Sunday, August 30, 2015

Big Read News

THE

P. 3-6

Scandalous decline of Federal es Government Colleges

News

P. 9

I ’ll not appear before Rivers probe panel –Amaechi www.nationalmirroronline.net

Vol. 5 No. 34

Sunday, August 30, 2015

National Mirror Online

@NationalMirror

N150

7 killed as NAF plane crashes in Kaduna ... Air Force chief orders investigation

We ’ll get back Chibok girls, says Buhari

Scene of the Nigerian Air Force plane crash in Kaduna, yesterday.

DSS nabs teenage Boko Haram spy at Abuja airport … calls for more vigilance News

P. 7

P.7

APC invites Ndoma-Egba, Ebri, others to join party

DHQ slams Amnesty over comparison with terrorists

P7

P.59

P.8

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2

Seven Days

What ’s new Politics

11

TALKING POINTS OF THE PAST WEEK August 30, 2015

Media remain most viable agents for change

bout three months after he assumed office, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday announced six key positions in his government.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari named Engr.

Babachir David Lawal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Also announced yesterday was Alhaji Abba

ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday restated the importance of the media to hasten the process of development as the nation, saying the media remain the most viable platform in promoting change.

The vice president, who spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, at the opening of 11th session of Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, conference, said the theme of this year ’s conference: “Nigeria the change

A

Drug trafcking: NDLEA apprehends crew ’s accomplice

N

ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it has arrested an Arik Air staff, Mr. Chibuzor Oliver Ikechukwu, over his role in the trafficking of 20kg cocaine to United Kingdom by a detained cabin crew member of the airline, Mr. Chika Egwu Udensi.

This is as the agency directed that all airport workers enter-

–Funmi Babalola Wellness

16

Alzheimer ’s, disease of the elderly

Pipeline shutdown: Nigeria loses N2.6bn daily

T

he nation ’s crude oil export has dropped by about 330,000 barrels per day, amounting to $13.32m at the current $40 per barrel in the global market.

The unprecedented setback amounts to N2.6bn at the current exchange rate

s the 13-member Presidential Investigative Committee put in place to probe the procurement of hardware and munitions in the Ar med Forces since 2007 is set to begin work, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the inclu-

sion of Ministry of Defence in the committee.

Buhari had last Monday directed the setting up of the committee to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Ar med Forces.

Police arrest serial rapist

I

mo State Police Command has arrested a serial rapist, one Ifeanyichukwu Alozie, for his alleged defilement of more than 100 female students in one of the higher institutions in the state.

The rapist, from Umuobia Agbaja community in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state, was arrested by operatives around one

of the tertiary institutions in the state, following a tip-off.

Parading the suspect alongside other criminals at the command headquarters, Owerri, acting Commissioner of Police, Dave Akinremi, said Alozie had made useful statements revealing his involvement in the rape of more than 100 female students since 2011.

of accessing credit facilities by corps members had been a huge challenge faced by the scheme, adding that they had been strategising to see that the issue was addressed.

He said: “Now, the issue is that when they get this training they don ’t have start-up capital, but we have been doing a lot to see there is opportunity for them to get start-up capital.

We have the NYSC Foundation as we speak, the NYSC Foundation has just approved loan worth N10 million for corps members.

“Corps members, based on business plan they submit, could get as much as N250,000 and N400,000. We have also signed MoU with Bank of Industry, BoI, though it is yet to take off, but we are working on it.

Amechi Mitchel

Weapons procurement: Probe panel to include

A

A l zheimer is a brain disorder disease that slowly destroys memory and other important mental functions of an individual. It ’s the most common cause of dementia that results in the loss of intellectual and social skills which is severe enough to interfere with day-to-day life.

It is characterized by an initial loss of short term memory and the ability to form rational and permanent thoughts.

Also considered a disease of the aging, this form of dementia is increasing at a startling rate in younger individuals, largely due to a processed and refined food diet, environmental factors and long-term chronic stress.

of N200 to a dollar, thus constituting a major bane on the nation ’s economy.

This follows a shutdown of two major crude oil pipelines – Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, and Nembe Creek Trunkline, NCTL, yesterday because of vandalism and oil theft.

D

irector General of National Youth Corps Service, NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi, has disclosed that the scheme had secured over N200 million bank facilities to be accessed by corps members as a start-up capital in businesses.

Olawumi revealed this shortly after he met with Commander, Guard Brigade, Brigadier-General Musa Sanni Yusuf, to forge collaboration on skills acquisition programme for serving corps members in Abuja.

To this end, the DG directed the NYSC Director, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, Mrs Mary Dan-Abia, to commence partnership with the brigade ’s skills acquisition centre in Keffi, Nassarawa State.

According to him, the problem

PRESENTER UDOKA, TV TALK SHOW

THU WED TUE MON

I love to flaunt my legs

ing restricted areas must be extensively screened to prevent recurrence of the act.

NDLEA revealed that the 20kg of cocaine found with Udensi in London was concealed within the construction of laptop bags while the quantity and estimated street value of the cocaine is over N100 million.

NYSC gets N200m for corps members ’ start-up capital

I ’m always at work on Mondays. It ’s a working day of the week.

I usually go to studio for my talk show programme.

I visit my branch office to attend to any issue I do my morning exercise before going out to visit some TV stations.

FRI

26

V

we need, Role of the Editors ” was instructive and significant considering the earnest yearnings of Nigerians for change.

Represented by FolasadeYemi, the vice president said, “The media remain the most viable platform in promoting change and the media can and must also hasten the process of development through its watchdog role by influencing people to be agents of change, especially in the area of attitudinal change.

I go to office and do normal business as usual.

SAT

On the strength of a petition sent to it by one George Uboh, the Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, a financial recovery and security firm, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Petition slated last Wednesday, August 26 to commence a public hearing on some allegations leveled against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde.

Kyari as Chief of Staff to the President.

In the appointments released, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.) was named as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service; Mr. Kure Martin Abeshi as Comptroller- General, Nigerian Immigration Service; Senator Ita S.J. Enang as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and Hon. Suleiman A. Kawu as SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).

In the morning, I go to National Stadium for exercise. After, I go home and rest. If I like, I would go to the office. If I have any job to shoot, I do so. However, I normally use Saturday to plan ahead for the upper week.

SUN

EFCC: Probe gone awry in Senate

Passion

Buhari appoints SGF, CoS, others

I go to church today. In the afternoon, I may attend our village meeting. But if there is none, I would stay at home and rest. *By Adaeze Amos (08023012293)

3

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

Big Read

08034108163 SMS Only

SUNDAY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

August 30, 2015

Scandalous decline of Federal Government Colleges The image of Federal Government Colleges or Unity Schools now is at its lowest ebb due to mismanagement and commercialisation of their operations by administrators. Paul Omo Obadan takes a look at how the ideals of these lofty institutions nosedived and how they can be restored.

T

he Federal Government Colleges or Unity Schools at present are going through a reality check. Over the years, successive governments have neglected the schools thereby enmeshing hem in a series of misdeamenours by some of the administrators.

Created by the Yakubu Gowon military junta after the Nigerian civil war in 1970, it was actually the fall-

out of the Biafran war. The basic reason for the creation of the schools was to foster national unity among the disputing tribes with the instrumentality of education.

They were considered to be the fastest and best means of promoting patriotism, understanding, tolerance and mutual respect for the diversified culture we lived in thus children in their developmental years were given

‘PRINCIPALS NOW CHARGE UNAPPROVED FEES, LEVIES’ 4

the opportunity to live together. That was considered to be the better abode to create national unity. Currently, there are 104 Unity Schools (Kings College and Queens College both in Lagos inclusive).

As things are now, however, many Nigerians have lost faith in the lofty ideals of the schools as a result of mismanagement of these institutions.

Findings by Sunday Mirror have revealed that these schools no longer serve the purpose and intent for which they were established. Of recent, a lot of issues have come to the fore to underline the descent the unity colleges have gone, prompting most Nigerians to question the relevance of their continued existence.

The biggest problem of these schools, apart from the perennial admission racketeering which has given credence to mediocrity rather than meritocracy, is that they have been embroiled in allegations of various

‘GOVT SHOULD MONITOR PRINCIPALS TO STOP IMPUNITY’ 6

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

The Big Read

4

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Principals now charge unapproved fees, levies’

FGC students in class

Buhari

Gowon

Borhar

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 misdemeanours ranging from commercialisation of the schools, outright mismanagement and embezzlement of funds by their administrators. There is also exploitation and extortion of parents by levies too much to bear by principals; thereby making the Colleges tantamount to being run like private schools.

In the area of mismanagement, it was reported a fortnight ago that a civil servant was alleged to have embezzled N103 million meant for feeding at three government colleges in Ogun State, which he diverted for personal use.

The suspect, an official of the Federal Pay Office, Abeokuta, stole over N100 million, funds budgeted for students’ meal subsidies and also payment of contractors carrying out developmental projects in the three schools. He is at present being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC. The schools affected are Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Federal Government Girls’ College, Sagamu, and Federal Science Technical College, Ijebu-Mushin.

The suspect, over a two-year period, carried out an elaborate scam, whereby funds channelled to the three schools were diverted through the use of companies operated by him and his cronies. The scammer, our correspondent learnt, alone regularly signed cheques for withdrawals of funds from the two accounts, contrary to civil service rules.

The elaborate scam that he allegedly orchestrated involved the setting up of fake companies, opening an account for them and then the transfer of huge sums into the accounts purportedly for either supplying food or

A PARENT OF AN SS3 STUDENT, WHO PREFERRED ANONYMITY FOR FEAR OF VICTIMISATION OF HER

CHILD BY THE SCHOOL AUTHORITY, TOLD

SUNDAY MIRROR THAT HER

DAUGHTER WHO WOULD BE SITTING FOR THE NEXT YEAR’S

WAEC/

NECO EXAMS WAS ASKED TO PAY N33, 000 FOR THE TWO EXAMS. executing contracts.

Checks at the Corporate Affairs Commission show that none of the companies was registered to do any kind of business. They received various bulk sums of money from the suspect at various times between February 2014 and March 2015 for undisclosed jobs. While the elaborate fraud was going on, developmental projects were stalled at the three schools due to lack of funds to pay the relevant contractors.

The schools also could not subsidise the feeding of their students and staff due to financial difficulties occasioned by the diversion of funds allocated to them by the Federal Government.

However, so many questions than answers are posed here. What kind of system allows a civil servant divert so much funds for so long without raising suspicion?

How did a key signatory to an account be transferred

from his/her post without being replaced? Findings reveal that the top echelon of the civil service is involved in these types of scams.

A typical example of high level fraud, exploitation and extortion was an underground investigation carried out by Sunday Mirror at the Federal Government College, Ipetumodu, shows that illegal and exorbitant fees not approved and recognised by the Federal Ministry of Education, the agency that supervises unity schools across the country are being charged parents.

For example, students are now made to pay on term by term basis for diesel to power the school’s generator (N500), prep supervision (N1,000), use of library (N500), extra lessons (N3,000), environmental beautification (N250), security (N1,000), refurbishment of lockers (N2,500), surcharge (N2,000), prospectus (N300), utility (N500), PHE (N250), exam stationery (N300), A4 paper for the printing of examination questions, meal subsidy (N1,000), insurance cover (N5,000), CISCO/ICT (N2,500), school magazine (N2,000) inter-house sports (N3,000), exercise books (N3,000), textbooks (N22,000), among other fees A parent of an SS3 student, who preferred anonymity for fear of victimisation of her child by the school authority, told Sunday Mirror that her daughter who would be sitting for the next year’s WAEC/NECO exams was asked to pay N33, 000 for the two exams.

“In fact, I am confused on what to do now because the total fee for the first term now runs to more than N100, 000 and this has been the case ever since Mrs. Mobolaji Borha (the principal) took over as the principal of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Big Read

Sunday, August 30, 2015

5

FG funding necessary for Unity Colleges

would put all hands on deck to see to the restoration of the lost glory?

On the issue of impunity, the principals are doing this because they feel that there is nobody that will talk. There is no penalty attached to anything. And when they have been doing that continuously without anybody asking, they become even very bold to continue to extort.

Now the issue is if there is effective monitoring of these principals and management, any principal that falls foul of expectation should face the music. Thank God we have Buhari on stream, with such issues, what one expects is that when there is consistent penalty given to a few of the recalcitrant administrators, others would sit up. People continue to do what they do when they feel they are not accountable to anybody and nobody holds them responsible for any misdemeanor. But if they know that they would not go scot free, then they would change.

I know that human beings are always amenable to change if they know that they will not go free when they are found wanting. That also applies to the administrators of these schools. When they know that if they come up with those obnoxious levies and they are penalised, all of them will sit up.

There is a call for the scrapping of Unity Schools or suggestion that they be sold or transferred to state governments. What’s your take on this?

Associate Professor in Counseling Psychology, Department of Educational Foundations, University of Lagos, Dr. Ikechukwu Peter Nwadinigwe sheds more light on the descent Federal Government Colleges have gone in this interview with Paul Omo Obadan.

Federal Government Colleges or Unity Schools as they are referred to have lost their allure; what has gone wrong?

If you want to really understand what is happening in Federal Unity Colleges, you need to get to the root of the problem. The problem basically is poor funding by the Federal Government. Parents generally had seen unity colleges as elitist where there’s a kind of leveling for both the rich and the poor and where the best of facilities are provided for the children to excel academically.

But the politicisation of education and poor funding had started long before and worsened during the advent of the few administrations back. Meaning that, much as the parents aspire for their children to go to the relative school, the infrastructure available has remained constant. The consequence is that you find that there is student explosion in the schools, as a result. The pressure that is put on the schools has resulted in all manner of things. Population explosion, poor supervision of teachers has resulted in the poor performance of students. If you make a mistake of going to any of the schools around us here like Kings College or Queens College, you would not want your child to go to a school like that. You will see how the students are jam packed in very tiny spaces. In some schools, you have some teachers doing practically nothing with little or no supervision. Most of the teachers also see what the principals do. The explosion has resulted in limited spaces …that gave the principals the lea way to extort money from parents.

Not only the principal, but also the administrative staff extorts money through food, admission and all manner of levy. Even, the Parent-Teacher Association where they use that also to get funds from the parents.

All these are often not accounted for. Given the issue of impunity, with no serious auditing by the administrators, the principals feel that nothing would be done to them. That has given rise to blatant and flagrant extortion which is going on in the schools.

How can this anomaly be reversed?

Funding should be the first thing. Funding to take care of infrastructure within the school system. Then supervision of the teachers to ensure they do what they actually are expected to do. Initially, there used to be assessment of students before they take the final examination where teachers in different areas come out with projections of their expectations. Before now, such projections used to be in line with the final examination…. I am talking of presentation of candidates for external examination. The different departments and units often come during the staff meetings to make projections of the expectations of candidates they are presenting. That was when you find out that 80 to 85 per cent of candidates presented in most of the unity schools come out tops. This is when assessment of teachers and supervision was really the backbone to such efforts. This is no longer the issue.

That evaluation and supervision of teachers should

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 school over a year ago. She has been making life a living hell for parents as we have been made to pay through our noses. Many parents have been forced to withdraw their children from school because they could no longer cope with the exorbitant fees. This is unlike the case when the immediate past principal of the school, Mrs. O.S. Salam, when the fees were relatively affordable.”

Nwadinigwe

IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE OF GOING TO ANY OF THE SCHOOLS AROUND

KINGS COLLEGE OR QUEENS COLLEGE, YOU WOULD

US HERE LIKE

NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO GO TO A SCHOOL LIKE THAT.

come on stream again in order to keep the teachers on their toes to do what they ought to do.

Also, to create a humane environment for the students. Where students are packed in overcrowded class rooms and in some cases always peeping through the windows to listen to lessons from the class, will not enhance effective learning. There should be expansion of facilities where the students would at least feel at ease to learn. Learning is best done when the environment is conducive. That would also help. Then, monitoring of the administrators in the school to ensure that they do what is right. If all these pressures are removed and corrected, it is hoped that there would be a change.

How can the skeptics who have lost faith in these colleges be convinced to make a U-turn?

Already, the elite have started moving away from unity schools. They now have their children in international schools or they take them to schools overseas.

But the average parent still sees the unity schools as an elitist way of moving their children to higher pedestal in the society. So, that hope should not be taken away from the parents.

What measures would you like the Federal Government to take so that the management of these schools

Another parent, who also craved anonymity, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari through the Federal Ministry of Education to call Mrs. Borha to order so as to save many hapless parents who are being traumatised by the action of the principal. According to him, Borha has virtually turned the FGGC Ipetumodu to a “business centre”.

The idea behind the establishment of Unity Schools cannot be overemphasised. After the National Assembly, and perhaps the NYSC, the Unity Schools come in as a structure for socio-economic and political integration of the country. We are talking about youths who must at the age imbibe the concept of national unity, oneness, teachers come from across the country; the students come from across the country, so if you now sell these schools or transfer them to local and state governments, then their influence and the philosophy behind their establishment would have been lost completely.

The state governments themselves are already burdened enough with the cost of running their own schools. The local government is certainly out of the question in this matter. So in the interest of peace and unity of this country, Unity Secondary Schools should remain.

If anything, I’m one of those agitating for more because of the peculiarity of their curricula. There are several categories. We have Federal Government Colleges for girls. We have Federal Government College for boys and girls. We have Federal Science and Technical Colleges too. So, it is strange that any person would at this point in time when we are so much in need of unity, to be removing one of the pillars that have guaranteed social and political integration in this country.

There is no doubt that Unity Schools, just like the NYSC, is one of those mechanisms that have been carefully thought out to promote national unity. It will be inimical to the peaceful co-existence of this country if these schools are tampered with.

The United Nations prescribed 26 per cent or budget for education in developing countries. I don’t think we have gotten up to 10 per cent yet and that is sad. The founding fathers of the Unity Schools had a vision of using the institutions as a platform to mould future leaders that can advance the cause of unity, peace and progress in our great country, Nigeria. It is hoped that this dream becomes a reality subsequently.

Also, a paper obtained by Sunday Mirror from a parent entitled, ‘Clothing and equipment requirements for returning students’ showed a list of 48 items, which students must bring to the school failing which they would not be admitted into the school.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

6

The Big Read

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Govt should monitor principals to stop impunity’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 All efforts made by Sunday Mirror to get the reaction of Mrs. Borha failed as her phone could not be reached at the time of filing this report. Also, a text message sent to her number was not delivered Sunday Mirror however spoke to National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Hassan Taiwo Soweto, who said that underfunding and lack of democratic management is responsible for increasing commercialisation at Federal Government Colleges.

“Federal Government Colleges or Unity Schools being run like private schools does not come as a surprise.

It was obvious that the rot which enveloped the education sector would soon catch up with these schools. For years now, fund allocations to these schools have fallen dramatically. Because of lack of democratic management, the little funds released for maintenance and capital projects are often mismanaged if not outright looted.

“As a result, the responsibility of keeping the schools functioning has now fallen on the principals and ParentTeacher Associations who in their wisdom devise all kinds of levies. Some of them are building levy, PTA dues, barbing levy and laundry levy. The PTA levies have become a monstrosity.” According to reports, PTA dues range between N10, 000 and N25, 000.

The ERC considers these multifarious levies and charges extortionate, exploitative and anti-poor. Tragically, however, these extortionate levies and the fact that they are imposed at will by the principals without fear of censure are indications of government’s abdication of its responsibility towards the funding of these colleges and a probable agenda to sell them off to private bidders when politically possible to do so.

However, the extortion and exploitation going on at these colleges is not so different from the rot prevalent in the entire education sector. It is a lesson in how the unashamedly pro-market, and profit-first, neo-liberal ideological outlook which gained prominence from the 80s onward in Nigeria but also across the world, can and is damaging everything including the legacies and penetrating advances in mass literacy that a short spell of public investment in public education had achieved in the preceding era.

At independence and especially after the devastating civil war, government saw the establishment of unity schools as one of the measures to recreate the spirit of nationhood shattered in the three-year violent orgy. To ensure they do not discriminate on the basis of religion, ethnicity and class, they were heavily subsidised. But this was in the 1970s when, partly as a result of rising price of crude oil in the world market and the compelling need to heal the nation of the wound inflicted by the fratricidal war, the ruling elite managed not to loot all of our national patrimony and consequently were able to leave some landmark achievements behind.

Other factors of course were the bi-polar situation in the global system which ensured that for much of the 1970s and 1980s African leaders including Nigeria’s as much as they were seduced by the profit-first capitalist economic system also took steps to ensure the state played a big role in the economy. But all these were to end in the 1980s with the coming of the neo-liberal capitalist economic paradigm which annihilated the role of the state and instead staked everything on the market.

The victim of course is public education and in this particular instance, the Federal Government Colleges or Unity Schools which because of their very fine quality have succeeded in producing some of the best minds in the country.

Is there a solution on the horizon? So far, nothing the current government has done, is doing or has promised to do leave room for any optimism. It is almost as if the government is not perturbed by the daily news of decay and collapse in all areas of the education sector. The ERC is convinced that to reverse the ugly trend in the education sector will no doubt require not only taking public education as a core responsibility of government but also reordering the economy. This should be through

Kings College Lagos

AT INDEPENDENCE AND ESPECIALLY AFTER THE

DEVASTATING CIVIL WAR, GOVERNMENT SAW THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITY SCHOOLS AS ONE OF THE MEASURES TO RECREATE THE SPIRIT OF NATIONHOOD SHATTERED IN THE THREE-YEAR VIOLENT

ORGY.

TO ENSURE THEY DO NOT

DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF

RELIGION, ETHNICITY AND CLASS, THEY WERE HEAVILY SUBSIDISED.

Soweto

public ownership and democratic control, to be able to support the provision of a fully public-funded, free, quality and democratically-managed education. Only a government that does this can inspire optimism that things would soon be okay.

A Counselling Psychologist, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwadinigwe, agrees with Soweto that lack of funding is the bane.

“The problem basically is poor funding by the Federal Government. Parents generally had seen unity colleges as elitist when it is a kind of levelling ground for both the rich and the poor and where the best of facilities are provided for the children to excel academically. But the politicisation of education and poor funding had started long before and worsened during the advent of the few administrations back. Meaning that much as the parents aspire for their children to go to the relative school, the infrastructure available have remained constant,”,Nwadinigwe emphasised.

Many Nigerians have argued that the standard and popularity of these schools are on the decline. Moreover, the academic performance of these students has deteriorated to the extent that if they are confronted with external examinations they would perform woefully.

Investigations by Sunday Mirror reveal that in their admissions, provisions are made for such irritating issues such as catchment area, state of origin, minister’s quota; director general’s quota, members of the National Assembly quota, principal’s quota, among others. It was further gathered that students’ scores are exchanged after marking so

that some candidates who performed well have their scores sold to the parents who can afford to pay.

A parent and civil servant who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity explained that “they have turned the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) of their various schools to illegal parastatals through which they heartlessly extort money from financially weary parents.

The rot dogging Federal Government Colleges nationwide is unfortunate,” he said.

Parents are compelled to buy toiletries, including laundering soap, for their wards but the students return home with rough and bushy hair during each vacation.

According to another parent,” The spurious excuse most of them give for the extortion is that the PTA agreed on the bills at its meetings, whereas the entire members of executive of PTAs are either drawn from the schools or cronies of their principals/leadership; with the school heads as clearing houses and Enforcersin-Chief of the arbitrary bills.

They also claim that because of shortfalls in funds allocation from the Federal Government, they use PTA funds to build classroom blocks and hostels, as well as hire additional teachers to beef up the staff strength.

Of what assistance, then, is the Federal Government to parents if it cannot sustain Federal Government Colleges? Worse still, why has the government shut its eyes to the criminal exploitation of parents by the school heads purportedly to plug infrastructure deficits?

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday, August 30, 2015

7 killed as NAF plane crashes in Kaduna ... Air Force Chief orders investigation UBONG UKPONGAND A ZA MZUE ABUJA AND KADUNA

A

Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Dornier-228 aircraft, with call sign NAF030, yesterday crashed into a house at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna State, killing all passengers onboard.

Confirming the incident in a statement, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, DOPRI, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, the Ni-

gerian Air Force said that “though no casualty was recorded on ground, there were no survivors among the passengers onboard the aircraft. ” Alonge further said that the Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has ordered immediate investigation into the crash, to unravel the cause.

The Abuja bound aircraft, was said to have taken-off at about 6:45am from the Kaduna

Military Airfield before the mishap.

“Bodies of the passengers have been recovered and fire fighters are already at the crash site to curtail fire from spreading to other buildings within the vicinity ”, Alonge added.

Meanwhile, he said that the Chief of Air Staff has aborted his official trip to Port Harcourt to visit the site of the air crash and families of some of the deceased personnel in company of the Air Offi-

cer Commanding Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Alikali Mamu.

“The CAS has also set up an investigation panel headed by an air vice marshal to unravel the cause of the accident with immediate effect ”, he said. the North West Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Musa Ilallah, had earlier confirmed the crash according to the News Aency of Nigeria, which had said the air-

craft was an helicopter.

“We received a report that there was a helicopter crash at the old NDA. “We immediately reached out to the Red Cross, Civil Defense Corps, and the Kaduna State Fire Service, among others, and went for rescue.

“According to the report, the helicopter was on its way to Abuja with four crew members and three passengers, but crashed a few minutes after takeoff from the air force base, with no survivor.

“The helicopter crashed on part of a residential building and sank into the sand and luckily there was no one in the building otherwise there would have been more casualties ’ ’, Ilallah said.

The coordinator said that the corpses, most of which were in pieces, had been moved to the Air Force Base Hospital.

He said the air force authorities were investigating the cause of the crash, adding that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, was also at scene.

NAN correspondent,

7

who was at the scene, reports that women, believed to be relatives of the victims, were seen rolling on the ground and weeping profusely.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, has commiserated with the families of the persons killed in the crash The governor ’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, who disclosed this in a statement, said the governor received the news with shock and sadness.

The statement said the governor also condoled with the Chief of the Air Staff, and the officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force over the crash.

The statement quoted the governor as saying “I received the news of the plane crash in Kaduna with sadness.

We offer our deep condolences to the families who have been bereaved by this incident.

“May Almighty God in His infinite mercy grant their souls eternal rest and uphold their families in this moment of grief and sorrow. ”

Buhari, Shettima assure of release of Chibok schoolgirls INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (right) presenting gift to one of the parents of the missing Chibok schoolgirls after meeting the parents in Maiduguri, yesterday.

DSS nabs teenage Boko Haram spy at Abuja airport …calls for more vigilance OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

W

hat could have led to a serious tragedy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been averted by the Department of State Services, DSS, with its arrest of 14-year-old Boko Haram spy.

The DSS, in liaison with Aviation Security of the airport, had last Monday disrupted a spying network mounted by the Boko Haram terrorists.

A statement signed by Tony Opuiyo of the DSS explained that in the pro-

cess, a14-year-old, Sulaiymon Abdulraaman, also known as Sunday Ajayi from Kogi State was apprehended.

“Abdulraman has disclosed among others that he infiltrated the airport with the assistance of one Dauda Sadiq (a.k.a Peter) who is presently at large ”, the DSS said.

Abdulrahman further revealed that Sadiq directed him to spy on the installation and pass to him information in respect of travelers ’ movement including passenger screening, boarding procedures and other processes in the departure and arrival

halls.

With this knowledge, Opuiyo said the Service is working closely with major aviation stakeholders especially the Aviation Security Department to forestall any possible attack and to ensure adequate security at the airports.

He said this is aside other measures which have been put in place to ensure protection of lives and property across the country.

“However, the DSS wishes to use this opportunity to remind members of the public to remain vigilant and patriotic by being security conscious

at all times. Also, the public is urged to report all issues and persons of suspicion to the nearest security agency. The public is further enjoined to assist with information that could be useful in stamping out insecurity with a view to making Nigeria safe ”, the statement added.

With intelligence reports indicating that the terror sect has been evolving new measures to attack Abuja, security operatives have reportedly strengthened their intelligence-gathering mechanism to forestall any such attack.

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State have assured parents and guardians of the 219 abducted Chibok schoolgirls that they would be released unconditionally, as government was fully “committed and concerned ” about the unconditional rescue of the innocent girls that were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorist group on April, 14, 2014 in their school premises.

The assurances were made yesterday while Governor Shettima was addressing parents and guardians of the abducted girls at Multi-Purpose hall of Government House, Maiduguri.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed him yesterday to address all the affected parents that they should “exercise more patience, ” as the Federal Govern-

ment was fully committed in the immediate and unconditional release of abducted Chibok girls and to join their parents in Chibok.

His words: “I have called all of you here today (Saturday) on the directives of Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari to address you on the release of your 219 daughters abducted last year in April, while writing their examinations.

The President asked me to give you and exercise more patience on the non-release of your daughters from Boko Haram captivities.

“I ’m with all of you here today, as our President is also with you, who is very much concerned and committed towards the unconditional release of these abducted girls.

We leaders have a responsibility that these girls are released, as soon as possible by God ’s willing.

God will release these girls, we are optimistic that they are still alive.

8

NEWS

Sunday August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

DHQ slams Amnesty over comparison with Boko Haram UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

T

he Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, took a swipe at the Amnesty International, AI, for daring to place Nigerian military side-by-side with Boko Haram terrorists group over allegations of war crimes in the North-East, informing the group that it (military) was empowered by law to kill in order to secure Nigeria.

In a statement through

its Director of Defence Information, DDI, in Abuja, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, the DHQ, which frowned at the AI’s penchant to accuse the military in this war, said that the AI should have been well informed that Boko Haram was not a lawful group and that all its activities were criminal, including the bloodshed the insurgents had indulged in.

It stressed that the military was at war against enemies of Nigeria and

as such, would never go after or kill innocent citizens to commit war crimes.

The AI, in another unfortunate report credited to one of its officials, was said to have changed tactics by now alleging that both military personnel and Boko Haram insurgents were involved in gross violation of human rights and torture in the

North East.

However, the military said that the allegations have been convincingly refuted and proven to be an orchestrated conspiracy against the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“The DHQ also wishes to once again remind the Nigerian public and the international community that the Nigerian military is a professional or-

ganisation with track records of achievements in peacekeeping operations and therefore shares no comparison with rag-tag band of terrorists whatsoever.

“The military is constitutionally empowered to secure Nigeria from any form of insecurity.

“It is therefore unfair for Amnesty International and any other group

to accuse the Nigerian military of human rights abuse based on cropped images used by the country’s enemies and detractors to achieve their purpose.

“The Nigerian military under the new dawn will never humiliate or harass any law abiding citizen, and would remain focused to end terrorism soon”, the DHQ stated.

Be bold, brave, Buhari tells clergymen

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said men of God must be bold and brave in the things of God.

He stated this at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the General Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

The President, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said clergymen should live like Christ by being honest and firm in decision making both in the Christendom and the society at large.

President Buhari also urged the newly wedded

couple to love and respect one another and not to involve third parties in their martrimonial home.

He therefore urged those who attended the wedding ceremony to give their moral support by lifting them up in prayer to make their marriage a success.

Earlier, the father of the bride, who commended President Buhari for his fatherly love, thanked God for giving him life to witness the day.

Present at the occasion were dignitaries including Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State.

Al-Jazeera trial: Egypt gives journalists three-year sentence

T

hree al-Jazeera journalists convicted in Egypt of “spreading false news” have been sentenced to three years in prison at their retrial in Cairo.

Canadian-Egyptian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian Baher Mohamed were led away from court after the verdict.

Australian Peter Greste was deported back to Australia earlier this year and was on trial again in absentia.

The three are accused of aiding the banned Muslim Brotherhood group but they strenuously deny the allegations.

The three journalists were originally sentenced in July 2014, with Mr Greste and Mr Fahmy receiving seven years and Mr Mohamed getting 10 years.

But their convictions were overturned in January this year and they were freed in February to await

retrial.

Giving the verdict yesterday, Judge Hassan Farid said the three men were not registered journalists and had been operating from a Cairo hotel without a licence.

He handed three-year sentences to Mr. Greste and Mr. Fahmy but gave Mr. Mohamed an additional six months.

It is unclear how long Mr. Fahmy and Mr. Mohamed will now serve. They were in prison for about a year before being freed.

Lawyers for the three journalists are expected to appeal against the decision.

The BBC’s Lyse Doucet, who was in the court, said the verdict came as a shock to a room packed full of Egyptian and foreign journalists. The expectation was that the journalists would be found guilty, she adds, but that they would be given a lesser sentence and be allowed to walk free.

L-R: Widow of the late photographer to the President, Mrs. Mosunmola Kola-Oshiyemi; daughter, Yetunde; sons, Nifemi and Olumide, during the funeral service at Ikorodu, Lagos State, yesterday.

PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Stop bragging about fake economic achievements, Presidency tells PDP ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

T

he Presidency has advised the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop its pathetic efforts to play down President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements in his first 100 days in office.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the PDP should bury its head in shame for subjecting Nigeria to the worst economic plunder through corruption in its

recent history.

Reacting to the statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh that the economy was going down under the APC administration, Shehu said the economy of Nigeria was gasping for breath under the egregiously corrupt PDP administration, Shehu said the excruciating hardships experienced by Nigerians under the PDP misrule was unprecedented, saying it was ridiculous for any sane government to artifi-

cially rebase the economy and claim to transform Nigeria into the largest economy in Africa as the PDP administration did.

He explained that the PDP was artificially manipulating statistics to create the illusion of impressive economic performance record.

According to Shehu, one falsehood built on another cannot stand, stressing that if the PDP claim of economic successes in terms of GDP, employment generation, poverty alleviation and others were genuine, Nigerians

would not have voted the party out of power.

Shehu wondered which contented electorate would have voted a performing party out of office adding that if the former ruling party was doing so well, the opposition parties would have found it difficult to defeat a popular ruling party.

The Presidential spokesman noted that no economy can grow with corruption, an area in which he said the PDP administration demonstrated more competence.

Chairman of the LGA, Alhaji Usman Mashema, called on the public to come out for treatment as soon as they noticed any sign of cholera.

The statement appealed to the Federal and State Govern-

ments as well as donor agencies to come to the aid of those affected.

It added that the affected communities included Bakul, Dunmagari and Gallari, among others.

Cholera kills 20 in Bauchi

T

wenty persons have died of cholera in the Shira local council of Bauchi State.

This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, by the Information

Officer in the LGA, Malam Danlami Baza, in Bauchi on Saturday.

The statement said 200 persons were admitted in the hospital.

It added that the Acting

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Sunday, August 30, 2015

9

Arik crew drug bust: NDLEA gets footage of accomplice, impounds vehicles OLUSEGUN KOIKI

T

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it has obtained the Closed Circuit Television, CCTV, camera footage of Mr. Chibuzor Ikechukwu, the prime accomplice in the Arik Air crew drug trafficking incident to Heathrow Airport, London in United Kingdom.

NDLEA also said that it had invited Mr. Uwachi Amos Udensi, 32, the

younger brother of the main suspect, Mr. Chika Egwu Udensi, for questioning to further obtain more facts concerning the suspect.

The agency said that the obtained footage showed how the accomplice helped the detained suspect, Udensi, smuggle the bags of the substance suspected to be cocaine into the aircraft.

Media statement by the spokesman of NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that Ikechukwu, who before the arrest worked

as a catering loader, smuggled the illicit drug among food supplies for flight W3101 to London on Monday 24, 2015.

Ofoyeju stated that the younger brother of the suspect Amos was invited in connection with alleged complicity in the ongoing investigation of 20kg of cocaine seized by the United Kingdom Border Force in UK. The agency further disclosed that apart from the Land Rover SUV that was impounded at the Arik Air ’s headquar-

ters last Tuesday, it had also seized additional two SUVs at the home of Udensi.

The two SUVs, according to Ofoyeju, are Equinox Chevrolet and a Dodge Hemi Magnum.

Ofoyeju stated that investigations carried out so far by the antinarcotic agency had revealed that Udensi lives ostentatious lifestyle far beyond his salary, stressing that he was also believed to be involved in laundering illicit proceeds of drugs under the

cover of automobile importation.

He explained that its investigators were still working on evidence so far gathered on the case, but noted that the management of Arik Air was cooperating with it fully, which he said had further helped it in carrying out its investigation.

Why I ’ll not appear before Rivers probe panel –Amaechi DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

F

Students celebrate with their friends during the National Open University of Nigeria ’s 2015 matriculation at Dutse in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Saraki, Ambode, others mourn Adefuye, Nigeria US envoy ’s death

S

enate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, yesterday expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria ’s Ambassador to the United States, U.S., Prof.

Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, in Washington DC. Adefuye, a professor of history, passed away on Thursday at a hospital in the U.S. He was 68 years old.

Saraki described the death as a monumental loss to Nigeria whose international image Adefuye passionately shaped and defended in the U.S. until his last breath.

He commiserated with the Federal Government, the Government and people of Ogun State and the immediate family of the deceased on the sudden departure of the envoy.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, Saraki said: “It is really sad that

Adefuye waved us goodbye at a time his excellent services as a diplomat of repute are in dire need. ” Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, also yesterday expressed shock and sadness over Adefuye ’s death The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described Adefuye as one of finest diplomats Nigeria has produced in recent times, saying his death comes as a shock to many, especially as he was in the twilight of his tenure.

He recalled that Adefuye played a pivotal role in reviving the image of Nigeria and worked tirelessly to ensure that the nation was removed from the U.S. terrorism watch list in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“We have lost a rare gem, a diplomat extraordi-

naire, who had served this nation meritoriously. Our prayer is that his soul will find repose in the bosom of our Lord.

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of the deceased, the people of Ogun State and Nigerians on this sad loss, ” Ambode said.

In another statement, Senator Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos East Senatorial District commiserated with the family of the late ambassador, saying that Adefuye was well known to him.

Ashafa said the late ambassador ’s legacy of service in Nigeria ’s Diplomatic Corps has earned him a well-deserved spot in Nigeria.

“During his time as Nigeria ’s Ambassador to the United States, he demonstrated that he was a pas-

sionate Nigerian both in words and deed. We can ’t help but remember his spirited, patriotic defence of our national interest and image every time Nigeria ’s reputation was at stake in the United States.

He is a well-travelled fellow and thoroughly learned gentleman and scholar. I pray for the repose of his soul. May God grant his family the comfort and peace during this critical period, ” Ashafa stated.

Adefuye, who hailed from Ijebu-Igbo, studied at the University of Ibadan where he earned his first degree in 1969 as well as a PhD in history in 1973.

He also received a Fulbright Fellowship that enabled him to do research work at Columbia University, the University of North Florida, and the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Commenting on the latest development, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, expressed satisfaction with the success of investigation.

Giade also directed investigators to further widen their search for more collaborators in the disgraceful act.

ormer Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi said yesterday that he would not appear before the Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up to investigate the sale of the state assets and other matters.

Describing the panel as illegal, he said there was a law on how to set up an administrative panel, pointing out that he will honour the panel ’s invitation if Governor Nyesom Wike complies with the law.

Amaechi spoke yesterday while addressing supporters and members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State in Port Harcourt.

“Why I don ’t want to appear before panel. The panel is illegal. There is a law on how to set an administrative panel. Nyesom Wike has not complied with the law.

“When he complies with the law, I will appear to defend myself. He has not complied with the law.

That is one.

Secondly, the rule of natural justice and fair hearing is not adhered to.

“You sit down and you tell a man, ‘go and find

him guilty openly. He is guilty; go and investigate him ’. Who is that man to investigate me when you had already told him what to do?

“In accordance with the rule of natural justice and fairness, you didn ’t call a company or somebody who is independent and say go and investigate Amaechi ’s government.

“What you say to him is to go and find him guilty and you say I should appear.

No, I will go to court.

Let us keep our fingers crossed and pray. I don ’t know how many of you are praying, ” he said.

Amaechi added, “In 2007, you remember what I told you people? I said I fasted for 10 months and I cried to God. Nyesom Wike was not afraid of God in the past; he never went to church.

“As my Chief of Staff, he used to wear a cloth and he will say he is a Muslim.

Today, he is going on bended knees to the same God we worship, ” the former governor said.

He alleged that Wike has killed people and must be investigated, saying, “Wike must go back to remind God that that man (Wike) has taken souls and souls of many people.

DHQ restructures STF in Plateau to confront ethnic crisis UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

T

he Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, announced the restructuring of the Special Task Force in Plateau State to confront the incessant ethnic conflicts in the state.

A statement in Abuja, through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, disclosed that the reorganised Special Task Force has been renamed ‘Operation Safe Haven ’.

The DDI said that the arrangement was in line

with the mission and vision of the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Gabriel Olonisakin.

