Saturday leadership

SATURDAY No. 440

N300

Troops Recover Weapons In Underground Armoury

Adamawa Impeachment: Nyako, Deputy Shun Panel NEWS, PAGE 8

NNPC Supplies Crude To Warri, P/Harcourt Refineries By Boats

PAGE 7

PAGE 9

12.07.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

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Chibok Diary DAY 89

We'll Never Abandon Abducted > Page 2 Chibok Girls — UN

Jonathan’s Aide, Delta PDP Chair In Free-for-all 5

World Cup Final: Battle Of The Popes Whose prayer will God answer?

BY CATHERINE AGBO , Abuja

As the 2014 World Cup finalists, Argentina and Germany, clash at the Maracana Stadium, Brazil, tomorrow, there’s been a lot of talk about who the winner would be. But one of the most outstanding commentaries so far is the fact that the World Cup final is between the two living Popes – Pope Francis who is from Argentina and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a German.

One of the questions football fans have been asking is whose prayers God will answer.

Germany scaled through to the finals after crushing Brazil 7-1 while Argentina also beat the Netherlands in a match that ended in a penalty shootout to also clinch a place in the finals.

This World Cup final which pits Argentinaborn Pope Francis, who’s known to be a football fan, against his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who was born in Germany, is the first final that will see two living popes support opposing teams, but the Vatican has quelled hopes of an iconic photo after a spokesman said that the duo will probably not watch the game ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE

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RAMADAN TIMING Day 14

ABUJA Magrib - 7.00 Alfijir - 4.59 KANO Magrib - 7.12 Alfijir - 5.16 KADUNA Magrib - 6.57 Alfijir - 4.58 LAGOS Magrib - 7.12 Alfijir - 5.16

As Pope Francis’ (left) home country Argentina and his predecessor Pope Benedict’s (right) home country, Germany clash during Sunday’s World Cup Final, whose prayer would God answer? PHOTO BY DailyMail

SOKOTO Magrib - 7.07 Alfijir - 5.06 Full table on page 5

chibok diary 89

DAY

LEADERSHIP WEEKEND Saturday, July 12, 2014 CHIBOK FACTS ➔ @obyezeks: I see those LIES by SSS as part of the orchestrated activities to SILENCE our SELFLESS ADVOCACY for #ChibokGirls. But, WE SHALL STAND. ➔ @DoubleEph: One day I will understand how @obyezeks became the target of so much abuse over #BBOG. But ... ➔ @r9matazu: Our future is threatened by the robbing of these young women’s future.

We must have our darlings back so that we can help them to heal #BBOG ➔ @ToyinO1: If intl NGOs really want to help they should contact #BBOG first to ascertain what help is needed ➔ @NikeAdeyemi: Keeping the #chibokgirls in our thoughts and prayers that all will be well with them #BringBackOurGirls

➔ @AshakaSaleh: I will be waiting here ..... For your silence to break. For your soul to shake.

For your love to awake! #BringBackOurGirls ➔@ madamedemadame: One of the #chibokgirls could be an only child!

Her mother could be a widow! Tell me how will the widow keep the faith? #bringbackourgirls ➔ @anafricandiva: We cannot forget.

We will not forget.

We remember the #ChibokGirls.

Rescue them! #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurGirls

#BRINGBACKOUR GIRLS campaigners in Abuja, recently.

PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE

We’ll Never Abandon Abducted Chibok Girls –UN

BY KAREEM HARUNA, Maiduguri

United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown, yesterday called for the world to show support for the kidnapped schoolgirls of Chibok, Nigeria, on 22 July, which will be the 100th day of their captivity.

“We, of course, hope that the Chibok girls will be released before July 22,” Mr. Brown, who will start his new term as special envoy this month, said, according to a press release from his office.

“However, by marking the 100th day of the abduction of the girls, kidnapped by

Boko Haram terrorists, and by pledging never to abandon them, we are reminding people that we are in the mind-set of a global civil rights struggle,” he said.

Boko Haram militants abducted more than 200 girls from their school in Chibok in Borno state of Nigeria on 14 April and despite efforts by the Nigerian Government and international outcry, the schoolgirls remain missing.

“Girls’ rights should be taken seriously and they should have the right to be at school free of intimidation and violence. We will mark the 100 days by pledging to rebuild

Influx Of Displaced Persons Heightens Our Fears – Father Of Abducted Schoolgirl

BY KAREEM HARUNA, Maiduguri

One of the fathers of the abducted schoolgirls yesterday lamented that the continuous influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into Chibok town from nearby attacked communities is another major source of worry for them.

The disturbed parent, Mr Lucky Chibok, told LEADERSHIP Weekend on phone that while they continue to look up for divine intervention on the issue of rescuing their daughters from Boko Haram captivity, the continuing attacks in villages not far away from them had not been giving them courage to remain hopeful.

“These are really trying times for us as parents who have to battle with the agonies of having our daughters out there in the hands of insurgents and no one seems to be doing anything yet,” said

Lucky.

“But our fears only got worse when we begun to see our brothers and neighbours from villages not far away from us now running to Chibok to seek refuge because gunmen had attacked their homes, killed their people and sent them packing.

“We cannot count the number of people that have entered into Chibok in the past weeks; they are coming from Kwarangilam, kwada and Kautikari villages.

When we see these people our hearts get broken the more and we begin to doubt if we would ever see our girls again,” he further lamented.

Since after the abduction of the over 200 final year female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok on the April 14, the quiet town and its surrounding neighbours have continued to suffer repeated attacks from the Boko Haram terrorists.

their Chibok school and by calling for international support for safe school across Nigeria,” Mr. Brown stated.

According to the statement, the vigils would be staged at the same time in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the United States under the banner #BringBackOurGirls.

Mr. Brown is calling on civil society and youth organisations to come together in solidarity with the school girls and to send letters of support.

The online petition (http:// www.aworldatschool.org/ page/s/100daysBBOG) calling for the safe return of the girls and all messages of solidarity

will be passed to Chibok community leaders and families of the girls.

