenda of the present administration and to also contribute its quota towards youth empowerment and development.

busy of activities as the staff were seen attending to both the local and foreign tourists. As our reporter observed that after the ongoing renovation would be no doubt conducive for the staff to be productive in their day-day activities as well, serve as the gorgeous value to the Old Federal Secretariat building. National Gallery of Art is situated at the Jabi Area of the city, given its size and importance, it is expected to have more befitting edifice than it has now. As for National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM) that has its office at the Federal Secretariat Abuja, this has denied the agency to have its befitting places for all the monument and museum. The place is believed to also lack archives where all the historical artifacts could be kept and used to educate the present and future young generations of Nigerians who may wish to know more about Nigeria’s rich cultural and historical heritages. Although, our correspondent gathered that Ministry of Tourism Culture and National Orientation is the least funded of all the ministries in the country, despite its limited budgetary allocation, the Ministry is said to be doing its best to fulfil its mandate.

For instance, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, recently announced the “brand diplomacy” initiative to be driven with a ‘Fascinating Nigeria’ project, that would go a long way in job creation, empowering the teaming youth in term of creativity, skill acquisition as well as attract foreign investors that would invest in Nigeria. On her part, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Sally Mbanefo, has embarked on grassroots tourism development in the six geo-political zones of the country. She projected that the venture would create no fewer than 20,000 jobs in two years and boost Nigeria’s rating as a preferred destination among investors inthe growing ecotourism market. The corporation has also in its measure to developed tourism in Nigeria has establish Nationwide travel hubs. All these and more are in pursuance of the nebulous ‘transformation agenda’ of the President Goodluck Jonathan government. But a transformation, in its proper meaning, requires far more than talk. And these high hopes depend on other fundamentals. The infrastructure to encourage travel, at least, must be in place.

Kaduna councillors return from Kenyan training A ZA MSUE KADUNA

ational Councillors Forum, Kaduna State Chapter, has commended the state government for organising a one-week training for its members in Nairobi, Kenya to ensure productivity. Addressing a news conference in Kaduna shortly after their return to Nigeria, the Kaduna State Chapter Chairman of the National Councillors Forum, Hon. Abubakar Ibrahim Danyaro, said the one week training which was conducted in Kenya would help them towards carrying out their functions as lawmakers at the council level. According to him, the

training will also assist them to achieve progress and development at the grassroots in particular and the urban areas in general. He said Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero’s vision was to ensure training and retraining of the councillors so as to achieve the desired result. He commended the governor, the State Ministry of Local Government and the chairmen of local governments for their supports. Danyaro who is also the councillor representing Rigasa Ward in Igabi Local Government, appealed to the entire people of Kaduna State to give all the needed support and loyalty to Governor Yero to enable them enjoy dividends of democracy.

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Business FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday November 3, 2013

CBN partners Syngenta to check fake agro-chemicals TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is currently working through its Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Project Implementation Office to ensure that Nigerian farmers get quality agro-chemicals and other inputs from genuine manufacturers as a means of protecting them from fraudulent middlemen involved agro-inputs marketing in the country.

Already, the apex regulatory bank has opened discussions with Syngenta AG, one of the largest global specialized chemicals company, with a view to creating local linkages between

its accredited representatives directly with farmers and cut off business-men and other impostors who are faking agrochemicals and other inputs, thereby causing substantial losses to farmers. Giving the hint during a chat with Sunday Mirror at the sidelines of OneDay National Advocacy Platform for Smallholder Women Farmers organised by ActionAid Nigeria Tuesday in Abuja, a senior Officer of the CBN, Dr. Maryam Waisu Yaro, explained that the Bank was determined to use the ongoing discussions with manufacturers of agro inputs to help farmers fix the inputs value chain and protect them from

unbridled exploitation of marketers. In addition, Yaro said the CBN would also be ready to support smallholder farmers, particularly those that could organise themselves into groups, through capacity building support, especially trainings on how to optimise their productivity and yields from sales through improved market access. The CBN staff, who spoke amid contributions by Alhaji Aliyu Hameed, another NIRSAL representative at the forum, is that what CBN was doing through the NIRSAL is to ensure that it grooms transparency in all the transactions between the

farmers and the suppliers of inputs and ensure that their chemical works before even full payments are made for such supplies. Hameed, told National Mirror at the sidelines of the Advocacy Forum, said “our aim in trying to fix the value chain for farmers. What we try to do is to ensure that the farmers are not cheated. Whether in terms of quality of fertiliser in terms of quality of seeds or in terms of quality of chemicals or even in terms of financing they get from commercial banks because farmers are not really that educated enough to know the issues and the deals involved in this. “What CBN does

through NIRSAL is to ensure that we groom transparency and clarity to all the transactions between the farmers and the supply. One of the key issues we made an example of is for example, most of the tomato farmers are saying that when they spray their chemicals, they buy in the open market, they spray but it doesn’t work, the insects are still there. “So, we said why don’t we go into the root of the problem, instead of asking the farmers to go individually with money in their pocket to buy from the local dealer who buys from another adulterated person. We said, you international agro chemical companies have dealers

that are licensed by you, why don’t you link us up directly with those dealers”, Hameed clarified. He explained further that what the CBN did was to ask Syngenta to link the apex bank up with their local accredited dealer in the country -Biostat-, a Lagosbased company to make sure that Biostat deals directly with the farmers. According to him, the good thing is that they will supply and ensure that their chemical works before even full payment is made unlike before when a farmer would just walk into open market and buy something inside a can, the quality or efficacy of which they are not sure of.

Power sector to generate $40bn in 10 years –FG President Goodluck Jonathan at the weekend said that more than $40 billion worth of investment would be generated by the power sector in the next 10 years. Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, gave the assurance at the 10th Lagos International Trade Fair. He said that the investment so far attracted by the power sector was a symbol of growth. “We have created an environment for investment; it is in this capacity that over $40 billion worth of foreign investment will be coming into the country within the next 10 years. “These are coming from companies like China Power that has invested over 20,000 megawatts of power and General Electric co-investing another 10,000 megawatts of power. “Also, we have Electrovatts from Brazil co-investing,” he said. He noted that the Federal Government had signed a Memorandum

of Understanding with the General Electric on investment of about one billion dollars for an assembly of turbines in Nigeria. “I am delighted to say that the first $250 million investment is currently running in the country, and we have done groundbreaking in Calabar already.” “What you expect to see under this leadership is increased investments, power generation and distributions, growth of industries and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); we believe that the future of our country is bright. “The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of the National Enterprise Development Programme, which is-one local government, one product initiative-to develop specific sectors in Nigeria. “We have put SMEs at the forefront of job creation strategy in this country to reduce the scourge of unemployment,” the president added.

Trading activities at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Akwa Ibom Assembly frowns at destruction of ALSCON The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Friday condemned the destruction of Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state by RUSAL. The lawmakers made the criticism at a plenary session, following a motion on a matter of urgent public importance moved by Assemblyman Aboh Uduyok, member representing Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo Constitu-

ency. Uduyok said that RUSAL has systematically destroyed all the assets of ALSCON, which ought to have been a veritable tool of job creation for the youths of the state. He alleged that RUSAL has sold the vital components of ALSCON’s machineries, including stem rods, anodes and Bussbarr/Riser, used in the manufacturing of steel ingots. After a thorough debate

on the issues raised, the House resolved that Gov. Godswill Akpabio should intervene and make urgent efforts to salvage the company from total destruction. The House also resolved that the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) should take over the plant and secure its assets. It also directed that copies of the resolution should be forwarded to President Goodluck Jonathan and members of the

National Assembly from Akwa Ibom. The Speaker, Mr Samuel Ikon, directed the House Committee on Commerce and Industry to carry out an in-depth investigation into the matter and report its findings soon. He also directed the Acting Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.