He said that the reform was geared towards giving the security operation in the state more bite for better performance.

“With this vigour and determination, it is hoped that the incessant killings in the area as a result of ethnic clashes would be contained by the troops of the reinvigorated Operation Safe Haven in line with its Rules of Engagement ” he added.

10

Interview

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENCOUNTER WITH A NEWS MAKER AUGUST 30, 2015

We need to holistically review 1999 Constitution –Ndume Senate Majority Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume in this interview with TORDUE SALEM, appraises the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, the Legislative Agenda of the Senate and speaks on the way forward for the country. Excerpts: Can you give us your appraisal of the Legislative Agenda of the 8th Senate?

On the side of the Senate, I am a part of the leadership, from the word go, we set out a clear legislative agenda.

The 8th Senate decided to draft a legislative agenda and present it before the whole House and we adopted it as our guide and we set up a Committee to look into it. Fortunately, I was opportune to chair that Committee and we have concluded our work and we have support from the international development partners like the National Democratic Institute. We had of course, consultants to assist us in fashioning out the agenda and we presented that agenda before we went on recess. The spirit behind the report, is to allow members to take a look at the report and make their inputs, so immediately we resume, we are going to consider the report and adopt it and then let the public know our agenda; and we are also trying to reconcile our 8th Assembly Agenda with that of the government, so that we will not be variance. In that agenda that we have drawn, we basically looked at the legislature itself; the performance of the Legislature and what it needs to do and the performance of the Senate.

Things like improving on the way we debate motions, the way members make their contributions on the floor of the Senate and another areas, it is looking at where we have to work with the Executive arm of the government outside our routine parliamentary work. We are looking at the issue of budget. We are looking at utilizing the National Assembly budget office, to work with the Executive to process the budget. We are not only talking about making a budget, but a realistic budget that when presented and approved and eventually signed into law, it will be strictly adhered to, unlike in the previous time when budgets were not implemented. That is one area, we are also trying to look at improving on our inter-parliamentary relationship with basically, our fellow African countries, European Countries and the whole world in general and then relate well with other democracies of the world in order to make our own democracy as effective as theirs and to look at loop holes,

WE ARE LOOKING AT UTILISING THE NATIONAL

ASSEMBLY BUDGET OFFICE, TO WORK WITH THE EXECUTIVE TO PROCESS THE BUDGET. WE ARE NOT ONLY TALKING ABOUT MAKING A BUDGET, BUT A REALISTIC BUDGET

Ndume

if any, so as to adjust own processes. But to sum it all, one particular aspect of emphasis is, the Legislative Agenda. We are trying to make sure that we are compliant with today ’s technological strides and that is the issue of e-parliament or e-legislation whereby, we will try to do such things like conducting business through e-transactions, setting up a website through which senators can be reached and communicating more effectively with members of the Senate.

Already, we have commenced implementing a means of circulating our Order

Papers a day or two before the day of sitting, so that senators will now be able to prepare themselves adequately for the business of the day. The whole Legislative Agenda will be made public and you will be able to get more. But this is just to capture some aspects of what we intend to put down and let the public know what they should be expecting from the 8th Assembly. We really intend to have a more proactive, more vibrant, more transparent, more acceptable National Assembly than previous Assemblies.

Some sections of the country still think that more work ought to be done on 1999 Constitution. What areas will you want to inserted, amended or expunged in the Constitution?

In fact, just before you came in to conduct this interview, I was telling somebody that I was thinking of holistically looking at this constitution review. Especially with the wide variety of versions or inputs that we have, we have a lot to learn from. The 2005 Political Reform Conference report is there lying, and the provisions there in, have not even made it as amendments to the 1999 Constitution, also the recent conference done by past president Jonathan, tagged National Conference, also deliberated on key issues and did a report and it ’s there lying on the shelves of public offices. So we are thinking of setting out early enough to gather those reports and working in conjunction with the Executive and general CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

11

Politics PROVIDING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO ISSUES AUGUST 30, 2015

Bayelsa 2015: Dickson ’s second term battle amidst APC ’s marauding presence P 12 & 53

THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IS IN REALITY A

CORRUPTION AND IMPUNITY BECOME WIDESPREAD

WHEN DISRESPECT FOR LAW IS ALLOWED TO THRIVE IN

EFCC: Probe gone awry in Senate

Lamorde

Amidst controversies, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Petitions last week, commenced the probe of alleged huge fraud, bordering on unremitted recoveries and diversion of recovered assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). GEORGE OJI reports.

O

n the strength of a petition sent to it by one George Uboh, the Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, a financial recovery and security firm, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Petition slated last Wednesday, August 26 to commence a public hearing on some allegations lev-

eled against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde.

The petition by Uboh was dated July 31, 2015 and submitted to the committee, shortly after the senate proceeded on its annual vacation, which will end on September 29.

Group urges APC leadership to maintain party supremacy

A

–PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

The petition chronicled a long list of financial infractions against the Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Larmode.

Specifically, the petitioner accused Lamorde of instances of under-remittances and non-disclosure of proceeds of corruption recovered from criminal suspects, including the former Inspector General of Police Tafa Balogun and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepriye Alamieyeseigha.

Uboh also alleged that the EFCC had not accounted for “offshore recoveries ” and that “over half of the assets seized from suspects are not reflected in EFCC CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

P 13

Briefly

STRUGGLE FOR THE RESTORATION OF LAW AND ORDER.

SOCIETY.

Saraki

Fashola in the eye of the storm

socio-cultural organisation based in Kwara State, Orisun Igbomina has advised the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC , to adhere strictly to party supremacy urging it not to succumb to any pressure by any individual, groups or organisations on behalf of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

The National President of the organization , Chef Gbenga Awoyale said APC leadership must insist on party supremacy while efforts are being made to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the Senate.

While accusing Saraki of instigating and fuelling the crisis, Awoyale said the lingering crisis could have been averted if Saraki had complied with APC ’s directive over the issue.

“Truth as they say is bitter, but no matter what, the truth must be told, no matter whose ox is gored. It is Saraki ’s inordinate ambition that precipitated the crisis. Why did Saraki disobeyed APC on how positions are to be shared at the Senate? He deliberately plunged APC into this needless crisis, and he is now shedding crocodile tears. Nobody should take him serious. He should be sanctioned for disobeying his party. He did the same thing while he was in PDP, and this was one of the reasons the party lost the presidential election.APC should be firm in sanctioning Saraki ’ ’, Awoyale declared.

“What Saraki did amounts to an act of treachery. It is an act of betrayal of trust. How can he ignore the party on which platform he won election to become a Senator? Can he be higher than the party?.What Saraki did amounts to indiscipline, he should be punished for that. If he didn ’t have hidden agenda, why did he went to hide in the National Assembly premises at midnight on the eve of the inauguration of the Senate when other Senators elected on the platform of APC were at the International Conference Centre waiting for President Buhari? Saraki should be asked to step down first before President Buhari and other APC leaders should discuss with him or listen to his emissaries ’ ’, he stated.

Urging APC leadership to be firm and decisive in dealing with Saraki, Awoyale said: ‘I implore APC leadership to treat this issue seriously. I ’ve known Saraki for a long time. He is an opportunist who will not stop at anything to have his way, and in the process, he is also ready to betray anybody.

“I urged President Buhari, the national chairman Chief Odigie-Oyegun and the national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other APC leaders to put on their thinking caps and save the party. A stitch in time as they say saves nine ’ ’, he said.

12

Politics

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa 2015: Dickson ’s second term ba OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

B

arring any unforeseen circumstances, the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson is expected to formally declare his intention to run for a second term, on the 28th of this month at a grand rally in the state capital, Yenagoa.

The governor declaration is coming two weeks after eminent Bayelsan politicians and members of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, swore allegiance to the marauding All Progressive Congress, APC, at a rally also in Yenagoa.

A Government House statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, had enjoined all Bayelsans, especially the teeming supporters of the Restoration government, across the State to come out in their numbers, as a mark of appreciation for the development strides of the administration.

Perhaps the governor declaration on August 28 may be the turning point in the political history of the state, known for his abundant natural resources, rich cultural heritage but lack in development.

For one, many observers are waiting to see who and who will turn out for the event and how large the supporters will be; not after the thunderous turn out for the recent APC mega rally, where prominent politicians declared for the APC. The coming election in the state is already seen as the ‘mother of all elections ’ because

TOUGH, TACTICAL AND RESOLUTE IN HIS AMBITION TO REMAIN IN OFFICE BEYOND

2016, HE REMAINS THE MAN WHO HAS INITIATED THE MOST PROJECTS IN THE 16 YEARS HISTORY OF THE STATE. HOWEVER, HE IS GUILTY OF NOT COMPLETING MANY as of today, the hottest topic of discussion whether in public places, social gathering, markets, in buses, taxis, the social media or government offices is the re-election of Dickson, the defection of key PDP members in the state.

Though prominent PDP members have since parted ways with the governor over issues that border on running the party or perhaps for their own selfish ambition, supporters of the Dickson ’s administration may have decided to stick by him no matter the consequence.

Dickson on his own part has not been sleeping and the recent comments and statements show a man who is on top of the situation even though observers may believe otherwise.

Though the APC heavyweight may be gathering storms as the scheme to take over

Creek haven intensifies, Governor Seriake Dickson, the incumbent governor is perhaps the only candidate to beat in the December 5th, 2015 gubernatorial election in the oil rich state and indigenous capital of the Ijaw nation.

Tough, tactical and resolute in is ambition to remain in office beyond 2016, he remains the man who has initiated the most projects in the 16 years history of the state.

However, he is guilty of not completing many, as the dwindling oil revenues accruable to the state has put an abrupt end to most of the projects he embarked upon in the early years of his first tenure.

The recent defection of key members of the PDP in the state including the embattled state chairman of the party, Col Sam Inokoba, seems to be blessing in disguise for Governor Dickson ambition of clinching a second ticket and perhaps break the jinx of

Dick kson n

a second term in the state.

The defection of Inokoba, whose suspension and removal as state party chairman, has torn the party apart since the general election for once will stabilise the party and give the new chairman of the party, Serena Dokubo, a loyal supporter of the governor the opportunity to steady the beleaguered ship of the PDP and pave way for the governor ’s re-election.

Initially there were fears that Inokoba, who has

EFCC: Probe gone awry in Se CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

exhibit records ”.

The petitioner equally accused Lamorde of conspiring with some EFCC officers and external auditors “to operate and conceal a recovery account in the Central Bank of Nigeria and excluded the balances from your audited financial statements between 2005 and 2011 ”.

He alleged that, “Lamorde continues to conceal the details of the unsold properties forfeited by both Tafa Balogun and DSP Alamieyeseigha despite receiving rent revenues from some estate agents on the said properties. ” Uboh, asked that Lamorde be prosecuted and proposed 10 counts of fraud in his petition, which was addressed to the Senate President Bukola Saraki, through the Delta State Senator in the National Assembly, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

The petitioner in addition alleged that Lamorde in March 2013 diverted the sum of N779m out of the total N3bn forfeited

by Balogun to the Federal Government and that the EFCC boss conspired with some officials of the anti-graft agency to under-remit the ex-IG ’s forfeited funds of about N5.85bn into the Consolidated Revenue Account by holding back about N2.65bn.

He further alleged that Lamorde conspired with some EFCC officials to remit to Bayelsa State the sum of N3.1bn instead of the total sum of N4.3bn proceeds of corruption recovered from Alamieyeseigha.

The petitioner said that Lamorde, as Director of Operations of the EFCC,

conspired with some officers of the commission to manipulate records of assets recovered from Alamieyeseigha, an act which allegedly paved the way for him to trade with about N3.7bn of the recovered funds for almost two years.

“Sir, the aggregate funds diverted by Lamorde/EFCC stated below in the attached criminal charges is over N1tn.

However, because over 95 per cent of overseas seizures are diverted, there is an urgent need to investigate and recover those funds as well, ” Uboh ’s petition read in part.

Part of the proposed charges prepared

by Uboh in an earlier court case but also attached to the petition read, “That you Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, as the executive chairman of EFCC in March 2013, in the bid to conceal a fraud of N779,155,004:62, being the diverted amount from the forfeited funds by Tafa Balogun, falsified documents in response to the request made on you by duly constituted authorities, wherein you fraudulently stated the total of 13 bank balances as N2,258,100,576:98 instead of N3,037,255,521:60 “That you Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, as the Director of operations, conspired with some officers in the EFCC to manipulate the forfeitures and recoveries from DSP Alamieyesiegha, which events took place between 2006 and 2007, as if it took place in July 2008, with a view to shifting responsibilities to the regime or tenure of Mrs. Farida Waziri. By this act, you traded with recoveries amounting to over N3.7bn for almost two years before formerly documenting the transaction. ” The petitioner assured the Senate that

THAT YOU MR. IBRAHIM LAMORDE, AS THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, CONSPIRED WITH SOME OFFICERS IN THE EFCC

TO MANIPULATE THE FORFEITURES AND RECOVERIES FROM DSP

ALAMIEYESIEGHA he would produce “overwhelming evidence, ” to back his claims against Lamorde, when hearing on the issue commences.

On the basis of the petition, the committee, which is chaired by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) sent out two separate letters to Uboh and Larmode, inviting them to appear before his committee last Wednesday, where it was hoped that the petitioner would substantiate his

Akpa abio o

allegations while Larmode would have the opportunity to either agree or refute the claims.

However, on Monday, August 24, two days before the public hearing, four principal officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators, including, Senators Godswill Akpabio (Minority Leader), Emmanuel Bwacha (Deputy Minority Leader), Philip Aduda (Minority Whip) and Biodun Olujimi (Deputy Minority Whip) issued a statement, dissociating the entire PDP senators from the proposed public hearing.

Their position was that the proposed probe

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Fashola in the eye of the storm AYO ESAN

T

hese are not the best of times for the former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, as several allegations of impropriety are being laid at his doorstep. One of his traducers, BudgIT alleged that the ex-governor spent N78 million on a website upgrade contracted to a private company.

In a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the group accused the Fashola administration of embarking on alleged “questionable expenditures ” while in office. The group said EFCC must probe the controversial N78 million public money Fashola spent on his personal website.

The group alleged also that the ex-governor spent N1.2 billion on the construction of pedestrian bridges along Eti-Osa – Lekki – Epe expressway “which did not specify the number of bridges ”; N17 million awarded for the provision of wall signage in three magistrate ’s courts; N3.46 billion spent on the construction of a beach resort in Ilase; and N61 million disbursed for a Range Rover SUV and two Toyota Hilux trucks as the official vehicles of Lagos Chief Judge.

Another allegation was also the claim of extra-marital affair which it said produced a child.

The Coalition against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, first popularised the alleged misuse of public funds by Fashola as it petitioned the Presidency that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) must investigate the matter.

CACOL was also said to have written to the Presidency not to consider Fashola for appointment at the federal level.

Speaking with Sunday Mirror, the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Comrade Debo Adeniran, said his group had to expose Fashola so that he should not be considered for ministerial position. He said when he was the governor he was so snobbish and that if he could be such then and according to him, if he got so much funds and delivered too little he should not carry that to the federal level .

According to him, what Fashola was able to do in Lagos State was that he set up a propaganda machinery which projected him as a performer, saying that he did not separate his achievements from those carried out by international donors like the World Bank, UNESCO and several other organisations that we don ’t know. He said these international agencies sponsored so many of the programmes that the Fashola administration claimed it executed in Lagos State, especially on environment, drainage system, ornamental insisting that if someone who ran opaque government like that is allowed to go to the federal level, it would be too bad.

“The only thing he succeeded in doing is to set propaganda machinery in motion.

Even people whose domains are dilapidated also believe that the governor was performing based on the perception from the media.

So we don ’t want to allow those things to happen at the federal level because if we do, we would have kept quiet in the face of tyranny, ” he said.

Fashola in his response to these allegations said: “When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty. ” The former governor said this statement of profound wisdom informed his silence in the wake of manipulated and unsubstantiated allegations of wrongdoing recently be-

Fas shola

Tinu ubu u

FASHOLA SHOWS NO REMORSE, NO SEMBLANCE OF REGRET, NO GUILTY NUDGING OF CONSCIENCE. INSTEAD, HE STILL ATTEMPTS TO RIDE A HIGH HORSE, PUFFING AND STOMPING IN FEIGNED SERAPHIC INNOCENCE

ing levelled against him.

“They started a few weeks to the end of my tenure, and have continued till date.

They range from allegations of extra marital paternity of children, to mundane and phantom conspiracy in the National Assembly, a debt profile for Lagos State and lately a website upgrade contract of N78 million, which is being distorted.

“As far as the website contract is concerned, yes there was a contract. It went through procurement and was approved by the Government agency authorised to do so. One of the services was an “upgrade ” quoted for N12.5 million but awarded for N12 million. There were other services that were new; like a handover countdown clock, mobile Apps for Google, for IOS and ipad, for Microsoft, and for Research in Motion (Blackberry), which the existing website did not have, as well as the annual maintenance cost for managing the website. It was for all these services that the contract was issued for N78 million, which the Lagos State procurement agency gave a No Objection based on the advice of the Ministry of Science and Technology, who are the Government adviser on ICT matters. In publishing this contract award which was the Government tradition under my watch, the procurement agency ’s website summarised it as “upgrade ” only without detailing the other services and this has been distorted by the agents of hate as their suspected “smoking gun ”. For those who are familiar with mobile Applications, they will know that users either pay for them online or download them for free. What is usual is that applications for service are usually provided to users free, but somebody bears the cost. Since these applications were to be made available to the public for free access and to assist Government communication, we decided to pay for them. The entire docu-

ments are with the Lagos State Government and are available for those who seek the truth.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , Chief Olabode George, in a statement entitled ‘Mr Fashola ’s smug chest beating ’, said ”what is most disgusting and annoying in all this episode is the arrogant and the befuddled attempt of Mr Fashola to justify the apparent reckless misappropriation of Lagos State tax payers ’ money to set up a personal web site.

“Fashola shows no remorse, no semblance of regret, no guilty nudging of conscience. Instead, he still attempts to ride a high horse, puffing and stomping in feigned seraphic innocence. We are not fooled.

“We knew all along that the emperor had no clothes. Using 78 million naira tax payers ’ money to build a website is reckless misappropriation. The phony over N25 billion used to build a mere kilometer long link bridge is outrageous venality. The spurious 1.5 billion naira allegedly spent on phantom pedestrian bridges is another con game. And there are so many of these screaming illegalities observable in the record of our poster boy of yesterday, ” he said.

George said in a more justiciable society, Mr Fashola should ‘be facing a comprehensive investigation rather than being considered for any appointment at all ’.

He urged President Buhari to use the Fashola case as an acid test of sparing no one with any intimation of public malfeasance.

‘Rather than engaging in a smug chest beating of innocence, Mr Fashola should first remove himself from any consideration of public appointment and openly call for a judicial probe of his eight years in office.

Nothing else will bring out the true picture.

Lagos State is now the biggest debtor in the

13

federation with over a trillion naira in bad debts. It may take at least 40 years ”, George said.

There were also insinuations by some persons that the attack on Fashola was being engineered by his godfather and predecessor in office, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, so as to discourage President Buhari from appointing him as a minister in his cabinet which he will soon put together.

The school of thought said that there is no more love between Fashola and Tinubu and that the campaign of calumny against Fashola was the handiwork of Tinubu.

This view was reinforced when Fashola attended the launch of three books written in his honour by his former Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, but though Tinubu was represented at the event by his former Special Adviser on Education, Prof.

Tunde Samuel, Governor Ambode and other APC governors shunned the event.

But Tinubu has distanced himself from the recent attacks against Fashola, saying the attacks were being sponsored by the PDP. Tinubu said the allegations against him were the handiworks of mischief makers sponsored by the PDP. The statement partly read, “The PDP is just recently out of office at the federal level and it built a vast, unprecedented financial war chest to contest the elections. The residual of that war chest is still at work, buying media space to plant rumours in hopes of spreading discord through the APC. “Thus, the enemy camp may be a minority but it is a large and well-funded one that knows its only chance lies in us attacking ourselves. ” The APC leader said he had nothing against his successor, Fashola. He said Fashola served the state meritoriously for eight years.

He, therefore, condemned those calling for Fashola ’s probe, insisting that any criticism of Fashola was an indictment on him because he was instrumental to making Fashola governor.

He said, “Our political opponents now try to steal victory when their only entitlement is resounding defeat. Having fared woefully with the electorate, their game plan is to sow discord within the ranks of the party the people had chosen to lead them. The PDP hopes to strike a division in the APC, in that way weakening us and our ability to govern.

“This brings me to recent developments in the Lagos political scene. Born of this motley stew is the recent gossip mongering that I have wilfully instigated false and negative reports against former Governor Fashola to thwart him from being appointed to a major post in the Buhari administration.

“I want to declare clearly and categorically that these rancid attacks do not come from me nor do I endorse them. Neither my hand nor my heart is in these mean submissions.

I deplore them.

“An attack against the performance of Governor Fashola is indirectly an attack against me and the edifice of achievements we have constructed in leading Lagos State out of a protracted time of stagnation and into an era of sustained progress and development. ” He said he and Fashola will forever remain close because they had struggled together.

He said having ensured that his party retained Lagos for over 16 years, it would be unwise of him to pull down what he helped build.

He added, “I for one will not bend to the artificial provocation of those seeking to tear at what we have painstakingly built over the years. In my mind, Governor Fashola and my alliance is unshakeable and our journey must not be interrupted. I would no more attack his character or his administration than I would attack myself. ”

14

Opinion

Sunday August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Re- Biafran Pound as legal tender: The Nairaland discussions Uncensored U nc

Sheriff S Folarin

E-mail: Sheryfffolarin@yahoo.com 07051653138(SMS only)

I

was surfing the net last Monday, when I incidentally saw that my article of last week on the above subject had been posted on the Nairaland forum for discussion.

Nairaland is a popular online social forum among bright and curious, informed and willing-to-be-informed minds for discussion of topical issues of national and international interest. The views could be critical, serious and sometimes comic; but it is a forum where young minds share ideas and exchange jabs on hot matters or breaking news.

My piece was actually termed “Breaking News” and by the time I visited the site, there were already hundreds of comments on the two threads discussing the article. There were mixed reactions from different sections. What did not surprise me was the ethnic dimension to the arguments- persons with Yoruba names and other Southern groups aside Igbo berating the Igbo for being pathological secessionists and having no regard for One Nigeria; and the interesting manner the Hausa names dismiss the threat of secession as an empty one, saying that the Igbos were just noisemakers who did not have the substance of war or political will as well as rallying point to secede in the current arrangement of things. The Northerners and (non-Igbo) Southerners on that forum had rabid remarks on the Biafran Pound

Safety Tips with

Jonas Agwu

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

I

n about seventy two hours or less from today, the Federal Road Safety Corps will commence full enforcement of the compulsory use of speed limiting devices meant to address the increasing speed related road traffic crashes in the Country. Excessive speed remains the number one causative factor accounting for about 50 per cent of reported road traffic crashes in the Country.

The Sept 1,2015 enforcement date was agreed by the FRSC and its strategic partners who appealed for a shift in the enforcement date from June 1, to September 1,2015 to enable them embark on adequate awareness as agreed during a one day stakeholders Forum held in Abuja .

The Forum had also agreed for FRSC and its partners to embark on massive awareness to secure public buy in, government to set deadline for all imported vehicles and those manufactured in Nigeria to have speed limiters installed ,while SON should demand in-plant calibration certificate from manufacturers of speed limiting devices meant for use in Nigeria among others. The shift was equally to enable other logistics necessary

issue, describing it as a betrayal on the part of the Igbo, who had always been the black sheep.

But the Igbo folks were divided on the issue. Some, who were probably hearing of the development for the first time, were, surprisingly, very proud of it, describing it as warning signals to the Nigerian State of an impending and inevitable breakup from the rest of the polity in the face of deprivations, denials and marginalization the Igbo people had suffered since independence.

The sentiments were that the Igbo Nation would be the stronger and more prosperous of the two when it eventually breaks away, as exemplified by the popular acceptance, attraction and higher value of the Pound vis-à-vis the Naira. This group insisted that the Igbo people would not rest on the oars until they got what they wanted or complete what was started in 1967.

The other Igbo group pooh-poohed the entire line of discussion, claiming that the Igbo had no such ambition to re-invent or re-create Biafra. In fact, they consider the piece posted on Nairaland as the architect of some government agent sponsored to indict the Igbos and seek ways to label them as felons so as to punish them for not supporting or voting for President Buhari. Put differently or simply, it was an article meant to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

To my amusement, the name “Sheriff Folarin” even became a subject for discussion; it was not anyone’s name, but a fabrication.

But the Igbos said it was not their propaganda to intimidate the rest of the country as the author, “Sheriff Folarin” was obviously a Yoruba name and that National Mirror was a Yoruba newspaper. But the other ethnic elements contended that the name was adopted by one Igbo writer to give the impression that it was either a government

ploy to damage their reputation and go after the Igbo folks, or it was an Igbo agenda to tell the world how much prepared they were to leave Nigeria and how accepted and prosperous they would be in the eventuality. But someone mentioned further that “Sheriff Folarin” was real and that he was indeed a very senior academic in the university and a popular columnist that was well respected. It was then that some commented that the Biafran Pound article was an old one by the same author sensationally and mischievously recycled by the person that posted it on Nairaland. One very critical commentator said Nigerian academics were in the habit of writing “beautiful proses” out of the figment of their imagination, just to enjoy themselves and display their writing skills and in the process, heating up the polity or raising unnecessary alarm. He said there was never and there would never be a Biafran Pound accepted or spent outside the shores of Nigeria. However, when another member of the forum asked if the critical commentator had ever travelled to the places the author mentioned to find out for himself, the Mr. Critical Commentator never said anything again.

The article is still being discussed on Nairaland, and as the comments come, the “non-existent” Sheriff Folarin simply reads and smiles and checks himself regularly in the mirror to be sure he is still in existence or that the forum members are right after all. Well, for the avoidance of doubt, I am Sheriff Folarin and I authored that article under review only last week after returning from one of my numerous visits to West African countries. As a scholar of international relations, I take pleasure in “voyages” of discovery and enjoy travelling by all means of transport (except Legedez Benz) to understand social and human (informal)

relations among West Africans in its totality. The journeys enrich me with deeper knowledge from this social laboratory; it also helps me in my research and teaching of regional integration, African international politics and Nigeria’s diplomacy. I enjoin Nairaland members to at least travel to Ave-Condji/Ila-Condji (Benin-Togo borders) and find out the truth.

They will return with details that will be useful to themselves, their forum, Nigeria and to the sub-region of West Africa. I hope to return to Togo for a conference in few days, and I have chosen to drive myself like I did in in mid-July, which will afford me the opportunity to follow up on the Biafran Pound development.

As for the Federal Government, whatever action that might have been taken so far should see to it that Nigeria’s neighbours are not in actual fact compromising its territorial integrity and that the Nigerian embassies and military attaches are doing the job they are there for- smoothening relationship and scooping information that are of interest to national security, and feeding home with such for prompt but carefully thought-out action. A situation, in which an outlawed currency in a sovereign state is still a legal tender in neighbouring states, no matter the academic approach is applied to describing it, is, to say the least, an affront on Nigeria’s territorial integrity, undermining of its stature and position in African politics, and embarrassing to all of us.

•Sheriff Folarin (PhD), an Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, is a former Head of Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

72 hours to speed limiter enforcement for a successful implementation to be put in place by partners such as SON, National Automotive Council of Nigeria and FRSC among others.

Since the shift in date ,series of events and machineries have been put in place to ensure a smooth sail for the scheme which if properly implemented by the Corps and its strategic partners and supported by the motoring public, should result in about 30percent crash reduction going by the fact that commercial vehicles presently account for over 30percent of crashes and 40percent of deaths.

When the next phase involving other categories of vehicles such as private cars, takes off, another level of reduction may be achieved so long as all the loopholes are plugged .The events which took place include series of consultation between FRSC and its partner such as NUPENG/PTD,NARTO and NURTW. There were also advocacies such as the sponsored Total Nigeria awareness campaign held in the Federal Capital Territory during which about 30 vehicles were installed with speed limiters as a demonstration of the Corporate Social Responsibility of Total .Across the country similar events were held including ongoing advocacies by the FRSC formations.

But after the shift in enforcement strategy, have we really addressed all the issues that were responsible for the shift? Have the strategic partners and the FRSC truly embarked on the kind of awareness that would drive the needed buy in? Are Nigerians now adequately schooled on all they need to know about

the speed limiter? Have the vendors, some of whom have been in the business hatched in on this novelty to creatively educate the public and have FRSC done enough in raising public awareness? I will rely on one of the several interactions from some of my readers to answer the posers raised on where we are and what we need to do to ensure hiccups are addressed. Just last week ,I got a text from one reader, who expressed concern on the numerous questions being asked by motorists who have no doubt demonstrated willingness to partner with the FRSC in addressing the issue of speed. Some of these motorists are private car owners who despite the fact that enforcement will begin with commercial vehicles are willing to commence installation in their private privates to guard against unnecessary deaths or crashes.

This is how my friend captured his concern on the issue, ‘Dear Jonas, let me start by appreciating you efforts in raiding awareness through your numerous write-ups which I have passionately followed since you started with the Sun Newspaper and Leadership Newspaper as far back as 2008 when you were still in Abuja as the Sector Commander, FCT. Let me however draw your attention to the soon to be enforced speed limiting device which I acknowledge will go a long way in addressing excessive speeding which has caused so much pains to families and the nation at large. As one whose passion for safer roads no bounds, I must inform you that I am daily in touch with concerned Nigerians who have wondered if truly you hope to enforce by September 1, as reported in the dailies. I have no

issues with that date .But please I need you to please provide me the details of the vendors and their spread across the country, their capacities, the cost for installation and how long it takes to install a limiter in one vehicle. I also need to know how much training your men have gone through to equip them with the skills and knowledge for detecting tampering of installed systems as was the case in places like Kenya.

These questions are necessary because I know that the success of these schemes lies in adequate preparation through well orchestrated awareness that will address all the grey areas. As you and your colleagues work towards making our roads truly safe, please kindly rethink and ensure you guys do what you did with the seat belt campaigns which succeeded because you took time to embark on nationwide awareness such that even before you commenced enforcement over 12 years ago, every motorists in the country knew the importance.

As we ponder on the issues raised by this reader, I am excited that some of the fleet operators and transport organizations have expressed their willingness to comply with the September 1, 2015 deadline by installing the required limiter, which conforms to specifications as contained in the approved standards by the Standards Organization of Nigeria •Agwu, an Assistant Corps Marshal, is Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 7HQ of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

15

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Man in the News Mr. David Shikfu Parradang

Immigration boss gets the boot AYO ESAN

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has finally removed David Shikfu Parradang as the Comptroller General of Immigration. He was last Thursday replaced by the Deputy Comptroller General, Mr. Kure Martin Abeshi.

Parradang was initially asked to immediately proceed on suspension penultimate Friday while Abeshi was asked to take over and the hope of him returning to the coveted seat was dashed last Thursday.

Though the presidency was silent on the reason for Parradang ’s suspension and eventual removal, it was gathered that his removal was as a result of insubordination to constituted authority and disregard of the extant law.

Reports revealed that the letter of suspension handed over to him got leaked and it was gathered that he was ousted as a result of “deliberate disregard to the extant laws, insubordination to constituted authority and improper behaviour inimical to the Service that is unbecoming of a public officer. ” The letter with the reference number: CDFIPB/IMM/348/Vol.1/54, dated August 21, 2015, was signed by the Director and Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board, CDFIPB, A. A Ibrahim.

Parradang was found to have issued appointment letters to 700 Assistant Inspectors of Immigration as well as 900 Immigration Assistants III into the Nigeria Immigration Service without approval.

He also allegedly refused to take necessary corrective measures despite repeated advice given to him as conveyed in letters reference number FMI/PSO/001/III/402 of June 11, 2015 and Ref. No. FMI/PSO/001/III/411 of June 14, 2015.

It would be recalled that the Immigration Service under Parradang ’s leadership sparked national outrage in March 2014 when about 20 job applicants died in stampede during an Immigration recruitment test conducted nationwide.

Prior to the examinations, an agent was commissioned by the Ministry of Interior to conduct the job test extorted N1000 from each applicants that were numbering over 70,000.

Though the agent raised N1 billion, there were no proper logistics for the exercise and this resulted in the deaths.

Parradang denied any role in the contract as he said the Interior minister, Abba Moro, handled the deal.

The Senate launched an investigation into the matter but this ended without a report till date.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state, the home state of Parradang had last Monday met President Muhammadu Buhari over Parradang ’s suspension but his hope of getting him back to his job has been dashed.

Mr. Lalong, who briefed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Buhari, said although investigations into the issues that led to the suspension of the Immigration boss had commenced, it was necessary for him to show concern.

“I came to see the President on some issues affecting my state.

“These include the prevailing issue of the suspension of the comptroller general of immigration who incidentally is from my state. When you have issues like this in a political period, you must find ways of looking for reasons and possible solution.

“If anything affects any part of your body you must show concern.

“Paradang ’s case is still under investigation. A man was suspended and he is from Plateau, it is my concern because I am the governor of the state.

“For every appointment, we must show concern no matter how small.

The President is handling it.

“At the end of the day whatever is the outcome I will agree with it, but I also need to get some explanation as the governor of the state.

“I feel comfortable with the response I got and that is why I am smiling. I told him what we are doing on insecurity in our state. ’ ’ Mr. David Shikfu Parradang mni, was born on 6th of September 1959 in Pankshin, Plateau State. He holds a Bachelor ’s Degree from the University of Jos and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from University of Lagos. He is also an Alumnus of the Prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

He joined the Nigeria Immigration Service in 1982 as an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration. The Comptroller General has vast experience in immigration duties having served at Kano State Command, Kwara State Command, Enugu State Command, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Diplomatic Desk in Lagos and Passport office, Ikeja, Lagos. He was also the Special Assistant to two previous Comptrollers General of Immigration, Uzoamaka Nwizu and Chukwurah Udeh.

Before his appointment by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, he was the Assistant Comptroller General State Co-ordination in the Directorate of Operations/Passport at the Service Headquarters.

Mr. David Parradang is happily married with Children and enjoys playing golf.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

16

Wellness YOUR HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ISSUES August 30, 2015

Alzheimer ’s, disease of the elderly people with Alzheimer ’s may lose their sense of what the day is, season, where they are or even their current life circumstances.

“Patients may have trouble finding the right words to identify objects, express thoughts or take part in conversations. Over time, the ability to read and write also declines, the disease can cause difficulty in concentrating and thinking,

TITILOPE MORAKINYO

A

lzheimer is a brain disorder illness that slowly destroys memory and other important mental functions of an individual. It ’s the most common cause of dementia that results in the loss of intellectual and social skills, which is severe enough to interfere with day-today life.

The condition is characterised by an initial loss of short term memory and the ability to form rational and permanent thoughts. Also considered a disease of the aging, this form of dementia is increasing at a startling rate in younger individuals, largely due to processed and refined food diets, environmental factors and long-term chronic stress.

The disease affects the brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.

At first, increasing forgetfulness or mild confusion may be the only symptoms of Alzheimer ’s disease but over time, the ailment robs more of the memory, especially recent memories as the rate at which symptoms worsen varies from person to person.

According to the National Institute on Aging, a division of the United States National Institute of Health, in 2010 as many as 35 million people worldwide already have the progressive brain disease.

It often begins in people over 65 years of age and four per cent to five per cent of cases are early-onset while the disease resulted in about 486,000 deaths. However, countless people also suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but a less severe form of memory loss is linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer ’s disease over time.

It was first described by, and later named after, German psychiatrist and pathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906. In developed countries, those who eat a diet high in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates such as mono- and disaccharide have a higher risk.

In an interview with a medical practitioner with Hope Hospital, Oshodi Lagos, Dr Adefola Adeyemo, he explained more about the syndrome, “Alzheimer ’s disease is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. A neurodegenerative type of dementia, the disease starts mild and gets progressively worse. It can occur into three basic stages which includes preclinical which has no signs or symptoms yet, mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

“The risk factors may therefore have some direct connection as some are preventable or modifiable factors such as age, family history (inheritance of genes) having Alzheimer ’s in the family is associated with higher risk. Certain gene such as apolipoprotein E or APOE gene puts a person, depending on their specific genetics, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can lead to the disease. Prior head injury, sleep disorders, breathing problem can cause it. ” The doctor lists the symptoms of the disease to include disorientation and misinterpreting spatial relationships as

especially about abstract concepts like numbers as it may be challenging to manage finances, balance checkbooks, and keep track of bills. ” He said changes in personality and behaviour can affect the way a sufferer act and feel, as they may experience depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, mood swings, distrust in others. Also, irritability and aggressiveness, delusions, such as believing something has been stolen

are other conditions.

Dr Adeyemo noted that, “Alzheimer is caused by specific genetic changes as its effect on the brain is clear damage and kills the brain cells; as a brain affected by the disease has many fewer cells and surviving cells than a healthy brain.

Memory and language loss, impaired judgement and other cognitive changes caused by Alzheimer can complicate treatment. As the disease progresses to its last stages, brain changes begin to affect physical functions, such as balance, bowel and bladder control, difficulty swallowing may cause people with Alzheimer to inhale food or liquid into their airways and lungs, which can lead to pneumonia and inability to control emptying of the bladder (urinary incontinence) require placement of a tube to drain and collect urine through the urinary catheter. Also, injuries from falls as a sufferer becomes vulnerable to falling as falls can lead to fractures.

On the treatment, the medic said, “Patients should visit the nearest hospital as the medications can help for a time with memory symptoms and other cognitive changes.

The drugs currently used to treat cognitive include donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne) and rivastigmine (Exelon) as the main side effects of the drugs include diarrhoea, nausea and sleep disturbances.

He added that regular exercise is necessary and also improves a depression mood. Diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables is another hearthealthy choice that may also help protect cognitive health.

“Water, juice and other healthy beverages are essential, at least several full glasses of liquids every day. Avoid beverages with caffeine, which can increase restlessness, interfere with sleep and trigger frequent need to urinate, ” he counseled.

HEALTH NEWS

Over one million Nigerians suffer blindness –OSN

T

he Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, OSN, said that no fewer than one million Nigerians suffer from one form of blindness or the other.

According to OSN President, Prof. Sabastin Nwosu, the figure was based on a research conducted in 2008. Nwosu, who read a communiqué issued at OSN general and scientific conference in Jos, said that 50

per cent of the number was caused by cataract alone.

He said that glaucoma and several other factors were responsible for the remaining 50 per cent.

The OSN president said that three million Nigerians suffer partial blindness, a situation that could be corrected if proper treatment was done.

He revealed that 42 out of every 1,000 Nigerians

are blind, pointing out that the distribution varied from one geographical area of the country to the other. While cataract is age-related, genetic factors, as well as human lifestyles, also result to blindness in some cases, he explained.

Nwosu said this year ’s theme of the conference, ‘Building Partnership for Eye Care ’ was strategic in placing and repositioning eye care.

NGO spends N200m on healthcare in Katsina

W

omen for Health, an NGO funded by the Department for International Development, DFID, UK said it has spent N200 million on improving healthcare delivery in Katsina State.

National Programme Manager, Dr Fatima Adamu, disclosed this when she paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Aminu Masari in Katsina. According to her, the funds were used to build the capacity of health per-

sonnel and in establishing more health facilities.

She pledged her continuous support to the government to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.

The manager applauded the efforts of Masari in tackling problems bedeviling the health sector, particularly in the area of manpower.

She disclosed that the NGO has designed a programme to reduce high rate of maternal mortality

in Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara and Yobe states.

Responding, Gov. Masari promised that his administration would continue to join hands with relevant organisations to address healthcare challenges in the state.

The governor also reiterated the determination of his administration to design policies and programmes that would improve the living condition of the people and move the state forward.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

17

Sunday, August 30, 2015

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

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

Okowa on the modular renery option

D

elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has joined the bandwagons of agitators for the establishment of mini refineries in the country, saying they hold the prospect for resolving the myriad of challenges facing the nation ’s downstream sector of the oil industry. Okowa made this suggestion when the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Professor Akii Ibhadode, paid him a courtesy call.

The governor told his visitor that the establishment of mini oil refineries in different parts of oil rich Niger Delta region would ensure that the 450,000 barrels of crude oil meant for local consumption were refined locally. His call has the endorsement of an NGO, The Concerned Niger Delta Youths Initiative, which said such move was capable of solving such problems like oil pipeline vandalism, oil theft, illegal refineries, and illegal oil bunkerers, all associated with oil exploration and exploitation in the region.