Mr. Brown will also send the petition to Nigerian President Goodluck Johnathan and UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon. The Chibok Girls’ families are expected to sign the petition and offer their full support for the Safe Schools Initative- a fund set up to pilot 500 safe schools in northern Nigeria.

The programme brings the Nigerian Government and Nigerian business leaders together with the international community to ensure that all children are secure when learning.

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our stand Saturday, July 12, 2014

African Leaders And The ICC

U

nder the auspices of the African Union (AU), African leaders are pressing on with arrangements to establish Africa’s own court of justice and human rights which will function alongside the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague and which will give immunity to serving heads of states. This is sequel to their failure to get the United Nations Security Council to accede to their request to defer the trials of Kenya’s leaders.

The 54-nation organisation has urged its members to “speak with one voice” against criminal proceedings involving sitting presidents at the ICC. The AU also demanded the deferral of charges against the Sudanese president, Hassan al-Bashir, who in 2009 became the first sitting president to be indicted for genocide against civilians in Darfur. The AU had earlier expressed disappointment that the request had not yielded the expected positive result.

Botswana opposed the AU’s position, which was made in a statement following an Ethiopian summit attended by 34 leaders.

Kenya’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta, and his deputy,

William Ruto, face charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC for allegedly orchestrating post-election violence in which more than 1,000 people died.

Both men deny the charges even as they have pledged to cooperate with ICC, despite AU’s calls for boycott of the court.

Last November, the Security Council rejected AU’s demand for suspension of the ICC trial of the two leaders. For effect, eight Security Council nations, all ICC members or supporters and including Britain, France and the United States, abstained from voting to ensure the failure of the resolution which got seven votes, two below the number needed to pass it in the 15-member body.

Curiously, there was no veto.

Justifying this move to set up another court, the AU, at a summit in Equatorial Guinea

Ag. Editor Catherine Agbo Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

recently, claimed that the ICC is pro-western and has been hunting African leaders. It went ahead to agree to a draft protocol for the new African court, just months before the scheduled start of the Kenyatta trial on October 7.

We reject AU’s proposal.

African countries are signatories to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Article 5, which itemised crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court to include: crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The question we ask is: did the accused African leaders commit these offences or not? If their hands are clean, they have nothing to lose by facing the process of justice.

Only the guilty are afraid.

Instead of setting up their own court to grant themselves immunity from prosecution even when they err, African leaders should aim for good governance and improve on their human rights records. Otherwise, they must stand charged when they turn their citizens into fodder in a do or die quest for political power. We repeat: the effort to set up a parallel court in Africa is self-serving. The idea should be dropped immediately.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Salisu Alhassan Bichi Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu General Managers Joy Adekanye Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko

Leadership

Holdings

Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase Business Manager Bilkisu Mohammed Rimi

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

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my secret life

Saturday, July 12, 2014

At 10, I Paid To Have My Face Marked – Maryam Mamman Nassir, Caterer My parents are … Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa (aka Baban Sama), a 96-year-old farmer in Kano, while my mother is Hajiya Umma, a Kano-based businesswoman who operates a local mama put. My parents are humble, hardworking and honest people, who believe in extending a helping hand to anyone who comes their way. Their philosophy in life is to rely on God and themselves.

Household I grew up… I grew up in a typical polygamous home, as is common in northern Nigeria till today. The children in my family grew up as one indivisible family, looking out for each other. For instance, I have three older brothers, one of them is from the same mother as me, but the closest to me is my step brother, Kabiru, with whom I still eat from the same plate. Our father loves us to a fault. We are a family that respects and appreciates the old family value system of good neighbourliness and togetherness.

Unforgettable childhold memories… As a student at Queens College, Lagos, a sense of unity and oneness was instilled in us. No ethnic or religious discrimination, we participated in each other’s religious activities. One day, the St Dominics Catholic Church, Yaba was having their annual Bazaar and I was in charge of the jumble sale stand. It was an activity I enjoyed because it allowed me to meet so many people and haggle with them as they bought goods off my stand.

Craziest things I did while growing up… I remember when I was about 10 years old, just around the time of Maulud, local barbers used to go round neighbourhoods looking for young girls who were interested in having their faces marked.

Without asking for permission from my father, I and my sister paid one of the barbers to give us a Yoruba tribal mark even though we have no relationship with the Yoruba tribe. Till date, we have the marks on our faces, even though mine has grown faint.

My biggest regrets … I don’t have any regret in life. As a Muslim, whatever happens to me is

Disclosed An entrepreneur and chairman, Luxury Building & Accessories Ltd, Okenze Sylvester Obinna has disclosed that plans are on the way to commence the manufacturing of roofing tiles in the country.

In an interview, Obinna explained that apart from reducing the volume roofing tiles imports into the country, the local production of tiles would equally offer employment opportunities to many Nigerian youths.

Advised A former President, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ms Evelyn Onyilo has advised Nigerian youths to take the opportunities provided by Rotary Club International to acquire skills needed to make them self-reliant.

Speaking during an investiture/ award, Ms Onyilo noted that Rotary Club International has a programme where it trains youths on skills.acquisition.

Expressed

Maryam

pre-ordained by Allah.

Best books and movies that made impacts on me… The Holy Quran contains whatever I have learnt about this life and the hereafter. Also, I have watched uncountable movies, but the one that impacted so much on me is about an orphan girl, going through the hardships of life with no help in sight. Yet this girl became a Mother Theresa in her country; organising people and helping them beyond measure. The name of the movie was Pauliana.

One thing I would like changed in my life … nothing Fashion to me … Is something white, simple and classy.

Five words to describe me…

Neat, meticulous, hardworking, time conscious and dedicated.

In five years’ time … I pray to live up to that time, then, I might be a doting grandmoth-

er, surrounded by grandchildren, correcting their diction and articulation of the English and French languages, the two of the languages I want them to be able to speak fluently.

When you look into a mirror what you see … I see a lady who is contented and happy with what Allah has done for me.