Sunday November 3, 2013

MSME Trade Fair: Exhibitors deplore shoddy plans, poor sales SEYI ANJORIN ABUJA

cores of exhibitors at the ongoing 4th Nigeria International Small and Medium Scale Industries Trade Fair in Abuja have bemoaned the low sales at the exhibition ground and attributed their woes to shoddy planning for the event by the government.

The Trade Fair with theme: “Promoting Commerce and Investment for Global Competitiveness” which started on the 18th of October was expected to end on last Thursday but was eventually extended by five more days by the organisers as part of their efforts to assuage the bad feelings of exhibitors over

low patronage . Investigations by Sunday Mirror at the event showed that the low traffic of potential customers and other stakeholders was due to primarily to lack of adequate publicity for the event. An exhibitor, Okechukwu Charles, who deals in sales, service and installation of Security devices, the five days extension granted the traders were not worthwhile since they could not make tangible sales two weeks after it was formally flagged off. He said: “I don’t think the extension is worth it, for more than a week that I have been here now, I have not made a single sale, in fact, and you are the third

person that will come to my stall this week.” “The publicity is very poor, even with the last Abuja International Trade Fair; there should have been more publicity that something is going on around here. “For me, small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria are all about personality, we have a personality problem whether mentality or morally, it all depends on individual awareness. All the government can only do is create more opportunities for everybody so that they can make use of their skills,” Charles advised. Similarly, Madam Titi Aleto, who deals in Ghana wears, opined that the Fed-

eral Government should have scheduled it to come before the International trade fair as it would boost sales of their commodities. “If this one had come before that last trade fair, people will think our own things will be cheaper, so they will want to come here to patronise us before the start of the other one. “I think most people don’t even know something like this is happening in Abuja, maybe it is because of the place we are using, because when I told one of my customers that we are here, she was surprised to know that there is another trade fair like this going on,” she said Further investigations indicated that most residents

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were not aware of the ongoing trade fare as a Banker stated that “not until when I was going to Grand Square through UTC, I didn’t even know something like that was going on”. He added: “I think the publicity was the problem, while driving through the place, it was only the blaring stereo speakers that called my attention to the banner at the gate, if not for that, the place doesn’t even look like there is any activity going on there.” The Trade Fair, jointly organised by Paradise Productions, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, is aimed at promoting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Federal Capital Territory. Chairman of Paradise Productions Limited, Mr. Isaac Duru ,who urged the Federal Government to es-

tablish factories across the country to reduce unemployment and curb rural – urban migration, said such factories should be set up in communities which produce relevant raw materials to save cost and time. Duru, who stated this in his opening remarks at the Fair, noted that “the micro, small and medium enterprise sector is the corridor to economic growth and industrial development of any country. We believe that the key to the industrial development of Nigeria, being a developing country, does not lie on large scale industries but on cottage, small and medium scale industries.” The Fair which was reported to be expecting over 200 local and foreign exhibitors cannot be said to have achieved its objective, as the exhibitors as at the time of filing this report were less than 50, with none from foreign countries.

FG to give 10-year tax holiday to tyre manufacturers

L-R: Winner of Nokia Asha 501, Mr. Valentine Nkomadu; General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Ltd, Mr. Kayode Idowu and Sports Journalist, Mr. Sola Rogers, during the presentation of prizes to the winners of the Nigerian Sports Award voting phase on Thursday.

Participants commend LCCI for Lagos Trade Fair Some exhibitors and participants the ongoing 2013 Lagos International Trade Fair on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the quality of facilities on ground at the fair complex. The exhibitors and participants, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, commended the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) for recording tremendous improvement over the previous years. President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by

Mr Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Trade and Investment, declared the 2013 Lagos International Trade Fair open on Friday. Jonathan said that Federal Government would soon commence a 10-year tax holiday for local tyre manufacturers as part of the government’s commitment to its new automobile policy. An exhibitor, Mrs Sola Oyemakin, said that the LCCI provided free mobile toilets for the convenience of the participants.

``We were asked to pay for the toilet facilities during the 2012 edition of the Trade Fair, yet many of the toilets were not properly maintained. ``This year, we can use any of these clean and sparkling toilets without paying a dime, this is highly commendable,” Oyemakin, who is the Sales Manager, Demex Nigerian Enterprise, said. Also, Mr John Anyamele, a sales agent with Tower Aluminium, told NAN that there was an im-

provement on the purchase of entry tickets to the trade fair ground over the previous fairs. Anyamele said that with the arrangement in place, it would be easier for the exhibitors and participants to gain entrance into the fair complex without any difficulty. Another participant, Mr Andrew Agbamuche, appealed to LCCI to check the activities of street urchins posing as participants. Mr Tope Oluwaleye, the LCCI Public Relations

Manager, said that adequate measures were in place to guarantee the security of lives and property during the fair. ``We have officers from the Lagos State Anti-Bomb Squad and anti-terrorist officers as well as private security guards that will ensure safety of participants. ``The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and medical officers from the State Ministry of Health are also here to attend to emergencies and health issues.

President Goodluck Jonathan in Lagos at the weekend said that the Federal Government would soon commence a 10-year tax holiday for local tyre manufacturers. Jonathan made the declaration at the opening ceremony of the 2013 Lagos International Trade Fair. Represented by Mr Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Trade and investment, Jonathan said the tax holiday was part of the commitment of the government to its new automobile policy. The president said that the value chain on key automobile products like metals, iron ore, plastic, and tyres would also be improved. “In terms of product development, you need tyres. Michelin and Dunlop died many years ago because of poor government policy. We are bringing them back. “The policy for tyre, part of the problem was that some of the tyres were brought in at 10 per cent, while some are 20 per cent and 40 per cent. “Anybody that goes into tyre production like Michelin and others will start bringing in tyres at 5 per cent based on the level of commitment to produce tyres locally. “They will not pay tax for the next five to 10 years.

SM Extra

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STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU ADAEZE AMOS

he way and manner the dreaded disease, cancer, is killing many Nigerians are scary. The list keeps increasing day by day. Hardly would you see any home that has not been affected in one way or the other by this ailment. It is either a friend, a fan, a relative or a role model that had died of cancer. Many personalities in Nigeria have succumbed to cancer, the latest being the former Chief of General Staff (CGS) during the military era, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, who died last week in America. Edith Ike, former manager of Guinness Nigeria Limited, who also died of breast cancer, is still green. How about Sonny Okosun, one of the Nigeria’s great musicians? He lost the battle of life to cancer on May 24, 2008 at 61, in the United States. Also, Remy Lagos, a popular fashion designer was killed by cancer. Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki, died of cancer as confirmed by his youngest son, Olaolu, who admitted that the political giant of Kwara politics “had been battling with cancer for about five years” before he died on November 14, 2012. Maryam Babangida, wife of former military President Ibrahim Babangida also had her life cut short by the dreaded disease on December 27, 2009. She had to leave behind her Better Life Programme for Rural Women which launched many co-operatives, cottage industries, farms and gardens, shops and markets, women’s centres and social welfare programmes. Even the dogged and renowned activist/social crusader, Gani Fawehinmi who fought successive and oppressive military dictators was silenced by the monster called cancer. He died on September 5, 2009 of lung cancer. Ace broadcaster, Yinka Craig, who made his name with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) battled to stay alive until September 23, 2008 when he died at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America. Yusuf Jibo, former Zonal Director of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), also died of colon cancer on December, 2010. Clara Oshiomole, wife of labour leader turned governor, Adam Oshiomole was also said to have died of cancer on December 8, 2010, eleven days to her daughter’s wedding. Also recently the former president of the Performing Musician Association of Nigeria PMAN Mustapha Amego died of cancer. It is painful that the list keeps swelling. Little wonder the National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP) said that no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various forms of cancer annually. Aren’t’ you scared? It was due to this that the President of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) Funmi Ajila Ladipo, thought it wise to create awareness about cancer. Hence, she came up with what she called FADAN WALK for cancer in conjunction with Optimal Cancer Care Foundation. Many turned out and participated in this walk which started from the National Stadium, Surulere to Ojuelegba, Lagos.