Nigeria has depended on conventional refineries built in the 1960s and 1970s for refining crude oil for domestic consumption. With four oil refineries located in Port Harcourt (two), Warri and Kaduna, all with a combined refining capacity of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd), the country ’s installed refining capacity could easily meet the estimated domestic consumption of 400,000 barrels per day. However, over the years, large scale corruption hobbled the domestic refining capability of the nation, leading to low capacity utilisation and the resultant product shortages. The deficits occasioned by low capacity utilisation have had to be augmented with imported petroleum products, which also subsequently spawned the oil subsidy conundrum the nation has been living with within the last few years. The recourse to fuel importation has taken a heavy toll on the economy and promoted rapacious corruption.

The calls for a shift from the conventional oil refineries to the smaller and more manageable modular ones have become strident in recent times, when Nigeria perennially suffers from serious energy crisis arising from

DRAWING FROM OUR HARROWING EXPERIENCES OF THE CONVENTIONAL REFINERIES AND THE LONG RUNNING ISSUE OF TURN-AROUND

MAINTENANCE, MINIREFINERIES COULD BE AN OPTION WORTH CONSIDERING.

the disequilibrium in her oil supplydemand mix and the inefficient and corruption-ridden template the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has put in place to tackle the instability through products importation. However, such option is increasingly becoming daunting due to falling crude oil prices in the spot market and the resultant shrinking of the nation ’s foreign reserves that cannot support such laissez-faire economic policy.

The most interesting element of the new refining opportunity is the relative low setup cost. While a full conversion refinery of 200,000 bpd capacity will cost between $2 billion and $9 billion, a modular one could cost between $100 million and $250 million, depending on the configuration.

It also has the added advantage of phased construction and the flexibility of quick and easy upgrade to reflect changes in product demand. It is interesting to add that mini-refineries can be scaled up with modules from 4,000 to 30,000 bpd primary distillation capacity added together to create a refinery of 100,000 bpd or more, should the need arise. Its well known downsides are that the plant lacks the economy of scale of a large refinery and it can only produce the most basic of fuels, which could be a serious issue for a country seeking to cut emissions by upgrading fuel quality.

Drawing from our harrowing expe-

riences of the conventional refineries and the long running issue of turnaround maintenance, mini-refineries could be an option worth considering. With their relative low capital cost, speed and ease of construction, mini plants offer a faster solution particularly when there is a need to adapt rapidly to meet local demand.

And with the ever changing global oil demand profile, a development likely to leave the country with voluminous excess crude instead of excess crude account, our leaders should be thinking outside the box. The only option for our survival as a nation is being self-sufficient in crude oil refining.

But modular refineries should not sound the death knell of the convention ones. We are aware that Alhaji Aliko Dangote is investing in a 400, 000 barrels per-day refinery. Such endeavour must be encouraged and supported. Under the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration, the NNPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with some foreign investors under an American-Nigerian joint venture to put up six modular refineries in the country at the cost of $4.5 billion. The present administration should ensure their realisation.

Governor Okowa and Niger Deltans should not live under the illusion that the modular oil refining template when crystallised will accommodate all interests, including communal ones. We are aware local refining technology has been developed in the Niger Delta region that is rapidly promoting thriving illegal refineries. For example, between January and December 2012, the Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the region destroyed about 4,349 illegal refineries. Thousands of drums of illegal refined products, hundreds of pumping machines and outboard engines, were reportedly confiscated and destroyed.

The nation faces the serious challenge of how to address the subsisting all-comer nature of local oil refining business in the region. We call for a pragmatic accommodation of some local entrepreneurial interests. This will assuage ill-feelings in the region.

Reminiscences AUGUST 30 IN HISTORY 1935: U.S. President Roosevelt introduces Wealth Tax President Franklin Roosevelt ’s Revenue Act, referred to as the Wealth Tax Act, increased taxes on rich citizens and big business, while lowering taxes for small businesses.

1937: China bombs U.S. refugee ship The U.S. refugee ship the President Hoover was bombed by Chinese aircraft while trying to remove Americans from the Shanghai district of China.

1967: U.S. - President Johnson appoints 1st Black in Supreme Court Following President Johnson appointment of Thurgood Marshall as the first African American to the Supreme Court, the Senate confirms his appointment as the first black justice on the Supreme Court.hat Else Happened In 1976 1976: UK - Carnival ends in clashes Notting Hill Carnival celebrating its 10th year and attracting more than 150,000 people ends in riots following clashes with police.

1978: Italy - Presumed Jesus ’ burial cloth on display The Turin shroud believed to be Jesus Christ ’s Burial Cloth has gone on show for only the third time this century and 160,000 pilgrims have so far flocked to view it.

1980: Trade unions get rights in Poland After two months of fighting with communist leaders, striking Polish workers led by Lech Walesa have won the right to form independent trade unions and the right to strike.

1982: Yasser Arafat flees HQ Following the invasion by Israeli forces in an attempt to wipe out Palestinian guerrilla bases which have threatened and attacked Israel, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Yasser Arafat has been forced to abandon his Beirut headquarters.

1989: New York hotelier jailed Leona Helmsley the billionaire New York City hotel operator and real estate investor is convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison (later most charges were dropped and she served 18 months in federal prison).

2000: Philippines - Jeffrey Schilling taken hostage Jeffrey Schilling, an American, has been taken hostage by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf an Islamic separatist group who are fighting for a separate Islamic state in a predominantly Catholic Philippines.

18

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

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

EDIFYING GOD Sunday August 30, 2015

Believers’ rights g in the Kingdom, g ,

by Pastor Muokaa 24

The set time is come 42

QUOTE

Friend, accessing the deep things and blessings of God is possible when we are born again. You can accept Jesus Christ today by releasing our hearts to Him and saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins.

Bishop David Oyedepo

God se God Go se eevery everyt eve everyth veryth yyth th you ou 41

Biblical signs of the end times

22 & 23

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

20

Vineyard

Briefly AITK convenes at Mount Gorriebullah

Celebration

T

he 2015 annual seven-day convention of Agbo Igbala ti Kristi Aladura Church aka Mount Gorriebullah (Ori oke Ire/ Mount of Goodness) tagged “O Lord do something for the sake of your name” taken from Jeremiah 14: 7 is scheduled for September 12-18, 2015 at 70 Patey Street, Lagos.

The non denominational programme which features seminar with various topics, followed by hourly prayer is expected to attract people from within and Diaspora will see members engage in white fast and fire brand prayers on a three hour interval as well as vigil service.

Lady Evangelist Adetutu Thomas, Evangelist Dare Melody and a host of other ministers will be there to make the occasion a memorable one.

Speaking on the programme, Primate I.O. Oyelowo urged attendees not to waiver in faith as the Lord Jesus Christ is waiting and ready to proffer solutions to their life’s challenge(s).

“No matter how difficult your problem may appear to be, the Lord has assured us in Matthew 11:28, to come unto Him all that labour and are heavy laden and He would give us rest. This is an occasion for you to encounter with the living God and His son, Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through Him (John 14:6). The Holy Ghost will comfort you and guide you to the right path as you have a pleasant time with the living God”, he said.

DOTWEC holds night of recovery

A

ll is set for a seven night prayer session of Doers of the World Evangelical Church tagged “Night of recovery.”

The programme which has “Abundant recovery” as its larger theme will hold at the national headquarters’ church auditorium located at 89, Kajola road, Ndike Obawole, Ifako Ijaye, Lagos from August 30 to September 5, 2015 ;11pm -4am daily.

The host Rev. Pastor S.O. Olatunji assured that Almighty God of host will bring abundant recovery to bear in the lives of all who attend as they continue to reap from the endless source of God’s goodness.

WOGEM celebrates anniversary

F

ollowing the five-day power-packed revival programme of Worldwide Gospel Ministry aka God’s Anointed Church (Miracle Centre) held from August 24-28, 5pm-8:30pm daily in commemoration of the church’s anniversary celebration, the grand reception Tagged “His mighty hand” (Owo Agbarare) Psalm 31v5 comes up today at 10am at 44, Deji Daboyan Street, Aga Titun, Ikorodu Lagos.

The host, Rev. Pastor Michael O. Alobaloye JP has assured that this year’s celebration will afford members and guest bountiful blessing, adding that they will receive promotion, breakthrough, fruit of the womb, salvation, healing among other things they seek.

Sunday August 30, 2015

Govt urged to inculcate peace education in schools ...as BSN holds NYSC essay competition

A cross section of NYSC members

ODINAKA URUAKPA

T

he Coordinator, Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr. Nathaniel Danjibo has called on the federal and state governments in Nigeria to inculcate peace education into the curriculum of schools at the various levels.

He said this would formally address the issues of peace and conflict and serve as lasting solution to insecurity in the country.

Danjibo who made this charge at the fourth edition of NYSC annual essay competition/symposium organised by the Bible Society of Nigeria with the theme “National insecurity: bane of economic growth and development in Nigeria” also gave insight into the plight of internally displaced persons in the country as a result of human insecurity.

“The National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA and their state counterparts are actually doing their best, but because we are not fully prepared for this kind of crises, I think it has gone beyond their reach because for those of us who have been following the developments on television, we could see that even to camp these internally displaced persons is a major problem.

Most of them have taken refuge in communities usually around Abuja because people left the North-east and came to Abuja thinking that that is the seat of

L-R: Assistant Director NYSC Ogun State Mrs. Caroline Osorh, Executive Secretary BSN, Rev Dare Ajiboye, Oladejo Abayomi Ayoola, (competition winner), Egezi Kingsley Enyinna (first runner-up), Nnamadim Cyril Uchenna (second runner-up), National President BSN, Dr. Aaron Nuhu and Dr. Fred Odutola at the event

government, and that getting closer to government would make things easier, but that is not the case”, he noted.

The coordinator stated that though the government is doing what it can in that area, it is a lesson that Nigeria should be prepared for such emergencies noting that the medical facilities and personnel available were low compared to the number of displaced persons.

Suggesting shift-schools so the children in these camps can continue their education, the educationist pointed out that camps are also places where people encounter diseases of all sorts which can be transmitted to those who never had them.

“That is why when we talk about human security, we talk about it in terms of the immediate action, in other words, as an immediate plan and then the long term. What we mostly find in the camps are immediate actions that necessarily have to take place in terms of feeding people, giving them adequate shelter and making sure the environment they live in is clean and safe, health-wise”, he explained.

On what the federal and state governments should do to bring lasting peace to the country Danjibo said: It is a multifaceted problem that we are encountering right now.

When we were younger, for those of us who had the advantage of growing up in the villages, after the day’s work, you mostly sat under the feet of your grand-

parents listening to stories.

Most of the stories they told were stories about how to be a good person, good neighbourliness and they made all kinds of mystical statements that if you are a good or bad person, this or that would happen to you.

We thought such could be transposed to our formal education system. As teacher in conflict studies, I have always advocated for the need for the government to introduce peace education right from nursery school to primary, secondary and so on.

One of the ways by which we can do that is to have our curriculum redefined and modify it to inculcate issues of peace.

We had aspects of that in the 70s which was later abandoned and those who had the advantage of attending primary and secondary in the 70s would realise that there was what we called civic education which was removed overtime from the curriculum.

I think there is a need for us to have a rethink about what we are doing from the homes and schools; it is also high time that the government thought about incorporating peace education in the school system”, he insisted.

The quiz, fourth edition in its series and keenly contested by six Corp members and finalists drawn from different service areas in a previous competition had Oladejo Abayomi Ayoola who was having his service year in Abia State come tops on the occasion.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Miracle Arena with Bishop

Theo Ugochukwu

A

re you going through instability in life?

Are you experiencing unpleasant times in your marriage; such as delayed conception, miscarriages, emotional trauma, domestic violence, financial instability and slavery, psychological breakdown? And you are asking yourself, ‘when will all these come to an end? And it seems like the more you cry to God for a change, and the more it feels like God doesn’t answer. I have come with a word for you my beloved friend. Just don’t give up now, because your change is about to happen for your good. Job said, “I will wait for my change to come”. Hold on, for your change will surely come. It does not matter what your present challenges look like. The turnaround that the whole will see and glorify the Lord God Almighty is about to manifest. Deut.31:6 says “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you”. From this scripture, God is speaking to you. Yes, I mean you. Our God is a God of reasoning. He thinks objectively and positively. He is so much concerned about the welfare of His children, including you. In a time like this, don’t feel abandoned, for the establishment of your vision and dream is His concern. He thinks of how to improve the standards of your living and raising you to the level He created you for, and equally per-

The Shepherd with Pastor Akinyele

Aluko

A

fter a sermon, a sister had come to me to confess that she does not really understand fully how the Blood of Jesus wields so much power for Christians who believe. The story of blood sacrifice started from the Garden of Eden. In Genesis Chapter 3, commencing from verse 1, the Bible tells us the story of how the serpent deceived Eve into eating the fruit from the forbidden tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden. The consequence of the action was the sympathy shown by Adam and the discovery that they were naked. It was a verdict of “death” they had passed on themselves. 1 Corinthians 15:56 says: “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”

God surely had the option of terminating the lives of the duo, but God does not destroy the works of His hands except such chose to be destroyed. Digging deeper into the Bible, Genesis 3: 21 tells us: “Gen 3: Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.(KJV ) Although the Bible did not go into the details of how “the skin” came about but it is apparent that an animal was killed or so to say sacrificed.

Remember that a sacrifice is an activity that has to be done at the inconvenience of another. Hitherto man was not directed to eat animals. Genesis 1: 29 is explicit about this. Only the herbs and fruit yielding trees was given to man at creation. And so for the nakedness of man caused by sin of disobedience to be covered, blood had to be shed. Leviticus 17: 11 further expatiate on this : “For the life of the

From the Pulpit 21

Sunday August 30, 2015

God will not fail you fect everything that concerns you.

Listen to this wonderful report from heaven.

Psalms 139:17-18 – “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God, how great is the sum of them. If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee”. God made you to be unique, dynamic and special. You did not become a creature of purpose by chance. God created you in His image, this makes you unique and special. The Psalmist had this understanding when he exclaimed in the above passage. So in whatever you are going through right now, hear me, God can never abandon you. He is always there for you, but you must definitely trust Him and His saving grace and ability to deliver you from any kind of unpleasant situation you find yourself. Psalm 37:1;5 “Fret not yourself because of evil doers, be not envious of wrongdoers. For they will soon fade like grass and wither like green grass” and verse 5 says “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act”.

The fact that there is delay right now does not mean that your change will not come.

Proverbs 13:12a puts it this way, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life”. This simply implies that when you are in trying times or the difficult moments of life, don’t look at the current situation with helplessness. Don’t lose your hope, because the moment you lose your hope in God you will automatically lose everything.

As you keep on trusting in Him, God will not rest until He makes your life beautiful. God

never rewards His children with evil, because evil is not His nature. Our God, the Omnipotent God is good all the time, and is ever ready to bring meaning to your living. He wants you to have an over-comer’s mentality. Do not allow your situation to define you. I want to announce to you that you are precious before God. When you consider how God save you from the circumstances that led to your birth, you will really know that you are definitely precious before God. Psalm 30:5 “For his anger endureth but a moment, in His favour is life, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”.

You could remember times without number, it seems the end to your life has come, and yet He delivered you. The devil at one time or the other has made you to weep and even mourn. The fact that you are weeping today does not mean you will continue to weep tomorrow. I see God coming to you with His unending peace and grace to deliver you. I remember two of the fatal accidents that took place in my life, where my family and I were pulled out of the wreckages alive while on our way to pray and console a couple that lost their first son. Till today, it is still a mystery of how we survived without any form of injury. God is majestic in power. His mercy endureth forever, Amen.

Ruth and Orpah are two examples of those who went through trying periods in their life, but while Orpah decided to go back, Ruth saw a future in the midst of the situation. I prophesy your expected end has not come.

However, the devil is the master planner of evil, but our God turns every bitter experience to testimonies. Your destiny and your life are precious before God, that s why you have become the target of the devil. No matter what devil is doing to your life right now, the purpose of God must sincerely prevail in your life in Jesus name. Jeremiah 1:19 says “They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you, for I am with you declares the Lord, to deliver you”.

My beloved reader, I want you to see yourself as an adopted child of God, into His family, with all the full rights and privileges of mature sonship. With this mindset, you should have it in mind that all you father {God} has belong to you, being not only an heir, but a joint heir with Christ Jesus.

Halleluiah! Remember to call me share your testimonies when the expected change comes, for my God has vowed that He will never fail you.

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

Email: bishopgracemiracle@ ymail.com

The power in the blood of Jesus

flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” This started the plethora of sacrifices recorded in the Old Testament but at a stage, God spoke through his prophets that those sacrifices meant nothing to Him. In the book of Prophet Isaiah Chapter 1, verse 11, the Bible says: “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.” (KJV) That was when the process of the salvation of mankind through the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ started gathering momentum.

Of this essential but painful sacrifice, the Prophet Isaiah wrote in Chapter 53:4-7 that: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 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 are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (KJV) And so the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on that day in Pilate’s Court and later on Golgotha gave us the final Blood of the Atonement superior and exceedingly powerful than the blood of all other beings; man and animals in the world put together. Through this blood we have “PRECIOUS” BLOOD OF CHRIST (1 PET. 1:19) THE “SPRINKLED” BLOOD OF CHRIST (HEB. 12:24), THE BLOOD OF “THE NEW COVENANT” (LUKE 22:20) and THE BLOOD OF “THE ETERNAL COVENANT” (HEB. 13:20). These are confirmations of what he had earlier told His Disciples that; “For this

is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matt 26:28 and in John 6: 53 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”

Now back to the question raised by the Sister about why the blood of Jesus wields so much power. There was this story about a town in Western Nigeria in those days before the coming of the Missionaries and civilization. Annually they sacrifice human beings probably slaves or non-indigenes as a means of warding off evil from the town. On this particular occasion they caught a man who was very stubborn and was not afraid of dying.

Tied hand and feet and neck already placed on the guillotine he was asked to repeat after the Chief Priest certain words of prayers. Instead of saying the words of the Chief Priest he was saying the opposite; for example when he was asked to say “war will not enter this town” he would say “war will enter this town”. They flogged and beat him to no avail, but he persisted in his negative pronouncements so at the end of the day they let him go. They knew that if they killed him in that condition all his pronouncements will definitely come to pass and remain with them. We can now imagine the power in the shedding of the Blood of the only begotten Son of God, who knew no sin and had without the slightest deviation carried out to the last letter the wishes of His heavenly Father.

Powerful deliverance Ministers knows that most problems confronting individuals, families, villages, towns, cities and nation mostly emanated from generational curses that have the blood of animals and human beings used as sacrifices either in the physical or the spiritual. Why then will the Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ not pervade the Universe until His second coming when the anointed and the redeemed will join with the heavenly Cherubs and Seraphs? Below are just a few of what the blood can do for you if you sincerely

hold on to it in faith and love.

It remits sins (Matt. 26:28). It gives life to those who consume it (John 6:53). It causes us to dwell in Christ and He in us (John 6:56). It is the means by which Jesus purchased the church (Acts 20:28). It is the means by which Jesus becomes our atonement through faith (Rom. 3:25). It justifies us and saves us from wrath (Rom. 5:9). It redeems us (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 5:9). It brings those who were far away from God near to Him (Eph. 2:13). It grants us the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14). It brings peace and reconciliation to God (Col. 1:20). It has obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12). It cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Heb. 9:14).It is the means by which we enter the most holy place with boldness (Heb. 10:19). It speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Heb. 12:24, NIV). It sanctifies us (Heb. 13:12). It makes us complete for every good work (Heb. 13:2021, NKJV). It cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). It bears witness in the earth along with the Spirit and the water (1 John 5:8, KJV). It is the means by which Jesus washes us (Rev. 1:5; 7:14). It is the means by which we overcome the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:11).

Say this short Prayer with me: Demons – in the name of Jesus Christ – I now plead the Blood of Jesus against each and every one of you! I repeat, I now plead the blood of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ against each and every one of you. Your strongholds and your curse lines have now been fully broken, fully severed, and fully demolished by the power of the Blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit!

There is now nothing else left for any of you to hold onto! Amen.

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

22

Cover

Sunday August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Biblical signs of the C

oncerning the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus Christ, as predicted in the scriptures, Jesus in the gospel of Matthew chapter 24 precisely, when His disciples asked Him the signs to expect, summarizes what was to come and how the last days would be at His second coming and the close of the age; as the disciples put it, will be heralded by so many scary signs, which include the emergence of fake prophets who Christ pointed out would come in His name, claiming to be the Christ, but warned them to see that no one leads them astray because these fake prophets He (Jesus) claimed would lead many astray.

Other signs mentioned include quest for knowledge, war in almost every corner of the earth, all forms of natural disasters which would lead to people being displaced as well as destruction of life and property, increase in immorality, persecution and killing of believers in Christ and a host of other deadly predictions would be witnessed as the end of the world approaches.

One end time sign which is prominent in this present generation, just like the others mentioned earlier, and which seem to be at its utmost, is the preaching of the gospel. It is so amazing the rate at which the gospel is being preached in the world today like has been pointed out by some clerics; the world has never had the gospel spread so fast in any other generation, all thanks to the ever growing knowledge of man. Aside the pulpit, and through print, people get to hear and read the word of God through the radio, television, internet and satellite.

Another worrisome thought about the phasing out of this world, also mentioned earlier, was the vision given to King Nebuchadnezzar and the interpretation by Prophet Daniel, which revealed that the world is at the last stage of the three generations totaling 6,000 years which God granted man to exist on earth counting from the time of the first man, Adam.

According to Bishop Bernard Ojemeni, the General Overseer of Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc, it is no gainsaying that the much talked about end has really come upon the world. As he claimed that this present generation is living at the tail end of the 6,000 years God gave mankind to operate on earth.

“God gave mankind 6,000 years to operate on earth, thus 6,000 years man’s earth lease. In Exodus 20:11 God did His creative work in six days and rested on the seventh day; it states ‘For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.’ The second book of Peter 3:8 makes clear that God’s one day is man’s 1,000 years and it states; ‘But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.’ Psalm 90:4 also buttresses the same point “For

The rapture

The frequent occurrence of natural disasters, wars raging across the Middle East and so many other signs which have been predicted to precede the end time or second coming of Jesus Christ, are from all indications being fulfilled in our day and time more than in any other generation.

Christians are left with no choice but to wonder if the said time is already upon them. ODINAKA URUAKPA looks at the implications of these worrisome and fearful developments through the prism of clerics. a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” In Genesis 2:17, God warned Adam that the day he eats the forbidden fruit, he will surely die and it states ‘But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die’ and because Adam ate the forbidden fruit, he could not live beyond God’s one day which is man’s 1000 years. Though he died spiritually, but physically he continued to live. Adam died at the age of 930 years. No man on earth has lived beyond 1,000 years. We are told in Genesis 5:27 that Methuselah the man who lived longest on earth died at the age of 969 years. Man could not live beyond God’s one day because man could not cross God’s boundary set for him as a result of sin. The 6,000 years lease given to man on earth is divided into three segments of 2000 years each. The first segment is from Adam to Abraham as stated in Genesis chapter 5; 11:26. The second segment of 2,000 years from Abraham to Jesus is a total of 4,000 years. In Matthew 1:17, we are informed that all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

GOD GAVE MANKIND 6,000 YEARS TO OPERATE ON EARTH, THUS 6,000 YEARS MAN’S EARTH LEASE. IN EXODUS 20:11 GOD DID HIS CREATIVE WORK IN SIX DAYS AND RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY; IT STATES

‘FOR IN SIX DAYS THE LORD MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH, THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IN THEM, AND RESTED THE SEVENTH DAY; WHEREFORE THE LORD BLESSED THE SABBATH DAY, AND HALLOWED IT. The third segment from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in A.D. 33 to date is 1975 years having put into consideration the change of the Bible or Jewish calendar of 360 days in a year to the Gregorian calendar of 365¼ days in a year and Revelation 11:3; 13:5 (360 days or 42 months covering the 3½ years of great tribulation).

So, from a programming of 6,000 years, it is remaining only 25 years to the end of the world; therefore, no one should be in doubt that we are already in the end time”, he admonished.

Ojemeni revealed that man is already in the injury time and for this reason, Satan has come out earnestly to perpetuate evil in such dimension that the world is now a theatre of all forms of vices.

“More than any other, this generation

has become a theatre of gun crisis, terrorism, social vices, immorality, bribery and corruption, lesbianism, homosexuality, fornication and adultery, drug abuse, kidnapping, war, calamities, catastrophes, earthquakes, flood, disaster, accidents, suicide bombings, hurricanes, pestilence, etc which are all on the increase because Satan knows that his time is too short that is why he is doing everything possible to recruit men and women, young and old, even children into his gang to do evil and live in rebellion against God and His Christ. He is the author of all false religions you see going on in the world.

Any religion that does not recognize Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation is not of God. Matthew 24:12 states; ‘And because iniquity shall abound, the love of

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

Sunday August 30, 2015

23

end times many shall wax cold’ and Daniel 12:8-10 goes thus; ‘And I heard, but I understood not; then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And He said, Go thy way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.’

“Even with all the preaching going on in the world today, the wicked continue to wax strong in their wickedness while the righteous people, those who understand; the wise will pursue righteousness. Be on the safe side, very soon it will be all over. Give your life to Christ and escape the soon coming 21 plagues and judgment of God on the inhabitants of the earth which will be very disastrous. In second Peter 3:9-14 we are told that the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men think, but is longsuffering to us, not willing that any one should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But we are also informed that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. This passage of scripture goes on to urge us to be holy and godly, as we wait for the day of the coming of God. If you are to share in God’s promise of new heavens and earth, where righteousness dwells, you have to be diligent so that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. So, if you have not repented from your sins, please do so now and give your life to Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour”, he admonished further.

Also speaking on end time signs, Pastor John Oni of the Good Tidings Evangelical Church of God, Mushin, Lagos, advised Christians to beware of false Christs and prophets whom he claimed are lurking everywhere proclaiming many ways to eternal life.

“Jesus Christ has already made it known to us in the gospel of Matthew chapter 24 when he was speaking to His disciples on what signs to expect at the end of time and His (Jesus) second coming, that many will come in His name claiming to be Christ and many false prophets shall arise to deceive people.

We have certainly had our fair share of these in the world today. We have many false religions proclaiming many ways to eternal life; we also have many false prophets and leaders in churches, we have those who preach prosperity and neglect the gospel of salvation and people leading these new age movements.

And millions of people have been sucked in and deceived by these false prophets.

There are also many sheep in wolves clothing in the world today who preach just enough truth to lull the unlearned mind into following them into apostasy.

Yes, this sign has certainly been fulfilled.

Church building

FIRST THESSALONIANS 5:3 STATES; ‘FOR WHEN THEY SHALL SAY, PEACE AND SAFETY; THEN SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMETH UPON THEM, AS TRAVAIL UPON A WOMAN WITH CHILD; AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE. Quoting first Thessalonians 5:3, Oni further revealed that global push for peace is a sign of the end, adding that there is an ecumenical movement today, which was listed as an end time prophecy aimed at uniting the world in an effort to bring peace.

“First Thessalonians 5:3 states; ‘for when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.’ Is this sign being fulfilled in our day? Yes. Churches and faiths and political leaders are uniting like never before in an effort to bring peace to this world. But this ecumenical movement is not of God, because we as God’s people are told in Amos 3:3, 2 Corinthians 6:17 and Revelation 18:4, not to unite with the world or any false religion.

Speaking on wars as an end time sign, the cleric claimed that hundreds of millions of people being have being killed in wars like World War I, World War II, Russian Vietnam War, Iraqi war and a host of others in the 20th century. He listed famine as another end time sign, adding man himself has been on the path of destroying the eco system through dumping of radioactive and oil into the water.

“Yes, there have been wars since the beginning as people would claim, but when you look at the frequency and intensity of wars; it is plain to see that this is a sign of the times we are living in. In the 20th century alone, more people have been killed as a result of war than all previous centuries combined. Famine is another sign mentioned in the scriptures. Just look at the

famine that has struck the world over the past 30 years. Global starvation is spreading and increasing causing one billion people to go hungry around the world.

Add to that the failed crops throughout the world because of extreme weather; we have a worldwide shortage of food on its way.

Just look at what man can do and is doing to the earth through industry, destructive weapons of war, chemicals, oil exploration, depletion of the forests and so on. Just look at the massive oil spills that have happened during these past years around the world.

Just recently, it was revealed that Russia had dumped enormous amounts of radioactive material into the ocean, and there are a whole lot of oil spillages in our waters in the Niger Delta and other places in the world. The rivers and seas are becoming completely polluted, and man is certainly destroying the earth like no other time in history, and God’s wrath is about to fall upon them”, he claimed.

Oni further claimed that as stipulated in Matthew 24:9-10, the followers of Christ will be afflicted and killed for His name’s sake as many shall be offended, and betrayal and hatred shall thrive among them.

“Christians were being killed for their faith in the first century, as well as during the dark ages when the Roman army ruled the world and killed tens of millions of God’s people. This is being repeated today here in Nigeria and places like Iraq, Iran, China, North Korea, Pakistan, India and Egypt where many Christians are being killed for their faith in Christ Jesus every day. Matthew 24, more end time signs are being listed as verse 12 states; ‘And because

iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.’ Just go back 50 years and you would not see half the sin and wickedness that we see in people today. Sin is on the increase; idolatry, adultery, violence, lust, greed, disrespect, homosexuality, theft, lying, aggression, selfishness and others too numerous to mention. Look at what is portrayed on our TV screens and in the movies and video games; violence, lust and all manner of evil. This is one of the major end time signs. Our world today is aching under the burden of sin and I am sure God will not allow it to continue for much longer”, he submitted.

On why the rapid transit of the gospel has not been able to influence the people to change their bad ways, Oni said: “Matthew 24:14 states; ‘and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the entire world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ Jesus categorically said ‘this gospel’ because there are many gospels being preached out there, but it is the true gospel that is to be preached to the world before the end can come. So is this being fulfilled today as one of the end time signs because God’s people are preaching the true gospel throughout the world like never before, through the internet, TV and satellite, radio, on the pulpit, and through print. We have never had the resources available before to reach the world the way we can now. We are living in a time like no other and the gospel message is soon to reach the final corners of the earth, and then the final stages of this earth’s history will take place”, he claimed.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

24

From the

Pulpit Sunday August 30, 2015

Believers’ rights in the Kingdom, by Pastor Muoka General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in this piece, explains rights of believers in God’s Kingdom. Excerpts:

B

elievers, those who accept truly that the Bible is the word of God and that Jesus was born, crucified for our sin, was buried and on the third day resurrected for our justification and now at the right hand of God have right to great rewards at the end of life. All those who forsake their all for Christ shall have wonderful and everlasting packages in this present world and in the world to come. This is the promise of God Almighty to all that are regenerated, all that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. Every child of God that is truly born again is in God’s miniature kingdom already here on earth and as long he/ she is into that kingdom (family of God), he/ she has inalienable rights to all the blessings of the kingdom.

Luke 18: 28-30 says, “Then Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. 29.

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, 30.

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting”.

Every true child of God must endeavour to get the awareness of his/her rights in the kingdom. The reason being that in the absence of the knowledge of these rights, such person will of a truth be in many sorrows.

That is why the Bible says in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children”. The people referred above that are wallowing in ignorance are not unbelievers but the known people of God, believers who are supposed to educate others about the benefit of the Kingdom are even ignorant of the treasures of the Kingdom. This class of people ought to have known, having the opportunity, as the people of God. What makes so many to be in continuous sorrow and pains is the lack of the knowledge of their rights as believers.

If we disPastor Muoka

honour God with that which is our honour, it will, sooner or later, be turned into shame to us. And seeing that it is never the will of God for any of His children to suffer, He has decided to unveil the kingdom’s privileges to us and as we know and take advantages of them, it shall be well with us in Jesus name.

Daniel 11:32 says, “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits”.

If you know what belongs to God and which by extension what belongs to you, then, you will do much exploits. You can only function in the things of the Lord according to the knowledge you have of God. If you do not know that God is righteous, you can ignorantly indulge in sin and yet be working for God. If you do not know that God is merciful, y o u m a y think t h a t God is wicked.

If you do not believe that God answers prayers, you could assume that intercessors are

wasting their times or that praying is an exercise in futility. It is because of lack of knowledge that some people go to native doctors for blessing instead of God Almighty who is the embodiment of blessing, and who has blessed many we read about in the Bible.

So, it is the knowledge of God you know that shall make you to be strong and do exploits.

John 13:17 says, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them”. If you know what belongs to you and begin to lay claims to them, you will be a happy individual. So there is need for knowledge in following the Lord, there is need to know of the things that belong to you and there is the need to know the things that belong to God and by the kingdom extension are also yours.

If you lay claim on them, God AlAl mighty shall bring them to pass in your life for it is not His will that believers should suffer and perish.

Therefore, when you go before the Lord in prayers with the knowledge of the things that belong to you, He will remove every problem in your life.

You should always preyour pare minds and be ready to know and possess your kingdom benefits in Jesus name.

Our rights in the

Kingdom explained All true children of God have the rights to all the blessings of God. All who are genuinely born again, who are living right, and whose names are in the book of life and living to please God, have the rights and all God’s blessings belong to them.

1st Cor. 3:21 says, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours” As long as you are born again, all things are yours. You have all things including the good of all things. The comfort of life is yours, and the end of life is yours, with the true use of it because the sincere Christian lives in the glory of God his/ her father which secures his/her salvation. That which is in itself so terrible is for the believer’s advantage, their friend, their privilege, their passage to heaven and their deliverer from sin. All these are dispensed covenant blessings, which are dispense in love to us.

Christ’s death was the death of death and by this exercise, He has disarmed disarme theredeath of its sting, thus the believer there longer fore fears not its dart. It does no longe hurt, but now a healing serpent. There is i no venom or malignity in it again. Behold Behol all things are yours, life or death, things thing present and things to come. their Many who do not know about thei begging rights in the kingdom are crying, beggin hospitals from people, going to different hospital and wasting their hard earned resources an time, and in the process, may have received receive Those all sorts of insults and harassments. Thos Christ who are unaware of their rights in Chris themJesus tend to bring reproach upon them God selves and cause unbelievers to mock Go lifestyles due to their begging and sickly lifestyle Those despite owning all things as it were. Thos their who do not know their God and thei anrights in the kingdom always murmur, an time gry, complain and cry asking all the tim of their portion in the Lord.

The children of God who do not know of the things that belong to them murmur bemur, complain and be come angry because becaus they

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

PASSION

A Lifestyle Magazine

APPLAUSE

‘More women should engage in charity work ‘ >>27

I love to flaunt my legs –Funmi Babalola >>26

25

Sunday August 30, 2015

26

Passion

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I love to flaunt my legs –Funmi Babalola Funmi Awelewa Babalola is an up-and-coming actress, model and fashion designer.

In just two years in the industry, she has featured in about 20 top movies. She won the best model award last year. This rising star unfolds her lifestyle and what thrills her most about her acting career to ADAEZE AMOS. You studied Library Studies, why did you opt for acting as a career?

I have a great passion forr acting. I came into the industry in August 2013.

Tell us some of the movies you have starred.

I have starred in ‘Wosi Kenke’, ‘Pepeye’, ‘Ropo Ijogbon’, ‘Ikoko Aje’, ‘Excursion’, ‘Ere-Ola’, ‘Adalute’, ‘Koto’, ‘Ise Ile Itura’, ‘Ebu Ika’ and others.

girl, local girl, to being dynamic.

Had there been a crazy thing a male fan had ever done to you?

A male fan once walked up to me and pleaded with me to kiss him in public.

Would were W uld you have done that if it we Wo ere in n private?

Not at all.

What do you do to avoid stardom getting into yourr head? silver I wasn’t born with a silve er spoon, neither was I born bo orn with a wooden one. So,, lookloo oking back on the things I have hav ve passed through, I always alway ys make sure I don’t do on’t ala success low the su uccesss to g get into

Which was most challenging?

The most challenging was my first movie

which I just produced, entitled ‘Awelewa’. I played the role of ‘Morilli’, Ibadan girl with the Ibadan accent from beginning of the film to the end.

Have you ever regretted any role you played in a movie?

I have not.

All the roles I have played are games as long as I’m concerned.

As an actress, what thrills you most?

M a n y things thrill me, such as seeing myself act as an old woman, poor

my head.

Itt has been God bee n Go od all way. the way y.

Who aspiring Wh W o are you asp iring t be like? to be I want to t b e like Funmi Awelewa.

Awe elewa.

I believe so much in myself I myse elf and a don’t want wa ant to be like anyone an nyon ne in the acting actting world because because I don’t know what w t their journey journe ey is all about. aboutt. I put everything every ythin ng in God’s God’s hands because He beca ause e knows the kno ows best besst for fo or everyone. ery yone..

Which actor acto or would you y like liike to be paired red tto o be

able to interpret romance roles well?

I would like to be paired with Gabriel Afolayan because I see him as a fantastic actor.

If you were not acting, what would you have opted for?

Fashion-designing.

Can you your

relive de-

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Applause

Sunday, August 30, 2015

27

but experience in a movie set?

It was awesome.

‘More women should engage in charity work’

If taking off your clothes in a movie would add meaning and life to the film, would you do it?

I would not.

How daring are you in romance movies?

I act according to the script, just as it’s scripted.

What part of your body do you love to flaunt?

My legs, because they are fresh.

What was the most scandalous story ever written about you?

The most scandalous story ever writwri ten was between me and Bidemi Kosoko.

Kosok It was written that we were fighting beb cause of Ibrahim Chatta. Bidemi and I had no issues and Chatta is just our ou senior colleague, no strings ata tached.

What are the qualities of your ideal man?

A man with ambiamb b tion who’s God-fearGod-fea a ing.

Can you marry ya poor man? ?

Ye s , I can ca a

marma a ry a poor man ma a with a betbe ter tomorrow, tomorro ow not a lazy man. man Where do you think our ladies are not getgett ting it rightt fashion-wise? fashion-wise Our ladies ladiie need to opt o op for what wh h fits them the e and not n because a style is trending trendin n in the th fashion fashio o circle, y o u want to go g for it. iit

ADAEZE AMOS

Q

ueen Ure Okezie, ex-banker, music diva and CEO, Dream and Become International, was recently spotted at Heart of Gold Orphanage at Masha, Surulere, Lagos where she visited children with disabilities.

She had come to do what she loves doing by giving back to the society. She paid a visit to these special children under the auspices of Porpori Platform, her initiative.

Aside from just visiting, she also offered them gifts. s. For about 45 minutes, this kind-hearted d-hearted lady carried the e kids, one after the other, aloft and spoke poke to them in an emotiononladen voice. ce.

W h e n asked why y she could d not connceal herr feelings,, she said in n a subdued d voice, “When you come in con-tact with them, carry them, look into their eyes,, you can’tt but feell bad and d wonder why they are the e way they are.

I’m also wondering what could have caused their heir problems, whether ether it was due to malnutrition lnutrition on the part off their mothers when n they were pregnant. It could be certain nutrients ents that were lacking when they were pregnant, or maybe their ir mothers were ill and

that affected the babies while they were in the womb. I have asked myself several questions, not arriving at any answer,” she said.

Based on the kids’ abnormality, the first set of people she counselled were pregnant mums. The reason, she believed, was that most of the deformities took place in the womb and it could have been prevented.

“My advice is that pregnant mothers should learn to take care of themselves. Go the extra miles to find out what you should eat when pregnant because what you eat affects your unborn child. It can make or mar an unborn child. Take necessary multivitamins,” she urged.

Concerning pregnant mums who indulge in self medication, she urged: “If for any reason you find yourself pregnant, you should know that a baby is getting set to come into the world. Try and keep the unborn child safe and unhurt, starting from the time of conception.

Don’t indulge in self medication. There are some drugs you shouldn’t t a k e when

pregnant. If you take them without telling your doctor, it may affect your baby and cause some malformation.

“You should also be prayerful when you are expecting a child because prayer helps a lot. It prevents certain attacks from affecting you and your unborn child. While delivering your child, all would go well because of the power of God.” Mothers who have children with disability and are on the verge of disposing them, the physics graduate of University of Jos has these soothing words for them.

“But if for any reason you are a mother of a child with disabilities, the Lord is your yo strength. Remember you shouldn’t for a any reason do away or abandon such a child. Don’t Do throw the child away. Where is that milk of kindness in you as a mother? Know that for f you to have a child with disability, it means mea that there are special blessings attached to it.