Senate committee chairman on health, Senator Ifeanyi Authur Okowa has expressed the hope that the new health reform bill when sign into law will addressee the major challenge bedevilling the primary health sector.

In an interview, Senator Okowa said that the bill will enhance life expectancy and reduce mortality rate being suffered by Nigerians.

Life In Brief Maryam Mamman Nassir was born in Fagge local government area of Kano State. She attended Kabo Girls’ Boarding Primary School, Kano and Queens’ College, Lagos for her primary and secondary education, before proceeding to Bayero University, Kano for a bachelor degree (B.Sc.) in mass communication.

Maryam also obtained her Masters (M.Sc.) in international relations from the University of Abuja. She worked briefly with Kano Broadcasting Corporation as news editor, presenter, and producer. Today, Maryam is a professional caterer. She is married with children to the late Mamman Nassir, a former special assistant in the presidency.

Interview by DAVID ADUGE-ANI photo By Maryam Mamman Nassir

Raised A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress [APC] in Kogi State, Prince Salisu Sani has raised an alarm that some members of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party [PDP] have hijacked the party structure in the state.

Sani who is the immediate past Interim State Youth Leader of the party noted that the so-called members of the party were able to hold the party structure through the collaboration of a former Kogi state governor.

NEWS 5

Saturday, July 12, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily Make Fitness Fun

Plenty of people engage in stop-and-start exercising they begin an activity and then lose ineterst. But the key to benefiting from exercise is consistency. It’s essential to find an activity you enjoy. This sounds like common sense, but I find many people wasting their money paying for a gym membership when they obviously dislike going there. Shop around until you find physical activities you like, whether dancing, rollerblading, jumping on a trampoline, golfing, or riding your bike.

When you like what you do day after day, you’ll have fun exercising.

Pope Francis and his predecessor Pope Benedict (right). PHOTO BY AFP; Getty Image, DailyMail

World Cup Final: Battle Of The Popes ➔ FROM COVER

together.

Though the Vatican has said there’ll be no Pope vs Pope final, as far as the internet is concerned, it’s a battle of the Popes. There’s been a lot of buzz on the internet about which of the countries will win.

Even before the countries each picked a place at the finals, some folks were already having fun with the potential Pope vs. Pope match-up. Some of them tweeted: “If World Cup final is Germany and Argentina, then it’s Pope against Pope. Awaiting Benedict-Francis shootout,” Mo Rocca tweeted.

Dreaming of a final World Cup match between Germany and Argentina watched by Pope Francis + Pope Benedict Emeritus together #CatholicChurch,” — Dominican Sisters tweeted .

“Not much of a World Cup fan but I want to see a Holy War (Pope Benedict XVI vs Pope Francis),” tweeted Miguel Lizada.

Pope Francis has never hidden his love for football. In fact, he was a card-carrying member of San

Lorenzo Football Club of the Bajo Flores section of Buenos Aires. The Argentine team captain is football superstar Lionel Andrés Messi, a devout Catholic, who plays forward. He met Pope Francis last year when the Argentine and Italian teams gathered for an audience at the Clementine Hall of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on August 13, 2013. They were in Rome to participate in a friendly exhibition match the next evening in honour of the Holy Father, football’s biggest fan.

Pope Benedict, on the other hand, though not a known fanatic, knows that sports can be more that fin and games. Back in 2008, he was reported to have said “the sport of football can be a vehicle of education for the values of honesty, solidarity and fraternity, especially for the younger generation”. He spoke with Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper back in 2008.

There are reports that footballmad Pope Francis “might” watch ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

Jonathan’s Aide, Delta PDP Chair In Free-for-all

By Sola Adebayo and Kola Eke Ogiugo, Asaba

Hell was let loose yesterday in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, when the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs Mariam Ali, and the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, engaged in a free-for-all.

The show of shame took place at the secretariat of the party in Asaba.

The secretariat was practically turned into a boxing ring as the combatants threw decorum into the winds. Their clothes were torn into shreds while the commotion lasted in the presence of their aides, members of the party and top officials of the state government as well as security agents.

Yesterday’s show of shame was not the first for Ali a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP. In 2011, she had in a similar fashion, in the company of her daughters, assaulted officials of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council at their Wuse Zone 6 office, for marking her property in Asokoro for demolition.

LEADERSHIP Weekend learnt that the members of the party and top government officials had gathered at the secretariat to witness the formal presentation of official vehicles to the chairmen of the party in the 25 local councils of the state.

Although the sitting arrangement on the high table triggered the crisis, LEADERSHIP Weekend learnt that the ambition of two of them to seek the nomination of the party to represent Delta North in the Senate in the 2015 election might have fuelled the animosity between them.

Ali and Nwaoboshi hail from Delta North. Two of them had declared interest in the seat currently occupied by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who is seeking the gubernatorial ticket of the party.

The BoT member, who is also the wife of a former national chairman of the party, Dr Ahmadu Ali, had earlier protested that no seat was reserved for her on the high table despite her status as a national leader of the party.

Ali, who had earlier sat comfortably on a chair on the high table, was ordered to vacate the seat by security agents, who claimed that it was meant for the state’s deputy governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama.

It was gathered that Nwaoboshi joined forces with the security agents to force the party’s BoT member to surrender the seat.

The development was said to have angered Mariam Ali, who reportedly confronted Nwaoboshi to demand the reason for the shabby treatment.

LEADERSHIP Weekend

Mariam Ali

Peter Nwaoboshi

gathered that the claim by Nwaoboshi that he was not aware of the status of Mariam Ali as a BoT member of PDP infuriated her. The heated argument by the two PDP leaders degenerated and members of the party watched helplessly as two of them engaged in fisticuffs.

Sanity did not prevail until their clothes were turned to shreds.

They were later helped into their cars by some party leaders.

Nwaoboshi, who later spoke to journalists, said Mariam Ali was the aggressor.

“Despite the provocation, I did not retaliate, even when she slapped me twice and tore my dress to shreds. She could have been lynched if not for my intervention and that of security men and the elders of the party,” he said.