NOVEMBER 3, 2013

Echoes of FADAN cancer awareness walk

Let your husbands feel your boobs regularly, women told

R-L: Joan Okorodudu, Funmi Ajila Ladipo, Funke Akindele and some others during the awareness walk.

Ladipo said what she did was her social responsibility. “Well, it is our social responsibility and we are giving back to the society. People should know that there is this disease around and we identify with those who are down already with the ailment. We are telling them that it is not the end of the world. “Apart from that, those who can find out on time, there is a cure for it. Mind you, it is not how beautiful the breast is that matters. What matters is; does it have something on the inside? If you are not sure, why not go to the health experts and have yourself checked up?” She counselled. Mrs Patricia Agbakwu-Ajegwu, an exPresident of FADAN who participated in the walk, said the cancer walk was a welcome idea because “I know how it feels to lose somebody to cancer. “It actually hurts watching the victim gradually give up the ghost. It is indeed painful. But honestly, for some cancer, it is preventable or treatable if noticed early. A sister of mine, who had a lump on her breast which was discovered by her husband, came to me to help her check. After checking and discovering it was hard like a bean seed, I advised her never to ignore it. That she should go to medical experts for the removal of the lump and she did. She is still alive till date and this thing happened some 12/13 years ago. “My advice is that ladies should allow their spouses to touch their breasts because they too can help to detect when something

strange is in the breasts and call your attention. You may not be able to detect it on your own because cancerous lump is not painful. It may just remain in the breast without knowing and it would be eating the person up gradually. So, early detection is key,” she stressed. Ireti Doyle, an actress and a fashion TV presenter who took part in the walk, concurred. “It is so sad and completely unacceptable for people to be dying of diseases that are curable. I mean you can save your life by just being aware and knowing what to do when detected. That is the main intention of this cancer walk: to remind people to be aware of breast cancer and other forms of cancer. There is actually no reason for anybody to be ignorant,” she said. Sasha P, a Rapper (musician) who sweated it out as she walked from the National Stadium to Ojuelegba, while sharing fliers to people on being breast cancer aware, said that “It is important to help spread cancer awareness because the disease is one of the greatest killers and a lot of people don’t have enough information. “Some don’t even know how to check their breasts for lumps. So, information and knowledge would go a long way in helping all of us. Don’t think because you are a Christian, you should not be checking yourself or going to the medical experts to complain if you notice a change in your breasts. After all, it is the almighty God that created medical doctors and gave us

some healing agents, putting some in the vegetables and herbs. So, even if you believe in God and you are not eating right, not living a healthy lifestyle to prevent this disease, then you have yourself to blame,” she warned. Actress Foluke Daramola who was also in the field that day said the cancer awareness walk should not be taken for granted. “To be aware of breast cancer and other forms of cancer is very important but a lot of people take it for granted. Reason being that a lot of people believe that cancer is for the rich.” “Meanwhile, it is for the rich and the poor. And then getting it into the subconscious of the masses that this happens every day and most of it is negligence. So, this is a wonderful and noble idea by FADAN because it is a way of creating awareness for humanity in order to save lives,” she said. Then to those who are already down with the ailment, Daramola has some words: “It is unfortunate that it is this way but I will advise them to hold on to God. There is nothing God cannot do. I’m sorry I’m sounding spiritual but this is true. God can still heal them. A miracle can happen. Looking at those who are already down with the disease, it helps to give everyone signal to check yourself. Check your boobs because if it is detected early, there can be a remedy to it. I, as a person, practise what I preach. I take my time to check and crosscheck my boobs on my own.”

North News

Sunday November 3, 2013

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laud Sokoto govt Bauchi to begin work on Yankari Students over new university power plant T G overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State at the weekend said that the construction of the 120 megawatts Yankari power plant would start in two months’ time. The governor said this when the management team of SINOMAC, a Chinese energy and gas company, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Jidda, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Energy visited him in Bauchi. He said that the power plant, which was expected to run on gas, would be con-

structed by China Mechanical and Equipment Company (CMEC), adding that all arrangements had been made for the project to commence. Yuguda said that the construction of the plant had become imperative as part of the state government’s efforts to revamp the tourism sector via the improvement of the revenue potential of the Yankari Game Reserve. ``The reserve is at the finishing point of renovation and reconstruction, with a view to making it a world-class holiday resort.

``The reserve has recorded 1,000 per cent increase in revenue generation within six months. ``Since we have reached a certain mileage in the renovation and reconstruction exercise, we have been able to raise the room rates as well as the gate fees, which resulted in the current high revenue profile. ``For the first time we have been able to record very high revenue within three months, which have not been recorded in five years. This is very encouraging. ``When things get better and tourists will start flocking in, I assure you that the revenue will increase sig-

nificantly, `` he said. Yuguda commended the team for the visit, saying that the company’s presence in the state would be beneficial, as part of efforts to get gas to run the power plant when completed. He said that the environmentally friendly energy plant would also provide employment opportunities for unemployed youths in the state. Earlier, Jiddah said that the company was in the state to seek partnerships on socio-economic development projects, particularly in the area of providing cheap sources of energy for automobiles and domestic use.

he Sokoto State indigenes in tertiary institutions on Saturday lauded the establishment of the new state university. The President of the Federated Organisation of Sokoto State Students Associations (FOSA), Malam Ibrahim Tureta, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Sokoto. “The organisation has current membership strength of about 53,000 students currently, who are being sponsored by the state government. “Majority of these students are studying in various institutions in Nigeria, while the rest are in other parts of Africa. “Several others are in Europe, Asia, Middle East and the Americas, and their studies they are successfully and progressively pursuing their various studies,” he added. Tureta said that the state university would afford the youths of the state to pursue various

degree programmes. “Hitherto, majority of qualified applicants from the state could not gain admission into the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and other universities across Nigeria “Although, the new state university will also admit students from other states, indigenes of the state will have an upper hand now,” he added. The president also lauded the upgrading of the state School of Nursing and Midwifery to a degree-awarding institution. “These and many other countless programmes and policies showed that Gov. Wamakko’s administration is students-friendly, and it is concerned about their future. “Wamakko is fully committed to empowering the youths to enable them to play their roles,” Tureta, said. Tureta urged his colleagues to reciprocate the government’s gesture by shunning all acts capable of stagnating their academic pursuits.

Govt denies cholera outbreak in Plateau community

T L-R: Former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hajia Amina Katagum; Vice President Namadi Sambo and Governor Isa Yuguda, during the inauguration of fertilizer blending company in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Police arrest 24 fake employers in Taraba

he police in Taraba State at the weekend said it had arrested 24 persons in Jalingo, the state’s capital over alleged extortion and operation of illegal organisations in the state. According to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Jubril Adeniji, most of the suspects are fake employers, swindling desperate job seekers. The statement said that 11 of the persons, who included a retired police officer, were apprehended

for operating Elites Community Initiatives Corps of Nigeria (ECICN). It said that the group illegally received over N23 million from 815 job seekers for forms, identity cards, uniforms, interviews and accreditation fees. ``They claim to have trained 400 of those recruited from Adamawa and Taraba states in August 2013 on the outskirt of Jalingo town, while another set of 415 applicants are awaiting training,’’ it said.