So, keep the child, pray for her, who knows know God might decide to do something in future! futu I personally believe in the power of prayers. There is nothing t h a t prayers cannot do or rectify. So, S challenge God in faith, you would see what He would do rather than dumping the child by the roadside,” Okezie advised. advised Concerning some women wom who delight in throwing throwi parties and expensive a decking themselves in gold, without giving givi society back to the socie or caring for the t said needy, the diva sa also they “should al work learn to do more wo of charity. Being charicha having table doesn’t mean havi much money. The little you y have, share it. You can share sha it by visiting orphanages rather rath than lavishing your money in p parties. Better still, go to such places plac and celebrate with them. That is what I have been doing under PorP pori Platform, and honestly God G has been faithful. Nothing stops sto you from joining us and being bei part of God’s blessings,” she s counselled.

28

Sunday, August 30 2015

GROWING UP with

Aunty Titi

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ANIMAL FACTS

Harlequin Frogs

Hello Children, How are you enjoying your holiday? Make sure you help your parents at home, also ensure that you read your books.

There are interesting stories, jokes and other articles for you this week. Please don ’t forget to send in your questions and observations.

Once upon a time

H

The Golden Egg

O

nce upon a time there lived a cloth merchant in a village with his wife and two children. They were indeed quite well-off. They had a beautiful hen which laid an egg every day. It was not an ordinary egg, rather, a golden egg. But the man was not satisfied with what he used to get daily. He was a get rich-trice kind of a person.

The man wanted to get all the golden eggs from his hen at one single go.

So, one day he thought hard and at last clicked upon a plan. He decided to kill the hen and get all the eggs together.

So, the next day when the hen laid a golden egg, the man caught hold of it,

took a sharp knife, chopped off its neck and cut its body open. There was nothing but blood all around & no trace of any egg at all. He was highly grieved because now he would not get even one single egg.

His life was going on smoothly with one egg a day but now, he himself made his life miserable. The outcome of his greed was that he started becoming poorer & poorer day by day and ultimately became a pauper. How jinxed and how much foolish he was.

Moral: One who desires more, looses all. One should remain satisfied with what one gets.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

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

arlequin Frog inhabits the moist environment of the rainforest floor, from lowlands up to the cloud forests. They often occur in the vicinity of streams, where they breed. It is a small (2.4-3.8 cm; 1-1.5) slim-bodied, pointy-snouted toad of highly variable coloration. Dorsal color is usually black or brown overlaid with a mosaic of spots and streaks that can be almost any combination of orange, red, yellow, blue, or green. Sometimes the lighter colors predominate. The belly is marbled with white, yellow, orange, or red. The toes are pointed, without discs Harlequin frog is a large genus of true toads, commonly known as harlequin toads or stub foot toads, from Central and South America, ranging as far north as Costa Rica and as far south as Bolivia. Atelopus species are small, generally brightly colored, and diurnal. It is mottled light and dark, with ground coloration ranging from lime-green to yellow-orange and surface markings in black (from dots to uniform coloring). The ventral surface ranges from yellow-green to orange with the same type of black surface markings, the throat and venter can appear bright scarlet, and the groin can appear bluegreen or green. The snout is short, and in profile acute or rounded. The pupil is horizontally elliptical, there is no tympanum, and there are no distinct glandular ridges. Paired elongate vocal slits run parallel and lateral to the tongue; males have an internal vocal sac.

Most species are associated with midto high-elevation streams. This genus has been greatly affected by amphibian declines, and many species are now considered endangered, while others already are extinct. While threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and introduced species, the primary cause of these declines appears to be the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.

The Harlequin Frog is diurnal. It is usually found sitting on rocks and logs near a stream or in rock crevices during the day and within crevices or low vegetation at night. It is a poor swimmer that rarely enters streams, and appears to de-

pend on wet surfaces in the splash zone for moist. It feeds on small arthropods (generally no larger than 7 mm in size) which are more abundant during the dry season .It is slow-moving, sedentary, and less wary than other local frogs; these characteristics appear to be adaptive behaviors related to aposematism.

Some individuals are long-lived and have been recaptured over 3 consecutive years. Over the year, Harlequin Frogs tend to aggregate in waterfall splash zones with the progression of the dry season. The only known predator or parasite is the sarcophagid fly, Notochaeta bufonivora. The fly larviposits on the posterior surface of the frog ’s thigh, and the larvae subsequently burrow and feed within it, killing the frog within a matter of days.

Males begin calling and defending territories at the onset of the wet season, and pairing begins 2 to 5 months later, from mid-August through early December The sex ratio is male-biased, and males often enter into amplexus early and remain with the female for as long as 32 days. Females deposit eggs in the water from the end of the wet season to the early dry season, October to December.

The aggressive behavior occurs within and between the sexes and is characterized by forelimb and foot wagging, chasing, pouncing, and squashing.

Male-male antagonism is generally longer than female-female aggression and involves chirp-like advertisement calls and wrestling behavior. Male aggression is heightened both during the breeding season and in high density situations. Female-female aggression lacks wrestling and calling, is generally less intense and less frequent, and seems to be related to the defense of foraging or shelter sites Intersexual aggression is almost always female to male; females will chase, pounce on, and squash males who have invaded their territory, and they will attack males whom they have dislodged from amplexus. The only hostile behavior of males towards females is holding the amplectant position despite a female ’s efforts to disengage.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

29

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Dude Style

victorudoh804@yahoo.com 07067124302

I’m in love with wristwatches Oluwaseyitan Lawrence aka Seyi Law, is one of Nigeria’s popular comedians. In this interview with VICTOR UDOH, he speaks about his growing up and what inspires his jokes. Excerpts: How was your growing up?

I didn’t have the opportunity of living with my parents, and so growing up was a bit tough for me. I spent most of my growing up years in the boarding school; the experience was not really fun-filled; it was a terrible time for me. When I finished my secondary school and my mum was to go back to Liberia she moved out at the point when we had serious financial challenges and so I had to do all sorts of jobs to support the family. I worked as a bricklayer and sales representative at a communications company. I also worked as a casual worker at PZ and a phone-call operator at a business centre. But I thank God for everything today How did you come about the name Seyi Law? I think the aspect where people think I studied law is quite good because it serves as a conversation point for me and it helped me build lots of contacts. Actually, it was Dewhen I met Jedi in De cemI ber 2005 that he said should pick Seyi from Oluwaseyitan and law from Lawrence. That was how I combined the two and got Seyi Law, coined by Jedi.

Today the name is a brand in the comedy industry.

Who is your mentor?

I got into the

dustry without a mentor. I learned while I was in the business; I looked at different people in the business and they are unique, from Alli Baba who is the king of comedy, AY who understands the business side of shows, Basket Mouth, another comedian who understands branding in the comedy world, among others.

What inspires your jokes?

God is the major source of inspiration and talents. I get inspired from everything that happens around me and reality.

What is your greatest achievement in life?

It is the opportunity to be on road to fulfilling my purpose and helping people with their dreams. I was tired of people around me suffering. So I needed a way to give back to the society. Then I discovered I can motivate young people to success through putting smiles on their faces.

Having been in the industry for 10 years, how come you have not s suffered any scandal?

I think it’s because I am jjust ust me. I don’t live above my means.

What is your advice for fresh artistes?

I always tell them to be themselves, and also to take out time to know who you are.

How was your first experience on stage?

I had a good first experience because there was no stage fright. I studied other big comedians and built myself.

What is that fashion item you love to wear?

I could be naked in my house, but I love wristwatches.

How did you give back to the society?

Y o u know a lot time of What is your philosophy of o life? people Take every step to be a good goo od person. Be good would say , if you live whatever to everyone around you. In honesty h right you live well; you tend d not to have any- you do thing hidden, after the truth th there is nothing you better to be said. keep it with yourself and What’s your advice for this s new governlet God watch. ment? consider My advice is to con nsider every Nige- Tell us about rian important; importantt; they should try your educational as much as possible to give Ni- background. p gerians the e basic needs, like electricity y, etc.

What about the co-

in-

medians who pirate other people’s jokes?

For those who come into the industry, they have to build themselves to create their own uniqueness.

I’m not very educated, but I’m trying to get more education as much as I can.

I studied Computer Science in Lagos State Polytechnic where I got my ND. After that, I have gone on to do training for project management and I’m also a certified HLC from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, UK. I also did advance diploma in MR Resource Management in my own little way. Currently, I’m with the National Open University of Nigeria doing Business and Entrepreneur for my BSc. Basically, my wife shows understanding in the course of my professional journey, the same year I started this profession was the year I met her and she has been there for me always.

Your last event Fast and Funny was one of the best things to happen in Nigeria.

How did you come about the show?

The truth is I only did Lagos Must Laugh once, and when I did that we had a serious break in between. It was affected by the sudden removal of fuel subsidy, so we didn’t really get the expected number of people we wanted.

When I thought about it, I decided to take a break and face my international shows. It however suddenly dawned on me that I would be 10 years on stage this year and I said, what can I do to celebrate it? So I decided to consult widely.

I discussed with Ali Baba, who was stunned by my years on stage which runs very quickly. I met other colleagues too, who also expressed shock over my fast movement in the industry. Consequently, the word fast kept coming up in all my discussions.

That was how I got the name fast and funny. Having looked at the series of the Hollywood film, fast and furious, so I thought we could build on the series too in Fast and Funny. So we have picked the date of next year’s show which is July 24 and we are tagging it: ‘Seyi Law, Too Fast Too Funny’.

&

30

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

You can call this line 08050324794

CELEBRATING THE JOY IN MARITAL BLISS AUGUST 30, 2015

Ifeoma ’s candour excited me –Prosper TITILOPE MORAKINYO

BABIES OF THE WEEK Adesire Okedeyi

I

t was joy recently as the families of Nebolisa and Ojemeni as well as friends and well-wishers came together to celebrate the wedding of their children, Ifeoma Nebolisa and Prosper Ojemeni.

The wedding which was held at the Revival Pentecostal Assembly at Lafia, Nassarawa saw an array of guests dressed in a colourful Aso- ebi attires.

Commenting on how they met, he groom said, “Both parents were close friends and lived in the same compound in Nassarawa after which the bride ’s parents contributed to my welfare. They parted and since they were bonded by the gospel and her parents were working in the groom father ’s church as a result, ‘it was easy for us to meet ’.

The groom ’s father went for a programme at the Revival Pentecostal assembly, Lafia which happens to be the church of the bride ’s father. After the programme, the bride asked the groom ’s father to extend her greetings to the groom. From

A

there the groom collected the bride ’s phone number. Their relationship started which culminated in marriage after a space of one year ”.

On the qualities which the groom cherish in his wife, he said, “Since we were both brought up in the Christian background, she has the fear of God, loving and faithful. ” According to the bride, , he is a friend of God, trustworthy and sincere. On the proposal, the groom explained, “I gave her a surprise visit, took her out for lunch after a refresh-

ing meal, I asked her to be my companion in the journey of life through good times, challenges, ups and down, knelt down and put a ring in her hand. She gladly accepted the proposal.

On the advice to singles, the groom said, “They should shun the fear of the unknown which might be discouraging them from getting married and trust God to guide them in the choice of their rightful partners. The youngmen should also care for their ladies and treat them with care as weaker vessels during the time of courtship.

He ’s humble and loving –Titilope

O

ladipupo Oyenola and his heartthrob, Titilope Akinwale quit singlehood and were joined in holy matrimony at the Revd. Mellor Memorial Methodist Church Nigeria Cathedral. Oladipupo, the groom, was decked in black suit and colourful corsage to match, while Titilope, the daughter of the Bishop, Diocese of Remo, Methodist Church, wore a simple but classic gown that accentuated her lovely figure. She completed her bridal appearance with hair fascinator, earrings, necklace and bracelet.

Titilope, who calls her soul mate “my honey ” says he is humble, loving and down-to-earth; she is convinced that she made the right choice in marrying him.

The groom, on his part, said his beautiful wife had a good upbringing by decent and respectable parents as she is sweet, decent and humble.

After the church blessings, all roads led to the Adegbola Events Centre Nigeria Theological Institute, Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State, for the reception where the

atmosphere was filled with excitement, love, merriment and all-round fun.

Guests were sumptuously

treated with mouth-watering delicacies and they were entertained with sonorous music as well.

desire Okedeyi was born at Agbado Health Centre, Agbado Station, Ogun State to Olaoluwa and Olatorera Okedeyi.

She was delivered at 5.30 p.m. and weighed 2.5 kg.

On what she craved for during the pregnancy, she disclosed: “I craved for eko and water leaf soup. I also loved to eat amalalafun too besides all other types of food. During the period, I also drank a lot of water. ” “There were no obvious physical body changes aside from my big stomach but I looked more radiant and full of life. Delivery was also normal as I did not experience any complication or trauma, ” Olatorera disclosed.

“During the pregnancy, nothing irritated me, ” she said.

What do Adesire ’s parents love most about her?

“Everything is lovely about

her; she is beautiful, hairy and smiles a lot but she disturbs when she is hungry, ” she revealed.

What does Adesire ’s parents want her to become in future? “We want her to become a medical doctor but my greatest desire for her is that she becomes the first lady either of this country or her state because I love to be called the mother of a first lady. I am not ruling out God ’s decision in her life because He ’s the only one who decides the fate of His creatures. However, her decision later too matters but we will give her all the support as her parents, ” she stressed.

On the meaning of her names, she said: “She was named Adesire because it was when she was given birth to that her father opened his new business site, which means she arrived when good things are happening to the family, ” Olatorera explained.

Esther Boluwatife Taiwo

E

sther Boluwatife Taiwo was born at Omolayo Hospital Olambe, Akute to Oluwole and Oluwafunke Taiwo. She was delivered at 10.10 p.m. and weighed 3.8kg.

According to Oluwafunke, “during the pregnancy I longed for beans, ewa aganyin, to be precise, shawama and amala. And for drinks, I craved for Coke. ” Were there obvious physical body changes? “I had swollen leg, nose and my complexion changed to black, ” she said.

The odour of alcoholic drinks irritated her at the time. “I was irritated by the smell of alcoholic drinks, ” Oluwafunke revealed.

What do Esther ’s parents love about her? ”She is beautiful and active, ” Oluwafunke noted.

On what they want her to become in future: “We want her to become a medical doctor, ” Oluwole said.

On the meaning of her names, they said, “Esther means favoured in the sight of God and king, while Boluwatife means as God wants.

We gave her the names because God gave us uncommon favour, ” she disclosed.

31

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

What to wear …‌hot legs competition AUGUST 30, 2015

ADAEZE AMOS

H

ot legs competitions still take place on campuses.

Thus, if you are a university undergraduate getting set to attend this kind of show in your school, you are not expected to be in maxi or midi dresses. Though you may not be one of the competitors because they usually file out in hot pants, you are still expected to slip into a dress that would flaunt your hot legs as well.

Nonetheless, take a cue from what actresses Rita Dominic and Lara Gold are donning on this page. They indeed look stunning. Or what do you think?

Perfect Cut

32

African Look Jazz up plain fabrics with African prints ADAEZE AMOS

I

n case you want to jazz up a plain fabric with a colourful stuff? You surely can with African prints. Because of its splendid colours, Ankara is the perfect fabric to use for this. Therefore, if you want to mix and match or do some beautiful patchworks on a plain fabric, the African print stuff is the ideal material to use.

If you are confused ass to how to go about this, take a closer look at the models on this page.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Imagination,

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, August 30, 2015

a good guide in fashion sense ADAEZE AMOS

S

ome ladies slip into stuffs that don’t fit their body frame or stature because e they didn’t imagine themselves in the dress or style first before opting for it. One question you u must ask yourself whenever you are getting set to design a new dress is: how would I look in this his new outfit?

Fashion, they say, works with imagination. Thus, when a particular style or trend d is in vogue, and you cherish it, you really need to use inner eyes to imagine yourself in that style first and c nd see how you would look. loo Your imagination is key in the fashion world because it gives you room to considerr your age, shape and colourr choice for a pa particular p rttiic cul ular a style.

Don’t go because on a mannequin. Let your imagination guide you. o copying ssheepishly he h eep ep piis ish hlly b be ec ca ause it looks good o

Perfect Cut

33

34

Sunday, August 30, 2015

L

OVE

TALK

with Yemisi

Adeniran

Why most women don ’t look forward to having sex

I

n the observation of most marriage counselors in Nigeria, it is believed that sex plays a major factor. Most times, however, women are blamed for denying their husbands of this fun .

But while men will always be ready to pull the triggers of their guns where this issue is concerned, they often fail to consider the real different factors that may be responsible for this.

For instance, years of staying together often times make sex a routine for many. To many men, and perhaps women, sex has become an instant thing whereby, the man just climbs the woman, do some familiar press-ups and gets up.

This type of approach and practice makes sex, instead of exciting, somehow repulsive.

For the man, it is easy to get aroused and get move into the act of sex instantly, but not for the woman. The woman needs to be drawn into the mood both mentally and physically, and that takes a process; a gradual process. That gradual process is what is known as foreplay.

Of course, foreplay comes handy here.It is, no doubt, very important to having sex. It prepares the two parties for the excitement and takes them through the process of arousal to the real action –sex. It is the process that creates introduces the match stick, strikes it, light the fire and continue to fan it until the fire goes wild. A foreplay session makes intercouse very rewarding and fulfilling. Ask those that have adhered to the rule religiously and they will tell you.

Foreplay does not only start when you are locked up with

your spouse in the room. For a lovemaking that will take place in the night, the foreplay can start in the morning.

That gentle touch that you give you spouse is a foreplay; it strikes a chord in him or her and makes her feel somehow horny. That gentle kiss that you give her is part of the foreplay because it creates some excitement in her. That hand that you slip up her thigh while watching a movie together is another one. It has its own effect.

Let us focus on the situation where you are locked up with that woman in the room and sex is the issue.

You have been told that the rule forbids you hopping on her and grinding away as if she is some godforsaken horse.

Then, what do you do?

Undress her, but not in a hurry. A gentle and slow process of removing her blouse and exposing her breast cupped up in the bra would be interesting. Just as she feels the clothes leaving her body, the exposure gives you a kind excitement.

The same goes for you unzipping her trousers which reveals her panties. Removing her pants and even the bra very gently and slowly will also forma part of the arousal techniques.

Go gentle, go smooth, go slow. Being very rough and fast can prevent you from achieving the desired result. Smooth and gentle kissing of some parts of her body will certainly blow her. Doing it gently will make her melt in your hand and want you to remain at the point for eternity.

Don ’t go for the kill immediately. You may be familiar with the most sensitive part of your partner, but that does

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

not mean you should go for it immediately. It will only show you as one who is desperate. For instance, don ’t go “attacking ” the breast immediately you have her naked before you. You may go for the hair, the legs, the ear lobe, the neck and other erogenous zones. Having warmed her up to an extent, you can then go for the breast or the neck which are usually very sensitive.

Talk dirty; pay compliments. It is not usually always about touching; it is also about talking. Talking dirty and in moderation would have its own effect. Telling her how sexy she looks would excite her and bring her deeper into the session.

Don ’t be stagnant. Staying in a spot for too long will create boredom. Even when you know that a particular spot excites her, you don ’t have to confine yourself to the spot.

Simply go to other areas and return to that spot as many times as you can.

Be in control. You need to be in charge of the game, not forcefully though. Let her know the position you want her; tell her to opeen or close her eyes if need be –this could be done by gently closing her eyes gently; whether she should look at you or do something else.

Get down. Going down to the main area of attraction is not out of play. All you need to do is to be gentle as you rub her thigh up, using your nose, fingers and the whole of you.

Lubricate her: Going through foreplay will achieve something: Lubricate her. Therefore, make sure that she is well lubricated before you finish up your foreplay. Having achieved that, then you can go on to sex.

Beyond all of the above, however, is the place of peace of mind in all of these. A woman who is bothered with a lot of unaccomplished desires and projects is likely to be insensitive to a man ’s love gesture. It is therefore important that men go the extra mile to make their wives happy and settled mind to have them welcome them with all open hands and all. We all know that a merry heart is capable of great adventures. A word is supposed to be enough for the wise.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults

I

am a fitness expert and there are also some natural ways that people can improve their sexual performances. Do you care to discuss these other options for your readers? Thanks – Sarah Yes there are a variety of things that people can do to naturally improve their sex lives, especially if they are not suffering from severe sexual dysfunctions.

Exercise is one way to do it. Exercise improves blood circulation within the body and of course without adequate blood flow to the sexual organs, men and women cannot get aroused. Cutting habits like smoking and alcohol also help improve performance because these substances can interfere with the neuro transmitters that send messages from the brain to different parts of our bodies, one of which is the genitals.

And then there are a variety of foods and drinks that can help with performance too. Coffee helps keep you awake and helps you battle exhaustion. Herbs such as Ginko Biloba, Ginseng, Maca etc combine very well to aid sexual arousal and performance energy in adults but because very few people are able to identify these individual roots and herbs, we generally recommend natural supplements that already have the appropriate blend of the specific herbs for sexual performance.

Those are the ones we write about every week, such as Rhino 7, X Again, Magic Mike etc – Uche Well Uche. I am one of your biggest followers and I never miss an article of yours. I really want to benefit from some of these products you write about but I am diabetic so I don ’t know if I can try any of these drugs. These days I cannot get a firm erection. I am 57 years old – Chidiukwu Thanks for your mail Chidi. Yes diabetes does affect one ’s sex drive especially

the medication taken for the treatment of diabetes. Thankfully, there are some supplements that aid erections and can be taken by diabetics. Libigrow erection enhancer is one of them and it is very good.

One capsule of Libigrow will strengthen your erections and remain effective in your system for up to four days. Libigrow only works on sexual stimulation and it is very effective in stopping premature ejaculation and enabling performance stamina too – Uche Hi guys. I was really excited reading your last article about performance enhancers. One of the products you introduced caught my eye because I have used it before when I was in Atlanta two years ago. I am talking about the Vimax and it really did add some inches to my penis. I tried different things but I totally agree that Vimax is one of the best if not the best – Ogbonna I am a woman in my forties. My husband just marry a second wife. Maybe is because we don ’t sex like we use to. Since my children come, I no feel like sex. A friend say you can help – Madinat Oh yes there are many supplements out there than can help you. We have a new aphrodisiac for women called G Female Oral Tablets and it is very powerful.

It will arouse you, make you want sex regularly and helps vaginal lubrication too. So I recommend it. Take one tablet once every 72 hours – Uche I use Max Load for the increment of semen quantity and it has been working fine. But I heard you have something else like it called Volume. Which one is better? Haruna Max Load is very good but Volume Pills does more for you. For instance in addition to increasing your semen volume by up to 500%, Volume Pills also gives erections and improves fertility because it increases motility (the speed of movement

of sperm cells towards the female egg). it for today. Adults in need of these treatSo they are both good but Volume Pills ments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 for help or visit www.zeevirdoes a lot more for the user – Uche I am 61 years old with erection issues. tualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivPlease what is the difference between ers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email Rhino 7 and Boss Rhino Gold? I am inter- us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.comested but I don ’t know which one to take Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

– Abiodun They both do the same thing but Rhino 7 is 3000mg while Boss Rhino Gold For strong erections/performance, get Rhino 7, Libigrow or Man Up. is 1500mg. So Rhino 7 can For Penis enlargement get VigRx, Vimax, Extenze or Potent Pump. work for up to one week To maintain erection use Couple ’s Vibrator or Sta Hard Cock Ring. while Boss Stop premature ejaculation with Forever Yours Cream or Gladiator Cream.

Rhino works for four to For painful intercourse use Mood Sensitive Lubricant or Colt Lubricant. seven days.

To reach orgasm, get Nympho ’s Desire Arousal or Encounter Orgasm Gel. But they do the same thing Female libido boosters are G Female Oral Tablets or Kangaroo for her. which is giving very firm erec- To tighten vagina use Liquid Sex Tightening Cream or Tighten it up V Gel. tions, stopping Women ’s Vibrators: Hunni Bunny Vibe or Fancy Night Heat Series. premature e j a c u l a t i o n , To attract a partner use Optimale Cologne or Sex Aphrodisiac Essence. enlarg ement Male Masturbators are the Real Skin Latin Pussy or Hustler ’s Choco Pussy. of the penis, semen incre- Female strap-ons are the Afro Wooper Strap-On or Limited Edition Strap-On. ment and stamina. Have Male strap-Ons for weak erection: 6 inch, 8 inch or 10 inch Penile Extension. you ever taken Educational adult lms are Adam & Eve Sex Positions & Maximising G Spot. an aphrodiFeature Films: The One, One Wild & Crazy Night or Young Hollywood siac before? If you are new to We also have magazines, lingerie, games, love cushions and condoms. it, start with Boss Rhino To order by phone, call: 08171912551, 08027901621, 08051924159, Gold and then you can prog- 07038845262 or easily order at www.zeevirtualmedia.com & pay online. ress to Rhino Other payment options include bank deposits, internet transfers, phone 7 if necessary Transfer or cash on delivery. We deliver discreetly all over Nigeria!

– Uche And that is

ZEE VIRTUAL MEDIA LOVE AND SEX PRODUCTS

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

35

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Pregnancy Talk

Naughtiest Thing

with

The naughtiest thing I ’ve ever done

Adaeze Amos ߾ࠆ߾ࠀࠁ߾߿ࠀࠀࠇࠁ ߶ࠡࠛࠡ ࠝࠜࠚࠧ߷

Five things pregnant mothers dread

P

regnant nt mums usually have worries that keep them on their toes. These things rob them off their sleep or make them m panic. Below are some off what these expectant mums ums dread. Find out yours so o as to confront it.

Fear of delivery: For first timers, rs, this fright is on the high side and don ’t blame e them for that.

That is their ir first time of being pregnant. gnant. Most of them overcome come their fear by reading ng magazines, books, journals rnals that deal in delivery. But mind you, this shouldn ’t ldn ’t rob you of your peaceful sleep.

Else, your blood pressure would be affected ffected and you know thatt is dangerous..

Just bear in mind t h a t when you get there you ou would cross the bridge. Also, remember that some ome teenagers who had been victims of accidental pregnancies were able to push and had their babies. You too would be strong to do so.

Anxiety over sex of baby: Women who have had many children and they are still trying their luck to see if they would

have a desired sex of a baby are the ones that should be concerned with this. Know that your anxiety would not change the sex of your baby. So, be at rest and leave it to God. Abnormalities and disorders: The fear of having abnormal babies is the worry of some women, especially those who must have visited some centres where children with disabilities are kept. In order to avoid this, don ’t indulge in self medication. There are drugs you dare not take when you are expecting a baby because they

could affect You aff ffectt them. them Y ou need to be careful with what you eat and drink.

Avoid alcohol and anything that is caffeinated; don ’t be a passive smoker.

Anxiety over genotype: If you are an AS carrier and your spouse also has AS genotype,

Tamara Eteimo

you are likely going to be worried that your baby may be SS. If you knew b e fo re get-

‘I stole my cousin ’s clothes ’

F

ting married and you both decided to risk it, it is not out of place if you are jittery over the genotype of your unborn baby. It is not surprising when you channel your prayers to that.

Miscarriage: If you

h a v e h a d miscarriage two or more times, chances are that you are more likely going to have more according to medics. So, try to know what causes your miscarriage so as to avoid them.

rom as early as I can remember, I have always loved good things of life. In, fact this has been so right from when I was a child. While I was in school, I did something that makes me laugh each time I remember it.

There was this fashionable cousin of mine. I used to admire her dress sense and choice of clothes tremendously.

She was always on point, if this would drive my description home. At that time, I didn ’t have enough money to buy her types of clothes and I wanted to look good, gorgeous if you like.

I would take her clothes, in fact, steal is the word, and I would make sure she wouldn ’t be around the day I would do it so that she wouldn ’t see me and spoil my show.

Usually, a day before I go back to school, I would just

pack all that I wanted from her wardrobe. She had a lot of clothes and I knew she wouldn ’t know I had taken some almost immediately.

I would go back to school and avoid her calls for, say, five days. By that time, I would know her anger must have subsided.

Thereafter, she would react, shout, get angry at me but the clothes would be mine because she would not take them back from me. She was a big girl!

Please, don ’t blame me for doing that; I have always loved good things!

-ADAEZE AMOS Tamara Eteimo is a Nollywood actress.

She is from Bayelsa state but grew up in Port Harcourt, studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt. This screen diva started acting in 2011 after winning The Next Movie Star Reality TV Show.

36

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Irish stew

Bogle Vineyards wine

A

lthough the Bogle family has been farming since the 1800’s, it wasn’t until 1968 that the father and son team of Warren and Chris Bogle planted their first 20 acres of wine grapes in Clarksburg, California. Clarksburg is a small farming community nestled in the Sacramento Delta.

Today Bogle Vineyards farms over 1,000 acres of wine grapes in the Delta region. While the winery was estab-

I

rish stew is a foreign meal and an Ireland’s national dish. It is traditionally made with mutton, but most often it is made with lamb.

At times, vegetables and potatoes are added; onions, leeks and carrots not only add extra flavour but also nutrition to the stew. The choice is yours.

Irish stew is traditionally eaten on St Patrick’s day as well as Samhain but seriously, it is far too good to keep to just a few days a year, so it is now eaten all the time.

Ingredients • 500g mutton or lamb cutlets (bone removed) cut into 2”/5cm chunks.

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil. kg potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters 1 cup onion, roughly chopped.

1 cup/ 100g leeks, cleaned and finely sliced carrots, roughly chopped.

1½ pint dark beef stock.

2 or 3 cabbage leaves, thinly sliced (optional).

Salt and pepper.

How to prepare In a large frying pan, heat half the oil hot

but not smoking. Add half the lamb pieces and brown all over. Remove the lamb and place in a casserole, cover with a half of the potatoes, onions, leeks and carrots.

Add the remaining oil to the frying pan, heat again, then add the remaining lamb and brown all over. Add to the casserole and cover with the remaining vegetables.

Add the flour to the frying pan and stir really well to soak up any fat and juices.

Cook on a gentle heat for three minutes then add stock a ladle at a time until you have a thick, lump-free sauce.

Pour this sauce over the beef and vegetables.

Add the remaining stock to the caserole, cover with a tight fitting lid, and cook in the oven for 1 hour.

Add the cabbage (if using) replace the lid and cook for another hour.

Check from time to time to make sure the stock isn’t reducing too much, if it is add a little boiling water.

The meat and vegetables should always be covered by liquid. If the sauce is too runny at the end, cook a little longer with the lid removed.

Season with salt and pepper.

lished ten years after the first grapes were planted, it has grown tremendously along with the vineyards. Bogle Winery is currently producing 100,000 cases of wine. Winemaker Christopher Smith joined the winery in 1992. He sources fruit from some of the best vineyards throughout the State of California and blends that fruit with the best grapes from our Estate Vineyards in Clarksburg.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Growing Up

Sunday, August 30, 2015

DO YOU KNOW?

PUZZLE

An octopus ’ eyes have horizontal pupils

T

he large and complex eyes of an octopus help it to perform the two functions most necessary for survival and that is finding food and avoiding trouble. While most of the octopus body is quite flexible in the water, the eyes are more solid.

37

Strangely, an octopus eyes have horizontal pupils and the eyes remain at the same orientation regardless of the creature ’s position, so if it turns on its side or even upside down the gaze of the eyes remain fixed in relation to the horizon.

WHO INVENTED WHAT? Herman Hollerith devised the punch card

TONGUE TWISTER

How much wood would a wood chuck chuck If a woodchuck could chuck chuck wood He would chuck, he would, as much as he could And chuck as much wood as a woodchuck would If a woodchuck could chuck wood

WORDS ON MARBLE Success...is found where there is the intelligent expertise of the commander, the bravery of the troops, and faith.

Francisco Franco

GAMES

H

erman Hollerith first got his idea for the punch-card tabulation machine from watching a train conductor punch tickets. For his tabulation machine he used the punch card invented in the early 1800s, by a French silk weaver called Joseph-Marie Jacquard. Jacquard invented a way of automatically controlling the warp and weft threads on a silk loom by recording patterns of holes in a string of cards.

Hollerith ’s punch cards and tabulating machines were a step toward automated computation. His device could automatically read information which had been punched onto card. He got the idea and then saw Jacquard ’s punch card. Punch card technology was used in computers up until the late 1970s.

RIDDLES

Super Mario 3D

S

uper Mario 3D Land is a game in the Super Mario franchise for the Nintendo 3DS, and the first Mario game overall for the console. This is the second 3D Super Mario plat former for a handheld device with Super Mario 64 DS being the first and an enhanced remake of the first 3D plat former handheld. It is the successor to Super Mario Galaxy 2.

The player takes on the role of the main protagonist of the series, Mario.

Mario ’s slightly younger brother, Luigi, is only playable by the second player in the game ’s multiplayer mode, and

assumes the same plot role and functionality as Mario. The objective is to race through the Mushroom Kingdom, survive the main antagonist Bowser ’s forces, and save Princess Toadstool. The player moves from the left side of the screen to the right side in order to reach the flag pole at the end of each level. The game world has coins scattered around it for Mario to collect, and special bricks marked with a question mark ( “? ”), which when hit from below by Mario, may reveal more coins or a special item.

The game ends when all lives are lost.

QUESTION: Which letter of the alphabet has the most water?

ANSWER. The letter C. QUESTION: What starts with the letter P, ends with the letter E and has thousands of letters?

ANSWER: The Post Office!

QUESTION: What begins with T finishes with T and has T in it?

ANSWER: A teapot QUESTION: What word begins and ends with an ‘e ’ but only has one letter?

ANSWER: Envelope QUESTION: How many letters are there in the English alphabet?

ANSWER: There are 18. Three in ‘the ’, seven in ‘English ’ and eight in ‘alphabet ’.

QUESTION: What is the longest word in the English language?

ANSWER: Smiles - Because there is a ‘mile ’ between the two S ’s.

38

Movies & Music

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Sound Sultan speaks on his songs

S

uperstar musician Sound Sultan has revealed that he never gets tired of watching himself on TV or listening to his songs on radio. The Naija Ninja made the revelation during a radio interview alongside DJ Xclusive at The Beat 97.9 FM Ibadan ahead of last weekend’s Star Music Trek #IbadanRocks concert at Trans Amusement Park, Samonda, Ibadan.

Speaking to our correspondent, he said, “I have this permanent reset button. I never feel satisfied with my work and I feel like an upcoming artiste every time I hear my music on the radio or I see it on TV. I can never get tired of seeing myself on TV.” The show, sponsored by Star Lager Beer also featured performances by Chidinma, Presh, Wizkid, May D, Wande Coal, Pasuma, Young Grey C, Sunkanmi, Pepenazi, Base One, DJ Xclusive, DJ Nana, and many others.

Sound Sultan

MI premieres Bullion Van video amid fans

Mo’Eazy premieres new single, Kòjábólè!

A

few months after dropping the hit track ‘Na We’, featuring Runtown, Afro Rap/Pop hit-maker, Mo’Eazy has released another monster single entitled ‘Kojabole’.

Known for other popular songs including ‘Ragabomi’, ‘Smile’ and ‘Kosoro’, Mo’Eazy not only reveals himself as a poet but also showcases his lyrical prowess on the new track which connects deeply with fans who encounter challenges in their daily lives.

His words: “Kojabole is one track that connects with so many people today who face everyday struggles. No matter how hard it seems, cling to the essence of

your dreams and fight back; you are the writer of your destiny.

“KoJaBole is a survivors’ mantra. Despite all the devices contrary to progress, the gross suffering and the painful learning curve, KoJaBole represents the victory anthem, that comebackstrong message. In Yoruba language, Ko Ja Bole means ‘It Did Not Fall’.

“After complete darkness... there is light! So tell them you did not fall... Importantly, tell yourself that no matter how hard life forces you faced down, you will never hit ground... You will never fall

MI

Skooboi takes comedy to next level

M

S

uperstar rapper M.I. premiered the starstudded video of ‘Bullion Van’, the third single off his critically acclaimed album ‘The Chairman’ in front of excited fans at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

The premiere, which made up part of his performance at the Star Music Trek 2015 #BeninRocks concert took place in front of over 20,000 spectators who got to see Choc Boi Nation stars Ice Prince and Victoria Kimani star alongside The Chairman in the video which also saw the famous ‘Monkey Suit’ make yet another apm pearance after appearing p iin the ‘Monkey’ and ‘Bad Belle’ videos.

B Other stars who feattured in the video included Runtown, Phyno, c Stormrex, Gerrarahia viral video actor Francis Odega, Jesse Jagz, DJ Lambo, DJ Caise, Loose Kaynon, Koker, L and several others. a

Skooboi

onday Chinedu, aka Skooboi and also the brain behind Ask How Entertainment, is set to take comedy to the next level. The event, which is the maiden edition, will hold today at Rehoboth Hall, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.

It will showcase many top artistes and promises to be hilarious and educative.

The comedy show which is tagged, ‘Skooboi Master Class’, is taking up

a new style of presentation in an unusual way.

It is supported in concert with HipTv, Afrotainment,Wazobia FM, In and Out media, BMEDIA, Soundcity,Cocacola, Lasaa Kysfilm, Graphic+Print, DG Studio.

Top comedians such as Elenu, Mc Shakara, Buchi, Ajebo, MC Shaggy,Still Ringing, Eboh Bomb, Acapella, Danny B, Pencil, Laff Doctor, Holyface, among others would be there .

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Movies & Music

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Miss Green & White Nigeria holds in October

M

iss Green & White Nigeria is gathering momentum to kick off the second edition. Amiable Juliet Geoffrey-Porbeni, the brain behind the beauty pageant, a former beauty queen and show business entrepreneur, is getting set to hold another pageant where 2015 beauty queen would be crowned.

“The pageant is designed to promote peace, unity and stimulate awareness against violence and apathy towards the oneness of the country. It will celebrate the youth and at the same time young Nigerian women; pre-

senting them as unique blend of beauty, elegance, intelligence and excellence. In fact, it recorded an 85 per cent success in attendance and commercial turnover as well as corporate brand presence,” said Geoffrey-Porbeni.

The second edition scheduled to hold on October 4 is projected to record double that success rate considering a multiplicity of elements that have been done to make this year’s show better than last year’s.

Auditions are scheduled to hold in six different states “from where we hope to screen

36 contestants who would represent 36 states of the federation. These contestants would be admitted into a ‘bootcamp’ where they would further be exposed to the rigours of keeping up as beauty queen and super model”.

She said they would also be trained in skilled and hand crafts. During the pageant, the contestants would be judged using certain criteria which would include intelligence, outspokenness, physical attributes, elegance and etiquette. These criteria would be employed by judges in timing down the 36 contestants in four different rounds culminating in the last five contestants from which the final three would emerge giving the second runner-up, first runner-up and the actual queen.

Geoffrey-Porbeni stressed that the

39

event is open to corporate organisations, well-meaning individuals, philanthropic organisations, NGOs and members of the public for their financial support by way of sponsorship and corporate/product endorsement.

“We are encouraged to look beyond the entertainment such event offers but narrow our focus to the occupation it would provide for these privileged few that would be opportune to be part of this event, which is geared to exposing them to skill acquisition, personal and career development as well as building self confidence in them. This would also serve as an avenue to actualise several dreams for a number of ‘model-wanna-be’ and the discovery of some raw and natural yet untapped talents,” she emphasised.

Teens and Twenties unveils talent hunt

Jackie Chan’s Dragon Blade hits cinemas

T

he theatrical rights to exhibit ‘Dragon Blade’, the latest film by the living legend, Jackie Chan, hits cinemas across the country from September 4.

The movie was a big hit in China and now Nigeria and other regions are set to achieve the same feat. The cinematographic splendour, sprawling battle scenes, unconvoluted story, memorable thrilling scenes, mind-blowing stunts with pints of comic relief synonymous with the legend, make ‘Dragon Blade’ a film worth seeing at the cinemas.

The movie takes us to 48 BC and HuoAn (Jackie ie Chan), a Hun, serves as the e captain of the Protection Squad uad Silk Road. A Roman general al named Lucius (John Cusack)) flees to the East with his legion gion and Publius (Jozef Waite), ), heir of the ruling Roman Consul, onsul, to escape from the corrupt pt Emperor Tiberius (Adrien Brody), who plans to kill Publius and usurp the throne. one.

They meet HuoAn An at a frontier fort on the Silk ilk Road, where they receive sanctuary anctuary.

Tiberius and his army y, who have pursued Luciuss along the Silk Road, approach the fort with intention of killing Publius and ambitions of capturing and controlling the Silk Road. HuoAn decides to help Lucius, and goes to his

allies to recruit an army to fight against Tiberius. HuoAn arrives with reinforcements, and an epic battle like never seen before, begins.