Nwaoboshi said Ali would be punished for her conduct. “The party leaders have decided to report her to the party executives of her local government and wards but the state executives would write a report to the National Executive of the party over the misdeeds of Ali,” he added.

Ali could not be reached for her reaction before press time last night. She ignored the persistent calls our correspondent put to her cell phone.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday also commissioned 25 vehicles bought by the state branch of the PDP for its chairmen at the local government level.

Governor Uduaghan, during the commissioning, held in Asaba, observed that the national Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu had brought a new lease of life to the party that has positioned it to win all forthcoming elections in the country.

“Today, we have a game changer as chairman of the party at the national level. The fortunes of the party are turning around,” the governor said, explaining that the vehicles which were provided by the state PDP were to facilitate the movement of the local government party chairmen.

According to him, “our state chairman is developing and uniting our party and at the local government level, the chairmen must have structures and continue to reconcile members

of the party because, we believe in grassroots politics.

“We have developed enough persons to win every ward election, especially in Delta state because there is no party in Nigeria that has its presence in every ward apart from the PDP.” Governor Uduaghan used the occasion to appeal to members of the PDP to always be slow to anger, saying, “I want to appeal to all of us, let us not react in anger. There are people who are always there to annoy you but we need to be slow to anger. We need everybody to move forward and with all that happened before 2011, I did promise God that what I want to do is to unite the party.”

He also urged leaders of the party at the local government levels to ensure that the forthcoming local government elections are devoid of rancour, stressing that all disagreements and challenges should be resolved before the elections so that nobody would be given any room to move to other political parties.

State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi had said that the 25 vehicles were to facilitate movements of the chairmen of the PDP at the local government areas to enable them function effectively for the good of the party.

He thanked Dr Uduaghan for his support for the PDP, noting that the state secretariat of the party, which he described as the best state secretariat of any political party in the country, was ready for commissioning.

Also speaking at the occasion, leaders of the party in Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Districts, Chief Godwin Iwegbue, Chief George Sefia and Hon. Solomon Areyenka respectively, assured Governor Uduaghan that the fortune of the party was increasing in the state.

The party passed a vote of confidence on Governor Uduaghan, his deputy, Prof.

Amos Utuama (SAN); Chairman of the PDP in the state, Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi and other leaders of the party at the ceremony.

This was sequel to a motion moved by Chairmen of the PDP in Bomadi Local Government Area, Chief Pius Labo which was seconded by his counterpart from Ughelli North local government area, Chief Shedrach Imonieroh.

6 NEWS

Saturday, July 12, 2014

World Cup Final: Battle Of The Popes ➔ FROM PAGE 5

the World Cup final on Sunday between his native Argentina and Germany but is unlikely to do so alongside his German predecessor Benedict XVI, contrary to media speculation, the Vatican said.

“He might want to watch the final,” Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said of Francis, formerly the archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Bergoglio – a fan and card-carrying member of the San Lorenzo de Almagro club since childhood.

But a Vatican source said he “excluded categorically” the prospect of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, an academic theologian with a penchant for classical piano, sitting down in front of his television set to watch the face-off.

“It’s really not his thing, he is not a fan. It would be like inflicting an infinite penitence on him at the age of 87,” the source said, adding, “he has never been able to watch a football match from beginning to end in his life.”

Benedict did like to keep informed on football results while he was Pope and could at least comment on the big matches but he did not follow his home team, Bayern Munich.

The Vatican’s position has however not prevented a few jokes from doing the rounds in the Vatican ahead of the big game at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana. Father Thomas Rosica, a member of the Vatican communications, quipped in a tweet: “Unconfirmed reports in Italian media: large quantities of mate and Fanta delivered to Vatican for private event Sunday” – a reference to the famous Argentine tipple and the German fizzy drink.

There would be a war!

The contrast could not be greater between Benedict and Francis, who is regularly updated on the activities of San Lorenzo. After the team won the Argentine national championship, a delegation came to the

Vatican in December to give Pope Francis their trophy, as well as the club’s red-and-blue team colours with the words “Francisco Campeon” (Francis Champion) written on the back and the goalkeeper’s gloves – used in a save that helped them win the tournament.

When he does his weekly tours of St Peter’s Square on his “popemobile” before general audiences, the 77-year-old pontiff is regularly pelted with football jerseys and he has extolled the virtues of sport as a spiritual activity.

While the Vatican said Italian media reports about a “two popes final” are off the mark, its own official daily – the Osservatore Romano – earlier this month predicted that Argentine and Germany would reach the final.

In an unusual article for the normally conservative paper, former player Tommaso Damiani, a staunch Catholic, said that “there could be a final that will go down in history because of its unusual supporters” – Francis and Benedict.

Ahead of the final, Italy’s RaiNews made a photomontage with a real image of the two popes kneeling side by side – except that each is depicted praying for their own team.

Conscious of his role as head of the Catholic Church around the world, Francis himself has been careful not to make any predictions about the World Cup or to reveal his passion.

There was one slip earlier in the tournament, however.

The Vatican affairs news agency I.Media reported that when a group of the Vatican’s Swiss Guards invited him to watch the ArgentinaSwitzerland game in their barracks, he declined the offer saying, “There would be a war!”

What You Need To Know About Pope Francis And Football • Pope Francis, like most Argentineans, traces his love of football back to his earliest childhood days. In Argentina, football and faith go hand in hand. Watch carefully and

Sepp Blatter

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you see both the players and the fans praying before and throughout the games.

Pope Francis’ childhood soccer hero was René Pontoni (1920-1983), who played for San Lorenzo in 1946 when they won the national title.

The Holy Father’s home team is the San Lorenzo football club of the Bajo Flores section of Buenos Aires. He is a huge fan.

The team’s wins and losses were a frequent topic of discussion with commuters during his bus ride to work as archbishop of Buenos Aires. Pope Francis has spoken fondly in the past of his childhood memories of going to games with his father and watching them play in Buenos Aires at the Gasómetro Stadium.

Formerly known as Club Atletico San Lorenzo de Almagro, this local football club was founded by Padre Lorenzo Bartolome Massa in 1908; he allowed young people to play on church property instead of in the streets.