The statement also said that four of the persons, led by Mohammed Kabir, were apprehended for running an Emergency Rescue Team (ERT) which was not duly registered. It said that Kabir and his accomplices received over N2 million from 919 job seekers as payment for uniforms and registration fees. The statement said that another group of nine persons, which had Dr Leonard Stephen as its coordinator, were also arrested for oper-

ating United Nigeria Chaplaincy (UNCN), another unregistered organisation. ``Documents recovered from them indicate that they have over 200 members from whom they have extorted various sums of money totalling over N 9 million,” it said. The statement said that the police had seized various documents such as fake certificates of incorporation and introduction letters to the state governor, among others, from the arrested persons.

Kano declares Monday public holiday

he Kano State Government yesterday declared Monday as a public holiday to commemorate new Islamic year 1435 A.H. (Muharram). This is contained in

a statement by the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Head of Service, Alhaji Mustapha Fagge in Kano. According to the statement, the public holiday is

declared to allow workers to commemorate the first day of the Islamic year. The statement advised the people to observe the holiday by praying for peace in the state and the

country in general. It also urged them to continue to live in peace with one another so as to enhance economic growth and development of the state.

here is no cholera outbreak in Jengre in Bassa Local Government area of Plateau State as being speculated, the Commissioner for Health, Mr Abraham Yiljap, has said. Yiljap said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) over the weekend in Jos, that the speculations started ``after a health challenge that happened in the area where 25 persons were hospitalised’’. ``The health challenge was discovered to be malaria after the State Emergency Health Rapid Response Team rushed to the hospitals and clinics in the area. ``The medical team visited the SDA Hospital, Jibape Hospital and Primary Health Centre in Jengre, to ascertain the causes of the health challenge. ``The medical team reviewed the cases of all patients on admission and those discharged within the past two weeks. ``The Ministry of Health Epidemiological Unit conducted a review of all the cases of the health challenge and confirmed that it was a malaria out-

break and not cholera as being speculated,`` he said Yiljap said that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in conjunction with the state government, had deployed 10 water tankers to supply clean water to residents of Namu, where cholera outbreak was earlier reported. The commissioner said that government had released an additional N10 million for the purchase of drugs for the treatment of cholera victims in the area. ``We have solicited the assistance of owners of private bore holes to release them for community use in Namu and its environs. ``We have also mobilised security agencies to assist us in enforcing the sanitation exercise in Namu and other parts of the state to checkmate the spread of the disease. ``The state government has established an Emergency Health Surveillance Team that will continue to go round the 17 local government areas to ensure the safety of all citizens,`` he said.

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Sunday November 3, 2013

property lost to Vatican Archbishop eulogises Akhigbe N70m midnight fire

he Vatican Representative to the UN, Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, said the late former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, made remarkable achievements in world affairs. Chullikatt made the assertion in his homily at a requiem mass for the deceased in New York, at the weekend. He said Akhigbe became the CGS of Nigeria at a time when the political situation was moving toward massive change.

The cleric said the death of any human being called for sober reflection that man had allotted time on earth. Chullikatt said people should not only reflect on what the deceased had contributed, but what they contributed to the world. The Archbishop said the then military government in Nigeria was moving toward democracy and but found a champion in Akhigbe. ``When the people of Nigeria speak of Mike Akhigbe, they speak with

affection and gratitude for his support of that process which brought about a peaceful shift in the government of Nigeria from the time of military rule to the time of democracy. ``They speak of a man whose military service gave him experience and insight which he used to guide people toward something new, something better,’’ Chullikatt said. He, however, noted that the history of that change would record Akhigbe’s contribution to the history of Nigeria.

``When the people of Nigeria speak of Akhigbe they also speak of a man of faith, they speak of his devotion to God.’’ Chullikatt said Akhigbe professed that, ``Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the One who was to come into this world’’. The requiem mass was attended by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Joy Ogwu, Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Amb Habib Habu, and members of the Nigerian community in New York.

NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

roperties estimated at over N70 million were gutted by midnight fire that razed Rojenny Computer Village at Oba in Idemili South Local Government area of Anambra State at the weekend The fire outbreak which sparked off at about 2 a.m., according to eye-witnesses, was ignited by a high voltage power supplied by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The source hinted that there was a power outage all through the night on the fateful date until all the neighborhood went to sleep but all of a sudden, the light returned with a high voltage which sparked off fire from the computer room and eventually extended to all parts of the school. Confirming the incident, the Proprietor of Rojenny Tourists/Games Village, Oba, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, told newsmen yester-

day at the scene that more than 40 computer sets and other valuables were completely gutted by the fire. Ezeonwuka noted that the computer school was about to kick off in few weeks time before the fire outbreak, adding that with the unfortunate incident, the take off exercise would be put on hold until further notice when the burnt computer sets are replaced. He, therefore, appealed to the students who had already registered to study in the college and the lecturers who have been recruited to teach in the college to exercise patience till the replacement of the burnt computers and other properties meant for effective take off of the college. He said his vision to establish the computer college, as one of the establishments under Rojenny Sports Stadium, Rojenny Tourists/ Games Village, Rojenny Sports Academy, among others, was to assist in controlling youths’ restiveness.

Fayemi pledges provision of basic amenities

L-R: Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR) and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Augustine Adeyekun at the 10th Utako Day in Igbotako, Ondo State, yesterday. PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA

L:R: Chairman, Planning Committee, 2013 Utako Day, Benson Akindeju (left) and Dr. Segun Ayodele on the occasion.

overnor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State at the weekend restated his administration’s commitment to provision of infrastructure and basic amenities in all the nooks and crannies of the state. Fayemi made the promise at a town hall meeting held with the people of Ilasa in Ekiti East Local Government Area of the state. The governor noted that rural transformation agenda of his administration is being executed through rapid development of grass-roots communities. He promised to provide the necessary assistance for the completion the modern palace under construction in the town. He directed community

representatives to furnish his office with a list of other developmental projects needed in the town for inclusion in the 2014 budget proposal bill. Earlier in his address of welcome, the representative of the town, Chief Aro Raji, lauded the governor for his commitment to execution of developmental projects in the state. Raji said the community would continue to play it parts to ensure harmonious and peaceful co-existence with other communities so that peace would continue to reign in the state. He noted that there could not be meaningful development in the atmosphere of chaos and disharmony, and called on the people to live together in peace.

Cleric berates Jonathan over failed promises to Niger Delta AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

he General Overseer of God’s Ministry International incorporated, Evangelist Samson Mamamu, has berated President Goodluck Jonathan for his administration’s inability to fulfill all electioneering promises to develop the

coastal Niger Delta. Mamamu bared his mind at the close of the five-day 37th Annual Convention of the church at the weekend, in Salvation City, New Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. He noted that contracts for most of the projects have remained unexecuted, two years after

they were awarded. “Mr. President, sir, we are compelled to ask you and the Federal Government; where are the roads and bridges for the Coastal Niger Delta? What about the Urhobo - Ugbokodo - Salvation City roads and bridges which have been approved and awarded… over 24 months ago?” While saying that the

President had not done much for the Niger Delta which he described as “his base which hosts the wealth of the nation”, the cleric stated that the idea of a national conference is a welcome development which must also involve the National Assembly. “They should be properly involved to assure of

its success since the constitution recognises them as our lawmakers. Though similar exercise in the past had failed to achieve the desired results and President Jonathan must make a success of this.” In his sermon titled, “Competition in worshiping God is not holiness”, the General Overseer who

took his reading from the book of John 4:24 stated that God is kind and it is generally agreed that God is Spirit, with the command that those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth, adding that the true gospel and its benefits been profaned especially in this era of proliferation of churches.