‘Dragon Blade’ was directed

by Daniel Lee and stars Jackie Chan, John Cusak (Golden Globe Winner), Adrien Brody (Academy Award Winner), Choi Si Won and Xiao Yang.

According to Mr Moses Babatope, COO of FilmOne, “We are pleased to be the distributor of this thrilling movie from the veteran, Jackie Chan.

“Certainly, he is a househ o l d name in Nig eria a n d indeed Africa, having

career. Now at 60, when people think he should be slowing down, the contrary is the case, as he has proved once more that that age has nothing to do with reaching your set goals. We are proud to be associated with this film and the Jackie Chan brand and we’re confident that it will do well at the box office.”

In the build-up to its release, a shout out by Jackie Chan to Nigerians will soon be unveiled and those who troop to the cinemas to watch ‘Dragon Blade’ will have the opportunity of winning fantastic prizes.

achieved g r e a t things in h i s

Jackie

E

xcited Nollywood actors, Ebube Nwagbo, Alex Ekubo, Melvin Oduah, Bob Manuel Udokwu and others are the artistes joining forces to create a new opportunity for ambitious teenagers across the country.

They would participate in the project to be next stars to watch as Teens and Twenties Audition unveils its talent hunt.

The audition which will kick off October 30, across major cities in the country has the backing of these top actors as ambassadors of the project.

Commenting on T&T’s aim and mission, CEO, Kneol Production and Entertainment, Nwankwo Emmanuel Obiora said, “For years in Nigeria and around Africa, we have observed the cries and complaints of young people, lamenting over disregard of their acting skills and the withering of their dreams of becoming the next Nollywood superstars. Our mission is to give these teenagers and young people a chance to become the future of the Nigerian and African movie industry through the platform our auditions bring.

“Fifty persons will be selected from the auditions. Everyone will be given equal opportunity. The 50 persons chosen will be camped for a few days and taught the rudiments of screen acting by professionals. Six overall winners will emerge, three persons from each of the teenage and twenties category respectively. The 50 finalists will be registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and will subsequently feature in movies alongside established professionals, produced by Kneol Productions and Entertainment.

Also, Nwagbo who is brand ambassador of the T&T project explained their vision, “We see a Nigeria where our youths finally get the opportunities they crave to prove to the world that they can be the future of the African movie scene under the right guidance. We see a Nigeria where the talent and skills of young people are

put to good and positive use. The auditions are not for actors only; scriptwriters will also be screened and selected. We need to find young creative writing minds. Those interested in script writing should submit a summary of at least two stories on the day of the audition at the various centres.

“The best five scriptwriters will be selected and the script writers will be part of the production crew when productions of the movies begin because we believe that every writer has a better picture of the story written. The story should not be less than 150 scenes, scripts with lesser scenes will be considered on reasonable or creative grounds.”

In a statement made available to the press, CEO of Kneol Production and Entertainment partner, Oluga Kingsley Chiemerie, explained the order of the auditions.

“The Nigeria teens and twenties audition is for all those teenagers and youths out there who have got acting skills to show the world. The audition is for those between the ages of 13 and 25 years. The audition will hold in 20 states in Nigeria.

The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Rivers and Abuja. The auditions will hold in the 20 states to reduce the travel burden on applicants and if your state is left out, kindly register in the nearest state as your audition location.

“Teenagers, that is, those between the ages of 13 and 19 years shall be screened separately from those between the ages of 20 and 25 years. The best three from the ages of 13 and 19 get 500,000, 300,000 and 200,000 respectively. Same thing applies to those from the age of 20 to 25 with three-year movie contract for the top 50 finalists and top five screen writers with the best storyline. This will create an even competition between the age categories.”

40

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Lessons of Life TRUE LIFE STORY ON MATTERS OF THE HEART

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

In need of a serious relationship/marriage My name is Gabriel, 43. I need a Yoruba lady that is ready to settle down as a wife. She has to be between 30 and 35 -08151011938.

I ’m Kunle, 43, a civil servant. I need a God-fearing lady from Ogun State that is employed or into business. She should be between 30 and 35 -08066716162.

I ’m Bankole, 40, I live in Lagos. I need a busty and romantic lady to have an affair with. She must be a working-class -08138345723.

Sunday is my name. I ’m 42 and I live in Lagos. I need a sexy, trendy and beautiful lady that can get along with me -08086851954.

My name is Dennis, 25 years old. I live in Abuja and I ’m working. I need a lady of 20-23 for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage -09030465717.

My name is Ken and I ’m mature, gentle, romantic and understanding. I ’m a graduate. I want a sexy, loving, caring sugar mummy for a serious relationship -09037415634.

I ’m Desmond from South-East. I need a good-looking, educated HIVpositive woman for marriage -08094329913.ass lady or a sugar mummy for fun and connections. 08039419799.

I ’m Alex, 29 years old, and I live in Abuja. I ’m fair in complexion. I want a sugar mummy between 38 years and above for a relationship -08061500561.

My name is Dada; I ’m 49 years old, 6.2ft tall and light in complexion. I ’m a single father and businessman. I need a mature, God-fearing and openminded lady for marriage, preferably a medical doctor or lawyer, between 25 and 40 years old -08039533557.

I ’m Ade, 35, from Ondo State. I need a mature lady. She has to be beautiful and ready for a real relationship that would lead to marriage. She has to be between 25 and 30 years old -08031566833.

I am Adewale, 34 years, 5.8 height, dark, Christian, a graduate from Lagos. I ’m a businessman. I need a reasonable and reliable lady, between 20 and 30 years of age, for serious relationship -08117542314.

A model

Help! I have fallen in love with my doctor Forty two-year-old Juliet has placed her hope on God to get a good, caring husband so that she would settle down and have children. She had longed to settle immediately after her one year compulsory national service but all to no avail. She had believed in the institution of marriage and had ardently detested late marriage.

“

Even while I was doing my primary assignment in Ibadan, as a youth corps member, I was hoping that before I was through with it, I would bring a suitor home to my parents. That was the promise I made to my mother, who too never liked the idea of a girl settling down when she was desperate.

“I actually wanted to get married at 24, though I was 22 when I was serving. So, I was thinking that if I should meet the person, we would use a year or more than that to study ourselves before the marriage. But the more I hoped to achieve my dream, the more it appeared a herculean task, ” Juliet recalled.

Her five younger siblings are all girls. She said she wouldn ’t want her younger sisters to start getting married before her because her fa-

ther did not believed in the system of the younger ones waiting for the elder to get married first.

“Indeed, I needed to be married and start bearing children early enough. I heard when my auntie ’s doctor was asking her why she didn ’t get married early enough and had her children when she was younger. She was 46 and was about having her first baby. Her doctor insisted she would have it through caesarian section because she wouldn ’t be strong enough to push during delivery. She would have been able to do so if she was younger.

“That advice etched in her mind and that was when I decided not to follow her footstep. But given what is happening to me now, it looks as if what occurred to her wants to be my fate. I am scared and desperate somehow, ” she stressed.

Juliet started getting anxious when she clocked 40 years as she was not in any serious relationship. Her worried mother was always calling her on the phone to remind her of the promise she made to her when she was about leaving home for her youth service.

“Her calls became more regular and she was making me jittery

each time we finished speaking on the phone. One night after our chat, I couldn ’t sleep well. She had told me that my siblings too had no one coming for them for marriage. She wished that I should be the first to take the bold step and break the yoke, if at all it was spiritual.

“I couldn ’t sleep a wink that night. I was lying down there on my bed like a log of wood, thinking about my life and why things were that way. The men coming to me were married except my first guy on campus, Ejike. He was good to me. We were in the same university before he decided to change to a federal university because of the high fees. When he left, he continued writing to me but because I wasn ’t good in replying letters, he stopped. I was hoping to see him when the school was on vacation. We used to see when we were on holidays until he travelled out of the country and we never met again, ” she remembered.

Out of boredom, Juliet decided to be dating one of the married men who never stopped asking her out.

“I didn ’t want to date Tony but he was always coming to see me, taking me out and keeping me

NOTICE: Please note that we don ’t do personal connections outside this column. Calls to connect privately are not allowed. Just send an SMS or email and we ’ll get your request published. The request is published on first come first served basis. Thank you!

company. He was young and dashing. He got married early, at 38 and when I met him he was 48 and I was 40. When we started, I told myself that I would only date him to kill boredom until the right man came. That I was never going to love him because he was another lady ’s man.

But sincerely, I began to love him. I never knew I wouldn ’t be able to control my emotions. We dated for two years before we parted ways. He said his wife had known we were dating, that one of my neighbours who ran a hair salon where his wife usually goes to fix her hair told her about our relationship. We didn ’t stop almost immediately but that gave a deep cut in the affair. He stopped coming to my house and wanted us to be seeing in hotels, an idea I utterly detested.

I later called it quits with him though it was painful to let go, ” she said.

When they had parted ways, Juliet never knew she was already pregnant

for Tony until she started having signs of early pregnancy.

“I missed my flow but I thought it was the stress of leaving Tony that was affecting me. But when I started getting nauseated, I had to go for a pregnancy test and it was positive. I was confused the more. I didn ’t want to tell Tony because I knew that wouldn ’t make him happy. He didn ’t want anything that would affect his marriage. The first thing I did was to pack out of my apartment. I felt unsafe there since Tony told me one of my neighbours told his wife about us. The person may also tell the woman about my pregnancy. I later registered with a hospital close to my new place of abode for antenatal care. It was a private hospital and the doctor was indeed caring.

He took my case to the heart and gave me adequate attention each time I came for antenatal, ” Juliet disclosed.

•To be continued.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday August 30, 2015

41

God sees everything you do

P

rayer is a means of communicating with God Almighty. People expect God to respond to prayers positively by making them come to reality.

Many people do not know when and how to pray in spite of the fact that Jesus Christ taught us how to pray. Matthew 6:5-13. There are hours of prayer which are to be observed by faithful. Jesus Christ was always praying, he even took three of his disciples to a place called Gethsemane to pray while he was praying the disciples were sleeping.

Brethrens prayer does a lot in people’s life and devil always want to prevent people from praying and observing hourly prayer; he always wants to put people in situations where they commit sin so that their prayers will not be answered.

Understanding the desire of devil in our life, it is imperative to examine our life, actions and relationship with people, even count our possessions e.g. shoes, clothes, children, wife(s) husband and other things. We count all these things to enable us know and appreciate the position and situation we are presently in. As we are examining and counting the good things about us we should remember to do the same for the bad things i.e. the evil things we have done.

Some people have wife(s) and husband but still have four or more concubines.

Some of these people treat their concubines better than their husbands and wife(s) by showing special love for them.

They believe nobody is seeing them but someone is seeing them and even recording their activities. This message may be bitter in the ears of some people, but it is facts. Brethren, there is nothing one does that is secret to God whether good

General Overseer of Omnipotence Mission of God, Prophet Joshua Daramola Oloruntimilehin, in this admonition, warns people on the dangers posed by their actions. Excerpts:

cretly what is evil and sinful to God and or bad. God will always use his prophbelieved that no one saw them but God ets to reveal to you saw everything. Immediately David rethings you did in secret that are sinalized he had sinned against God and ful. the gravity of the sin, he “turned his Let‘s examine the story of king Dahearth apart” and became dejected and vid, Bathsheba and Uriah. God loved depressed He then told Nathan “I have David and had records of achievements sinned against God”. Again Nathan told which were counted for him. But DaDavid all what God was going to do as vid did not count and realized the evil punishment but stilled spared David’s he perpetrated by impregnating Bathlife. 2 Samuel 12:1-15 sheba wife of David‘s warlord Uriah Brethren my concern for you is that and causing the death of Uriah. David you examine yourself and attempted in many ways to cover up start counthis evil vil deed but to avail. God was dising a l l pleased sed with David for what he did because e it was evil. 2 Samuel 11:1-26 David avid felt indifferent and failed to realize the devilish act as a sin then God sent Prophet Nathan to him Then he told David a parable of two men a rich one and the other poor. The rich man exploited oited the poor man by taking the only lamb of the poor man to prepare it for his is visitor. The rich man had many lambs bs from which he could afford to prepare are more than one for his visitor Prophet rophet Nathan told David that he is the e rich man. That in spite of all the the things gs God did for David to make him ev i l comfortable; fortable; he despised the commandmentt of God and did evil in the sight of God. Nathan now revealed to him im all he did to Uriah h and his wife that he taught was secret.

M a n y people le have Prophet Oloruntimilehin done se-

things you have done secretly that are hindering answers to your prayers.

You would recall in the church at the headquarters, I brought out somebody whose sin committed several years ago have been hindering his prayers because he failed to realize and accept he had sinned then I told him where his problem came from .

Some people prefer to be seen and make people believe they are saints and holy whereas they are not. It is preferable for people to acknowledge their sins and pray to God for forgiveness of the evil deeds so that answers to their prayers will not be hindered.

Today in Nigeria, many Governors, political office holders and government officials are secretly embezzling public funds meant for the development of the country. They believe nobody is seeing them but forget that someone greater than everybody is watching i.e. God our creator. Definitely what they did secretly will be brought into open. Imagine what is happening to some former public office -holders. Finally, I implore you all to count all your sins, confess, forsake them and beg for forgiveness so that God can forgive you and give you a change of life.

2 Oloruntimilehin Street, Akinogun Pipeline, Mosan, Ipaja.

•For more enquiries call: 08023020108, 08058110288; facebook.com/pastoroloruntimilehin

‘Believers’ rights in the Kingdom’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 lack this knowledge as typified by this ‘son’. All things that belong to God also belong to those who are truly born again.

So if you are included in this group of people and you are reading this message, God has brought this to open your eyes and cause you to know your rights in Him so that you can ask for them in prayer and they shall be given to you in the name of Jesus!

John 16:24 says, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full”.

My beloved, ask from God your rights in His kingdom so you can begin to rejoice in full. You may have some things now but before God those things are nothing, so ask from Him and you will receive full measure from Him. I pray that you change your mind in the positive manner regarding the way you seek God and continue to do more than you think you are already doing for Him and He will not fail to locate you to bring about astounding blessings upon your life and family in Jesus name.

Matt. 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it shall be giv-

en you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened”. Everyone that asks from God receives and I pray that you ask so that your joy may be full. Beloved, ask and it shall be well for you.

The reason for this message and our response God has made it clear that it is never His will for any soul to perish and that being the case, He will never allow hunger, problems to cause you to murmur and perish and go to hell. God does not want anyone to go to hell. The Lord will take away all your problems, hunger, diseases, etc, so that you do not sin against Him and go to hell in Jesus name.

God loves you, desire your freedom, and embrace Him so you can live with Him forever being the purpose you have been created by Him. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Little wonder then He sent our Lord Jesus Christ to release us from the works of the

devil out of His love and care for us.

The reason Jesus came into this world is to put an end all the works of Satan. God loves us and has made everything available for us through His son our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matt. 11:28 says, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. The Lord knows about all what you are going through and He is prepared to deliver and provide you rest from all those trauma of life.

This invitation is for you, will you then come to the Lord? When you come unto Jesus, He will satisfy you.

The Lord has not saved us to suffer or to continue to seek Him in vain. You cannot devote your time to reading this message in vain, for I know the God I serve, He answers prayers. The Lord will answer your petitions speedily today in Jesus name!

Everyone should know that all things belong to us and before ever we came into this world God had made all things ready for us. Therefore, all your needs ranging from salvation, healing, deliverance, blessings and prosperity, children,

wife, husband, protection, visa, and whatsoever you need are all available. All things are yours and all His blessings are your rights in the kingdom of God, and if you will ask Him for those things at the end of reading this message, they shall be given to you in Jesus name.

Finally, for all those who have no favour with the Lord either because they are sinners, backsliders or compromisers, they should repent and give their lives to Jesus Christ unconditionally and receive Him as their Lord and personal Saviour so that they will be partaker of the Kingdom’s treasure. This is because it is sin that denies believers the right to the Kingdom. Sin is an aberration, so I enjoin you to repent from all known sins and give your life to God, become a believer and have the right to the Kingdom.

Proverbs 28:13 says, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy”. No matter the sin you are into God will forgive you as long as you are prepared to confess and forsake them. Do not hide your sins so that your prayers, the very prayers you are about making to Him now will not be hindered. Remember the prayer of a sinner is an abomination to God. A sinner is not a Christian neither is a Christian a sinner.

42

From the Pulpit Learn with Kunle

Macaulay

F

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

or a long time Nigerians were under insensitive political leaders who mismanaged the nation’s resources.

Of recent the cry for a change brought in the present government that did not only promise a change during its campaign but has actually started putting in place how to fulfill its promises. Immediately after the inauguration of a new government in Nigeria after sixteen years of suffering of poor people, many people started rolling out conditions, shall I call them what they think the government should do.

The truth all Nigerians should know is that the present government is very interested in the masses and not the wealthy alone. But all the same we cannot rule out the fact that there are many Nigerians that are very wealthy either by straight or crook means. Moreover, many politicians want to maintain status quo which is to their advantage.

Media is needed to educate Nigerians of their rights and also inform them of the plans of the government. The acceptance of conservative values by many Nigerians due to their lack of political understanding has led to endorsement of conservative ideology.

Many of us may not know Awolowo, Sardauna of Sokoto and Azikiwe of blessed memory in person but history tells us of their contributions to the development of Nigeria and it tells us

Desti Destiny Hour with Pastor Femi

Lanre-Oke

F

aithfulness is a conscious decision that a man has to make. It is the decision to stay through whether it is convenient or not. Faithful men are people who are totally devoted to a purpose; people who will not quit because of discouragement, rebuke or praise of men. Faithful men have their eyes set on the goal and will not look back until they have achieved what they set out to do.

This week, we are considering faithfulness to the purpose for which God has created you. In God’s conversation with Jeremiah, He said to him “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations”Jeremiah 1:5. This was God’s plan for Jeremiah. Thank God! Jeremiah was faithful to that purpose.

God’s purpose for Apostle Paul was to preach the gospel and he stayed at it till the end. He said “but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24 Friends, just asGod had it(a plan) in mind before forming Jeremiah; he also

Sunday August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The set time is come something revealing about our own times. Our political leaders are not like them. It was the intention of the last political leaders of this country to keep the poor from enjoying the blessings of God in this country. There is no doubt that only the poor suffered while the rich and their families enjoyed until the cry of the suffering Nigerians reached God and we were saved. In as much as I believe that we are saved, I still want to believe that the present government needs all Nigerians to succeed. We all know and trust the present President of the nation when it comes to performance because to him, there is no place for laziness. The government has started demonstrating that it does not discriminate and that it is sensitive to issues of gender, ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, beliefs and disability. Nigeria should give everybody the same opportunities – access to good education, pipe- borne water, electricity and employment.

Our life speaks of need for heroes and saints. We need men and women who care and who will speak the truth even at the risk of their lives.

Our politicians are chosen to represent the interest of their people and if they have conscience or the Spirit of God in them, human situations will change in Nigeria. If Christian leaders are actually chosen by God to serve in human communities, then they should build the ‘’mind’’ of every believer to produce excellent character outwardly. As much as I love science and technology, a Babellike over-reliance on technology in the face of the force of nature or the de-

mands of faith is stupidity. At the same time, the use of men and women who have contributed to the downfall of this nation in the present government has its dangers too.

Nigerians should be grateful unto the Lord who has blessed us with his presence in this country. I am not saying that we are completely free but we are already on the route to freedom. Many Muslims have denied that members of Boko Haram are real Muslims because true Muslims do not hate and murder.

What is important is that we are all Nigerians, created by God who purposely placed us in Nigeria, we must therefore exhibit the love of God which is the basic principle we must bear in mind. Nigeria belongs to God and God said, ‘’ I will be their God and they will be my people’’ Jere 31 :33b Let us learn to live in peace, eschew grievances and imbibe political and religious tolerance.

I have mentioned this severally that if the government is responsible for management of human and natural resources, then religious leaders must be held responsible for moral decadence in the country because it is their responsibility to build human moral and character. The two major religions in Nigeria – Christianity and Islam control the faith of over 80% of Nigerians. If they are sincere and efficient then crimes will be controlled.

The message of God is for everybody in the world. No one is excluded.

Peter said, ‘’ I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears

him and does what is right, is welcome to him..’’ Acts 10 : 34-35 The Bible passage here does not talk about Christian denomination but individuality. It says,’’ …the man who fears him and does what is right…’’. It shows that everybody has a duty to play in developing people and nation. Researchers have proved that the more a nation moves away from God and his will, the more problems it faces.

God controls humans and nations of the world. Jeremiah said,’’ I know O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps’’.

Jere 10 : 23.

It is important to know that the world was created by God and man too is his handiwork, therefore, there is no way to succeed either as an individual or nation without God. Joshua challenged Israelites, ‘’ Choose for yourself today whom you will serve.’’ Josh 24 :15.

I challenge you as you read this article to decide if you will serve the merciful God that created the heavens and the earth Gen1:1, who gave power to David to defeat Goliath 1 Sam 17, who gave Solomon the King wisdom to rule Israel,1kings 3: 7-15, who brought fire from heaven to Mount Carmel to shame the enemies of Elijah 1 kings 18: 16-39 and whose name Peter used to heal the lame man at the Beautiful Gate Acts 3: 1-10 The set time is now, we should stand together and make Nigeria one indivisible nation.

•Prof. Kunle Macaulay is the Director of Studies of United Bible University, Lagos. Phone: 0802 – 303 – 2698; email : profkunlemacaulay@yahoo.com; Twitter. com/Kunle Macaulay1

Faithfulness to purpose (3) had a definite purpose at the time of our formation. However, He wants us to discover that purpose and be faithful to it.

It is sad to know that many people in this world are trying to become other things, other than God’s original plan. Jeremiah will never have been fulfilled if he became a doctor, lawyer or president – he was wired up to be a prophet.

To be faithful to God’s purpose for your life, you should 1.

Find out what that purpose is. If you are able to discover God’s purpose for your life, you will be able to measure your faithfulness as to fulfilling it.

2.

Discipline yourself enough to get to the finish line.You cannot say you are faithful to a causewithout being disciplined. Often times, you will be left alone to defend the cause for which you are standing but it takes discipline to push yourself to move on against all odds. Apostle Paul understood this well enough when he said “brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14. Starting a race is good, but the man that is faithful to the end gets the reward.

Discipline requires consistency. You cannot discipline yourself for a month and relax; it must go on if you want to end well. Here are some points that will help you stay focused a.

Rate yourself by listing your

achievements and the remaining steps to finish every project you embark on. b.

Do something to help you get to the desired end e.g. read a book, enroll for a course, take driving lessons, learn a new language, learn a new word per day etc. Ensure you are not static, improve on yourself on a regular basis. c.

Don’t procrastinate. A sign that your level of faithfulness to purpose has dropped is when you begin to procrastinate. Procrastination pushes the finishing line further. The time you have is now, get to work so you can finish strong. d.

Don’t rest on your oars. A man who is faithful to a cause does not rest on his oars. He is happy at his achievements but does not stay there. e.

Prepare for the sweet times, also prepare for the trial of faith. Both will come, your preparedness will determine your location when the phase (good or bad) has passed.

3.

Measure your faithfulness: From time to time, measure your faithfulness.

Just like you check your blood pressure, you can constantly check to be sure you are still faithful to God’s purpose for your life. One way to measure, is to check if you are still as zealous about that purpose like you were when you first started.

4.

Be accountable unto God. You must realize that for whatever purpose you have to pursue (ministry, career, business, politics etc), you are answerable to God. Being surrounded by people to help out is a plus, you must be careful not to

leave the ball in their hands. Your creator will ask you (not them) what you did about the purpose for which He created you.

Finally, no one can discover his purpose, let alone fulfill it outside God. To discover God’s purpose for your life requires that you return to the One (God) who designed it. His arms are stretched out to receive you if you will only call on Him today.

Jesus said,“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” John 6:37.

Call on Him today with this simple prayer.

He will help you discover the reason for your existence and release the grace for you to be faithful to the end.

Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die for me. I believe in my heart that Jesus died and rose for my justification and I confess that Jesus is Lord over My life. Today, I confess my sins and receive Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I declare that I am born again in Jesus Name.

If you have just said this prayer, Congratulations!Please join a bible believing church close to you so that you can grow in grace. God bless you.

Have a week full of favour and supernatural increase in Jesus Name.

•For further prayer & counseling, Please contact: Pastor Femi Lanre-Oke, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International, Plot A22 Power Crescent, Arab road, Kubwa. Abuja, +2348030752799, +2348053695097, Email: femi_lanre01@yahoo.co.uk

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

43

Sunday August 30, 2015

Critics should let Buhari be –Primate Alder

Primate Emmanuel Babalola Alder is head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Christ, The Worshippers. As the church turns 40 next month, he bares his mind on some matters of the pulpit and issues affecting the nation. Ayo Esan brings the excerpts.

Could you share with us the establishment of this church, The Worshippers?

We were initially with Dr. Capt. (Mrs.) Abiodun Emmanuel, co-founder of the Cherubim & Seraphim Church, but when a disagreement occurred; we left when efforts to plead our case failed. I did not have the intention to establish a church, but I did not want to abandon our predecessor’s legacy; that was why we decided to occasionally go to the beachside to pray.

We first started to gather as a church at a place in Ikoyi, Lagos. There was a revelation later at the mountain that we should continue the ministry, which necessitated the existence of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Christ, The Worshippers, today.

It was on that mountain that the ministry was named “The Worshippers” on the directives of the Holy Spirit.

When was that?

We spent three years there, before we finally moved to the church building erected to the Grace of God at Lawanson, Surulere area of the state. We have been able to establish branches at various settlements and have as well been waxing stronger day by day since then. Although, there has been misunderstandings and challenges occasionally, but God has always intervened. That is the evolution of this ministry.

In the last 40 years, since the establishment of this church, what significant signs and wonders would you attribute to the church?

The Lord has numerously proven Himself in the ministry.

At inception, our church used to be a well-known church at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for the spiritual miracles the Lord had done through the ministers of the church. So the signs and wonders of the church are immeasurable.

It may not be easy here now to begin to mention the miracles and wonders that God had used this church for both in Nigeria and overseas.

What is the participation of your church in the C and S Unificacation Church of Nigeria today?

Our church has always and will continue to play pivotal votal roles in the unification of all C and S churches. We are trying ying as much as we can to make our membership count as well ll as contribute to the development of the church. At a stage in n the history of this church, we produced the then chairman of the Building Committee of the Unification in the person of General Supt. Apostle Omoshein. Under his watch, the Unification tion was able to avail us with a land at Kilometre 40, Shagamu Expressway.

Now that you mentioned the Building Committee of the Unificaication, there appears to be some slowness in some projects embarked upon. Why is this so?

In my own opinion, it is the result of the inconsistency, untruthfulness and selfishness of some leaders of the various ious churches making the Unification.

Many are sincere and are working assiduously to ensure sure that the work of God goes unhindered, but a few are not.

In actual fact, our own Church has not made some contrintributions lately. Although, we have not made any contribution tion recently, it is because of the tasking projects we are confronted nted with. Nevertheless, I think we all need to do more for all the projects before us in the Unification. But the truth is that some ome of our people in the Unification do not always make financial ncial contributions when they are asked to. Fund is one important tant ingredient in a ministry of God which must always be taken aken seriously. But holes have been left on the wall in regards to financial contributions in the church. Of course whereas some churches are not so forthcoming, some have been doing really well like the C and S Movement Church, Sacred C and S Church, Gospel C and S Church and so on. Our programmes can only thrive with financial contributions of our people. So, I urge people to turn a new leaf regarding this financial issue in order for the Unification to continue to continue to progress.

You mentioned the importance of money in the work of God, is this why some churches allow ill-gotten wealth in their midst?

Our church, C&S Church of Christ, The Worshippers, does not accommodate politicians who have soiled

their hands in corruption and other vices. We do not even want them in the first place.

So, no ill-gotten wealth can be brought into our church. The fact is, we would be glad to have our own members in such high places, because I am sure if they get there, they will be guided by the teachings we give for a holy life. Even if a corrupt politician or individual comes into our church, we will minister to him and encourage him to atone for his sins while we will not allow blood money to stay with us. One of the morals we teach our children is for them to refrain completely from unrighteousness; money and worldly wealth cannot ascertain one’s prosperity in the afterlife. It is the fear of God that is paramount.

Nigeria as a country is going through trying times as corruption has pervaded the entire spectrum of the society. What is your take on this?

If the head is questionable, they say, the whole body is useless. So, there is no way Nigeria can move forward without a good government; good leadership. Prior to the military era in the country, there was a misconception that military rule would come to sanitize the system, but Nigerians were proven wrong. When the much craved civil rule came, the rulers seem to be worse than the military. The way out of this, is for us in Nigeria to switch our prayer towards making sure the Lord chooses for us, God-fearing leaders to pilot the nation’s affairs.

I believe our prayers are being answered already in President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. For example, I have noticed a significant impact since President Buhari’s assumption of office. For one, there is tremendous change in power supply now compared to what obtained in the recent past. If he should continue this way, I believe things will be better.

But some people believe he is too slow to act…

What do you mean by being too slow?

Those saying that apparently do not know the man’s antecedents.

I have heard people complaining that he refused to appoint ministers and other aides. I think they should allow the man to study the situation well before they begin to judge him.

Things are so bad and the needs man time to study the situation on ground before he begins to ap-

Primate Alder

point. He cannot appoint for appointing sake.

Like you mentioned, things are rotten, but even many of the churches know and habour these looters of the nation’s resources.

These looters are among their church members, but because those looters benefit their churches, they refuse to expose them. I will not want to mention names. Many so-called men of God are even more corrupt than some politicians that we talk about. Today we see men of God ride in aircraft; palatial yachts, exotic cars when the Bible tells us that the love of money is the root to all evils.

So, ministers of God should make sure they have the fear of God in them in whatever they do. The Ten Commandments given to us by God must be strictly adhered to so that the Lord will answer our prayers. However, it is not only in Christianity that such things happen in Nigeria; it is also prevalent in other religions too. So, care must be taken at all spiritual corners of the country.

Today we battle with Boko Haram insurgence. No one appears to be safe in the country again. What is the way out of this?

The main cause of insurgency is traceable to corruption in the final analysis. Like I had said earlier, the cankerworm of corruption is so endemic in the country that people can do anything for money.

We have heard how underdeveloped most parts of the country are. Maybe if youths who we know make up a large chunk of this sect are being well catered for, they would not be prey to Boko Haram and join them, but see where we are today.

If things had not being that way, there wouldn’t be anything like Boko Haram insurgency. Insurgency is also traceable to lack of contentment of some politicians.

As a matter of fact, religion is not the cause of insurgency in Nigeria, because both Christians and Muslims serve the same God. I want us in Nigeria to be righteous and his and follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ C part of teachings. Covetousness is equally eq the cause of insurgency; when whe a politician wants to live larger than his income, the only way out for such suc a person is to devise other means mean to meet up.

Regarding the ministers of God, min they should imbibe imbi the fear of God. There is also high level of immorality today even in churches…

These are signs of the end time. All these have been foretold by our Lord in the Holy Bible. Imagine what wha we hear today; man marrying man and same for woms en too; Sodomy exactly. The wa way young men and women dress nowadays leaves leave much to be desired. But part of the problem is that some of the so-called ministers of God encourage this too. encou Maybe because of money they cannot canno control their members’ attitude. Morality has even eve been lost in some homes. Many parents cannot control their children to the path of God again. Like Lik I said, these are signs of the end time. We had been forewarned about all these in the Bible and they the should not be strange to us. Ministers of God should consistently be righteous in their righte preaching. If they do this, their followers will wil complementarily walk in righw teousness.

In te other words, ministers of God should endeavour to always discourage immorality in the society.

44

From the Pulpit

T The voice of wisdom o

with Dr. David

Oyedepo

L

ast week, we discovered from scriptures that the destiny of every believer is locked up in the Bible and it takes a diligent search in the Word to unlock it.

Furthermore, we explored the worth of our destinies in redemption from scriptural references. This week, we will examine how to encounter destiny and what the benefits are.

How do we encounter Destiny?

The Following, among others, are some of the ways we can encounter destiny: •First, Through the Bible – The Living Word of God: God’s Word is the mirror of life where we discover who we are, what we have and what we can do.

Every believer has a free access to the Word, from where we have encounter with destiny. Every encounter with the Word is an encounter with destiny and we must understand that the Word is God and God is the Word. This implies that God dwells in His Word, so we can encounter Him through the Word. This is why whenever we open our Bible, we must be desperate for an encounter with God that will open a new chapter to our destiny (James 1:22-25/John 1:1/1 Samuel 3:21).

Priesthood House “

I

with Pastor Bola

Bello

John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the Isle of Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:9). The purity and the incorruptibility of the word of God would constantly oppose to the principles and ideologies of the world as long as those who hold the testimony of Christ, preserves its integrity and its veracity.

This would however become a pull for persecution and tribulation, as the Saints lives by this principle would be hated by the world.

The earth and the Church are extremely opposed to one another due to conflicting ethics and lifestyles. This is the reason why the first century Saints especially the faithful ones were persecuted, killed and maimed for the truth which they believed resolutely. We should also be reminded that, we and these former Saints are companions in the tribulation and in the kingdom of Jesus Christ as long as we do what they did. In other words, we need to be prepared for opposition from the world, if we will bring the kingdom of God to this earth. Tribulation and anguish are the penal suffering of Christ who became the unjust for us to become the just before we can be brought to God the Father (1 Pet 1:18). We are likely to go through same, before the world can take us seriously.

Presently, the Church has evaded persecution as a result of compromise and concession since some leaders of the Church brings the content of the word of God to a worldly standard and for private/convenient interpretation. The word of God is opposed to the standard of the world. It is an illustration of

Sunday August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Encounter with Destiny through the Word! (2) • Through Anointed Books: Anointed books are not only designed to enlighten us, but they are also channels through which we encounter destiny (Hosea 12:10). I have had few experiences with anointed books. For instance, I read a book in 1979, Seven Keys to Divine Healing by Kenneth E. Hagin.

That was where I encountered the light that informed my verdict, ‘I can never be sick!’Through the book of T.L. Osborn titled, The Purpose of Pentecost, my spiritual ears popped open and I began to hear God as a man hears his friend, as far back as 1976. Also, it was through an encounter with the book of Oswald J. Smith titled, The Man God Uses, that God delivered to me the master key to fulfilment of destiny in September 1976.

Again, through the book of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, God unveiled the mystery of prosperity to me in March 1982.

Our experience of church growth today is traceable to my diverse encounters through the church growth books of David Yongi Cho. I therefore believe that no matter how gifted, anointed, intelligent any believer can is, God has ordained access to books as a booster of our spiritual understanding.

What are the Benefits of Encounters with the Word?

• Encounter with the Word connects us with destiny, that is, our inheritance. For example, Jacob had a glorious

destiny through an encounter with God (Isaiah 9:8).

• Encounter with the Word preserves our destiny; as in the case of Joseph (Psalm 105:17-22).

• Encounter with the Word dignifies destiny; as it was with Samuel, who had series of encounters with the Word and emerged an honourable man of God (1 Samuel 3:21, 1 Samuel 9:6).

• Encounter with the Word advances destiny. Diverse encounters with the Word enlarged the destiny of Abraham and advanced that of Moses (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:17-18/ 1Samuel 12:6).

In addition, we must recognize that we are a people of equal destiny in Christ. For instance: • We have all been redeemed out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; as priests and kings to reign on the earth.

• Peter also said that our God is not a respecter of persons and that everyone that fears him and walks according to the rules are entitled to same experience (Acts 10:34).

• Paul also said, there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him(Romans 10:12).

Therefore, there is no basis for envying anyone in the body of Christ. We must not look at one as more favoured than the other, because we have a common heritage in Christ (Revelation 5:9-10, Romans 10:12).

I, therefore, believe all we need is to take responsibility by engaging our spirit in a desperate search in the Word for en-

counters with destiny. Remember, it is not enough to read the Word once, as no outstanding student reads his book once for an exam. We must keep searching until we find the things that belong to us (Luke 15:7-8; Proverbs 20:7; Isaiah 26:9; Proverbs 24:14).

Friend, accessing the deep things and blessings of God is possible when we are born again. You can accept Jesus Christ today by releasing our hearts to Him and saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.

Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Maximized Destiny, Making Maximum Impact, All You Need To Have All Your Needs Met and Miracle seed.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

•I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Church as God designed it - Burden of the kingdom and throne of Christ on earth (8) another kingdom entirely different from the kingdom of the earth. The kingdoms of the earth are inferior to the kingdom of God and it must be subjected to the kingdom of God (Dan. 2:44). This is not a call for disobedient to the civil authority, of course we are admonished to obey them but we are expected to eschew the corruption and self centeredness associated with the kingdom of the earth. The Church has different hope and different pursuit dissimilar from the hope and pursuits of the world. The hope of the world is material gains, treasure of the earth and pleasures which the world offers. This does not also indicate that Saints are without hope and rewards in this life. Paul of Apostle reminded the Corinthians Saints that their hope in Christ is not only here on the earth but is also in heaven.

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” 1 Cor. 15:19).

In other words, the cherish hope of salvation of our souls, the redemption of our corruptible flesh and the establishment of the kingdom of Christ on earth are the major hope of the Saints.

This is the reason why we lived uncompromised life and deny ourselves of the pleasure of the world and the lustfulness of the flesh. It is thus, required of the leaders of the Church to bring another meal to the table in which the hope of our calling will be painted to the Saints so that Saints would run along with it. Church is raised and built with different materials divergent from the materials in which the world is raised. While the world nourish the flesh and raise the flesh to prominence; through the pride of life, the possession of worldly materials, the Church crucify the flesh and deny it of illegitimate affections that can make it more prominence than the demand of the Spirit.

There is constant warfare between the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh is canal, sensual and

always desires its own things. The Spirit is divine, submissive and always seeks for the things of God. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Gal. 5:17). The inclinations and the desires of the flesh are to possess the world at the neglect of divine inheritance. Flesh draws Saints away from God. Flesh emphasize on what you should become in the world, what you should attain in the world and the kinds of life you should live to please yourself. The Spirit teaches what you should become in Christ and drive you to a different hope which has eternal value. The contrariety of the flesh and the Spirit is in their products (Gal. 5:19 - 21). The solemn products of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

The most interesting of these products, which the present day Saints would not desire due to false teaching and false hope is longsuffering.

The word longsuffering does not indicate “staying long in the place of suffering or hardship. It however denotes slow to wrath. In the book of Exodus 34:6; it says “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, the LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression…..”. This is a display of longsuffering. Enduring people in their weaknesses and showing goodness and mercy to the undeserved people – the first work of love.

This is the summary of what has being said; teaching the Saints in the way of God is not in the message of prosperity and affluence. It is not the working of miracles and power gifts.

It is in showing the Saints the way of God, the culture of the kingdom and teachings the world

to embrace same, so that the kingdom of the earth would become the kingdom of Christ.

Church must come to manifest herself as sons of God and the material to prepare them is in strong meat. “For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe (Heb. 5:13). The Church has stayed long in the babyhood stage through the principles of the doctrines of dead works which does not have capacity to quicken the flesh and bring the Saints into full grown sons.

The Ministry gifts must begin to teach the Saints on the doctrine of resurrection.

Again, resurrection is not being raised from the dead alone. This will surely happen. However, the resurrection of the flesh preludes the resurrection of the dead. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved (Eph. 2:5). To be quickened is to be given another life different from an ordinary life. It is an ability to live like divinity, act like divinity and possess the nature of the divinity. It means a reviving, a refreshing and a recreated life.

The teaching of this kind of resurrection would bring the Saints into another life more superior than the possession of gold and silver.

Do not forget, we have more rewards in this earth than the earthy people. This reward is however veiled, only the teaching of the message of the kingdom can unveil it. I pray that the Holy Spirit will open the blinds and cause them to see the true hope in which the saints are called to hold. This is the design of the Church.

•Pastor Bola Bello – The Priesthood House, bolabelo@gmail.com 08033704564

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

From the Pulpit

Sunday August 30, 2015

45

Favoured Generation

F

avour is an act performed out of good will or generosity. It is a product of mercy. Sometimes it can be difficult to explain favour because there is a thin line between favour and partiality. When it comes to God, favour can even be more difficult to explain because what divine favour can achieve in a man’s life can be far beyond reasoning or logic (Exodus 12:36).