Pope Francis is a cardcarrying member of the San Lorenzo Club, having paid his dues annually since 2008, even renewing them last year after his election as pope – member (ID No. 88235) since 2008.

The San Lorenzo team proudly displayed “Papa Francisco” badges on their jerseys for the game against Colon, which happened right after his election to the

ramadan timing Day 15 papacy.

• Papal football miracle? The San Lorenzo team won that game which was scoreless for the first 73 minutes, until Colon striker Ruben Ramirez put a deflected San Lorenzo corner kick into his own net to give the San Lorenzo team a 1-0 win. Football miracle?

The opponent scores a goal for the new Holy Father’s team? The San Lorenzo fans, of course, credited the prayerful pull of their biggest advocate, Papa Francisco.

• Argentina’s good luck charm: The national team during an August 2013 meeting with the Holy Father took a photograph with him.

This happened a day before Argentina beat Italy in a friendly match. According to the news publication Diario Castellanos, the hope is that this photo will “give a message of hope prior to the beginning of the World Cup”.

• Who is the patron saint of soccer? As mentioned earlier, you can see the players and the fans visibly praying both before and throughout the game. Pope Saint John Paul II is frequently called upon for intercession by football fans as he too loved the game all his life. Canonised by Pope Francis in April, John Paul II usually was the goalkeeper whenever he played back in his hometown of Wadowice, Poland. During his papacy, he often highlighted the importance of sports.

Popular quotes by Pope Francis about sports “Pray for me that in the playing field that the Lord has placed me, I can play the game honestly and courageously fora the good of all.”

— Pope Francis on August 13, 2013 “Live your sport as a gift from God, an opportunity not only to improve your talents, but also a responsibility... I have confidence in all the good you can do, especially among young people.”

— Pope Francis, August, 2013.

Insecurity: NAF Graduate 17 In Intelligence Gathering By sOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday graduated 17 men and officers on intelligence gathering to harness the security challenges in the country.

The graduation ceremony of the intermediate intelligence course 10 was held yesterday at the NAF Base Makurdi and presided over by the Air officer commanding of the NAF training com-

mand, Air Marshal Salihu Bala Ribah. He was represented by the NAF Base commander, Air Commodore Olusegun Idowu.

Speaking in a welcome address, the commandant of Nigerian Air Force School of Intelligence (NAFSAINT), Group Captain Benson Omoyungbo explained that the training of the graduates became imperative to enhance awareness acquisition on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Omoyungbo who acknowledged the immense contributions of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adeshola Amosun, to the intelligence school stated that the training of the men of the force is to enhance NAF to properly tackle the asymmetric security problems confronted by the nation.

Addressing the trainees, Air officer training command, Air Marshal Riba who was represented by the Makurdi NAF

Base commander, Air commodore Idowu said the military is confronted with the use of hit and run tactics by insurgents to cause death and wanton destruction of properties.

He noted that the NAF concept of operations is predicated on the early provision of real time, adequate and accurate intelligence on the enemy military intentions and appealed for discipline within the force to enable it adequately respond to any threat.

Towns

Magrib

Abuja

7.00

Alfijr 4.59

Aba

6.56

5.02

Abakaliki

6.53

5.01

Abeokuta

7.10

5.18

Akure

7.03

5.10

Ankpa

6.57

5.04

Argungu

7.12

5.08

Auchi

7.02

5.08

Awka

7.03

5.03

Azare

6.50

4.46

Bama

6.39

4.32

Bauchi

6.51

4.51

Benin

7.05

5.09

Bichi

6.58

4.54

Bida

7.05

5.04

Birnin Gwari

7.04

5.02

B/Kebbi Gwandu

7.13

5.08

Biu

6.42

4.39

Calabar

6.50

4.59

Damaturu

6.42

4.38

Daura/Kazaure

7.01

4.39

Dutse

6.52

4.51

Enugu

6.54

5.01

Funtua/Malumfashi

7.02

4.57

Gembu

6.47

4.45

Gombe

6.45

4.43

Gusau

7.01

5.00

Gwadabawa

7.12

5.01

Hadejia

6.50

4.46

Ibadan

7.14

5.13

Ife

7.09

5.10

Ilesha Baruba

7.11

5.09

Ilorin

7.07

5.11

Jalingo

6.42

4.43

Jere/Suleija

6.59

4.58

Jos

6.56

4.52

Kabba

7.04

5.04

Kafanchan

6.58

4.55

Keffi/Nasarawa

6.58

4.55

Kaiama

7.13

5.12

Kafin Maiyaki

6.58

4.52

Kaduna

6.57

4.58

Kano

6.53

4.53

Katsina

7.01

4.55

Kontagora

7.07

5.07

Lafia

6.53

4.55

Lagos

7.12

5.16

Lokoja

6.57

5.07

Maiduguri

6.35

4.36

Makurdi

6.54

4.54

Minna

7.01

5.05

Missau

6.47

4.45

Monguno

6.38

4.28

Mubi

6.37

4.35

Nguru

6.47

4.43

Ningi

6.51

4.50

Okene

7.07

5.05

Ogbomosho

7.12

5.13

Onitsha

7.00

5.08

Oyo

7.14

5.15

Port Harcourt

6.59

5.12

Potiskum

6.45

4.41

Saki

7.06

5.15

Shagamu

7.07

5.21

Sokoto

7.07

5.06

Umuahia

6.58

5.00

Warri

6.57

5.15

Wukari

5.45

4.55

Wurno

7.11

5.01

Yenagoa

6.39

4.38

Yola

6.36

4.38

Zaria

6.58

4.59

Cotonnou-Benin

7.16

5.18

Ndjamena-Chad

6.27

4.25

Niamey-Niger

7.22

5.17

Zinder – Niger

6.59

4.44

Younde-Cameroun

6.40

4.44

Garoua – Cameroun

6.34

4.37

(Source: Timing Committee, Islamic Research and Timing Organisation Kaduna)

Recommended DU’A for Day 15 (Source:Timing Committee, Islamic Research and Timing Organisation Kaduna) Recommended DU’A for Day 15 It is one of the highly blessed nights in Ramadan. Pray a 6 Raka’ah Salat in 3 sets of 2 Raka’ats each, In every Raka’ah, after the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, recite: (i) SURAH YASEEN (ii) SURAH AL-MULK (iii) SURAH AL-IKHLAS OR Pray a 100 Raka’ah Salaat in 50 sets of two Raka’ats each, In evry Raka’ah after the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 10 times.