Sunday November 3, 2013

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UAE 2013: NSSF boss congratulates Eaglets P. 62 KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS November 3, 2013

Hide P. 62 risks two-year jail term …As Argentina crush Baby Elephants to advance

Golden Eaglets celebrate after defeating Uruguay to book a semi-final ticket at the on-going U-17 World Cup in UAE

Golden Eaglets beat Uruguay 2-0, through to semi-finals IFEANYI EDUZOR

he Golden Eaglets of Nigeria continued their good run, in the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup when they defeated Uruguay 2-0 in the quarter finals of the biennial tournament to set up a semi- final clash with Sweden in Dubai on Tuesday. The match that was played in Sharjah saw Uruguay having the first chance on goal in the 6th minute of play when Enrique Etcheverry combined effectively with Learndro Otormin in front of Nigeria goal area, but he got the wrong foot on the ball. It was not until the 18th minute that Nigeria discovered their redeem when Kelechi Iheanacho, scorer of five goals in the tournament, laid a good pass deep from the midfield to Taiwo Awoniyi who wasted no time in putting the ball beyond Uruguayan keeper, Thiago Cardozo for the opener.

After the goal, the South Americans came out in full force looking for the equalizer with Kevin Mendez and Learndro Otormin testing Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu from distance with powerful shots. But it was Nigeria who controlled most of the possession and created the more dangerous chances. Captain Musa Mohammed’s cross from the right after 34th minute was only narrowly missed by Awoniyi. The three-time champions, Nigeria, who have scored 18 goals in their first four games before heading into the quarterfinal match made all efforts to increase the tally, but the 2011 runners- up absorbed all the pressure with the first half ending 1-0 in favour of the Eaglets. On resumption of play at the second half, the South Americans came out more determined to cancel the goal and made several incursions into Nigeria’s goal

Hopkins wants P. 62 to fight Mayweather

area, but the wonderful display of the Nigerian goal keeper who combined effectively with the defence kept them in check. However, the final blow came in the 79th minute, and it followed the same pattern as the first Nigerian goal. Kelechi Iheanacho picked up a perfect pass at the edge of the area from Chidiebere Nwakali and managed to race past two Uruguayan defenders before putting the ball towards unmarked Awoniyi who wasted no time in putting the ball in the far corner of the post to earn the team a well deserved 2-0 victory. With the result, Coach Manu Garba’s team who are gunning for their fourth title since the introduction of the tournament will now move to their seventh U-17 World Cup semi- final when they face Sweden whom they earlier forced to a 3-3 draw in their Group F cracker. The match comes up November 5.

Gerrard dreams Liverpool P. 63 job

rgentina booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup by beating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 yesterday. The contest at the Sharjah Stadium lacked spark, but the Argentines did just enough to push through to the last four where they will face defending champions Mexico in Abu Dhabi. The South Americans were in no mood to waste time, taking the lead after only six minutes of play on the final day of action in Sharjah. Matias Sanchez picked up his head in a wide right position and sent in a dangerous, looping cross that flew over Ivorian defenders. Joaquin Ibanez was well positioned in the area, collecting the ball on his chest before taking another touch and firing past Ivorian keeper, Seck Diabagate. After this goal, the Baby Elephants had no choice but to come out of their defensive shell and push forward into attack. After 15 minutes, Aboubakar Keita tried to curl a free-kick past Augusto Batalla, but the Argentine keeper was up to the task and caught the ball with relative ease. Two minutes later, Kouame Nguessan went on a flying raid up the left side and pulled the ball back across the penalty area. Kouassi Begbin made a hash of his first touch, and by the time he turned and got a shot off, he couldn’t generate enough power to trouble the keeper. The South Americans doubled their lead in the 33 minutes through Rodrigo Moreira who kept his cool to stretch past his marker and poke a bouncing corner-kick over the line with the bottom of his boot to end the first half 2-0. On resumption of the second half, the Ivoirians started pressing forward, trying to get a foothold in the contest. But they failed to find any kind of attacking rhythm and the Argentines were happy enough to absorb pressure and make occasional counter attack. The Ivorians gave themselves a lifeline in the 77th minute when Digbo Maiga’s cross was blocked by the hand of Leandro Vega in the area. Captain Kessie stepped up to convert the penalty, but it was too late for Côte d’Ivoire as the match which produced eight yellow cards ended 2-1 in favour of the South Americans.

Lewandowski thrilled with hat-trick P. 63

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Active coaching, not good for my health –Ikhana

asarawa United coach, Kadiri Ikhana has said that active coaching is not good for his health, which necessitated his decision to quit coaching job for the rest his life. The former Kwara United coach guided the Lafiabased side to the 13th finish on 52 points at the just concluded 2012/2013 Glo Premier League season. The former Super Falcons coach hinted shortly after his side secured a point at Akwa United in the Glo Premier League Matchday 33 tie in Uyo that he is done with coaching once his tenure at Nasarawa United ended. Ikhana said he has left the coaching job stage for the upcoming coaches as he can only accept technical director position from any club side. “I can direct but never to sit on the bench as coach that practice is over for me. I’ve decided to leave the stage for

Sport

Sunday November 3, 2013

the younger coaches. “Active coaching job is not good for my health as one is no longer getting younger. “I can only take up a job as technical director or consultant where I can offer my expert and technical advices to the coaches,” said the former Nigerian defender. Ikhana declined the probing if he would continue as consultant at Nasarawa United if asked by the management of the side. “I’m done with the job at Nasarawa United and we did very well given the circumstances under which we found ourselves. At least, we secured the side Premier League position. “Not only Nasarawa United but the entire state are making overture at me to continue in that capacity at the side in the upcoming season but I’m yet to give any commitment rather want things to take its natural circle,” Ikhana said.

Ikhana

Enyimba, Wolves in hot chase for Salami T

hree Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs, Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Bayelsa United are currently tracking controversial Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) attacker, Gbolahan Salami. Salami, who is also known as the ‘Nigerian Mario Balotelli’ had a mixed season with 3SC where several accomplished personal milestones were not matched by the total results of the traditional NPFL side in the 2012/13 season. Relegation from the top flight for 3SC means Salami is now definitely on his way out of the club and he confirmed this to supersport.com on Friday. “I love 3SC, everyone knows that but with due

respect, I am too good to play in the second division (Nigeria National League),” Salami said. The forward then revealed that the trio of Enyimba, Wolves and Bayelsa United have all sounded their intentions of securing his services for the 2013/14 NPFL season. “Those three clubs have all told me they want me for next season and to be honest the decision I have to make will not be an easy one. “I have played for Enyimba in the past and the fact that they will play in the CAF Champions League next season makes them an attractive proposition. “Bayelsa United will also play on the continent (CAF Confederation Cup) next season and I have a special relationship with

Salami

the coach (Isa Ladan Bosso) who trained me when I represented Nigeria at youth level. “Wolves’ former coach Solomon Ogbeide is like a father to me and it’s just unfortunate he has left the club. We will see how

of the Flying Antelopes, as a replacement for Okey Emordi, who resigned at the end of the season. But in spite of the hype surrounding Obuh’s appointment, the former Sharks and Kwara United gaffer is reportedly yet to

things go but I have not made any decision right now,” he said. Salami has previously played for Julius Berger, Sunshine Stars and Enyimba. He scored seven goals for 3SC in the just-concluded 2012/13 season.