36: And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

What the children of Israel achieved here as a result of divine favour, should have taken them a fierce battle to accomplish. Before it can be said that you spoiled your enemy, you must have fought a battle and won and the bounty from the war is your spoils. But this was what the children of Israel achieved without lifting a single sword. That is what favour can do for people that has been favoured by God. These set of people are called the favoured generation. Jesus Christ belong to this special generation because he was ever increasing in the favour of God (Luke. 2: 52) 52: And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.

Favoured generation is the generation of men and women chosen by God to enjoy His special privileges. These are the set of people that have result without struggle.

They are people who survive when others are dying. When God make you a part of this favoured generation, you become the praise of people; your life becomes the envy of others. Isaac enjoyed this special privilege in his days, while others were reducing because of the famine he was rather increasing and becoming great (Genesis 26: 1-3, 12&13).

1: Now there was a famine in the land – besides the earlier famine of Abraham’s time - and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistine in Gerar. 2: The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3: Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with

The Bride’s voice with Pastor Moses

Y

Alu

ou are welcome to the presence of God this morning.

Hallelujah. Nobody comes before the presence of God and remain the same. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Hymn 33- ROCK OF AGES Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee, Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure.

Could my tears forever flow, Could my zeal no languor know These for sin could not atone Thou must save, and thou alone; In my hand no price I bring Simply to thy cross I cling While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyes shall close in death, When I rise to worlds unknown And behold thee on thy throne Rock of Ages, Cleft for me Let me hide myself in thee

Bishop Opayinka

you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham...12: Isaac Planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. 13: The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.

NIV Favoured generation are people that survive in economy of any country. Not everybody in this planet earth is opportune to enjoy the favour of God or belong to this generation. Some people wake up into struggle and may be in this position for most part of their life.

When Peter stood up to preach the Word of God and about three thousand people believed him; as these people gladly accepted the word of God, they became part of this favoured generation. When you are favoured, people come around you and whatever you ask from them is given to you just as the people of Israel. When you contact God’s favour things begin to turn around for you.

To be part of this special generation, the following should be done: 1. Receiving the word of God gladly: Acts 2:41, It takes divine favour to hear the voice of God. Accepting it and doing it is synonymous to enlisting oneself as part of this favoured generation. Reading this write-up is a good step into enlisting yourself as part of this special generation. Many are receiving

the word of God today but not with the gladness of heart. Many have received the word of God but it is not meaningful to them. Celebrate the word of God as it comes to you.

Spread the word of God as it comes to you.

Believe the word of God and keep it closely within your heart to obey it. Many come to church and their problems are never solved rather they move from one problem to another because they never received the word with gladness and joy. Receive the correction and rebuke of God with gladness just as in (Job 5:17), 17: Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

2. Continue the work of God steadfastly: Acts 2: 42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer(NIV).

Steadfastly means doing the work meaningfully and mindfully. When you are actively useful to the kingdom of God, the mercy and protection of the kingdom remains upon you.

The favour of God will be upon you as you release yourself to the work of God. When you continue in the work of God steadfastly, you cannot be killed and God will make you great.

3. Believe in signs and wonders and its manifestation: Acts 2:43 -Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles(NIV).

Don’t be a Christian on Sundays only, let people see you preaching the word. The signs that are mentioned in Mk16:17-18; 17: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18: they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well (NIV); are meant for those who believe enough to move and preach the word. We must declare the word of God to people.

4. Meeting the needs of people or be a problem solver: Acts 2: 45- Selling their pos-

sessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need(NIV). Helping people in times of their need is one of the ways to be part of this favoured generation. (Pro 3: 3 & 4); 3: Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart 4: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man (KJV). You want to be favoured, then bless a life, touch a life and help a life.

5. Live life of Praise unto God: Acts 2: 47- Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (KJV).

Favoured generation are men and women that love to praise God. They always create an altar to praise God and testify about God. Your praises unto God put devil into confusion and bring a divine favour of immense magnitude upon your life. 2 Chron. 20: 21- 22, 21: After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendour of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” 22: As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

(NIV) You too can be one of the favoured generations if you avail yourself these principles of God. God has spoken and revealed unto us how we can enlist ourselves as part of this special generation. Follow these principles and you will begin to enjoy the inexhaustible flow of divine favour in your life.

See you next week as we journey to the throne together. Bishop Joshua KolawoleOpayinka is the presiding Bishop of Glorious Tabernacle International located Behind Ondo State Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State capital. Share your testimonies and prayer points with me at: O8060297831 joshuakolawoleo@yahoo. com

Homosexuality: An abomination (1) May God answer that prayer. And when you come before the presence of the Lord, your level must change; spiritually and physically.

I have a special number to render and it is from our hymn book; Hymn 165- THE GOLDEN BELLS. There is a land beyond the river, That we call the sweet forever; And we only reach that shore by faith decree; One by one we gain the portals, There to dwell with the immortals, When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Chorus: Don’t you hear the bells now ringing?

Don’t you hear the Angels singing?

‘Tis the glory hallelujah jubilee, In that far-off sweet forever, Just beyond the shining river, When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

We shall know no sin or sorrow, In the haven of tomorrow, When our barque shall sail beyond the silver sea, We shall only know the blessing, Of our Father’s sweet caressing, When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

When our days shall know their number, When in death we sweetly slumber,

When the King commands the spirit to be free, Nevermore with anguish laden We shall reach the sweetly aiden When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

The golden bells are ringing. Any time a bell is ringing, it is calling attention to something. It is hallelujah jubilee. And when I say jubilee, it means freedom. The antichrist system kept the children of God caged in the denominational system; caged us and nowhere to hear the truth. And it is only the truth that can set us free.

When you come to this church, we want you to know that we are a product of jubilee.

Even from our name, you should know because it is not common. We have a message!

In Exodus Chapter 21, how many years can you keep a Hebrew slave? Six years. After six years, what must you do? You must release that slave to go because it is jubilee.

When the gospel will come to the gentiles, it is to pass through seven (7) ages. Revelation Chapter 1, 2, 3 makes it clear. God allowed the denominational spirit to cage the Word; to cage the children of God. Somebody travelled all the way from Zimbabwe because he watched our broadcast. May be, he is watching us now and he said ours is an unusual ministry. This man is a prophet; an overseer of a church with about 4000 members. He said what surprised him after watching us was that he saw proph-

ets. He said in all the churches he has visited or seen, pastors are under prophets but he saw a church where prophets are under a pastor. So he said it is unusual and he wanted to know the secret.

Error has taken over so much in the church so that the truth now looks awkward. A pastor is a pastor and a prophet is a prophet. How can a prophet be a pastor?

God allowed the denominations to cage the people because he was working out his agenda. But in the 7th church age, he ignited Rev. 10:7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.

That is the bell that is ringing; that is the jubilee sound. That passage says the mystery of God should be finished.

Hymn 306: ORIGINAL LIFE God’s attributes were manifested To His Bride in this last age We have caught the revelation By the last prophet’s message And we know who we are And what we are raised up for, Praise the Lord, for the Original Life.

Continued next week •Pastor Moses Alu; The Bride Assembly, Odofin Park Estate, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Ijesha Bus stop 08033524903 : Email: pastormosesalu@yahoo.com

46

From the Pulpit Chapel of Holiness and Testimony with Pastor K. I.

Bona

Continued from topic 10 of last week Forsaking those old ways of life When true repentance is had, forsaking of the old ways of life follows with ease. However in the eyes of God, anyone who confesses without forsaking is deceiving himself or herself.

Proverbs chapters 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Dear child of God, stop confessing without the willingness to forsake for such does not move God. Today, take decision to confess and forsake, you would be amazed, how you would receive dumb founding grace in his presence.

You must be born again The Greek word for born again is Gennao, meaning to procreate, regenerate, beget, bring forth and or have a new seed. Born again is an experience in one’s Christian life when the spirit of God lives in him/her and controls him/ her. It is a situation in a Christian’s life when the spirit of God enters into the heart of a Christian through the word of God, circumcises the heart by the sword of the word of life bringing forth a new spirit in that Christian.

This new spirit in that Christian, then give birth to a new man. This new man is now being controlled and led daily by the spirit of God. In other words, the spirit of God is sitted enthroned over the spirit of the believer ordering his/her foot steps daily on the part of righteousness. In Romans 8:14 “”For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Out there in the world there are numerousities of spirits.

These spirits are demonic beings which manipulate and influence many people in the world, and controls them. A lot of people, irrespective of social, religious, or financial standard are being controlled at will, by these spirits. One person can be controlled by as many spirit as he/she allowed entrance into his/her life. We remember the story in the book of Mark chapter 5:2-14, where a demon possessed man, who lived in the tombs, he was driven there, by the people of the city bound with chains and fetters. The people could not tame him. On several occasions he had been bound with chains and iron, but he had broken them to pieces. This man lived in the tombs day and right, crying out everyday and night.

When Jesus met him, he asked him/his name, he answered, “my name is legion because we are many.” The Bible told us that when Jesus casted out the demons in that man, they were two thousand in number. That showed us that many spirit can control a person. Today there are a lot of people, both Christians and none Christians who are being controlled by different types of spirits roaming the earth. One disheartening thing about this is that many who are under the control of these spirit do

Sunday August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Breaking the powers of evil family altar (11) not know. Which is why the spirit of God made it clear that it is only those who are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God. It is only the Holy Spirit that control a true child of God. Any truly born again child of God who manifests different spirit at intervals is a deceiver.

Any spirit that does not uphold the truth of the Gospel to the fullest is a deceiving spirit. Any person whether in the society or in our Christian faith whose character, behaviour, attitudes or habit does not defend the truth of the gospel which we preach is a wolf. Run away from such a person except you want to be registered in the book of damnation.

Who is a born again child of God? He is a brother or a sister whose adamic nature is dead to the rudiments of this world, and fleshly desires, by the receiving and believing of the word of faith by the power of the Holy Ghost which transforms his/her spirit bringing forth a new seed, this new seed produces a new brand life totally different from the life he/ she lived before. This new life produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 2:20-21 “I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness come by the law christ died in vain.” 2nd Corrin. 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.”

There are four channels through which every spirit in a man’s life reveals his true identity, whether the spirit of the living God, or any of the many spirits that controls the universe.

These channels are:1) Through one’s character: The character of a person is the daily lifestyle of such person 2) Through one’s behaviour: A person’s behaviour is his or her immediate reaction over an issue, event or action 3) Through one’s attitude: A person’s attitude is his/her feelings or approach over an issue, event report or an action 4) Through one’s habit: A person’s habit is what the person does always, sometimes unconsciously. It can be someone’s hobby or something one is addicted to.

Through, these channels spirit controlling the life of any person is revealed. However for those who are led and controlled by the spirit of God, they bear the fruit of the gospel according Galatians 5:22-23: “Fruit of the gospel is the whole truth of our faith.” This truth must be evident in the daily lives of those who are led and controlled by the spirit of God. How do we know those christians who live daily by the truth of the gospel we believe and preach?

1) Their daily lives are characterized with God’s own type of love. Which is agape love, or unconditional love 2) They share with brethren in love in the fear of God

3) They are willing to assist a brother or sister in the love of Christ either financially, by counselling and or by prayer the much they could 4) By faith they rejoice in the Lord in all situations 5) The husbands among them, loves their wives as they love their own bodies. While the wives obeys and submit to the leadership of their husbands in all matters 6) They are willing to forgive, even when their offenders have not begged for forgiveness 7) They are not wise in their own eyes.

They are willing to learn anything good, and always ready to accept their mistakes with apologies.

8) They do not have unforgiven heart 9) They do not speak corrupt words, they live their daily lives void of the filthiness of the flesh and spirit 10) They love peace, therefore they make sure that anywhere they are there is peace.

They are willing to accept wrong even when they are right for peace to reign.

11) Those of them who are married do not fight with their wives or husband to avoid embarrassing the image of Christ they bear 12) They hope all things, believe all things, patient in all things, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

13) They are gentle in character, behavior, dressing, speeches and in provocation.

14) In anger, they control themselves.

They do not allow their anger to cross to the next day 15) Their yes, is yes, their no is no, lie telling is not in their culture.

16) They are not moved by what they see, hear, or by what people say. They are only moved by the word of God. 17) They are not equally yoke with the world either by fashion, modernism and/or cosmetics 18) They live a life of separation, believing the Lord 19) They do not backbite or gossips 20) They cannot turn any member of their body to a member of harlot 21) They do not serve two masters, the same time, such as serving God and mammon with juju and using of charms and occultic rings.

22) They must search out a good Christian denomination that preaches the undiluted word of God to associated with 23) They must be in the presence of God on the Lord’s day which is on Sunday worship service 24) They are not habitually late comers on Sunday worship service days.

25) Their words are fully of grace and are seasoned with salt.

While in the world there are numerousity of spirits that control the universe. Some of these spirits are:1) Spirit of fornication and immorality

2) Spirit of adultery and lust 3) Spirit of fashion and cosmetics 4) Spirit of filthiness and indecency 5) Spirit of self-pity and inferiority complex 6) Spirit of talkativeness 7) Spirit of gossiping and backbiting 8) Spirit of greediness and envy 9) Spirit of worldliness 10) Spirit of politics and power 11) Spirit of hatred and malice 12) Spirit of revenge and vengeance 13) Spirit of tragedy and disaster 14) Spirit of almost their or failure at the edge of breakthrough 15) Spirit of hanging opportunities 16) Spirit of dancing and music 17) Spirit of seduction, corrupt movies and pornography 18) Spirit of homosexualism and indecent lust 19) Spirit of masturbation and self-romance 20) Spirit of lesbianism and filthiness of the mind 21) Spirit of lie telling 22) Spirit of witchcraft cults, and other secret societies 23) Spirit of divorce womanisation or manisation 24) Spirit of heresy and false religion 25) Spirit of strife and division 26) Spirit of segregation, nepotism and ethnicity 27) Spirit of orgies and lust 28) Spirit of wickedness, hatred and resentments.

UNCOMMON PROMOTION For more than seven years, my husband lost his job. He works with the oil company in the sea. All these years we have been living a life of hardship. I and my husband have gone to different churches, where we did prayers and deliverance. We kept hoping, when it seemed as if God was keeping silent over all the prayers we had prayed. Someone introduced us to this church. The man of God prophesized on my husband that before forty days, from that day, my husband’s company would call him back.

Brethren, on the last day of that forty days, my husband’s company called him back to work.

Last week during church service the man of God prophesied that he saw someone’s husband lifted at the place of work, I claimed it and sowed into it. Few days later, my husband called me that he has been given an uncommon promotion with attractive benefits, praise the Lord!

Sis. Anita ADDRESS: Pastor Kingson I. Bona General Overseer Chapel of Holiness and Testimonies Ministries No. 6, David Egbetuyi street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun-Ikotun, Lagos 08023404926, 08038206508 Website – wwwchapelofholiness.org

News

T

Pastors responsible for corruption –Adelaja

he founder of Embassy of God Church, Kiev, Ukraine, Pastor Sunday Adelaja has blamed widespread corruption in Nigeria on churches and pastors.

Speaking in an interview held recently in Lagos, Adelaja who owns the largest Pentecostal church in Europe faulted the wrong concepts that churches in Nigeria are promoting.

“Most of our value system is influenced by faith and religion. That is why I am saying it is the faulty and corrupt messages we

have introduced to our pulpits that are responsible for producing corrupt practices in our society”, said Adelaja.

On the get rich quick messages which he claimed most clerics preached, Adelaja said: “A pastor could say that somebody would be a millionaire before the end of the year.

Whereas we are in November or December and there are 500 people in that auditorium.

All of them will shout amen!!! Yet Pastors don’t correct them saying that no, you would not become a millionaire before the end

of the year even if you shout amen for the whole day.

“The only person that would become a millionaire is the person that has worked for it. The only person that would become a millionaire is the person that has at least signed a contract. When pastors don’t clarify that, everybody begins to believe that some miracles would happen.

“So when such a member goes to his office and he sees an unsigned check, for a million dollars and nobody is claiming responsibil-

ity for it, he claims it. He believes that it is God that has provided for him. That is how corruption gets from the pulpit to the society.

That particular member would claim that God has answered his Pastor’s prayer.

“He would boldly come to give testimony the following Sunday while the naïve and ignorant members would shout hallelujah!

Meanwhile they too are expecting similar miracles and on and on. That is how the vicious circle of corruption from the pulpit to the whole country runs.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Endtime Revelation with Bishop Bernard

Ojemeni (JP)

A

fter the millennial reign, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison. Revelation 20:7-10 “And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be loosed from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of the earth, that is, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city; but fire came down from heaven” and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”.

Thereafter the great white throne judgment will take place. Revelation 20:11-15. The lamb’s book of life is the greatest and best book everyone should endeavour to have one’s name written to be able to enter Heaven for eternity. In Luke 10:20 Jesus said to the disciples that the source of their joy or rejoicing should be that their names are written in the book of life and not that the spirits are subject unto them. And in Matthew 6:33. Jesus said seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. And in Luke 12:32, Jesus admonished us not to fear that it is our father’s (God’s) good pleasure to give us the kingdom. There is always fear in the hearts of many children of God about the chances of making Heaven.

This is because Jesus said the gate of Heaven is strait and the way is narrow and

I

From the Pulpit

Sunday August 30, 2015

47

The new heaven and earth!

Bishop Bernard Chukwuma Mbamalu Ojemeni, General Superintendent of Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc, in this piece, gives an insight into God’s judgement of nations. Excerpts: only few people are able to find it. While the gate to hell fire is wide and the way is broad and many people are walking on the road leading to hell fire. In Luke 13:24 every one is enjoined to strive to enter in at the strait gate for many will seek to enter in and shall not be able. And once Jesus closes the door, there will be no more chance for anyone to enter. And once one does not enter heaven, it means one is forever lost in the lake of fire.

Jesus Christ is the passport to Heaven.

Colossian 1:27 “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, while is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

While holiness is the visa. 1 Peter 1:15 “but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct.” Psalm 24:3-4 “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up hi soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully.” Hebrews 12:14 “Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” 1 John 3:3 “First of all you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions.”

Though narrow is the way while living the life that will qualify us to make Heaven, once death comes, there will be separation of the spirit man which is made up of soul and spirit of man and the physical man which is the body of man. Hebrews 9:27 “And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment.” The flesh will return to dust while the spirit man proceeds to his Creator for judgment.

Ecclesiastics 12:7 And the of judgment is

what do you do with Jesus Christ, who gave His life to redeem you from your sins. Romans 8:1 “And Saul was consenting to his death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Romans 8:9,14,16 “But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samaria saying that he himself was somebody great. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John.” Do you have the witness or confirmation that you are a child of God while you are still alive. If you are a sinner and you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, when you die, the highway that leads to Heaven will elude you Isaiah 35:8-10 “And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

And if truly you have given your life to Jesus Christ, then begin to live a holy life.

Work out your Salvation with fear and trembling all the days of your life. Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” And so after, the millennial

reign of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 3:7 will take place “Likewise you husband, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honour on the woman as the weaker sex, since you are join heirs of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered.”

And after which the new Heaven and Earth will be ushered in. Isaiah 66:22-24 “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before me, says the LORD; so shall your descendants and your name remain. From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, says the LORD. And they shall go forth and look on the dead bodies of the men that have rebelled against me; for their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

Note: The judgement of nations contained in Matthew 25:31-46 takes place to usher in the millennial reign of Jesus Christ while the great white throne of Revelation 20:10-15 take place to usher in the New Heaven and Earth. Revelation chapter 21 has a full detail of the New Heaven and Earth. Please, if you want to be part of the New Heaven and Earth surrender your life to Jesus Christ and begin to live a holy life and come and worship with us on Sunday 9am at the address below:

•For further information, contact us at: Endtime Believers’ Ministry Inc.16/18, Johnson Street, off Kajola Street, Yakoyo, Lagos. Tel: 08023261219, 09095268897, 08036116881; Email: bishop.bernard@yahoo.com

Riding with wings like an eagle

saiah 40:29 says “He giveth power to the faints and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faints and the weary and the young men shall utterly fall.

But they that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk and not faints”.

There are different kinds of motion in life, but I give you a brief illustration of about four categories of it.

In the journey of a baby’s life when a baby’s life when a baby is born, there are different stages of life that baby will have to go through before he starts to run here and there.

When a child is born, the first stage of his life is when the baby could not do anything on his own not even to sit down on his own. That period is the period of total stagnation.

In the book of Mk.24:12 the bible emphasized on the life of a blind man who was complete by paralyzed that he could not move here nor there, the bible regarded that not until the master (Jesus) got there and ask the man to rise up and walk the man’s life was on a stand still. He was stagnated without remedy.

In verse 10 of the same scripture “But that ye may know that son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy). I say unto thee, arise and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. Immediately he arose, took up the bed and went forth before them all, in so much that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, we never saw it on this fashion.

When a man is under the yoke of stagnation, he has nowhere to go in life. Everything about the man will just be on a stand still. I

Prophet Lai Bamidele, General Overseer of Christ Glorious End-time Evangelical Church, Abule-Egba, Lagos, in this sermon, teaches about evil dreams. Excerpts: pray your life will not be stagnated IJMN. The second stage is the stage when a man’s life will be crawling; when a man’s life is crawling he will be moving his life at a snail speed. Let me give you a brief illustration of a blind man in the book of John 9 vs 1 – 7 “As Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth when Jesus saw him he spat on the ground, he made mud out of it and rub his eyes, he told him to go to Siloam and wash, the blind man began to see. When a man is blind he goes on a slow motion in all his ways. He cannot move at a fast pace. So many Christians their life is not moving but crawling not even to now talk of flying.

Crawling means there is motion but very slow and limited. I pray that your life will not crawl.

When a man’s life is crawling he cannot do any tangible thing in life.

Take for instance when a child start to attempt to stand, by the time he start to stand, he will begin to take step by step slowly until he’s able to master it. Even at this stage a man’s life is at a slow pace and this is the stage most Christians and behaviors found themselves.

Everything they do, is at a slow pace, every step taken by them is not fast, when a man is ignorant he will think what he or she is going through is natural while it is not.

The other stage is when a man start to leap, when a man leaps it means a stage where he exercise short energy, that is, when you leap you go up and then come down again, these

are the stage that most Christians life is entangled in all their life. They go up and come down.

When a man goes up and come down he can only make little impact in all he does in life. Through this stage is a bit better than the crawling level, but all the same it’s not good for a child of God, at these stage a man will labour and labour to get a thing e.g. a job or contact and after execution of the same job and he’s paid, he will have to finish spending the one in his hand, and now wait for at times months or years before getting another once. Some of them will have to wait for months and years before they get another job. I pray God will deliver you from that oppressing of going up and coming down IJN. The last stage is the stage of your flying.

When a man is flying where talking about an unhindered motion. Take for instance when I used to enter trailer from Kano to Lagos to come and minister in the word of God (Evangelism).

At times when I enter trailer it takes us 2days (48hrs) to get to Lagos while his motion is not as fast as when I started entering bus car i.e. Luxurious bus that takes 13 to 14hrs to get to Lagos from Kano, that was a bit comfortable, not until by God’s Grace I began to fly that I knew there is a better comfort in flying than traveling by road no matter how fast and comfortable that car may look like. What I want to bring out is that the journey of a man’s life is as well the same. What will take

Bamidele

us 13 to 14hrs to travel by road with Luxury bus car will only take 1hr. 10mins Flights from Kano to Lagos.

I want to let you know that no matter your present motion as you read this my message you will begin to fly like an eagle IJMN. Flying means going on an unhindered motion. In the book of Isaiah 53 vs 4 – 5 the Bible says “He had borne our grief’s, are carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, verse 5 says he was winkled for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his scripts we are healed.

•For counselling, contact: Pst_lai@yahoo.com.

48

From the Pulpit

Let’s go

BIBLE with Favour

Tioluwani

Email: letsgobible@gmail.com https://letsgobible.wordpress.com

What we are starting off this week may take us like some few weeks.

M

any families came together because of pregnancy.

If not for the coming baby they could have waited and do things rightly, they could have left this man or this woman for a better and more loved person, they could have further their education, they could have travelled out together with their family when all of them were leaving the country, they could have given more time to serve God before getting tied down by marriage, etc.

When people are been advised to separate themselves, not to defile their youth by going into fornication or what we call pre-marital sex, they tend to believe that it’s not really the right advise, since all around them are getting involved in such. it’s like you are denying them what appears in their sight to be their right.

What they fail to accept is that having a child out of wedlock reduces the chances of ever marrying; only few are able to sail through, about two per cent Despite the growing numbers of potential marriage partners with children, (one study noted, “having children is still one of the least desirable characteristics a potential marriage partner can possess.”) many still fall into that pit of great mistake.

People who have multiple cohabiting relationships before marriage are more likely to experience marital conflict, marital unhappiness and eventual divorce than people who do not cohabit before marriage. Researchers attribute some but not all of these differences to the characteristics of people who cohabit. It has been suggested that the negative effects of cohabitation on future marital success may diminish as living together becomes a common experience.

Hour of Change with Primate

A

I.O

Oyelowo

“

nd Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks he distributed to the disciples and the disciples to them that were sat down; and likewise of fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten’’. John 6:11-13

While Jesus was performing his earthly ministry he had cause to go to the Sea of Galilee to preach there which attracted attention of the multitude of people who came there to listen to his preaching. Along the line he observed that these people needed to be fed with bread (Physical) having been fed with the world of God. One important lesson for a minister of God here is that he should Endeavour to know the need(s) of his congregation and make frantic efforts to meet it (them).

Among the multitude was a lad with five loaves of bread and two fishes. (John6:9)

Sunday Mirror Sunday August 30, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net

You can make it right (1) However, according to one study of couples who were married between 1981 and 1997, the negative effects persist among younger cohorts, supporting the view that the cohabitation experience itself contributes to problems in marriage.

Marriage is far more profound than our contemporary culture would lead us to believe. It is a life-long commitment that restrains self-centeredness, self-indulgence and self-gratification.

It is the one relationship that effectively prepares and conditions us for community.

By restraining self-centeredness and promoting love of another, marriage becomes the foundation for social order. When this commitment labeled “marriage” is reduced to nothing more than a mere contract between two consenting persons, or worse just another option, it ceases to restrain our self-centered passions. Self-centeredness harms not only that relationship but also others as well until it spreads throughout society like ripples in a pond. Abandoning the “others before self” concept of marriage for the self-serving concept of contractual relationships between autonomous individuals makes us increasingly narcissistic, ultimately leading toward moral and social collapse.

Across America the institution of marriage is being assailed, reduced to nothing more than a sentimental ceremony between consenting adults, radically redefined, or simply abandoned altogether. With the long-term viability of marriage in question one must ask: Is the Judeo-Christian concept of marriage really that important? Absolutely, and perhaps there is a greater need now more than ever to understand why. Our challenge then is to offer a reasonable defense of marriage that not only persuades the culture to resist redefining marriage but also encourages the culture to recommit to the strengthening of marriage as an esteemed institution in society.

The Judeo-Christian concept of marriage is as old as mankind. It has served as the very foundation of civilization itself. The marriage covenant is singularly unique in civilization; for marriage is not just a civil union between two

people, rather it is an emotional, physical and spiritual union between one man and one woman. Emotional in the sense that these two people, male and female, each with different attributes, join together in life; each assisting the other, nurturing and caring for one another, affirming and guiding one another – in essence, completing the other. Physical in the sense that marriage is procreative – two separate biological beings blending together to create what neither can create on their own: children. And lastly, spiritual in the sense that we are made for this partnership that places the interest of the other (or others in the case of children) above self – a relationship that ultimately mirrors God’s sacrificial love toward each of us and His bride: the church.

It is this understanding of marriage that we must recapture for the sake of this and future generations. We must persuade the culture to understand the necessity of the Judeo-Christian view of marriage to social peace and order.

Marriage is the very cornerstone of moral and social order. History has proven that no community can enjoy peace and harmony without following a true moral order and marriage provides the only suitable foundation for perpetuating this order.

There is irrefutable evidence to support this statement relative to marriage and its role in producing not only social order but cultural prosperity as well. Specifically it is marriage’s role in regulating sexual behavior that history demonstrates is so instrumental in determining a society’s condition.

Additionally, those cultures that began with a strong sexual ethic and later embraced a philosophy of sexual freedom for a period of at least three generations inevitably experienced cultural demise. There is not one single example in all of human history where this social fact was NOT observed. Marriage, sex and social order are directly related to the strength of marriage as perceived by a given society. Diminish the

exclusive value of marriage by divorcing the intrinsic relationship of sex and you ultimately diminish the social order.

In other words, once a culture begins to extend sexual opportunities beyond the exclusive relationship of marriage, the societal and cultural importance of marriage is diminished.

As sexual opportunities are increased our creative and social energies are redirected toward fulfilling our ever-increasing sexual appetites.

This would explain much of our present obsession with sexuality as expressed in almost all of our contemporary creative outlets – television, movies, art and music.

By accepting sex outside of marriage, the social commitment to and perception of marriage inevitably changes from its essential and necessary status to a non-essential status. Consider for example; Rutgers University conducted one of the most comprehensive studies on the state of marriage: The State of our Unions, The Social Health of Marriage in America, 2002. The top reason given by men for their unwillingness to commit to marriage is “They can get sex without marriage more easily than in times past.” History has demonstrated that we simply cannot violate God’s moral order on a cultural scale and maintain social harmony and moral stability.

In this sense, marriage extends far beyond a mere emotional commitment and is for one, exclusive to a male/female union. For only the male and female can achieve this reproductive principle. It is for this reason that sex is intended only within the context of the marriage covenant. Marriage is the culmination of commitment on the part of two people that are emotionally and psychologically prepared to raise and nurture children.

To be continued...

•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

Few loaves of bread, fish and the great miracle that follows when Jesus was talking to Philip on how to get bread for these people, Andrew did not hesitate to tell Jesus that he had figured out a lad with five barley loaves of bread and two fishes. It is highly important for the minister of God to scan his environment for useful information that will make his ministry meaningful to the public. (John6:9) it is not enough for him to gather useful information, but he should try as much as possible to make use of it for his benefit.

The boy in possession of these vital ingredients must have been taught the principles of giving and its benefits by his parents. It is therefore very important for parent to equip their children educationally and spiritually for their. ‘’Train up a child the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it’’. (Proverb 33:26) when the boy was coming to the crusade he brought the loaves of bread and fishes there.

My advice here is always make your service available at the right place. It is not enough for someone to be present an occasion; he should play his part as well. The boy in question did not hesitate to give out the bread to Jesus freely on request. Proverbs 3: 9 says:’’ honour the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thy increase’’.

How you package your product will determine whether or not it will be demanded.

If the loaves of bread given to Jesus had not been well packaged Jesus Christ would not

have accepted it. When Joseph was released from prison, the first thing he did was to shave and put on a clean clothes to make himself presentable to the public. (Gen 41:14)Joseph’s product here was his divine ability to interpreted dream(s) Later on when he was invited by pharaoh to interpreted his dream concerning the future sate of his kingdom, he was readily available there without motive for any material gain.

Many Christians decline some jobs which income is too small. Ministers of God are the worst offenders in this regard. Bear in mind that Joseph interpreted dream for his fellow prisoners without any demand from any of them. Take note also that it was one of the two prisoners that survived the wrath of pharaoh that gave information concerning the competition because of their exorbitant demand and in some cases their untoward behavior.

Please carefully observe that the multitude (and among them the young boy with five loaves of bread and two fishes) came purely to Jesus for the word of God. Contrast their attitude with that of the Israelites who preferred Moses to speak with them to God. (Exodus 20;18-21; Isaiah 6:9-10) Hebrew 4:12 says: for the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and mar-

row and is a discerner of the thought and intent of the heart.

People are moving from one church to another, and from one crusade or the other in search of miracle. Yet their lives remain the same or even worse because they neither read the word of God which is the Bible nor allow it to take root in their heart.

No wonder out Lord Jesus Christ told the Pharisees and scribes they would not have miracle except that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Finally, five barley loaves of bread and two fishes were used to feed five thousand people and there was a leftover of twelve baskets. The leftover is the profit of that venture. Not also that Joseph gain was his being arrayed with Pharaoh’s rings, clothes and chain about his neck. (Genesis 41:39-42). Not only that, he become the second in command in a foreign land. It Is not too late for you to decide to bear fruits for Jesus and become candidates of his kingdom. (John15:16) pleases do not procrastinate as this is dangerous. (Matthew 3:10).

Do not allow yourself to be replaced by somebody else for Lord Service. (Mathew 3:9). Till then shalom!

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

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

Business FRESH BUSINESS NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sunday August 30, 2015

CBN lists challenges confronting e-payment system T

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has identified apathy, poor infrastructure as key challenges confronting e-payment system in the country.

The apex bank, said the initiative is facing some resistance as a result of prevailing cash culture, where people preferred to transact business with cash rather than electronic system of payment which is safer and convenient.

However, the bank is picking up the pace to confront the identified challenges, which include poor infrastructure to enhance smooth operation of the system.

Speaking at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) BiMonthly round-table in Lagos today, Dipo Fatokun, CBN Director, Banking and Payments System Department also said that efforts are on to get rid of fraud arising from e-payment transactions.

Fatokun, who was represented by Musa Jimoh Deputy Director Banking and Payment Systems Department, said that the Payments System Vision 2020 launched in 2013, was intended to accomplish the re-organisation of the National Payments Governance Structure and encourage more people to embrace e-payment transactions.

He said the project identified agriculture, smart cities, health, transportation, hotels, entertainment, government flow, education and Consumer Bill Payment as well as direct debits as focus areas.

However, Fatokun explained that the absence of a unique identifier in the banking industry has negative consequences on the growth

of e-payments and that the need to resolve the challenge that prompted the CBN, in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee to launch the Bank Verification Number (BVN) project. The project, he said, will help build confidence of customers on the e-payment channels and enhance integrity of transactions.

“The BVN initiative is aimed at protecting bank customers and further strengthening the Nigerian banking system by uniquely identifying all bank customers and acts as a stop-gap, prior to the full implementation of the National Identity Card system,” he said.

Also, the CBN mandated all Banks, Switches and Processors to comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCIDSS) and subsequently conducted an oversight on compliance which showed that most banks had been certified.

He said the certification lasts for one year and banks are currently at various levels of re-certification. He explained that PCIDSS is a global compliance standard for any entity that stores, transmits or processes card payment data.

The apex bank, Fatokun said, has also directed banks to set up systems that will enable the automatic refund of

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) dispense errors to customers. The regulator has also issued guidelines for card issuance and usage meant to provide minimum standards and requirements for the issuance and usage of payment cards in the country.

“Its implementation enables issuing banks, other financial institution, processors and cards schemes upgrade and maintain their card operations to ensure optimum security, efficiency, cost effectiveness and customer friendliness,” he said.

The platform, he added, also serves as a tool for banks and other financial institutions to assess their card is-

L–R: Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Group Chairman, FBN Holding Plc, Dr. Oba Otundeko; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema and Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, during the NSE premium board launch in Lagos, recently.

New Customs boss asked to improve revenue generation

A

maritime lawyer, Mr. Olisa Agbako (SAN), has tasked the newly-appointed Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) on the need to secure the nation’s borders against smuggling.

Agbakoba, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the task

of ensuring a well-secure border was critical to the growth of the economy. According to him, every other important assignment being carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will have a base in a secure border.

“The new CGC must have as paramount, the task to ensure a secure border because

it is on that basis that the local economy can grow.

“He needs to do this, to restore confidence in the customs because there is no confidence in them now,’’ Agbakoba said. He said that a secure border would encourage investments, wherein people would be confident that sub-standard smuggled goods would not chase them out of business.

FERMA warns against obstructing canals of Apapa/Tin Can Island Port

T

he Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has warned that illegal structures on canals of Apapa/Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, could cause flooding.

A representative of the agency, Mr. Shakunle Oyekunle, expressed this concern

on Saturday when the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos visited the ongoing rehabilitation sites on the Apapa/Tin Can Island Port section of Apapa/Oshodi Expressway.

He said that clumsy illegal structures would block the waterways to cause flooding and constant degeneration of

roads.

Oyekunle said that the agency decided to address the root cause of flooding along the axis due to predictions of heavy rainfall and flooding by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

“We tried to locate the problem and we discovered that most of the cross drains along

this section is silted as a result of illegal structures built on the other end of the road occupied by sand dealers.

“The sand dealers are occupying those places illegally; the area where the major surface water on the road is supposed to flow straight down to the canal is being hampered by these people.

suance portfolio and ensures that consumers that carry Nigerian -issued cards operate within acceptable standards.

“From a regulatory perspective; the CBN acknowledges that less than optimal, inefficient or poorly designed systems will ultimately have a negative impact on systemic stability, economic development and growth. It has therefore consciously pursued the growth of a payments system that is safe, efficient, cost effective

and reliable,” he said.

He said payment systems have moved from the backroom to the boardroom of organisations given its strategic importance in today’s globalised world. He said a well-functioning payment system plays significant role in supporting the economy.

Fatokun explained that such significance prompted the apex bank to promote a payment system where the underserved and non-served are integrated into formal financial services sector.

NPC tasks officials on 2016 budget implementation

T

he Secretary, National Planning Commission, NPC, Mr Bassey Akpanyung, has called on civil servants to acquire requisite knowledge that would guide them in the implementation of 2016 budget.

Akpanyung made the call at the weekend in Abuja at the four-day training programme on “Strategic planning, budgeting and Medium Term Expenditure Framework for NPC officials and selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs”.

The selected MDAs are Federal Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Budget Office, and Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation, National Bureau of Statistics and Federal Ministry of Finance.

Akpanyung, who was represented by NPC’s Director of Administration, Mr. Christian Ezeilo, added that the training would provide the needed exposure for the participants in the areas of planning and budgeting.

He said that the training would expose the participants in the areas of developing strategic plans and medium term expenditure framework as well as their implementation.

The secretary said there was need to build the capacity of the officials to fill the gap created due to several factors in the areas of budgeting and implementation.

“It has also become more

imperative to organise the training, especially now that the current administration intends to implement a zerobased budgeting system as against the envelope system.

“This is also consistent with the aspiration of the medium term strategic plan which focuses on issues of employment creation, infrastructure development, social protection, fighting corruption, solid minerals development, among others,’’ he said.

The secretary also said that the workshop was part of the 10th European Union Development Fund (EDF) support to the Federal Governance Reform Programme (SUFEGOR) in Nigeria.

He said the support was to improve the technical expertise of the public servants for enhanced delivery in the country.

In another training workshop tagged ‘’Research Methodology and Policy Analysis’’ mainly for NPC officials, Akpanyung said the participants would be equipped on advanced research methodologies.

Akpanyung said that the workshop would also equip the officials concerned on advanced analytical tools for effective policy analysis.

“It is our expectation that this training programme will facilitate the realisation of the desired national objectives in the area of research and evidence-based policy making for economic growth and development,’’ he said.

50

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos Deputy Gov. urges compliance with sanitation laws

T

Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Muhammad Sidi, presenting to the Madawakin Daura, Sen. Mustapha Bukar, materials for distribution to flood victims in Katsina, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

Police to promote 40,000 in two months, says I-G …260 senior officers elevated

T

he Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase yesterday said about 40,000 policemen between the rank of Constable and Inspector would be promoted in the next two months.

Arase, who disclosed this during his private visit to Lagos, noted that the rank and file were the officers doing the major jobs, including arrests, investigations and other special duties.

He noted that these officers were closer to the people than senior officers, stressing that due attention should be given to them by mitigating their burdens.

The I-G said as part of

effort to encourage these officers, the police authorities had embarked on housing projects across the six geo-political zones to build two-bedroom flats valued at about N4 million each in collaboration with mortgage institutions.

“There have been a backlog of promotions between the constable and inspector cadre, involving about 36,000 of them. Two groups are already undergoing their promotional courses.

“Within the next two months, about 40,000 policemen between the rank of constable and inspector will undertake promotion exercises, and be moved up to the next rank.

“If we are able to solve the problem of the rank and file in the police, half of the issues we are dealing with, which is corruption, would be resolved.

Corruption is born out of insecurity, ’ ’ he said.

Arase assured that those who would participate in the promotion exercises would be given allowances for feeding, transport and others.

He reiterated the need for police officers to develop themselves academically, stressing that only knowledgeable and mentally mobile officers would do well in police operations in any part of the world.

On the dismantling of checkpoints across the country, the I-G said he in-

sisted on their removal because they were not a veritable platform for good security, revealing that ``Safer Highways ’ Points ’ ’ had since replaced them.

He said about 555 safer highways points had been created to aid policing of the entire highways across the country.

Arase added that officers assigned to these points were given some allowances to prevent them from engaging in corruption.