AND/OR Pray a 4 Raka’ah Salaat, In the first 2 Raka’ats, after recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 100 times; and in ht elast 2 Raka’ats, after the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 50 times.

After Salam, recite this DU’A: ALLAAHUMMAR-ZUQNEE FEEHI T’AA-A’TAL KHAASHI-E’EN WASH-RAH’ FEEHI S’ADREE BI-INAABATAL MUKHBITEEN BIAMAANIKA YAA AMAANAL KHAA-IFEEN. Meaning: O Allah keep me alive, in this month, in submissiveness the repentant unpretentious have recourse to and benefit by; instill in my heart the repentance of those who humble themselves before Thee to obtain Thy protection; in the name of Thy sanctuary, O Shelter of the fearful.

Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma

news across the states 7

Saturday, July 12, 2014

NAOWA Donates Food Items To Widows, Lessprivilege As part of efforts to alleviate the sufferings of widows, some of whose husbands died in active service of the nation, and the less-privileged in the society, the National Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has donated assorted food items and branded clothing to widows and less-privileged in Kaduna.

Some of the items donated include rice, millet maize, oil, spaghetti, toiletries, and clothing materials among several other items.

The National President of the association and wife of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Mrs. Felly Minimah who personally presented the items to the beneficiaries at the Ribadu cantonment at the Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna, said, she shares in the pains and sufferings of the widows and less privileged, hence the reason behind making the donation and to encourage them, and give them a sense of belonging a hope for a better future.

She charged the widows and other wives of soldiers to ensure that their children are brought up with good morals, as well as ensure access to quality education.

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Pension Scam: Court Fixes Hearing For October Former Oyo State head of service, Kudirat Iyabo Adeleke and 11 others currently facing trial over alleged N5.6 billion pension scam, will know their fate in October and November of this year.

The accused are standing trial before Justice Adegboyega Gbolagunte of Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan.

The trial judge in a ruling on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the case for 24th October, 7th and 8th of November, 2014 consecutively.

Gbolagunte, after consultations with counsel to both parties fixed the dates for commencement of definite hearing of the case brought against the 12 accused persons by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While responding to the plea by the counsel to the 6th accused person (Adeleke), Richard Ogunwole (SAN), that she be given her international passport currently in the possession of the EFCC for her to travel out of the country for medical attention, Justice Gbolagunte advised the counsel to make a formal application.

He said, “Since it is the normal process in court and also due to the insistence of the counsel to the EFCC, B.O. Agboje who is of the view that the 6th accused person should make a formal application for the release of her travel document as the court is a court of records.”

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

2015: Vote Out PDP, Get Electricity– Fashola

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Friday said uninterrupted power supply could be a reality in the country, saying the only way to achieve the feat is to vote out the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in the forthcoming 2015 general elections.

Fashola, who stated this while marking 2,600 days in office at an

elaborate ceremony held at the Blue Roof on the Lagos Television premises, said the electricity crisis in the country was caused by lack of ideas and insincerity of purpose on the part of the federal government.

“I agree with you that it is possible to generate electricity and to make sure that everybody in this country has electricity. I agree with you that it is simple; what we have done in Lagos within the areas where we are constrained shows that it can

be done. But the only way that you and I will have electricity in this country will be to vote out the PDP,” the governor asserted.

He added that, “In 16 years, after spending billion of naira, we cannot switch on electricity and in seven years we have created four plants , it shows that something is missing.

So unless you vote for All Progressive Congress (APC) and two with an inefficient government it is going to be difficult to have electricity.

“They started from Vision 2020-20 and I told you then that they were having nightmares; there was no vision. They moved to 7-point agenda and now they are transforming.

“Let me also say that in the last seven years, ask how many new power plants the federal government has commissioned, because sometimes the power that is coming to Lagos at most is 1,000 mega watts; oftentimes it’s 600 mega watts.”

short news Jonathan Commissions 324 Housing Units In Enugu

Arms and ammunition dug out by troops at Balmo Forest, Borno State

short news LPPC Announces Names Of 17 New SAN Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has announced the names of 17 legal practitioners, who succeeded in the interview conducted for intending candidates for the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and the secretary of the committee, Sunday Olorundahunsi, who announced the names yesterday, said at the initial stage, 109 legal practitioners applied for the rank but were reduced to 23 during the screening stage.

At the final meeting of the committee yesterday, 17 lawyers were shortlisted after passing the interview.

Out of the 17 successful lawyers, two are from the academics while the remaining 15 are advocates.

The CR said three female lawyers applied at the initial stage but fell by the way side during the rigorous screening exercise.

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

GDP Rebasing Lowers 2013 Economic Growth

By NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

Nigeria’s actual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate for 2013 has been revised to 5.49 per cent at the conclusion of the rebasing exercise, down from the previous 7.41 per cent, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced yesterday.

The final GDP rebasing results by output for 2010 to 2013, released by the NBS yesterday, indicated that GDP growth for 2012 had been revised down to 4.21 per cent from a previous estimate of 6.5 per cent.

Nigeria overtook South Africa as Africa’s largest economy

in April, after a rebasing calculation in April almost doubled its gross domestic product to more than $500 billion.

Most governments overhaul GDP calculations every few years to reflect changes in output, but Nigeria had not done so since 1990, so sectors such as e-commerce, mobile phones and the film industry (Nollywood), had to be factored in.

Despite the downward review, Nigeria’s growth rate is still way ahead of South Africa, whose GDP growth was 1.9 per cent in 2013 as it suffered badly from strikes at major mines.