Duo set to dump clubs Tenger resigns from ahead of next season Akwa United

l Kanemi Warriors central midfielder, Bala Zakkah and relegated ABS midfielder, Lordson Ichull, look set to be the latest players orchestrating a move away from their clubs ahead of next soccer season. Zakkah was suspended by El-Kanemi six matches to the end of the season and is yet to be recalled even as the side gear up to resume camp for the new season on November 5. Zakkah said he is ready to rejoin his teammates in preparations for the Super Four and new season campaigns but will not like to sit down idly waiting endlessly. “I’m yet to be recalled from the indefinite suspension the side placed on me three matches to the end of the season. “I didn’t feature in the

games against Gombe United, Sharks, Dolphins, Heartland, Lobi Stars as well as the last day game at Enugu Rangers. “We’re on short break which ends on November 5; I’m still waiting and hoping to be recalled back to the team. “However, if in the course of waiting for recall at El Kanemi Warriors another side showed interest in me I’ll go for the side. “I want to be competitively engaged not idle away so I’m available waiting for anybody to come and grab me,” he said. In the case of Ichull, he revealed that he is available for any side that needs his services in the upcoming 2013/2014 season, following the relegation of ABS from the top flight.

kwa United head coach, Justin Tenger yesterday tendered his resignation letter to the management of the side ending his one-season stint at the Uyo-based side. The former Niger Tornadoes gaffer fought hard to secure the side top flight league football in the 2012/13 Glo Premier League ending the season campaign on the 16th position on 51 points. The formal resignation has laid to rest days of denial and counter-denial between the management and coach whether or not the coach has been sacked. Tenger said his one season contract with the Uyo-

Obuh eyes Akwa United, as Rangers contract disagreement deepens ohn Obuh may appear to have his mind set on signing for Akwa United following contractual disagreements with Rangers International of Enugu. The former Flying Eagles coach was recently unveiled by the management

put pen to paper with the Enugu State-owned club, for whom he starred in his playing days. Our correspondent gathered that this reason may have necessitated his desire to look elsewhere. Sources close to the coach have revealed that while Rangers are intent

on offering a one-yeardeal, Obuh is holding out for a contract with at least two-year duration. The source further disclosed that Obuh is not short of offers and may move on if necessary as Akwa United are also very keen to bring him to Uyo, next season.

Obuh

based side ended on Sunday, October 20 after their last game at Kwara United in Lokoja though with a clause for renewal but opted to end the stint with the side. “I’ve completely disengaged myself today (Saturday) from Akwa United, the season is over for both parties and it’s done peacefully. “I signed one season contract with the side which officially ended with our last season game at Kwara United in Lokoja though with a clause for renewal or termination and I opted to quit. “The reason to quit is personal as I just wanted to stay away from the side right now, I don’t want to continue with them anymore.

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Sunday November 3, 2013

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UAE 2013: NSSF boss congratulates Eaglets, thanks Sterling Bank ANDREW EKEJIUBA

Glasgow 2014: NBF to select boxers from Eagle Belt

he Secretary General, Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Tunde Laguda, has revealed that this year’s Eagle Belt Championship in December would be used to select boxers for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The NBF President, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, had promised to sponsor this year’s edition of the championship, while speaking at the final of the National Open Boxing Championship held last August in Lagos. Laguda told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in

ormer WBO Heavyweight champion, Herbie Hide has been warned he faces up to two years in jail after pleading guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine. The 42-year-old Britishbased Nigerian boxer whose real names are Herbert Okechukwu Maduagwu had previously denied the charge but changed his plea at the start of his trial at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday. He will be sentenced on November 29 having been granted bail on condition that he reports to his local police station on a daily basis. Hide, who held the WBO Heavyweight title between 1997 and 1999 was arrested after a story in The Sun Newspaper, claimed he had phoned a drug dealer from

BF Light-heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins, says he feels he can lose some weight by next May to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr if they can negotiate the fight. Hopkins, 48, who last Saturday at Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey retained his IBF title with a unanimous point’s victory over Germany’s Karo Murat to become the oldest fighter to defend a world title, noted that the fight if organised would make boxing fans watch the greatest

Mohammad

Lagos Line clinches 2013 Onitsha Traders’ Cup ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T Hide

whom reporters were able to buy cocaine. He initially claimed the story was ‘manufactured’ and that he was a ‘vulnerable’ target but changed his plea to guilty after he was shown a video coverage of his conversion with an undercover agent.

Hopkins wants to fight Mayweather

Lagos that the bouts would assist the federation to select the best male and female boxers for the Games. According to him, the tournament would feature top-class boxers out of which the best would be selected for the 10 male and female events in Glasgow. He, however, added that some boxers, who participated at the just concluded World Boxing Championship in Kazakhstan, would have the privilege of first consideration. According to him, Nigeria would strive to feature in all the 10 events in Glasgow.

Hide risks two-year jail term

fight of the decade. “Give me until May next year to make 160 ponds and that fight will be on. I don’t think too many people would count me out. “I think every boxing fan would like to see Hopkins at 160 ponds going against Mayweather and I think it will be a good fight at the end of the day,” Hopkins said. According to him, he has watched some of Mayweather’s recent fight and is convinced that he is the only one that can give him the challenge he needs.

Bernard Hopkins (right) throws a punch at Karo Murat during their Light heavyweight fight at Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

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he bustling city of Onitsha was livened up, as this year’s edition of the Onitsha Traders’ Cup, powered by leading ICT and mobile telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria, reached an exciting climax. The final match of the event had Lagos Line traders trading tackles with Goat Dealers, in a momentous final, many will not forget in a hurry. The tension- soaked encounter ended goalless and later proceeded into a seemingly long drawn penalty shoot-out. The penalty shootout proved not to be an easy ride for both teams, as it dovetailed into a sudden-death situation. Lagos Line traders soon emerged the victors, with a score line of 8-7 on penalties, to cart home the winning prize of N500, 000, while the runners up, Goat Dealers, settled for a cash prize of N250, 000. The atmosphere of the match venue was made more exciting by MTN that was on hand to support the event, as it added lots of fun to the encounter between the two teams, making it a glamorous one. Apart from generously branding the venue with its Y’ello colour, MTN also ensured that fans were treated to good music, rib-cracking jokes and calisthenics display by cheerleaders. Immediately after the match, the mobile telecommunications company, had a raffle draw and gave out mouth-watering gifts to Onitsha football fans. Gifts won during the raffle draw included motor cycles, mobile phones, branded T-shirts and caps. While addressing press men, after the event, MTN’s Senior Manager, Sales, South-South/South-East, Innocent Entonu, said it is laudable, when Corporate organisations, are seen identifying with the passion of their people.

resident of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Mallam Ibrahim Mohammad has congratulated the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria over their victorious 2-0 win over hard-fighting Uruguay national U-17 team yesterday at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates (UAE). He said the victory has once again put Nigeria in limelight as a great football playing nation and used the opportunity to appeal to parents to encourage their wards to take part in sporting events for general wellbeing of their children. “I want to congratulate our Golden Eaglets for their superlative performance and making Nigerians proud with their emphatic 2-0 win over Uruguay. The result shows that our youths are up to the task of defending the good image of the country in sports. “It has also reconfirmed us as a top-football playing nation following our qualification for the semi-finals of the competition. So, NSSF is strongly behind them because some

of the products of the team came from schools and soccer academies. “However, our advise to the team and the coaching crew is that they should not rest on their oars until they bring back the FIFA U-17 World Cup to Nigeria for a record fourth time. Nigerians are solidly behind them in prayers and we wish them great luck in this quest,” Mohammad said. Meanwhile the NSSF boss has commended Sterling Bank Nigeria PLC for coming to the aid of the federation following their N35m lifeline they donated to NSSF for the organisation of the 6th edition of the National School Sports Festival holding in Ilorin, Kwara State, later this month. Mohammad noted that the gesture by Sterling Bank has indeed rekindled hope and a sure future for Nigerian kids who are looking up to the event as a spring board to stardom. At the presentation of the cheque on Thursday, Sterling Bank’s Group Head, Strategy and Communications, Shina Atilola said the gesture is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support a noble initiative that would affect lives positively.