According to him, human rights violation by the police is not allowed, stressing that officers must have sufficient evidence before arresting anybody and such fellow must be charged to court within 48 hours of arrest.

Kogi varsity lecturers threaten to resume strike over unpaid allowances

T

he Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Kogi State University, KSU, Anyigba chapter, has resolved to resume the strike it suspended in May, over non-payment of over N1 billion salary arreas owed its members.

Acting Chairman of ASUU in the institution, Dr Gbenga Aina, made this known to newsmen in Any-

igba on Saturday.

He said members would down tools from September 1, if nothing was heard from the state government

by Monday, August 31.

Aina said the state government reneged and did not respect the `gentleman ’s agreement ’ reached with the union before the suspension of the strike in May.

He said the failure of the government would now compel the lecturers to resume the industrial action.

The chairman said the promise to pay the debt in `Earned Academic Allowances ’, was contained in the 2009 agreement reached between the union and the government.

He said that in the agree-

ment, the government agreed to offset the debt in monthly installments of N25 million but that it reneged on the pledge.

ASUU, according to him, has resolved that if there was no positive response from the government at the end of August, the union would be left with no option than to resume the strike.

he Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, yesterday urged Lagos residents to comply totally with the environmental sanitation law on restriction of movement during the monthly exercise.

Adebule made the plea when she monitored this month ’s exercise at Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

She said offenders would be made to face penalties as stipulated in the environmental sanitation law.

“We are here to see things for ourselves within Ikorodu West LCDA and I want to implore our people to be committed to adequate cleaning of their surroundings at all times.

“The environmental sanitation laws are still in force and those who refuse to obey these laws will be punished.

“We have noted your areas of challenge and I want to assure you that necessary government

agencies will be mobilised to address them, ’ ’ the deputy governor said.

She urged the residents of Ikorodu West LCDA to take ownership and care of the facilities government planned to provide for them.

Adebule assured that the new administration in Lagos remained committed to making life better for the citizens.

She added that government was already compiling a list of projects to be embarked upon across all the 57 Local Governments and LCDAs. According to the deputy governor, the people will soon begin to feel the impact of the new administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Adunni Oyefusi, the LCDA ’s Executive Secretary led the deputy governor ’s team to Ori-Okuta, Agbede and Idiroko communities within the LCDA to inspect ongoing projects.

Osun Water Corporation loses N16m to damaged pipe BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO.

O

sun State Water Corporation yesterday said it has, in the last four months, lost N16 million in revenue that would have been paid by 750 customers had water being supplied to them.

The corporation however said its inability to supply customers was sequel to damage done to its pipe by a leading cement making company when erecting billboard.

Disclosing this during a chat with newsmen in Osogbo during the weekend, the General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Olugbenga Owojuyigbe, alleged that the cement manufacturing company, when erecting its billboard at Oke-Fia area of the state capital, damaged the 250 mm AC distribution

pipeline of the corporation.

It also alleged that despite pleas, the company had made no clear efforts to repair the damaged pipe, adding that the development was responsible for its inability to provide drinkable water to some areas in Osogbo.

He further explained that the investigation carried out by group of engineers of the corporation at the location revealed that the billboard was erected directly on its 250 mm AC distribution pipeline.

According to him, water supply to areas like, Oke-Fia, Asubiaro, Jaleoyemi, Gbodofon, Odi-Olowo, Aregbe, Old Governor ’s office, Wole-Ola, Alekuwodo, Awosuru, Ola-Iya, Afonta, Old-Garage, Ayegbaju street, Sawmill, and WAEC, among others had to be suspended to prevent wastages.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opinion

Sunday August 30, 2015

51

West African College of Nursing honours Afe Babalola TUNDE OLOFINTILA

T

he trailer-load of Awards, Recognitions and Encomiums that have been the lot of the frontline legal icon and Founder of the wave-making Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, got extended to the West Africa sub-region with the recent decoration of the acknowledged Philanthropist, Farmer and Educationist with the Fellowship of the West African College of Nursing (WACN).

The College, a specialized Agency of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), with Headquarters in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Fasso, had in an April 16, 2015, informed Babalola of how it singled him out for the honorary Fellowship Award of the College in appreciation of his enormous contributions to quality education including Nursing Education in Nigeria and globally.

This Award, which came barely two months after Babalola was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws by the famous University of London, thus making him a ripple alumnus of the famous university, has become another merited feather to the already crowded cap of honours and multiple chieftaincy titles of the author of “impossibility made possible” whose major pastime is impacting lives.

The April 16, 2015 letter signed by WACN’s Executive Secretary, Mrs. Henrietta A. Okedo, FWACN, said inter alia: “We recognize your bold initiatives in founding the fastest growing private university in Africa. We recognize you for the development of human resources in Nige-

ria and indeed Africa through the provision of quality education”.

The WACN boss commended Babalola with particular reference to the swiftness with which he is reforming education and his doggedness to turn out professionals in all areas especially in Nursing profession.

According to her, with the establishment of the Department of Nursing in ABUAD, where all the programmes presented for accreditation, including core ones like Medicine, Law, Engineering, Computer Science among others have secured 100% accreditation, coupled with the improved standard of education and practical skills being imparted on Nurses ABUAD, “there is no doubt that the long awaited reform in Nursing (education) is already in sight”.

“This, she stressed, “is in tandem with the overall goal for which the West African College of Nursing was established to promote excellence in Nursing Education at the Basic and post-Basic levels, to maintain the standard of practice of Nursing within the sub-regional community and to contribute to the improvement of health care within the family and the community as well as to formulate and support Nursing/Midwifery education”.

Responding at the award ceremony in Ghana recently, an elated Babalola who dedicate the Award to humanity, said there would appear to be a meeting point between ABUAD and WACN in the development of quality humanity, stressing that “we in ABUAD are known for quality and functional education in our avowed and unbending endeavor to develop total men and women. This has been so recog-

nized early in our five years of existence that UNESCO acknowledged us as a world class University, while the NUC, the Regulatory Body for University Education in Nigeria, described it as a model, benchmark and reference point in tertiary education”.

No wonder it was not difficult for WACN to observe and note his modest efforts at bringing quality and functionality to bear on the training of Nurses, a development which made the College to single him out for the Award.

“With this, you have joined the long queue of admiring and appreciative stakeholders who recognize and applaud what we are doing here”, Babalola quipped.

He used the occasion to draw attention to the dwindling standard of education in Africa. To combat this endemic cankerworm, he noted that UNESCO has invited ABUAD to partner with it in order to address this challenge. In the same vein, he frowned at the persistent drain in the foreign reserve of African countries, including Nigeria, occasioned by the unacceptable labyrinth of people going abroad for quality medical care.

According to him, this is one of the things he is out to address and checkmate through the quality medical education in ABUAD’s Medical College and provision of superlative health care in its Teaching Hospital, which upon completion in March next year, will be a clear leader in the region.

Emphasizing the place and import of Nursing right from Ancient Greek, Roman Empire, Dark Ages, Medieval times through the Renaissance up to modern times, Babalola posited that the recent

emergence of diseases especially of viral origin such as HIV/AIDS, SARS and Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) should be of serious concern to the Nursing profession with a view to expanding the scope of Nursing training through the development of curriculum that will take care of new discoveries and health concepts.

For him, the time has come for Nurses to embark on specialties rather than general nursing.

He encouraged Graduate Nurses to aspire to become Specialist Nursing Practitioners rather than General Nursing Practitioners. He equally urged Nursing professionals to show more interest in political advocacy and participate more actively in political activities in their domain so that Nursing profession can have more influence especially in the matters that concern health policy while more training and exposure to Information Communication Technology should be included in the Curriculum of Nursing training in the universities.

He thanked the AWCN for the Award, pointing out that ‘for me, the Award is not ordinary. I only hope the WACN know the import of what they have done for me today: it is simply a call to duty, or more duty. It is a catalyst that will propel, ginger, inspire and encourage me to want to do more. I thank them for challenging me the more”.

Established in 1981, WACN is to ensure that the citizens of member states receive health care services that include quality Nursing and Midwifery services at even the most remote villages.

•Olofintila wrote from Lagos

Wading through the rice conundrum (2) IBRAHIM B.B. SHETTIMA

A

ll this may be true to some extent, but the NCS must come clean on whether or not it has been served with any restraining court order[s], yet to be vacated by a superior court. This is instructive as the mantra of change being heralded by the present political dispensation is partly predicated on the rule of law, as a guiding principle which does not permit impunity, talk less of celebrating it.

A corollary to the legal constraint faced by the NCS is the well-known and acceptable practice of hedging against revenue loss through Bank Guarantees [BGs] issued by importers’ banks in instances of disputes on amounts/rates payable. In other words, when a customs administration is cut between one of the pillars of trade facilitation that requires expeditious clearing of cargo and securing the maximum duty payable on the said cargo, BGs come in handy. The NCS must tell Nigerians if it adopted this win-win approach when it entertained doubts about the intendments of the government circular on the strength of which it allowed rice to be cleared at 30% duty in the second half of 2014. If it did, the question must be asked as to whether it has lost confidence in the issuing banks.

If it did not, then the NCS leadership would have unwittingly rendered itself incapable of protecting government revenue, thereby constituting itself into a revenue risk. I

dare add that if this monumental negligence is the case, one can safely conclude that the present holier-than-thou posture of NCS is to cover up for this negligence or, worse still, to impress the new administration.

At this juncture, a critical review of the whole policy initiative will be undertaken to provide a basis for the recommendations that will form the concluding part of this piece. In the first place, it will be interesting to know the objective criteria employed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee to identify 26 companies as those qualified to benefit from the initiative. Furthermore, in ranking the 26 beneficiaries for the purpose of quota allocations, did the committee consider capacity; employment generation; Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR]; number of out-growers supported; experience, among others? Relatedly, were all the beneficiaries genuine investors or did merchants benefitted, in the form of political patronage?

If the review must be holistic, we must also take a look at the powers of Mr President to grant import duty waivers and concessions. The CEMA provision that empowers the president to grant duty waivers and concessions is not without a caveat as it makes the recommendation of the Tariff Review Board a condition precedent to the president’s power to vary duties. It is an open secret that the exercise of this power

by Nigerian leaders since the advent of the fourth republic has hardly been in conso-

nance with the said caveat.

This review will be incomplete if we fail to examine the sustainability of this policy initiative. In doing this, the structure of the quota spread over the anticipated four- year period must be programmed to progressively reduce imports on an annual basis. This implies that local production must rise proportionately, year-on-year, to address the supply gap, necessarily programmed to decline on an annual basis. In fact, strategic positioning will require Nigeria to be competitive enough by the end of the programme to venture into the export of rice. Thus, the ultimate goal should be the achievement of national competitiveness, and not just national sufficiency in the consumption of rice. All this calls for an understanding of the supply and demand dynamics of both domestic and international rice markets by the top echelons of the relevant MDAs. In view of the salient issues raised in this piece, some ineluctable conclusions and recommendations come to the fore.

First, if the identified ‘excess imports’ constitutes a glut likely to depress prices to the detriment of both importers and domestic producers; such should be deducted from subsequent annual quota allocations. Second, the bureaucrats responsible for the lethargy that resulted in the loss of potential revenue estimated at N23b should face disciplinary action in line with the extant civil service rules as the blame is squarely

located on the bureaucracy and not on the hapless investors being harangued by the NCS. Thirdly, and relatedly, the investors that demonstrated good corporate citizenship by stopping importation when they realised they had inadvertently exceeded their retroactively allocated quotas, may be rewarded by a mark-up in subsequent quota allocations.

Fourthly, the point must be made that the NCS has not satisfactorily established a case of duty evasion against the rice millers in question as it wilfully cleared their goods without securing government revenue in anticipation of any [un]foreseen disputes. The customs administration should therefore be directed to unseal the warehouses of these millers if its action must not be construed as officially-sanctioned extortionist drive. Fifthly, in the unlikely event that government revenue has been secured, the NCS should recover the said revenues upon maturity of the relevant financial instruments and/or after final determination of the cases before the courts.

Finally, a comprehensive review of the programme should be carried out to rid the qualifying criteria of discretionary considerations and align it with the yet-to-be unfolded strategic economic objectives of the new administration.

•Shettima, an economist, trade policy analyst, is a retired Deputy Director of CBN.

52

Politics

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari must not appoint wrong people into cabinet –Orkar have done nothing; it was witch hunting.

Dr. Joseph Targema Orkar the Deputy Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Benue State believes that the Muhammadu Buhari administration needs constructive criticism on the grounds that the rot in the system will take time to clean up. In this interview with HENRY IYORKASE in Makurdi, the elder brother of the late Major Gideon Orkar of the failed 1990 coup d ’état fame also argues that those saying the government is slow were being economical with the truth. Excerpts: There have been claims in some quarters that the new regime is too slow paced in setting up a new government and promised implementing reforms in the country. What are your views on this?

I do not agree with those who feel that the President is slow. The President is steady, not slow. It is not a race that one has to run. Here, it is governance and you have to be able to provide what would make the people appreciate. I do not think Buhari is too slow; he only needs time. There are certain things he has to get to the root of before he will be able to act. If you will recall, before Buhari was sworn in, he was asking for certain information, which made the PDP government then to say that he is behaving as if there were two governments. Some of these things if he had been able to get the information on them he would be able to act on immediately he came in. But since he was unable to get, it is now that he is been able to get the correct information on which to act and that is what I see.

The administration is insisting on bringing people who are incorruptible that will form its cabinet, what calibre of personalities do you subscribe that should be appointed?

You have already said it; Buhari wants people that are incorruptible. I don ’t think I should bring anything else to qualify people that will have to be appointed. He also wants to be sure that he doesn ’t mess up. People have misbehaved so much that he has to take time not to go and pick the wrong people. Look at the case of the man who is appointed as Director of DSS and the Acting Chairman of INEC; you still find the PDP saying things against these appointments. Buhari did not even employ these people.

The people were in the service and maybe employed by the PDP government and if they have only been made to occupy positions now within the same setup, nobody should be talking about it. But you find that they are learners in opposition politics so they say anything. I don ’t think Buhari should be stampeded into making the appointments. He may have been contacting people privately and has already made up his mind. When the

A few days ago, close associates of President Buhari, former governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi and Fashola of Lagos State were alleged to have heavily looted their states. The accusation was made by the opposition and other offenses against these former governors.

Do you think this portrays the APC in bad light?

If people made accusations, let them prove it. Buhari has said that there are no sacred cows. So if they are found to have done anything wrong, the law will take its course. That ’s all.

You pointed at some mind boggling revelations of the state ’s funds been looted. How would you suggest to the government on how to recover the looted funds?

I am a part of this government and I don ’t usually like to say that I am advising the same government in the media. I am part of the government and if I have any word, I will go and talk to the governor. He should not hear about what my opinion is on the pages of newspapers.

But he has already said it that those that looted, they will be called. Whether you are the governor, you will be called to come and explain. So nobody will be witch hunted or condemned without fair hearing.

Ork kar

OUR TRANSITION COMMITTEE JUST GAVE A REPORT AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT THAT

REPORT, YOU MARVEL WHY THINGS SHOULD HAPPEN THAT WAY; PACKING MONEY,

WITHDRAWING MONEY NOT ATTACHED TO ANY PROJECTS time comes, he will bring up the list and the government is still going on; there is nothing that is not happening. The most important thing is that the government that we have taken over from was corrupt; so corrupt that the revelations which are coming up are very serious and one would imagine how a government behaved the way it did, not minding what would happen, not minding the fate of the people that they are governing, packing money, looting and looting so much alone. That alone is an area that has to be looked into. Take the case of Benue State, our transition committee just gave a report and when you look at that report, you marvel why things should happen that way; packing money, withdrawing money not attached to any projects. So even looking at these things alone means a lot.

The opposition PDP is pointing accusation fingers at Mr. President for allegedly being one sided in his quest to probe the former government officials. How about members of the APC who served the same period with them? How do you reconcile this?

I do not understand what is meant

by witch hunting here. If somebody discover that one looted government funds and is been investigated, does that means witch hunting? It does not mean witch hunting. So the allegation is rubbish. They have nothing to say, they have nothing to help Buhari to perform. They should be over looked. Buhari should go ahead and do what he is doing. If anybody is found wanting, that doesn ’t mean witch hunting, accusations are made. I remember the other time the president was answering questions bothering on this witch hunting of a thing, if you are accused of having done anything what you would do is to clear your name, say ‘I have not done it ’ not to talk about witch hunting; talk about the facts of what you are accused of. If you are not guilty say ‘I am not guilty, I have not done it ’. And that is what happens even in the court of law where a charge is read against one and one would say not guilty. In the end, it would be proven that the man was guilty then he would turn round to be pleading for mercy forgetting that right from the way go he said he was not guilty. So that should not bother anybody. Let the judges come out with the verdict that the people

How the situation does portend to the present administration?

Our problem is that so much looting is affecting us, whereas we should be going ahead from where we are coming, we have to look back, we have to settle debts.

I know that government is a continuation but it shouldn ’t be paying salary arrears and pension arrears. It should be some of the projects that have been executed and maybe, the government couldn ’t pay genuinely and that is okay.

But a government receives money from the federation account, it has to be ascertained what they do with that money and did not pay workers. Look at the case of a technical school where those people say they were owed five years. It is the height of patriotism for those staff to have remained teaching in that school.

How can one explain that? So we will look into those things very well and as I said, instead of trying to move forward, we have to sort out the mess before we can move forward. I have always say that if you are given a house and the house is dirty, you clean the house before you live inside; you can ’t live in that house with the mess. So we have to clear the mess that has been put in place by the past government before we will be able to do something new. When I say something new, it doesn ’t necessarily mean having to put up new structures but moving forward. Some of the moribund companies will have to be re-opened and that means we are moving forward. The thing is that we have to pay back so much because of bad governance. We have inherited too much of a debt. You can ’t say that a new government should not inherit debt but it should not be to this magnitude.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Sunday, August 30, 2015

53

attle amidst APC ’s marauding presence THEY THINK BECAUSE WE HAVE LOST, THE IJAW NATION SHOULD BE HUMILIATED AND THEY ARE NOW GOING QUIETLY. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ARE TALKING BUT THE GOOD

NEWS IS THAT THE ORDINARY PEOPLE OF IJAW NATION WILL RISE UP AND SAY NO TO THIS DISPLAY OF GREED

Sylv va

been having a running battle with the governor, will be preferred by the national headquarters of the party to conduct the governorship primaries after a peace meeting has earlier reinstated the suspended and expelled members of the party.

His (Inokoba) defection seems not to only vindicated claims by the governor that he worked against the party at the last election; it equally paved the way for the governor to clinch the ticket

at the governorship primaries coming up soon as he now has all his loyalists at the helms of affairs at the state party secretariat Dickson, with his development strides still remain the man to beat. The PDP, which lost out in the center is still comfortable with the coming polls as it is almost certain that people of the state will vote for the party rather than vote for APC and bring further shame to the former President, whose defeat at the Presidential poll left a hole in the heart of many Bayelsans and the Ijaw nation, so this election may be their way of revenge against the APC. The recent statement of Dickson agrees with the thinking of some the electorates and also corroborates what many Bayelsans feel especially after many of them watch in dismay while former lawmakers and prominent PDP members who got their political

relevance through the party decamp to the APC The governor said, “They think because we have lost, the Ijaw nation should be humiliated and they are now going quietly.

They are the ones that are talking but the good news is that the ordinary people of Ijaw nation will rise up and say no to this display of greed of the highest order where people cannot subordinate their own personal greed for position at the federal level for the common good. ” But for the APC, made up of former PDP members, some close allies to the former President and even aides to the Governor, their ambition is clear, get Governor Seriake Dickson out of Creek Haven at all cost.

Some of those who want the governor out may perhaps have genuine reasons, others for their own ambitions and yet others;

THE COMMITTEE

ambit of the functions of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition.

According to the lawmaker, “As the Chairman Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, I am answerable to the Senate in the first instance. Two, this Committee attends to every petitions that come from the public and the invitation to the EFCC boss is one of those petitions and the petitioner is going to appear before the Committee. ” Continuing he said, “If you look at the press statement by the Senate Minority Leader and by extension, PDP leader, Senator Akpabio, it was a misinformation.

“This is so because he is wrongly linking Lamorde and others invitation to what happened on the floor of the senate weeks ago when an attempted amendment of a prayer in motion where the CBN Governor was to be invited with the EFCC boss regarding money laundering and all that , but rejected. So, their statement was clearly based on misinformation. ” Anyanwu emphatically stated that his committee would go ahead with the probe, stressing that, “this is a standing committee of the Senate. It is not only EFCC boss that was invited. There are other petitions which we have invited the petitioners and those petitioned against. ” Also on the same Tuesday, Chairman of the senate ad hoc committee on media and publicity, Senator Deno Melaye issued a statement on the same subject matter, to the effect that the senate was united on the proposed public hearing.

Melaye said: “The attention of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Media and Pub-

to get back at the governor, who they has nicknamed the ‘EMPEROR, for his tough stance on issues and uncompromising posture.

“You are also aware that our party for the first time lost power at the centre and I think it is immoral for the people who have been nurtured by the PDP over the years to defect. Many decamped because of personal ambition and to be available for federal appointment. Well, we can only wish them well.

By the constitution you cannot stop anybody from changing his affiliation to a political party so a number of them say they are going or have gone. These same people before the cock crowed three times like Peter did in the bible, some of them were as close to Jesus like peter to the former president, all decamped, ” the governor stated.

However, Chief Alex Ekiotenne, said they are leaving the party not because of greed or personal aggrandizement as alleged by the governor but that the state cannot afford to be in the opposition especially at the federal level.

According to him, “You see the PDP has become an opposition party at the federal level. Don ’t forget that in this part of the country, we have always aligned with the Federal Government because of our limitations. We are a minority living in wealth but wallowing in squalor and you cannot extrapolate yourself too far or too long from the powers that be, that controls the system, if you want to make progress. ”

enate

ALSO WISHES TO STATE THAT THE

SENATE WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED INTO ABANDONING ITS CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE WHICH INCLUDES BUT NOT LIMITED TO INVESTIGATING ANY ISSUE BROUGHT Anya anw wu

did not have the blessing of the entire senate.

The next day, Tuesday, August 25, chairman of the committee, Senator Anyanwu, who incidentally is also a PDP senator said his committee would not be deterred from the public hearing on the basis of the opposition by the PDP senators.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the National Assembly, Anyanwu said, “The PDP leadership in the Senate namely the Minority leader, Godwill Akpabio, Deputy Minority Leader, Philip Aduda , Minority Whip, Emman-

BEFORE IT uel Bwacha and Deputy Minority Whip, Abiodun Olujimi, confused my committee ’s invitation to Lamorde to a failed one, earlier moved on the floor of the senate in form of an amendment to a prayer in a motion. ” Anyanwu said Lamorde ’s scheduled appearance before his committee along with the man alleging him to be involved in N1trillion scam, is a fall out of a petition to that effect, which falls within the

licity has been drawn to media reports to the extent that the Senate is allegedly divided over the invitation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde, by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

“This Office wish to state categorically that the allegation is false and that it could only have emanated from the imagination of those who do not want the 8th Senate to succeed.

“The Committee also wish to state that the Senate will not be blackmailed into abandoning its constitutional mandate which includes but not limited to investigating any issue brought before it, ” he stated.

He stated further that for the avoidance of doubt, Order 103 of the Senate Standing Orders specifically states that “In the exercise of the powers conferred on the National Assembly by Section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Senate shall have power to direct or cause to be directed an investigation into any matter. ” He added: “We wish to equally state that attempts to undermine the Senate ’s summon on the basis that the petition in question was sent through a senator rather to the Senate is rather begging the question as petitions to the Senate can either be sent to the Senate President directly or through individual Senators for onward presentation to the Senate.

“In this instance, the petitioner, George Uboh, sent his petition through CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

54

Politics

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lamorde comes under re CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

the Senator representing his district, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North) who in turn delivered it to the Office of the Senate President.

“Moreover, there can be no controversy as to how a communication from members of the public through their representatives should be tendered before the Senate because Order 25(c) of the Senate Standing Orders makes it abundantly clear that “he (Senate President) shall receive all communications addressed to the Senate. ” “Needless to say that it is a normal parliamentary practice the world over for the Senate President after receiving a communication to forward it to the relevant committee for necessary legislative work, whether the Senate is in session or not. ” No doubt, the public hearing went ahead last Wednesday as proposed.

The issue of whether or not to allow the representatives of Lamorde led by the Commission ’s Director of Legal Affairs, Chile Okoroma be part of Uboh ’s presentation nearly marred the event.

But the Chairman of the committee, together with members of the committee were able to handle the issue well such that the hearing proceeded after an initial altercation.

Once he and his team were initially asked to leave the hearing room, Okoroma protested the decision and described the method being adopted by the committee to conduct the public hearing as unjust and contrary to the law, saying, “It is very wrong for a petitioner to be heard publicly in the absence of the person the petition is against ”.

Following Okoroma ’s remarks, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim ( APC Kwara South) became very enraged and insisted that the EFCC officials must be walked out from the session, since according to him, “they were not even expected to be in attendance , let alone, administered oath, for the purposes of commenting at the session. ” Addressing Anyanwu, the lawmaker said, “Mr. Chairman, in line with our tradition and relevant rules governing this type of session, since Okoroma and the other EFCC officials here , are not known to have been here in the first place, but decided to be here and even went ahead to start commenting without being administered oath for that purpose, I move that the Chairman walk them out of the session ” Acting on the submissions of Ibrahim, the Chairman asked the three EFCC officials and other lawyers who accompanied them to immediately leave the venue of the hearing session.

This was not until Anyanwu had assured the EFCC representatives that a date would be communicated to them by the committee on when they would appear before the committee to defend the allegations against the commission and the Chairman.

Before they walked out of the session, Okoroma still insisted that the method being adopted by the committee in hearing the petitioner, was illegal and unjustifiable.

An obviously irked Okoroma maintained that, “This committee is a committee of the Senate, known as one of the lawmaking institutions in the country but what we are seeing today, is law breaking because it is wrong for a peti-

Law wan n

Olu ujim mi

THE PETITIONER SAID HE WAS AMAZED WHEN THE SAME GOVERNOR DICKSON WHO GAVE HIM THE MANDATE TO RECOVER THE FUND TURNED BACK TO DENY THAT HE NEVER GAVE SUCH AN INSTRUCTION

tioner to be heard in the public in the absence of the person, the entire petition is against. ” At the public hearing, Uboh regaled the lawmakers with details of un-remitted recoveries by the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) totally N2.051 trillion.

The petitioner stated during his presentations that out of the N2.051 trillion, Lamorde is to account for the sum of about N1trillion, which he has failed to provide explanations to its where about.

Uboh explained that the alleged un-remitted refunds comprised seized properties, assets and funds of individuals under investigation by the commission.

Explaining how the sum came about, Uboh stated that by the commission ’s own account, “In December 02, 2011, via a letter EFCC sent to the Chairman, House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, EFCC stated that the aggregate recoveries from 2004 to 2011 (8 financial years) was N1,326,754,554,482:80. EFCC did not mention where the N1.3 Trillion recovered was remitted to, ” stressing that, “EFCC ’s claim that it did not recover up to a Trillion is complete false. ” The petitioner subsequently gave the breakdown of the un-remitted recoveries as follows; 2004 (N7,070,693,130:00), 2005 (N965,651,737,039:00), 2006 (N6,622,261,783:79), 2007 (N7,700,150,381:20), 2008 (N18,141,628,546:98), (2009--N130,885,187,726:83),2010(N52,877,464,867:00) and 2011 (N137,805,431,008:08).

He disclosed further that in the commission ’s summary of monetary recover-

ies covering the period 2003 to 2013, i.e. 11 financial years, EFCC put the aggregate recoveries for the eleven financial years at N497,385,427,485:63, but did not mention where the N497.3 Billion recovered was remitted to.

Uboh who stated that the documents submitted were prepared under the chairmanship of Lamorde went further to disclose that the total recoveries to be remitted as confirmed by EFCC are 1.995 Trillion plus N48.9 Billion, plus N7.3 Billion, plus N.4 Billion, which will equals N 2.051 Trillion.

Rhetorically, the petitioner asked, “After recovering over N2 trillion, how did the funds melt away. ” On the allegation that Lamorde indulged in doctoring of bank accounts and diversion of seized funds, Uboh alleged that, “Two access bank recovery account statements tendered herein show Opening balances of zero Naira as at July 1, 2004, but no transaction occurred until June/July 2008 respectively. These transactions are expunged. Where are the funds deposited between July 2004 and June/July, 2008? ” According to him, “EFCC diverted and concealed N779 Million Naira of recoveries from Tafa Balogun in its record (aggregate should be N3,037,255,521.60, not N2,258,100,516.98).

“Instead of transferring N3.3 billion from Spring bank to its Access bank recovery account, EFCC transferred only N2.2 billion and concealed it by understating the summation of the balances in the various accounts hence the access bank statement had N2.2 Billion Naira after the concealment. ”

In his concluding remarks, the petitioner urged the committee to urge the Federal Government to compel EFCC to remit 2.051 Trillion to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Upon interrogation by the senators, the petitioner explained how he had approached the Bayelsa State Government with details of the unremitted recoveries from the former Governor Chief Diepriye Alamieyeseigha by the EFCC. According to him, he was able to elicit the commitment of Governor Dickson to press for the refund of the said unremitted funds by the EFCC. However, when EFCC reneged on the refund, Uboh proceeded to the court to compel the commission to comply with the request.

The petitioner said he was amazed when the same Governor Dickson who gave him the mandate to recover the fund turned back to deny that he never gave such an instruction, even going to the extent of writing him (petitioner) a letter to stop the court action.

Meanwhile, members of the Senate Unity Forum, the group that supported the election of Senator Ahmed Lawan as the Senate President, same Wednesday, opposed the public hearing, claiming that the event was unconstitutional and illegal because it did not follow the laid down procedures of the senate.

The group in a statement jointly signed by Senators George Akume, Ahmed Lawan, Abu Ibrahim and Barnabas Gemade said the probe did not follow the senate rule as contained in rule 41(1-3) of the Senate Standing Orders, which specifically states how petitions are handled by the parliament.

According to the group, “In standard parliamentary practice, a petition is routed through either a senator or a member of the House of Representatives. Upon receipt of such petition, the representative, will inform the presiding officer of the chamber, and thereafter present the petition in plenary.

“Upon presentation in plenary, the presiding officer will invite the senator/representative to lay the same petition on the table in the chamber, which automatically becomes a public document.

“Thereafter, the presiding officer will refer the petition to the appropriate committee for consideration upon which, it would be returned to the senate in plenary. In this regard, nothing of the sort happened. ” Concluding, the group said, “We stand against this probe. It is illegal and unconstitutional because it did not follow our rules. ” This development no doubt has exposed the disunity and lack of cohesion in the senate, as well as the directionless of the leadership of the senate.

With this development, National Assembly watchers are wondering what would be the next action by the senate concerning the probe. Would the probe be discontinued in view of the obvious unconstitutional approach adopted by the committee, or would it be continued despite the shortcomings?

One thing is certain, the leadership of the senate needs to step-in immediately on the matter to provide a way forward and perhaps right the wrongs that have already been committed. This is because as the sage goes, two wrongs cannot make a right.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Interview

Sunday, August 30, 2015

55

‘We need to holistically review 1999 Constitution ’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 public, to look at the areas that Nigerians are yearning for change so that we can go to the constitution and follow the due process of including them therein.

Because all this talk about report of conferences, if you don ’t include them in the constitution, they will be irrelevant. So we intend to actually look at that. Of course the National Assembly work is a continuum, so we now intend to look at these areas. We are open to any suggestions, ideas, contributions and inputs. We also intend to find a way of bringing into light all those bills by the previous National Assemblies. The Fifth and Seventh National Assemblies that wrote important reports that have been lying there without due consideration, instead of taking these bills and reports through all the legislative processes, we are trying to find a better way of sifting the bills and reports and presenting the realistic, organic and very important ones for fresh consideration and possible inclusion in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

We are almost in the 4th Quarter of the Year, and we are yet to have a Medium Term Expenditure Framework, talk less of a Proposed Budget from the Presidency, why is that, and what is the Senate doing about this?

I don ’t think any crisis will arise from this, because this government is a very serious government and I am aware that the government is assiduously working on presenting a Medium-term Expenditure Framework and also they are working on presenting the 2016 Budget before the National Assembly. The budget proposal will soon come, but unfortunately, this government is taking over from a previous government that I can, with all sense of humility and without fear of contradiction, described as a mess. They messed up this country, so there is a lot of mess that the Buhari government is trying to clean up and provide better foundation for more realistic budgeting process, taking into account the Rule of Law and due process of course. So I don ’t want the press to start raising the alarm today, over what ought to happen tomorrow. We are in August, and the MTEF is supposed to be submitted before the end of the year, and we are not yet at the end of the year yet. We have September, October, November, before even December.

But I am sure that this government, between September and October, present to the National Assembly, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and also, may be the budget.

What kind of budget are you expecting?

I am looking at a realistic budget. This is a government of reality, and this is a government of change, so we are expecting that this 2016 budget is going to be a realistic budget. We are not going to cut our cloth beyond the size of our coats.

This government is a very realistic government, this government is operating within a tight situation and unfortunately, this government is taking over a vandalised, brutalised economy that needs attention on every sides and almost ev-

Ndume

IF YOU DON ’T DO STOCK TAKING, PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CRYING AND SAYING

BABA-GO-SLOW IS NOT MOVING AND IS NOT DOING THIS OR THAT, WOULD END UP EVEN SHOUTING THE MORE LATER

erywhere. But I am sure this government is prioritising; it ’s about what to be done and especially knowing what is supposed to be done and at the right time. We have so many problems in this country, but the fundamental problem is what the government is concentrating on now, and that is the area of security. You have to secure the country first, before going over to other things, and I am happy that the President is taking the right direction.

And then you have to solidify the institutional structures that we have and that is what the president is doing now; he is meeting with various Ministries, departments and agencies and picking what they have to get out from people like Permanent Secretaries and heads of agencies and parastatals. If you don ’t do stock taking, people who have been crying and saying Baba-go slow is not moving and is not doing this or that, would end up even shouting the more later. This government that was handed over to President Muhammadu Buhari, is a vandalized government that needs to be diagnosed

seriously to know the ailments.

This is a country that has been neglected and brutalised. So there are several ills, but you have to look at the ailment that is critical; that if not attended to urgently, can affect the patient and he will die and take of it to save the patient.

What is your take on the raging on the budget of the National Assembly?

Well, really, I don ’t want to be talking so much about the budget of the National Assembly. The budget of the National Assembly has been N150 billion for a long time, and it has even been reduced to N120billion, so I think the issue of National Assembly budget is been overflogged and this issue of allowances and salaries of National Assembly, to be honest with you, is been over-flogged.

We are not working outside the Nigerian public and this issue of budget, is an appropriation that we make annually. If you want an arm of government to operate and its budget is less that 3 per cent of the national budget, will you say that

budget is big enough? Well, I know that we are thinking of financial discipline and we must tighten ourselves financially. But at the same time, you don ’t think of tightening a system financially, and in the process incapacitate the institution that you expect to work at the beginning of the 8th session of the National Assembly, when I resumed as Senate Leader, I had to use my own money to produce Order Paper. At a time, two months of our salaries were not paid; we were only paid a few weeks ago. As you rightly said, this N120billion, used to be N150billion. You can imagine N120billion for a whole arm of government, so I don ’t know how the management and the leadership of the National Assembly will cope with the recurrent and capital of the budget. So I would not agree with you that the budget of the National Assembly is over-bloated, but I will agree with you that the whole national budget is over-bloated, especially going by the fact that more than 75% of the budget goes into recurrent. That is not sustainable, but the attention of the public and critics, should not only be on the National Assembly. Like I said before, the 4.6trillion naira of the National budget, over 75 per cent of it goes to personnel and recurrent and like I said, only 2.6% of it goes to the National Assembly and therefore, that means more than 97% of the budget, is in the hands of the Executive and the Judiciary, and only less than 25% goes for expenditure. That means the other percentage that goes into capital projects and to National Assembly, you have 28 percent only, and that means that means about 72% of the budget goes to the Executive and the Judiciary, so why is it that it is only the National Assembly budget that is attracting attention?

Nigerians need to have these facts, so that the National Assembly is not unjustly crucified on the basis of misunderstanding.

What is your response to President Buhari ’s decision that arms should be manufactured in Nigeria and certain items we export be banned?

My thinking is almost in line with him, but I am thinking even more radically than him. Left for me, certain products that are being imported that are not fundamentally necessary for the growth of the country like medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, and as for me any other goods that can be manufactured in the country, should be banned. That is one option that will give room for local trade to flourish. It will allow local manufacturing and people will patronize local products.

If you ask my opinion, rice should not import into the country at all. Why import tomatoes or any other thing that we can produce locally? Even if the prices of the locally produced items will go up, so be it. Or government should provide heavy tax on imported products. We have our local rice that tastes better, but because the imported rice is cheaper, business men continue to import rice from abroad and most of these foreign countries are considering Nigeria a dumping ground and our importers are willing to even import sub-standard products into the country at cheaper costs for them to come and make profit in Nigeria.

56

Politics

Sunday August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kogi Governorship Election:

32 aspirants battle to occupy Lugard House P

olitical parties, gladiators, stakeholders and foot soldiers are back to political chessboard strategising to outwit each other in the electoral processes leading to the gubernatorial election in the Confluence State, come November 21st, 2015.

Following the directives issued by the electoral umpire, the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, the battle line has been drawn as all political parties have returned to their trenches searching for flag bearers, while political permutations, alignment and re-alignment of forces are already going on for the battle for soul of Kogi.

Pundits believe that the gubernatorial election in Kogi State will be quite interesting, following the wind of change that blew across the country which has placed the control of the Federal Government into the hands of the All Progressive Congress, APC, which was the leading opposition party up until May 29. As it is, Kogi is the only remaining People ’s Democratic Party PDP, in the North Central zone of the country.

Prior to this time, the governorship election has always been a walk over for the then dominant PDP, which once claimed to be the biggest political party in Africa. Watchers of political events in the state have argued that the history may not repeat itself in the coming election based on storm that swept away power from PDP and results of the Presidential, National and House of Assembly elections in Kogi State where President Buhari won, APC also won the three senatorial seats, six House of Representatives seats and 11 out 25 seats in Kogi House of Assembly.

They posited that it was a huge improvement in the fortunes the opposition for the first time, noting that if the supporters APC could put their act together and work harder may clinch the seat of power.

Opinion is however divided over who wins the race, as the ardent supporters of PDP argue that the party is still very strong with structures in the 21 local government areas of Kogi State. They also believe that PDP has what it takes to win election come November governorship election in the state.

Ahead of critical political process towards gubernatorial election, the dissenting voices and echoes of agitation for power shift or rotation has once again resurfaced in Kogi ’s body politic.

Be this as it may, at this critical period, the gladiators, parties hierarchies have quickly keyed into agitation by promising to commence the power rotation as from 2019 after the next dispensation.

The agitation for power rotation has become a recurrent issue in Kogi State where other senatorial districts have continued to call for power shift because of long stay of the people of Eastern senatorial district on governance since the creation of Kogi State.

There is no shortage of contestants this time around as no fewer than 32

The political terrain in Kogi State has been a beehive of activities in the past few weeks, following the release of timetable for the forthcoming governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

WALE IBRAHIM reports from Lokoja.

AHEAD OF CRITICAL POLITICAL PROCESS TOWARDS GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION, THE

DISSENTING VOICES AND ECHOES OF AGITATION FOR POWER SHIFT OR ROTATION HAS ONCE AGAIN RESURFACED IN KOGI ’S BODY POLITIC

Aud du

Wad da

Och holii

Oba ado ofin n

aspirants have emerged from the three political parties. And all have picked intent/nomination forms to contest party primaries in state.

Understandably, the APC has the highest number of aspirants, 28 of which have obtained forms and have been subsequently screened by a committee set at the National Secretariat in Abuja. These include the former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu; the former acting governor and Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Chief Clarence Olatunde Olafemi, Prince Rotimi Obadofin, Sena-

tor Nicolas Yahaya Ugbane, Dr . Senator Alex Kadiri, Olushola George Olumoroti, Air Vice Marshall Salihu Atawodi and Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

Others are Dr. Yaqeen Abdullahi Habeeb, Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, Dr.Tin Nda Ditche, Zakari Jiya, James Ocholi (SAN), Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo, Yakubu Mohammed. Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim, Prince Sanni Shaibu, Chief Suleiman Ipinmisho, Senator Usman Abatemi, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar, A. Irukera, Suleiman Abutu and Mohammed Mohammed (aka Elephant).