In April, Nigeria moved up 11 steps to become the 26th

largest economy globally, ahead of South Africa, following the initial of the GDP rebasing, which moved the base year of the GDP from 1990 to 2010.

The country’s GDP increased by 75.58 per cent from $258.55 billion before the rebasing, to $510 billion.

The new GDP places Nigeria ahead of countries like Austria with $394.7 billion; Venezuela with $381.26 billion as well as Columbia, Thailand, Denmark, Malaysia and Singapore, among others which has $369.6 billion, $$365.96 billion, $$314.88 billion, $274.7 billion and $269.86 billion respectively.

Troops Recover Weapons In Underground Armoury

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Some suspected terrorists arrested inside the Balmo Forest have been making some shocking disclosures to the military authorities even as troops uncovered more weapons in their possession.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Defence Headquarters in a statement signed by its Director of Information, Major General Chris Olukolade.

“Suspects captured in the (Balmo) forest have been taken

into custody and are volunteering information linking the activities in the forest with other terrorist activities in the country, “ the military stated.

The statement, which gives the details of weapons recovered from the terrorists that have been excavating various sites searching for them, also disclosed the mopping continues.

“The mopping up operations in Balmo forest is yielding more discoveries of arms stockpiled in underground cells in the for-

est. Troops who have been excavating various sites in the forest in search of hidden weapons, have so far recovered over 10 rifles along with parts and accessories as well as more than 80 General Purpose Machine Guns, tubes of Rocket Propelled Grenades and Launchers, cables, wires and thousands of rounds of assorted ammunition.

“Also recovered in the search are uniforms of security agencies including protective clothing”.

President Goodluck Jonathan has again restated the determination of his administration to provide quality and affordable shelter to Nigerians.

President Jonathan stated this at the commissioning of a 324 unit housing estate fully financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria ( FMBN) in Enugu, yesterday.

Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, President Jonathan said the present administration accorded priority to the housing sector due to the importance of the housing sector to the socio- economic development of any nation as it constitutes an important element of job and wealth creation.

Jonathan described the commissioning of the estate named Elim, as another visible and verifiable pointer to the success of the housing delivery initiative the present administration commenced about four years ago.

He expressed delight at the commissioning of the estate which was financed by FMBN using resources of the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme and developed by NBP Projects Limited.

By Nse AnthonyUko, Enugu

8 news across the states

Saturday, July 12, 2014

2015: Jega Tasks Politicians On Conduct

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has challenged politicians to cultivate the right attitude towards contesting for political power.

Jega, who spoke yesterday at the international seminar on Political Advertising, Perception Building and Voter Education held at the Yar’Adua centre in Abuja,

also stated that poor voter education contributed to major challenges in past elections.

Jega, who posited that the task of ensuring voter enlightenment was not for INEC alone said, “Equally important is that politicians, in particular, must cultivate the right attitude to the contest for power and imbibe best practices that would boost the confidence of the electorate in the process.

“We know too well that poor voter education partly, if not substantially, accounted for some major challenges we experienced as a country in past elections. These challenges include voter apathy, an unduly high level of void votes in elections and, indeed, the unfortunate incident of post-election violence in 2011.”

As we approach the general elections in February 2015, no effort should be spared by stakeholders

in promoting civic enlightenment among the electorate and global best practices among the political elite,” he noted.

“For us at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), we have always said that even though the 2011 general elections were widely acclaimed as a major improvement on the past elections in this country, we are determined to raise the bar much higher in 2015,” he said.

short news Health Bill: Senator Calls For Speedy Assent Senate committee chairman on Health, and senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Authur Okowa, has expressed hope that the new health reform bill when sign into law, will address the major challenges bedevilling the primary health sector of the country.

The health bill has since been passed by the National Assembly and is awaiting the president’s assent.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend yesterday in Abuja, Senator Okowa, who expressed concern over the president’s delay in assenting to the health bill, noted that it would enhance life expectancy and reduce mortality rate being suffered by Nigerians.

He decried the high rate of mortality in the country, which according to him is caused by a poor and inadequate primary health care delivery system. His words: “The mortality rate in this country is high and alarming and I think that by the time this bill is signed into law and becomes operational it will definitely reduce it.”

By Mbachu Godwin Nnanna, Abuja

L-R President, Chartered Institute of Treasury Management, Dr Emmanuel Chu Nwude; Registrar,Adedoyin Olumide and a council member, Dr Oghenegueke Anuya, at a workshop on compliance on international public sector accounting standard, in Abuja yesterday. Photo By Patrick Ebi Amanama

Adamawa Impeachment: Nyako, Deputy Shun Panel ...PDP to sanction any tala Nyako Mallam Ahmad Sajo sittings of the panel through six lawmaker that backs out condemned the setting of the pan- mediums.

By MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

Governor Murtala Nyako and his Deputy Bala James Ngillari on Friday shunned the invitation of the investigative panel set up to look into allegations of financial misconduct levelled against them by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

In the same vein, residents of the state kept their distance from the panel’s sitting as the Conference hall of the Federal Secretariat where the panel is sitting was empty with only journalists, security personnel and lawyers present at the sitting.

However, the Adamawa state PDP stakeholders have vowed to sanction any of the state lawmakers in the party who backs out from the impeachment process. They said as a PDP affair, all the lawmakers are expected to ensure it succeeds.

Meanwhile, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to governor Mur-

el saying it is a product of illegality as all the processes followed before setting of the panel runs contrary to the provisions of the law.

“The service of the notice of gross misconduct against governor Nyako through the media was against a subsisting ruling of a high court which has passed similar ruling preventing a substituted service.

“The constitution of the panel was also against the Yola High Court ruling which prevented the constitution of the seven man panel,” he said.

Sajoh said because of the above reasons, the Governor has deemed it fit not to honour the invitation of the panel as doing that is reminiscent to according the panel some semblance of recognition which the governor will never do.

Earlier the Chairman of the panel Alhaji Buba Kaigama has pledged to be fair to all parties in the in the matter saying that informed the resolve of his panel to announce the

He apologized for the delay in the commencement of the sitting saying that the delay came about because of the preparation being put in place by the panel to ensure that justice is given to all the contending parties.