Bonny, Eleme for SPDC Cup final IFEANYI EDUZOR

up holders, Okrika will not be able to defend their title at the ongoing 2013 Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) sponsored Rivers State Governor’s Cup following the side Wednesday’s semifinals shocking 2-3 defeat in the hands of Bonny at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt. Okrika tried every known trick in their form book to unsettle the opponents but found the lads from Bonny too hot and tough to handle. Coach of the side, Blessing Iyo said his wards were not disgraced in the semi-finals ouster even as he admitted that they had looked forward to a successful defence of the title the side won last year. “Of course, I’m disappointed that I won’t have the opportunity to de-

fend the title following our defeat to Bonny. “We didn’t start the campaign on good note but we got better as the competition progresses which gave us the confidence that we’ll go the whole path to win back the title. “Unfortunately, that dream has been dashed. We’ve taken the defeat in good faith and have decided to go back home to work on our mistakes with the hope of excelling in future competition,” said Iyo. Eleme showed class in the second semi-finals encounter as the side outclassed Khana 3-2 to pave the way for an epic grand finale clash against Bonny on November 8, at the turf of Liberation Stadium. An excited coach of Eleme, Emmanuel Essien said his side now has both foot in the final and they will make it counts by winning the coveted trophy on November 8.

Action recorded during the match between Okirika and Eleme at the on-going SPDC tourney.

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Sport

Sunday November 3, 2013

Newcastle humbles in-form S Chelsea at St James’ Park

Gerrard dreams Liverpool job

oan Gouffran and Loic Remy scored second-half goals to cause an upset at St James’ Park yesterday as Newcastle beat title-chasing Chelsea 2-0. Gouffran converted Yohan Cabaye’s free-kick, and Remy finished from inside the box, to hand Alan Pardew his first win against Jose Mourinho as the Blues’ indifferent away form continued. Indeed, Chelsea have won just one Premier League away game all season and came up stuck as the

rain poured on Tyneside. After a drab first-half for both teams, in which John Terry hit the bar with a header, Newcastle came to life after the break. Yohan Cabaye curled a free-kick into the box from deep and Yoan Gouffran stayed onside to bury it into the corner. Chelsea hit back. Mathieu Debuchy blocked a shot on the line, before Eden Hazard dragged one wide. However, Remy sealed victory shortly afterwards to give the home

side the three points. Yet Chelsea dominated for long periods in front of a packed house of 51,674, but having hit the bar twice within seconds early in the game, did not call upon keeper Tim Krul until 10 minutes from time on a day when victory would have seen them leapfrog Arsenal for a few hours at least. On a miserably cold and wet Tyneside afternoon, the fare on offer initially did little to lift the mood as an attritional game unfolded.

teven Gerrard admits he would consider managing Liverpool in the future if he felt he was up to the task. The inspirational midfielder holds legendary status at Anfield, having spent his entire career with his boyhood club. The 33-year-old is also set to skipper his country in what will almost certainly be his last World Cup in Brazil next year. Gerrard is open to the possibility of moving into management when he calls time on his career and

said he would welcome the chance to take charge at Anfield if he believed he could do the job justice. “I’d consider management maybe if I was good enough. “But just because you’ve been a decent player and had a successful career at Liverpool, it doesn’t mean you’re going to turn out to be a top manager. “But if I was good enough and I ever got the shout to be the Liverpool manager in 10 or 20 years, of course I’d consider it very seriously,” he said.

Martino defends misfiring Messi

Lewandowski thrilled with hat-trick Lewandowski

obert Lewandowski was relieved to have broken the goalscoring shackles in Borussia Dortmund’s big Bundesliga win over Stuttgart on Friday. The Polish striker scored a hattrick as Dortmund overcame an early deficit to triumph 6-1 to equal a club record of six straight home wins. Lewandowski completed his treble in just 18 minutes to send Dortmund top of the league, although Bayern Munich have a game in hand. “It was a great game. To score three goals and win 6-1 is fantastic,” Lewandowski enthused. “I didn’t score enough in October

so it’s nice to score more now. “Next we’ve got Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League and we’re playing at home and want to win. We want to win as many games as possible.” The comprehensive victory was extra special for Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, who was celebrating a milestone match for the club. “It was really nice to have played my 300th game,” the experienced shot-stopper said. “I’ve had some great highlights here - cup wins, the league titles, the Champions League last season. “There have been so many great moments with these fans.”

arcelona head coach Gerardo Martino has leapt to the defence of Lionel Messi after his star attacker again misfired. While Alexis Sanchez’s 68th-minute strike was enough to hand the Catalan giants a 1-0 victory over city rivals Espanyol on Friday, Messi failed to score for the third game in a row. As Sanchez’s golden run in front of goal continued - the Chilean has now scored eight goals in seven matches in all competitions, Messi’s poor form has attracted plenty of questions, although Martino remains unconcerned. “I keep saying the same thing, I have to do an exclusive analysis of him (Messi) in every game,” Martino said. “He is the most important player in a team full of amazing players. He plays in his own way and offers us what he offers. “If we keep winning, we will see the best of all of our footballers very soon.” Messi appeared to cut a forlorn figure after the match but Martino denied the Argentine was down on confidence. “I don’t think he’s worried. In reality, I’ve seen him make the same facial expressions throughout his career. It’s just a coincidence,” Martino said.

Gerrard

EURO BRIEF

Blanc pleased with PSG attacking focus

aris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says there were plenty of positives to draw from his side’s 4-0 demolition of Lorient on Friday. Even without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to a knee problem, PSG still had too much firepower for the visitors and stretched their unbeaten Ligue 1 run to 23 matches.

Blanc

Air crash victims: Associated Airline Nigeria, others to witness solar eclipse today T A set to pay insurance benefits AI

TAI ANYANWU

ssociated Airline, operators of the ill-fated plane that conveyed the remains of former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Agagu, which crashed in Lagos killing over 15 passengers, has promised to pay insurance benefits to families of the crash victims. A reliable source from the airline told Sunday Mirror that Lloyd Insurance of London, collaborating with another insurance company in Nigeria has set in motion plans to disburse the insurance benefits to

the bereaved families, on behalf of the airline. According to our source, delegates from Lloyd Insurance, London, had already visited the bereaved families in Akure, Ondo State and Lagos. It was gathered that the families had been given letters directing them go to Associated Airline office where they would be acquainted with the full package of the insurance benefits to be given. Sunday Mirror however learnt that the Okusanyas, a prominent Lagos family which lost an illustrious member, Tunji

Okusanya, Boss of MIC undertakers, along with his son and four staff, have not received any such letter or compensation. “Nothing has been given to us. I don’t know about others o, but as far as my brothers and the staff that worked with him are concerned, nothing has been given to us,” younger Toyin Okusanya, Tunji’s sibling, said. Asked if he was aware that the samples of the remains of the crash victims were flown abroad for the DNA test and that could have been the reason for the delay in releasing the result?