While the incumbent governor, Captain Idris Wada after bowing to persuasions and pressures, declared for second term and picked intent/nomination on the Platform of the PDP, the former Executive Director and former PDP candidate in January 2011 primary election, Alhaji Jibrin Isah (aka Echocho) has picked form to have another shot at the seat of power.

Two governorship aspirants have emerged on the platform of Labour Party, LP, the immediate past Deputy Governor and former member of Board of Trustee of PDP, Dr Philip Salawu and Adegbe Akubo are expected to slug it out at the party primaries slated for later date.

By Monday 31st of August the APC candidate may have emerged from the 28 aspirants jostling to contest governorship on the Platform of Party in the state.

Fears may have enveloped the minds the APC loyalists over the numbers of aspirant thinking that the outcome the party primaries that will produce the flag bearers.

Pundits are of the view that if the APC national leadership must handle the Kogi governorship primaries with care if the party really wants to win gubernatorial election in the state, positing that the issue may tear the party apart as some aspirants are said to be making arrangements to pick ticket of other party should in case they fail in APC. As it is, the two strongest contestants seem to be the incumbent governor Wada and one of his predecessors, Abubakar Audu, who despite his being out of office for close to 10 years, still commands a strong political following. Indeed, he is the man to beat in the APC primaries, while for the PDP, Wada is certain to pick the ticket.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SMExtra

57

with OBASOLUYI TELEWA 07033840936 Email: bazo_ telewa@yahoo.com

STORIES THAT TOUCH YOU Sunday August 30, 2015

Carnage on the road …10 burnt to death, ve others sustained injuries

Scene of the accident.

Ogodo

T

ears flowed freely at the scene of the accident that occurred on the Lagos Ore road last Wednesday. Motorists could not believe their eyes as they watched in vain as fire consumed fleshy human bodies writhing helplessly in pains.

The surging crowd and other onlookers could only watch in amazement because of the intensity of the inferno.

At the last count, 10 people laid dead.They were burnt beyond recognition. The other five victims were rescued alive and they are receiving treatment in a nearby hospital.

According to Sunday Mirror findings, a fully loaded passenger bus belonging to a popular mass transit company, God is Good Motors and a truck belonging to Dangote Group of companies were involved in the accident that claimed many lives.

The Dangote truck was said to be heading to Lagos while the Mass Transit Bus was on its way to the Eastern part of the country before the unfortunate accident.

Last week ’s fatal accident on the Lagos-Ore road has sent cold jitters on the spines of road users across the country as we enter the ember months in two days time.

Though a source disclosed to our correspondent that all the passengers on board died on the spot, but the Ondo State Police image maker, Mr. Wole Ogodo shared a contrary opinion when he spoke to our correspondent from Akure, the State Capital at the weekend.

Following the latest development, the fear of the dreaded gripped road us-

ers ‘ember ’ months has once again rear its ugly head. Commuters are now calling on the appropriate authorities to ensure the road worthiness of the vehicles plying the busy routes to avoid road mishaps during the ember months and especially during the yuletide.

To them the yearly bloodletting on most roads across the country, rather than abating has been on the increase.

According to them, the situation has not been helped by the sorry state of the roads across the country that has made them prone to accidents. Worthy of note they say is drunkdriving on the part of the drivers which must be curtailed.

Confirming the accident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, disclosed to Sunday Mirror that the accident that took place

on the Shagamu-Ore road occurred as a result of head collision between a truck and mass transit bus.

The PPRO stated that a total of 15 people were rescued from the scene. According to him, 10 of them were burnt to death while five of them were rushed to a nearby hospital and still receiving treatment having suffered varied degrees of injuries from the collision.

His words: ” It is true that the cause of the accident was as a result of head collision by a truck belonging to Dangote and a mass transit bus belonging to God is Good Motors. ” According to him, 15 people were rescued from the scene, 10 burnt beyond recognition while the other five victims sustained varied degree of injuries and have been taken to

the hospital for treatment ”.

He said, prompt intervention of his men saved the situation from escalation and getting out of hand.

“When the accident occurred, my men responded spontaneously which made the escalation to be curtailed and they were able to save some lives ” he told our correspondent.

Ogodo stated that many lives would have been saved if not for recklessness on the part of the drivers. Recklessness and over speeding was responsible.

“Road users must adhere strictly to the approved speed limit to save lives ”, he stressed. He, however implored passengers to always caution drivers over reckless driving as it is better late than never.

58

North

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC ’ll conduct free, fair guber primaries in Kogi –El-Rufai WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

A

s All Progressives Congress (APC) starts its governorship primaries in Kogi State, the Chairman of the Governorship Primary

Election Committee and Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir el Rufai, has assured aspirants that the committee would conduct free, fair and credible primaries.

El-Rufai gave this assurance while briefing

newsmen shortly after a closed doors meeting with 24 of the 28 aspirants who attended a stakeholders ’ meeting yesterday.

He explained that the Committee had been mandated by the National Executive Committee of APC

to come to Kogi to conduct the primary election.

He pointed out that all the aspirants had agreed with all procedures and guidelines in respect of the election.

While reeling out the guidelines and proce-

dures for the exercise yesterday, El-Rufai stated that accreditation of delegates would start early, adding that the delegates could only be identified by the Voter Card, National Identification Card or international passport in order to check impersonation.

He stated that security would be tightened and the venue would be condoned off by security personnel to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

He also warned that donning of aspirants ’ Tshirt is prohibited at the venue of the y election, noting that there would not be voting by proxy.

He also said that any aspirant who wants to step down has the opportunity to write to the committee before the commencement of accreditation, adding

that the electoral committee would not accept any directives from any aspirant who had stepped down to merge his votes together with other aspirants in the race.

He disclosed that the committee would use codes, numbers and signs to identify the aspirants so that delegates would not be confused in case they have the same or similar names and initials, stressing that there would be no room for agents writing for delegates as they would not entertain any delegate claiming to be illiterate who cannot read or write.

He added that votes which do not clearly represent an aspirant ’s code, sign and name would be voided, admonishing the delegates to adhere strictly to the guidelines.

Seminary president challenges clerics on materialism Adamawa State Governor Bindow Jibrilla (middle); Deputy Governor, Martins Babale (3th right) and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa (3th left), with new commissioners, after their swearing-in, at the Government House in Yola, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

DPC executives escape death by a whisker WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

E

xecutive members of Democratic People ’s Congress, DPC, cheated death yesterday when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a road crash on the AbujaLokoja highway.

Chairman of the party, Rev. Olusegun Peters, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Lokoja, said he and other national officers of the party were travelling from Abuja-Lokoja when the accident occurred yesterday.

Peters explained that the

accident occurred at a spot at Irehi village along Lokoja Abuja highway at about 10 a.m.

He pointed out that the Toyota Hiace bus conveying them suddenly lost one of its rear tyres, making it to somersault two times before emptying its occupants into the roadside bush.

He also disclosed that the national Vice Chairman of the party, Mrs. Comfort Effion, was critically injured while two others also sustained varying degrees of injuries.

He said that all the victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment with

the assistance of officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission.

The chairman described the incident as one of the sacrifices of the party for democracy, saying that the inauguration of the state executive was its first outing since the party was registered by INEC on June 16 this year.

He called on the executives of the party to immediately begin the search for a credible candidate to fly the party ’s flag in the governorship election slated for November 21.

“Power resides with the people. It is time to rescue

Kogi State from poor governance. It is time for the people to be in charge of their destiny.

“It is time to provide dividends of democracy that will meet the needs of the long-suffering people of Kogi State, ” he said.

Chairman of DPC, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, said the party would field a candidate and participate fully in the upcoming governorship poll in the state.

He added that the party would spread its net to the nook and cranny of the state for members and promised to ensure internal democracy.

EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

P

resident of Agape Christian Theological Seminary (ACTS), Prof Gideon Olanrewaju, has challenged today ’s clerics to shun every act of attracting material gains among membership of their churches in the name if preaching God ’s words.

He made the statement in Tafawa-Balewa LGA of Bauchi State on the 4th convocation and award of honours to theology students of the campus.

Olanrewaju lamented that in most of the churches, preaching is centred on materialism and personal gains. He described the development as inimical to church and spiritual

growth of members.

“I believe that the princely life of God has advantage towards principles of ethics, which is expected of clerics to critically observe in propagation of God ’s word, but nowadays, the reverse is the case, when they are using preaching as a weapon for personal gains, ” Olanrewaju said.

He attributed the decay in churches to superiority complex among clerics and described it as the major hindrance towards church growth.

According to him, there is nothing to hide as some acclaimed pastors engaged in occultism in their desperation for power and to attract church members to raise money.

Ex-lawmaker faults Buhari ’s ght against insecurity JAMES ABRAHAM

JOS

A

member of the immediate past National Assembly, Hon Bitrus Kaze, yesterday expressed worry over the way President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC-led government was fighting the war against insecurity in the country.

He accused him of bias and insensitivity to the plight of other sections of

the country Kaze, who represented Jos South/East Federal Constituency of Plateau State reminded the President of his promise to ‘belong to everybody and to nobody ’.

In a statement issued in Jos yesterday, Kaze noted that the APC-controlled Federal Government had carried on with the fight against insecurity as if some sections of the country mattered more than

others.

“While taking over the reins of power, President Muhammadu Buhari relocated the military command centre to Maiduguri where it will remain until Boko Haram is completely subdued.

“Also, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has of recent been traversing Borno State and other parts of the North-East, the birthplace and operational base of the Boko Haram insurgents.

But most regrettably, the Federal Government has completely turned a blind eye to the perpetual killings by ‘unknown herdsmen ’ on the Plateau. ” He added: “Since the APC took over power in May this year, an average of 10 lives comprising mostly innocent women and children, have been wasted on a daily basis in Plateau State particularly in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs.

“Beginning with the 2016 appropriations, the APC-led government plans to spend at least N100 billion annually on a 10-year amnesty programme targeted at the Boko Haram terrorists notwithstanding that they have consistently rejected any amnesty offer. ” He also observed that while the counter-insurgency war still rages, the President has already concluded plans to rebuild

the North-East with a whopping $2.1 billion loan from the World Bank, adding also that Buhari has appointed two natives of Borno State into key command positions of the security forces, yet “the only native of Plateau he met in a command position, CGI David Paradang was thrown out of office despite fully complying with directives issued by the Permanent Secretary who crafted his removal. ”

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South NEWS

Sunday August 30, 2015

APC invites Ndoma-Egba, Ebri, others to join party RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

T

he ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday said it had formally invited former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, and one time governor of Cross River State, Mr. Clement Ebri, to join the party and strengthen it to win future elections and attract development to the state.

Briefing journalists in Calabar, APC State Vice

Chairman, Hon Cletus Obun, said the party took the decision at the Central Senatorial District of the state.

Obun maintained that other political heavyweights who had been formally invited to join the party include a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Maurice Ekpang; human rights activists, Utum Eteng, a lawyer and Chief Wilfred Inah.

He said APC has also contacted the former Deputy National Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Dr. Sandy Onor and former Chief of Staff to a former governor of the state, Dr. Alex Egbona to join the party.

Obun said though Onor and Egbona are currently pursuing their matters in the election tribunal, they there is hope they will

join the APC as soon as possible.

Obun’s disclosure came against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the likelihood of Ndoma-Egba, Ebri and other political leaders of the state joining the APC. Obun, a former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly and chairman of contact and mobilisation committee established by the par-

ty in the district, stated: “I am the head of the committee and we have commenced work already. As I speak to you, formal invitation had been made to some of them, including Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and former governor, His Excellency, Governor Clement Ebri. We hope to be through with the task of mobilising eminent persons in central to the APC in a matter of days. I

59

must add that we are getting positive responses from the efforts made so far.”

The onetime chairman for the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) pointed out that the invitation sent to the political heavyweights was derived from the resolution reached at a recent post-election meeting of the APC in Ikom, the central district of the state.

Umahi laments death of 20 persons in auto crash ...warns drivers to shun over-speeding ALIUNA GODWIN ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, yesterday lamented the death of 20 persons in a motor accident on Friday in Ezillo community along the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway.

The governor, who made this known through in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emma Anya, noted that information available to him showed that the accident was caused by overtaking and called on motorists to avoid being in a haste while driving.

The governor also called on the FRSC to deploy more of its men on

the highways in Ebonyi State to check reckless driving, especially by commercial vehicle drivers.

The governor, who lamented that the accident occurred barely two weeks after the killing of 14 persobns on the Afikpo-Okigwe highway, directed the Commissioner for Health to move to a hospital in Enugu where some survivors were taken to.

He said: “His Excellency directive is to ensure that the injured were given adequate medical attention.”

Umahi wished the survivors quick recovery just as he prayed for the repose of the soul of those killed.

T

“The convention across the Unified Local Government System of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Civil Service is for Accountants and Administrative Officers (Head of Personnel Man-

PHOTO: NAN

Results declared before collation, C’River election tribunal told RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

L

ead counsel to the Labour Party candidate for Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, Prof. Joshua Dada, has told the election agement in the case of Local petition Ttibunal sitting in Governments) to sign cheques Calabar that results of elecand other instruments of tion were declared before withdrawals from the bank. collation was done.

“There is no logic that can It would be recalled be used to justify the creation that candidate for the Laof Voucher Officers in the 13 bour Party Candidate, Dr. constitutionally gazette Local Alex Egbonna (petitioner) Governments of Ebonyi. had gone to the tribunal “The Local Government to challenge the results of Service Commission and the March 28, Abi/ Yakurr NULGE should have been conHouse of Representatives sulted before such sensitive election, which the Indelegislation was enacted. pendent Electoral Com“We, therefore, called on mission INEC declared the the governor not to sign the Peoples Democratic Party bill until it was reviewed criti(PDP) candidate, Hon. cally in order to save the loBassey Eko Ewa as winner cal government system from of the poll. degenerating,’’ the statement According to arguments quoted the union as saying the brought before the tribunal souls of departed and asked sitting in Calabar on Friday God to grant their families the

by Egbona’s counsel, who heart to bear the loss of their cross examined the first loved ones.

Shun Voucher Officers’ bill, NULGE tells Ebonyi govt he Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ebonyi Chapter, has urged Gov. David Umahi of the state not to sign the Voucher Officers’ Bill enacted by the state’s House of Assembly into law.

In a statement signed in Abuja on Saturday by the president of the union in the state, Mr Leo Nkah, the union observed that the move to create Voucher Officers by the assembly ran contrary to existing Civil Service Rules.

L-R: Representative of Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rufus Godwin; Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, AVM Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd) and Governor Seriake Dickson, during the 11th All Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference in Yenagoa at the weekend.

respondent to the petition,

there was overwhelming evidence before the court showing clearly that results of the purported election was announced before collation of the result was done by the electoral body.

Presenting the INEC forms EC8D and EC8E before the Tribunal, Dada argued that the forms in which the final results of the election were recorded which shows clearly that collation was done on the 30th while results were declared on the 29th as stated in form EC8E. “Form EC8D was the form that gave birth to form EC8E which is the declaration which was the one used for declaration on the 29th before the 30th day which was the day they concluded collation, to us we feel it was gross malpractice as far as the Electoral Act is concerned.

“It means he was declared winner of the

elections even without knowing what he scored or even before results were collated”, he averred.

However, the PDP candidate, Hon. Bassey Ewa under cross examination testified to the peaceful conduct of the election, and stressed that he was declared winner on the 29th of March, 2015.

When Hon. Ewa was asked during cross examination if he was conversant with electoral procedures having occupied elective positions since 1999 when he began holding elective office in the state, Ewa stated that he is not an INEC official and did not work with INEC to know the details that has to do with announcement or declaration of election result and stressed that he was only invited to INEC`s office Calabar on 29th of March 2015 where he was

declared winner of the election.

Ewa argued that he had no knowledge of what was written on the forms stressing that the returning officer, Prof.

Duru was in possession of forms EC8D and EC8E and that it was duly signed by him (Duru).

Subsequently, the PDP candidate called two witnesses from Yakurr Local Government Area who were put under cross examination by lead counsel for The Labour Party candidate to substantiate claims made by the PDP candidate that elections were held under a peaceful atmosphere. The witnesses in their separate testimonies confirmed to the tribunal that the election was free and fair in their areas.

The Tribunal has however adjourned the case to 31st of August for further hearing.

60

Sport S port

Di Maria: God’s will for me to miss Final P. 62

Sport

KEEPING YOU ABREAST OF SPORTING NEWS

N

igerians are known for their love for the English Premier League.

From kids on the street up the governor on the of power, the allure of the English premiership is very

seat visible. ible.

The massive following was engendered by the likes Austin Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo and sustained by Mikel Obi, Victor tor Moses and Osaze Odemwingie.

But with recent dip in form of Moses, who is being tipped for a move away from Stamford Bridge, Bridge while Osaze has continued to be plagued by injuries and Mikel who has become a perpetual bench warmer, many has been asking where are the Nigerians, especially with Brown Ideye and Keneath Omeruo also fizzling out.

While many are still wondering if the Ideye and Omeruo will ever make it big in the premier league, the duo of Jordan Ibe and Kelechi Iheanacho are getting in the limelight.

Yesterday, Iheanacho made his English Premier League debut for Manchester City in a 2-0 win over Odion Ighalo’s Wat-

Why Eagles dropped Gbolahan Salami –Official

AUGUST 30, 2015

Iheanacho, Ibe stepping up the EPL challenge PIUS US ANAKALI

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

P. 61

Iheanacho

Ibe

ford.

T h e 18-year-old Iheanacho was an 89th minute substitute for Raheem Sterling, the high flying player h who o scored City first goal.

Priorr to the match, Iheanacho admitted he desperate is despera ate to break into the senior side after that proving th hat he can make an impact. that Now th hat he has made his debut, the question to be asked is will he sustain the tempo? other The ot ther Nigerian steadily moving up the ladder in Liverpool’s Jordon Ibe. Ibe has featured Brendan for Brend dan Rodgers team since the beginning of the season n and has not disappointed. He was in the Liverpool’s fray in Liv verpool’s 0-3 loss to West Ham on Saturday. young The yo oung man man who has pledged his future Nigerian to Nigeria an was snapped up by Liverpool Academy from Wycombe Wanderers at the end of 2011 and is seen as a great prospect for the future, having risen quickly through the ranks.

The talented youngster, who can play up front or out on the wing, started his Anfield career at the Academy and began life at Liverpool with the U18 squad,.

The wide-man possesses a combination of phenomenal speed and powerful upper-body strength, with his growth earning a place in the first-team squad that travelled to North America on pre-season tour in 2012.

After a series of outstanding displays in the FA Youth

Cup, the then 17-year-old was w handed a senior debut by Brendan Rodgers on the final day of the 2012-13 season and imf pressed at Anfield Anfie with an energetic display which included an assist for the winning goal.

Ibe subsequently participated in a second successive subseque tour with the Reds - this time to Indonesia, Australia and Thailand in the summer of 2013 - and once more caught the eye with performances worthy of the first team. Now a semi-permanent fixture in the manager’s matchday matchda squads, Jordon is aiming to emulate the achievements of Raheem Sterling by establishing achievem himself in Rodgers’ plans during the years to come.

Ro As part of that t development and to further increase his experience, Ibe temporarily joined Championship side Birmingham City in February 2014 in a loan deal until the end of the campaign, helping the Blues to avoid relegation.

He travelled to America with the Reds for another pre-season summer tour ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, during which he represented Derby County after agreeing a season-long stay at Pride Park.Midway through the loan spell, on January 15, 2015, manager Rodgers recalled Ibe from the Championship outfit and the youngster returned to Melwood to rejoin his Liverpool teammates. A series of mature displays meant Ibe was soon considered an important part of the boss’ set-up and he committed his long-term future to Anfield by signing a new contract as the campaign concluded.

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Sunday August 30, 2015

Why Eagles dropped Gbolahan Salami –Offi Official

Knockout IFEANYI Eduzor

W

arri Wolves striker Gbolahan Salami’s passport palaver caused him to lose concentration and form and so he was dropped by the Super Eagles, AfricanFootball.com has learnt Salami was a surprise exclusion from a list of players from the domestic league who will continue training with the Super Eagles in Abuja from Monday.

A top official told AfricanFootball.com that the non-release of his international passport by the Norwegian embassy in Lagos was a big distraction for the striker and as a result his form suffered.

“Salami’s mind was not in the training camp. He really wants to move to Norway and the non-release of his passport by the embassy really took his mind away from the training camp.

This affected his form and it was why he was dropped,” revealed the official.

“He will most likely get his passport and fly out to sign in Norway before the transfer window closes.

61

with

08055829770 ifeduz24@yahoo.com

Why Nigerians can’t rule boxing world –Ajose

F

Salami

Thereafter he will be better focused when he is invited again by the Eagles.”

Salami scored when Nigeria beat visiting Chad 2-0 in an AFCON qualifier in June in Kaduna.

AfricanFootball.com further gathered that Nasarawa United midfielder Bature Yaro, Sunshine Stars

striker Tunde Adeniji and Ezekiel Bassey from Enyimba were seriously considered for the final squad to Tanzania.

“Adeniji has been scoring goals in test matches, but already we have enough strikers from abroad and that was why he was not picked,” a source disclosed.

ormer WBC Light welterweight Challenger, Olusegun Ajose, says Nigerians boxers lack the necessary support and adequate preparations that can make them world champions.

The United Kingdom basedboxer told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday that these inadequacies were responsible for most of the country’s boxers’ dismal performance at the world stage “Despite our passion for the country, there is little we can do at the world stage without the necessary financial support and adequate preparations to win world championships.

“The stake is very high at that level; it requires more than passion and love for the country’s boxers to win the world championship and make the nation proud,’’ Ajose said.

He said that Nigeria had talent in various sports but lack financial resources to take on their counterparts from other countries at the international competitions.

Ajose said that sports could be used to project the image of Nigeria within the international community, adding that Nigeria has a long and proud history of boxing, “with the many benefits the sport can offer the country in terms of self-discipline and health for the youth.

“It is hoped that President Muhammadu Buhari will support the initiative to deliver the country into a new era of World Champions,’’ Ajose said.

He said that a detailed plan has been put together, which the boxers will deliver to the President. “The aim is to make Nigerian boxers World Champions in the next 18 months.

Emenike stars for Al Ain in cup game

N

Emenike

igeria international striker Emmanuel Emenike is back to full fitness after he played for Al Ain in a league cup game against Al Jazira.

He is now expected to join the Super Eagles training camp in Abuja on Monday ahead of an AFCON clash in Tanzania on September 5.

The Fenerbahce loanee, who suffered muscle complaint which made him miss the Gulf League opening match last week Friday, featured for Al Ain in a 2-2 draw at Al Jazira and

was on for the better part of the game.

On Friday, Emenike lasted for 82nd minute when he was replaced with Rayan Yaslam Mohammed.

Al Ain came back from 2-0 down to snatch a point off hosts.

Ryan Babel’s pass meant for Emenike in the 41st minute was cut off by Al Jazira defender.

Al Ain are fourth in Group B with a point from one game.

Iwobi delighted with Arsenal’s form

A

rsenal Under 21s striker Alex Iwobi was delighted that the young Gunners kept their 100 percent record in the Under 21 Premier League Division 2 intact after thrashing West Ham 5 - 0 on Friday night in their third game of this season.

The Dream Team VI target was named in the starting line-up for the third time this term while teammate

Aaron Eyoma was an used substitute.

Shortly after the game against West Ham, Iwobi posted on Twitter : “ Good 5 - 0 win today . ” The 19 - year - old was credited with assists in Arsenal U21s first two games against Fulham Under 21s and Derby County Under 21 team.

West Ham’s 18 - year - old defender Emmanuel Onariase lasted the distance at the Emirates.

Yakubu joins Turkish club Kayserispor

E

x-Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni ‘The Yak’ has joined Turkish Super League side Kayserispor, the club has announced.

According to the club official statement on their site, the former Middlesbrough striker has signed a year’s deal with an option for another year.

They said they hope the team will benefit from his wealth of experience as ‘The Yak’ has played in Portugal, England, Israel, China and Qatar. The 32-year-old striker has netted 21 goals in 57 international appearances for Nigeria. The ex-Reading star will be presented to the media and public on Monday.

Yakubu celebrate a goal

Iwobi

Efe Ajagba of Nigeria (R) competes with Paul Schafer of South Africa in the men’s super-heavy weight category at the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland

Obagoriola laments poor state of boxing

A

boxing coach with Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, Lawrence Obagoriola has expressed concern over the poor state of the pugilist game in the country with a appeal to relevant authorities to address the situation.

Obagoriola popularly known as “Knuckle” in boxing circles told Knockout that the poor state of the game is

discouraging many youths from embracing the sport, warning that unless necessary steps are taken to arrest the situation, Nigeria might find it difficult to produce boxers that will do the country proud at international competitions.

“It is unfortunate that these days when Nigeria is going for the All Africa Games, we cannot predict how many medals we will win in the pugilist game.

Cotto: I’m not ruling out future Mayweather rematch

W

BC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto who faces a tough ask when he defends his title against the younger and stronger ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on November 21 says he is not ruling out a future rematch with pound- forpound fighter, Floyd Mayweather.

The Puerto Rican the first fighter from the country to capture 4 world titles at 4 different weights says he is still feeling fresh at 34 years of age, and that the rejuvenation he has experienced un-

der veteran trainer Freddie Roach means retirement is now another two to three more years away.

“I think the Miguel Cotto you saw in the last three fights is a different Miguel Cotto that you saw against Mayweather in 2012.

Evidently confident of victory in November’s bout with Alvarez, Miguel feels a rematch of their 2012 encounter which Cotto lost on points despite a solid showing could well turn out differently with Roach in his corner, rather than Cuban trainer Pedro Diaz who oversaw the Mayweather loss.

62

Sport

SundayAugust 30, 2015

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Although his slender physique might suggest otherwise, Angel Di Maria possesses strength in abundance, as he has demonstrated in overcoming the many challenges life has thrown at him. These included his long struggle for a place in the national youth teams, which he finally nailed down with impressive goals and runs, and dealing with the complications arising from the 2013 birth of his daughter Mia, who was three months premature.

“What happened with Mia changed my life. Now, I don’t sweat the small stuff, just the things that really matter. I’m much stronger because of it and have grown as a man and a person,” he told FIFA.com. Through sheer determination, the player nicknamed Fideo (The Noodle) for his skinny physique wowed everyone in 2014, when he swapped the white of Real Madrid for the red of Manchester United and was named in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI by his peers. “It was a real surprise. For years, I’ve wanted to be part of the [Ballon d’Or] Gala. It still hasn’t sunk in,” he admitted.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Rosario native chatted about Brazil 2014, leaving Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and a dream he still harbours.

: a i r a M i D l l i w s ’ d Go o t e m r o f l a n i F s s mi FIFA.com: In 2014 you helped ed Real Madrid be-come European champions for the tenth time but then had to leave the club. With Argentina you reached the Final of the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil but missed their last two games because of injury. On balance, would you say it was a bittersweet 12 months?

Angel Di Maria: No, no… I’m very happy about what happened. Aside from injuries, which can afflict anyone, I achieved big things, like winning la décima with Madrid and helping Argentina reach the World Cup Final after many years. Then there was how we got there – showing immense desire and bravery with a spectacular group of players. It was well deserved and I was more than satisfied with what we accomplished.

amends. H Hopefully I’ll get that amends opportunity.

If you had to single out one moment from 2014, what would it be and why?

It might sound strange but it’d be reaching the World Cup Final.

It’s something I never thought I’d be part of, even as a boy. And although I couldn’t play, it was still the most beautiful moment of my career.

When you picked up that injury against Belgium, did you realise immediately how serious it was?

Yes, I knew it might be a bad one from the pain. I was on a run and accelerating past the defender and about to break clear. That’s when I felt the pain. However, I have great faith and believed I’d be able to play again, and I did everything in my power to be fit for the Final. But football’s like that. It can put you out of the World Cup, and it can also give you a chance to make

Have you watched those World Cup games since?

No, I try not to watch them. (laughs) Not even your goal against Switzerland?

That one, yes. From time to time I watch some clips on YouTube, though it’s mostly ones featuring the fans.

When you’re actually part of a World Cup, you don’t see any of what’s going on outside, where many wonderful things happen. I heard bits from my family about the sheer numbers who were travelling and how committed they were. You don’t see all that, which is why it’s nice to watch it now and remember it in a different way. We’d have loved to have given all our compatriots the ultimate celebration and taken the final step, and hopefully one day we will.

Have you ever wondered what

might have happened if you’d played in that Final?

No, because I firmly believe things happen for a reason. If it was God’s will that I didn’t play in that final, then it’s because I wasn’t meant to be there. The players that started gave absolutely everything. We had every chance of winning that game and many scoring opportunities, but the ball just wouldn’t go in. They had two chances: one hit the post and the other went in. That’s football for you.

But tactically, against a side with such a high defensive line as Germany, a player with your skills might have found the gaps?

Yes, you could think that way after seeing how the game panned out.

Both el Pocho [Ezequiel Lavezzi] and Leo Messi went at them at pace and got the better of them. I think it would have been a different game with someone in my role. I had a good understanding with Leo throughout the World Cup, but that’s football and God didn’t intend it to be.

2014 was also the year you said goodbye to Real Madrid. What’s your assessment of that chapter now?

Well, I did everything asked of me: I won the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the Spanish league. I won every title except the Club World Cup, as I’d already left the club by then.

I’d been there four years and the time had come for

a change. I really wanted to play in the Premier League, which I’d been watching since I was a youngster every Saturday or Sunday before I’d go and play for Rosario Central. It was always a dream and goal of mine to try out in English football.

You’re one of the few to have been long-time team-mates of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Do you tire of people asking you to compare them?

No, because I always say the same thing: that they’re two completely different players. Leo features in every game, making short bursts and nonchalantly dribbling past one, two or three players with great ball control in tight spaces. Cristiano is more about power, long range shots… they’re different.

If I were FIFA, I’d have two Ballon d’Or prizes, one for that pair to fight over, and another for everyone else.

There’s been a lot of talk about Messi of late, even rumours that he’d consider a move to Chelsea. As someone who spent time working with Jose Mourinho, could you see them together?

In principle, I don’t think Leo wants to leave Barcelona. It’s hard to walk away from a club that’s given you everything, where you effectively grew up. But to answer your question, no I don’t think he’d have any problem working with Mourinho. (laughs)

Sunday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

M

o Farah ran a blistering last lap of 52.6 seconds to sprint away p y to a brilliant 5,000m gold and become the first man in history to pull off a distance ‘tripledouble’.

Farah made it three successive world 5,000m titles and has now won golds in both track distance events at the Olympics and two World Championships as he once again found both the perfect tactical response and the form to pull it off.

Sport

Sunday August 30, 2015

63

Farah wins historic World Championships gold Farah

United to offer £65m plus De Gea for Bale

Bale

M Ronaldo

Ronaldo reveals fear of dying young

C

ristiano Ronaldo has told Spain’s Libero magazine that tha at his his i greatest great ates at estt fear es fea ar is is dydy dy ing i g at a young in you oung ng age. age ge..

Ronaldo, wanted Ron naldo, 330, 0, ssaid aid ai d he w an nte ed to live his e in into to h is 880s 0s orr 90 90ss an and explained his inspiration explaiine ned that h is insp pira ratio on came from people in n llife iiffe ca ame fro om the e pe peop ple l around arrou a o nd d him. him m.

“My “My greatest grea ea atesst ffear e r is ea ing he i g young,” in y ung, yo g”h e said d quotes qu q uot o es reported rep epor orte or t d te Marca.

“II Ma arc ca. “

d y i n b y don’t want die wa ant tto o di d ie young. want yo ou un ng. g I w an nt to die an man, die ie a n ol old ma old m man an, Martinez at 80 80 or 90 years year arss old. ar old. d “The around me “T The people peo oplle arou a rou o nd dm e always on.

They are alw al lways sspur p r me o pu n. T n. hey he y a re a source vibes sso ource ce of of good go vib ibes ess and and positive e energy ene en ergy er y, and most important and that’s th hat’ss tthe h m he ost im imp port po orrttan nt tthing hin i g fo forr me.” me e.” .

Ronaldo Ro ona nalld ldo said ldo said d his hiss aim aim m was wa ass “to “to o try try to to alallways way wa ys be ys be the t e best, year th year in, n,, year yea earr out, out, ou out t, and and nd train trai tr a n hard hard to to push p sh myself pu mys ysel elff to o the the e max.” max ax.”

anchester United will offer Real Madrid £65m plus David De Gea in exchange for Gareth Bale in a lastditch bid to lure him to Old Trafford.

United boss Louis van Gaal is desperate to make a marquee signing before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. Despite interest in Thomas Muller and Neymar, Bale remains his No.1 target and landing him would be a huge coup.

“It would cost them a lot of money but Gareth Bale is one of the world’s biggest stars, while goalkeeper De Gea has made it clear he wants to leave.

“It would suit all parties but there is not much time left and deals like these tend to take weeks because of everything involved. But United remain determined to bring in a big, big name before the window closes.”

“I would not hold anything against him if he moves on, but I want the situation resolved because it’s an absolute joke that it has carried on into the season” Bale is not desperate to leave Real despite his recent difficulties there, but has told friends if he returned to the Premier League, United would be his preferred destination.

Benitez

‘Benitez agreed W/Ham job before Madrid move’ Woods Wo Woo W oo ood o od o ds

Martinez knocks Mourinho over Stones

De e Ge Gea G ea e a

E

verton manager Roberto Martinez has criticised Chelsea over their pursuit of defender John Stones.

Bids of £20m, £26m and £30m for the 21-yearold have been rejected and both Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright insist the player is going nowhere.

“It is no good just to think that because you have a Champions League budget you’re going to click your fingers and get anything you want,” said Martinez.

“Clearly we don’t work like that.”

W

est Ham co-owner David Sullivan has told the London Evening Standard that Rafa Benitez was “within three hours” of becoming the new manager at Upton Park before taking charge of Real Madrid instead.

West Ham parted company with Sam Allardyce at the end of last season and had hoped to bring in Benitez as his replacement after the Spaniard decided to leave Napoli.

However, the former Valencia, Liverpool and Chelsea manager then took the job at the Bernabeu and the Hammers appointed former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic -- once a West Ham player as their new boss.

N I G E R I A

N5trn

Vol. 5 No. 34

Sunday AUGUST 30, 2015

Back Page

Comment E-mail:

nwaunah@yahoo.com Jim Unah is Professor of Philosophy, University of Lagos.

with Jim Unah

W

e do not know for a fact that the boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission— EFCC--, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, actually spirited away One Trillion Naira (N1trillion) of looted funds as alleged by one Mr. George Uboh in a petition addressed to the upper chamber of the National Assembly—now being slated for public hearing on the floor of the House. Unfortunately, that is the embarrassing story making the rounds, and there is division already amongst the senior law-makers regarding the propriety or impropriety of the procedure being followed to investigate the matter.

It is too early, at this stage, to hazard a guess regarding the outcome of a process that might be stillborn on account of the hurly-burly trailing its commencement. The interesting thing is the revelation and the lesson to learn, as well as the precaution to take, from the possibility of public officers looting recovered corruption funds in their custody. A version of the story has it that there is a fraudulent diversion of N1trillion by Mr. Lamorde out of a couple of trillions recovered by the EFCC between

www.nationalmirroronline.net

N150

I N

F I G U R E S

$4.34bn

-Money involved in cement plant deals between Dangote Group and China’s Sinoma organization.

Alleged looting of recovered corruption funds: The Lamorde saga 2003 and 2008.

Assuming for the sake of argument that the allegation is untrue; that no fraudulent diversion of funds had been made by the EFCC Chairman, and that the recovered funds from corruption activities are still intact in the anti-graft agency’s coffers, what would recovered stolen funds be lying idle for within a period spanning 8 to 13 years, when there are huge infrastructure deficits and issues to address nation-wide? Could we find instances of development infrastructure successfully completed with a definitive quantity of recovered corruption funds? Could the regimes that fought corruption and recovered funds from corruption activities point to anything in the polity of general public service interest accomplished with recovered stolen money?

Is there any use making so much noise about the fight against corruption when, in the last analysis, recovered stolen funds are not publicly accounted for in terms of the sort of service delivery it was deployed to accomplished? What is the point in using tax-payers money to prosecute anti-graft battles that yield recovered funds that are secretly siphoned into private pockets?

It seems to me that the Buhari stern posture to recover stolen money may well commence with the disclosure of the available amount of recovered corruption money, in whose custody or in which account, and for what public interest purpose has it been designated to serve. A strategy of this sort would bolster public confidence in the dispensation’s drive to apply the nec-

Bolt claims third Beijing gold U sain Bolt secured a sweep of the sprint golds at a world championships for the third time but USA were disqualified following the 4x100m final in Beijing.

Bolt had already secured the 100m and 200m events before running the anchor leg at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing as Jamaica claimed gold in 37.36 seconds.

The USA looked to have taken second, despite a poor final changeover, but they were later disqualified after Mike Rodgers failed to take the baton before he crossed the yellow line.

That meant hosts China were bumped up from bronze to silver, with Canada promoted to third.

It was also a race to forget for Great Britain’s team, who were on

-Amount NNPC said Nigeria spent on fuel subsidy between 2006 and 2012.

course to claim bronze themselves before a crucial mistake scuppered them on their final handover, as James Ellington failed to get the baton safely to Chijindu Ujah.

Victory for Bolt meant a record-

essary pressures on culprits to return corruption funds stolen from public coffers. In this regard, the EFCC recovered trillions should be the first port of call since, rightly or wrongly, it has now come into the front burner.

Recovered corruption funds should not be kept away from the public purview for too long. Keeping huge funds too idle for too long, in a corruption-ridden society, moistens and fertilizes the ground for the thoughts and acts of corrupt enrichment to germinate and flourish in public funds custodians. The new revolutionary Buhari government should disclose to the Nigerian public, at regular intervals, how much of recovered stolen funds are available in the treasury and channel such funds appropriately to identifiable public interest projects for the benefit of all. Under no circumstances should recovered stolen funds be allowed to disappear into private pockets as that would dampen the enthusiasm and willingness of the international community to assist the Nigerian state to recover looted funds in their spheres of influence.

Since the story of the recovery of stolen funds have been making the rounds in several past governments, members of the public cannot point to any national monument or projects of beneficent nature that such funds were used to accomplish. If successive governments had demonstrated that stolen money would be recovered from past state actors involved in corrupt enrichment and that such funds would be used to provide identifiable and beneficent national development infrastructure the

extending 11th world gold for him, with the 29-year-old having also claimed all three sprint titles at the 2009 and 2013 world championships.

He and team-mates Nesta Cart-

er, Asafa Powell and Nickel Ashmeade helped extend Jamaica’s dominance of the sprint relay to a sixth straight major global championships, including the last two Olympics

SINCE THE STORY OF THE RECOVERY OF STOLEN

FUNDS HAVE BEEN MAK-

ING THE ROUNDS IN SEV-

ERAL PAST GOVERNMENTS, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CANNOT POINT TO ANY NATIONAL MONUMENT OR PROJECTS OF BENEFICENT NATURE THAT SUCH FUNDS WERE USED TO ACCOMPLISH.

lesson that corruption activities are futile endeavors would have long sunk into the psyche of public officers. That lesson needs to be taught by the Buhari dispensation.

The gist of this intervention is that recovered stolen funds should not be piled up unutilized for too long lest such accumulated funds should provide strong temptation for its custodians to steal recovered stolen money and thus give the dangerous impression that the country and its peoples are irredeemable from the scourge of corrupt enrichment. In addition, recovered stolen funds should be disbursed immediately to prosecute development infrastructure of visible public benefit.

I hope for our sake that the Lamorde saga of a thief of recovered stolen money in the corridor of power would turn out to be unfounded.

Bolt

Premier League Results

Newcastle United 0 - 1 Arsenal Bournemouth 1 - 1 Leicester Aston Villa 2 - 2 Sunderland Chelsea 1 - 2 Crystal Palace Liverpool 0 - 3 West Ham Manchester City 2 - 0 Watford Stoke City 0 - 1 West Brom Premier League fixtures

Southampton vs Norwich City Swansea vs Manchester Utd

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd. Head Office: 155/161, Broad Street, Lagos. Tel: 08034101207, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District, Area 10, Abuja. Tel: 08070428249, Advert Hotline: 08098305995, e-mail: mail@mirroronline.net. Editor: AYO OLESIN. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos.

Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Ondo State. ISSN 0794-232X