NYANWU

partial solar eclipse is anticipated to occur in most states of Nigeria at about noon today. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) made the prediction at a press conference held in Abuja over the weekend. The director-general of the agency, Prof. Seidu Mohammed, described eclipse as a natural astronomical event with no significant negative implication, and urged Nigerians to remain calm as the eclipse will not hinder

normal activities. His words: “Nigeria is within the penumbra region where you’ll have partial eclipse on November 3, 2013. As an astronomical agency, we have taken time to inform Nigerians of the eclipse, which will take place on Sunday, because it is our duty to keep the nation informed of such developments. We urge Nigerians to remain calm as there is no need to panic. “November 3rd will be like any other day; it will not hinder signal from the satellite, so mobile signal will not be affected, our internet and other facilities will be operating and it will not even affect flights;

nothing out of the ordinary is expected to occur apart from a shadow bend which will be felt just at the time we predicted. We have predicted the starting time and when it will end, which is around 4pm in most cities.” Speaking in the same vein, the director, centre for basic space science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Fidelis Opara, explained that an eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when an astronomical object is temporarily obscured, either by passing into the shadow of another body or by having another body pass between it and the viewer as seen from the earth

N I G E R I A

Vol. 3 No. 47

Sunday, November 3, 2013

N150

F I G U R E S

; being total funds ; number of substan80 dard clinics, hospitals N5bnreceived by the Zamfara State Government shut in Lagos under the SURE-P

Diatribes on ASUU-FG pact

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Comment

E-mail: nwaunah@yahoo.com Unah is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lagos

with Jim Unah

www.nationalmirroronline.net

I N

uddenly, all sorts of people are barring their fangs on the Academic Staff of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) for sticking to its guns; as well as expressing disbelief that the latter boxed government into a tight corner from which it extracted an incredible deal. Suddenly, the pen has transformed into a malignant proboscis sucking the blood of the teachers’ union for holding government by the balls. Yet, everyone knows that it is an uphill task, sometimes bordering on outright rebellion, to secure any pragmatic concessions from political administrations in developing nations such as Nigeria. People have forgotten so soon what it cost Nigerians - organised labor, civil society groups, including the Save Nigeria Group, (SNG) - to battle the Jonathan government over the other January arbitrary hike in the prices of petroleum products in the name of oil subsidy removal. At the end of the day, the near civil rebellion posture of the SNG and the other forces at work in that crisis opened a Pandora’s box - which showed clearly to the world how the average Nigerian is made to suffer for financial crimes perpetrated by state actors and their collaborators. Unfortunately, in seeking to indict ASUU and representatives of the Federal Government - FG for the recent peace offer of N40 billion out of the N90 billion agreed to by both parties, many failed

victims of the Conspiracy Doctrine of Ignorance and have ended up indicting themselves. Senator David Mark, Senate President, and Mr. Labaran Maku, Information Minister, are two state actors who unleashed their venom on ASUU, the FG negotiators, and the pact signed by both parties. From the way they spoke, they were the ones who probably advised the FG, wrongly of course, to apply the old strong arm tactic of withholding the lecturers’ salaries in the last three or four months, as a way of forcing them back to the classrooms. Now, ego problem has set in to complicate matters; and since government would not want to be disgraced, it may ultimately break the strike, but end up making the situation worse. If government succeeds in breaking the strike without reaching amicable settlement with the teachers’ union, good quality lecturers may resign their appointments and seek employment elsewhere in protection of their integrity. This is the sort of insidious damage that unguarded state actors, like Mark and Maku, would unwittingly wreak on the already parlous education system in the country. In all of this, it is the students - children of the lecturers as well as children of ordinary Nigerians and the entire nation’s social fabric - that will suffer. In stating that ASUU took advantage of ignorant FG negotiators in extracting an impossible deal from the FG, Senator Mark gave the impression that the FG drafted nincompoops to negotiate on its behalf with ASUU. That, I think, is uncharitable, if not reckless, coming from the number three citizen of the country, and judging from the calibre of persons in the FG Team that negotiated and endorsed the pact on behalf of government. At the Chair of the negotiating team on the FG side was the boardroom legend, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, renown, for his clini-

cal thoroughness and fastidiousness in official matters. Other members of the negotiating team on both sides were cerebral and accomplished professors and technocrats from diverse callings. Yet, our distinguished, most sensible, and allknowing Senate President just became aware of the content of the contentious Agreement that has been in the front burner since 2009, re-negotiated in 2012, only when Senator Uche Chukwumerije read it out on the floor of Senate! How very knowledgeable, how very caring and how very concerned about the students and the nation’s educational system! It is better to know nothing than to know little. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing and it is very distressing. For, in the distressing scenario that one knows when, indeed, one does not know, ignorance is compounded into public statements and policy. How very socially and very politically very dangerous to know very little and be in charge! Here, ignorance is not just due to a mere lack of knowledge, but a conspiracy to refuse to confront the brutal facts, a stubborn vow and a pact with demons of ignorance to resist true knowledge. Now, as to the matter of the so-called impossible demands of ASUU, if government fails to do what it has agreed is in the public good and enters into a contractual obligation to execute the pact whenable, there comes a time when the powerless assert their powers, and it will appear as if there has been an over-kill. There has been an incremental and disregarded accumulation of earned allowances and the backlash is glaringly evident in the mediocrity that is gradually inexorably creeping into the educational system. They say you cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs. The condiments of a delicious pot of soup cost money to procure. Good quality education costs a lot of money to bequeath to a nation and its people. We can-

EPL: Man City crushes lackluster Norwich 7-0 Manchester City highlighted their credentials as title contenders with an emphatic 7-0 win over lacklustre Norwich. Focus prior to the game had been on England keeper Joe Hart being dropped, but once play got under way, City’s attacking prowess took centre stage. Bradley Johnson’s own goal put City ahead before David Silva, Matija Nastasic and Alvaro Negredo struck. Yaya Toure scored a freekick, Sergio Aguero fired in before substitute Edin Dzeko swept home a seventh. The win, City’s biggest in the Premier League, moved

them up to fourth in the table, while Norwich dropped into the bottom three. It was as impressive an attacking display from Manuel Pellegrini’s side as they have produced this season as they continued their dominance on home soil this season - they have won all five Premier League games at the Etihad Stadium. In fact, they have not lost at their own ground in the league since they were beaten 3-2 by Norwich in May. But City’s strength at home had not been the talking point in the build up to kick-off. Instead, it was the absence of Hart from the starting line-up.

The 26-year-old had started every Premier League game since making his debut for the club in April 2010, and will undoubtedly be determined to win back his place in the side as soon as possible with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil seven months away. However, Costel Pantilimon - Hart’s replacement will be keen to establish himself as City’s number one, although he had little opportunity to make an impression against the toothless visitors. Instead, much of the play was contested in Norwich’s half and the game was effectively over when City scored four goals in 20 first-half minutes.

not continue to pay lip service to what is valuable without making concrete effort to put it in place. If it is not too much to build an official residence for a Senate President with N2 billion of public money where it will take only 45 such Senate Presidents to exhaust N90 billion, what is N90 billion computed as three-year accumulated earned allowances of all staff in Nigerian public universities? Or is it because university lecturers are involved that it has become sacrilegious to contemplate of and speak in billions and trillions? About the billions involved in the ASUU-FG Agreement for the functional upgrading of public universities, another contentious issue in regard to the quantum of fund to be disbursed at some intervals, have not all complained and openly decried the dilapidated state of educational infrastructure in the nation’s universities, and is this to be made good by accepting a disbursement methodology that would ultimately not address the infrastructure deficit in contention? Labaran Maku’s statement that the negotiators of the 2009 ASUU-FG Agreement and its 2012 re-negotiated version did not know the cost implications of the earned allowances that has totalled N90 billion in three years for all the public university staff, is a professional communicator’s way of saying, like Mark, that ignoramuses negotiated the contentious agreement. In this, I am equally at a loss how the cost implications of the accumulated quantum of people’s earned allowances could become an issue in insisting that the entitlements be paid, when the delay in payment was not the fault of the payee? Notwithstanding, my plea is that ASUU should accept what is offered, keep track of the outstanding payments, call off the strike and get the students back to the classrooms.

FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP Q/FINAL RESULTS Uruguay 0-2 Nigeria Argentina 2-1 Cote d’Ivoire PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea Fulham 1-3 Man United Hull City 1-0 Sunderland Man City 7-0 Norwich Stoke 1-1 Southampton West Brom 2-0 Crystal Palace Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool Today’s Match Cardiff City v Swansea 17:00

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