While presenting the matter before the panel, Counsel to the complainants (Adamawa State House of Assembly) Chief Duro Adeyede SAN submitted 23 exhibits against Governor Murtala Nyako including a video clip just as he submitted six exhibits against the Deputy Governor Bala James Ngillari all of which the panel have accepted.

During his examination by the counsel, to the complainants, witness to the House of Assembly and Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts Mr. Wafarniyi Theman identified all the exhibits tendered before the panel as the true certified copies preferred by the house against the Governor and his deputy.

Court Adjourns Ruling On Lagos Speaker’s Submission

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned till September 26, ruling on a ‘no case submission’ filed by the speaker of the Lagos State Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Ikuforiji and one of his aides,

Oyebode Atoyebi, were arraigned before the court by the commission on a 56-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering.

The offences, according to the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) contravened

sections 15 (1d) and 16(1d) of Money Laundry Act, M.L.A, 2004 and 2011.

It will be recalled that after the EFCC closed its case against the two accused persons, the defence team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) filed a ‘no case submission’.

short news Osun Speaker Seeks Probe Of Building Collapse Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, has called for thorough investigation into the collapse of a newly completed building in Ejigbo High School, Ejigbo Council Area, Osun State.

This is contained in a statement by the speaker’s chief press secretary, Goke Butika, in Osogbo on Friday.

Salaam, who is representing Ejigbo state constituency, Osun, said it was too early to conclude that the building collapse was due to substandard materials.

By NAN

Rev. Okotie Mourns Aturu Chairman, National Executive Committee, Fresh Democratic Party, Rev. Chris Okotie, has commiserated with “the wife, children and family of the upright, forthright and nonpareil human right lawyer and activist, Mr. Bamidele Aturu whose death has dealt a big blow to the struggle for the entrenchment of rule of law in Nigeria.”

In a statement by national legal adviser, Fresh Democratic Party, Kola Dopamu, Okotie said that “Aturu identified with and stood for good causes and was a champion of the oppressed. He was iconoclastic till his death. We pray that the Lord will grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Firm Urges Northerners To Embrace Health Scheme

The regional (northern states) co-ordinator, Kedi Healthcare Products, Mr Sunny Ojiaku has called on northerners to use and patronise the global Herbal Healthcare Products, which have proved to be effective in healthcare delivery and wealth creation.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend shortly after the organisation’s 4th car award conference, held in Benin City recently, Ojiaku said Kedi’s debut in Nigeria was not only to boost the healthcare delivery sector of the country’s economy, but also to compliment the federal government’s job creation opportunities by creating wealth for Nigerians.

According to him, Kedi’s four-year existence in Nigeria has contributed well to the healing of various ailments, and enabled several citizens to own cars without much struggle. Recently, the organisation doled out 74 brand new cars to various distributors nationwide. However, no northerner was among the beneficiaries of this largess as they have not embraced the Kedi Healthcare Products scheme.

To correct this, Ojiaku revealed that Kedi Healthcare would soon launch an enlightenment campaign of its products in all states of the North, adding that the firm has opened it offices in Kano and Abuja.

He charged northerners “to avail themselves of this international opportunity to get good healthcare and create wealth for themselves.” Apart from car gifts, Kedi Healthcare beneficiaries are also entitle to free trips abroad.

Apart from meeting the healthcare needs of Nigerians, Ojiaku said Kedi Healthcare was also out to make job seekers become self-employed and employers of labour in the country.

By Agbo-Paul Augustine, Abuja

news across the states 9

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Certificate Forgery: Supreme Court Clears Gov Suswam

By CATHERINE AGBO, Abuja

The Supreme Court has cleared the Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, of allegations of certificate forgery brought against him by a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Terver Kakih.

Kakih, who lost the January 9, 2011 governorship primaries by 6 votes to Suswam, who scored 976 votes, had challenged his opponent’s qualification to contest the governorship poll on grounds of alleged forgery of his GCE certificate.

He also alleged that the ward and state congresses of the party were conducted in violation of the PDP constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and sought the court’s relief declaring him as the duly elected candidate of the party and therefore, the winner of the April 26, 2011 governorship election in the state.

The five-man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Suleiman Galadima in a 62-page judgment, yesterday, unanimously held that Kakih’s appeal lacked merit and consequently threw it out.

The court also upheld the concurrent judgment of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, delivered on

short news Group Threatens To Sue Taraba Acting Gov Following persistent ethno-religious crisis in Wukari local government of Taraba State, a group known as Community Mobilisation Committee/Youth of Vision Nigeria yesterday threatened to sue the state’s acting governor, Garba Umar, to the International Criminal Court Of Justice (ICJ) for genocide and human rights abuse if urgent steps were not taken to control the crisis in the state.

Addressing reporters in Jalingo over the lingering crisis in the area, chairman cum spokesman Ishaku Bako, said the measure had become necessary in view of the current situation in Wukari and its environs.

According to him the protracted conflict in the southern part of the state, particularly in Wukari local government, has become worrisome and a thing of concern to all lovers of peace and indeed all Nigerians.

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

July 11, 2012 as well as the Court of Appeal, Makurdi, which had on March 5, 2013 dismissed the case.

The court held that the appellant, Kakih had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubts, the criminal allegation of certificate forgery against Governor Suswam as required under section 362 of the Penal Code.

“There is no piece of evidence led by the appellant to prove that the 4th respondent (Suswam) presented forged certificates to either 1st (PDP) or 2nd respondent (INEC) or that he swore falsely to an affidavit stating facts relating to his certificate which are false in order to bring his case within the ambit of section 31(5) of the Electoral Act 2010.

“The appellant having failed to show that the concurrent finding of facts by the lower court is perverse thereby occasioning miscarriage of justice. I cannot disturb same and the conclusion by the appellant claim is frivolous, brought malafide, vexatious and unmeritorious. In the light of all I have been saying, I dismiss this appeal and affirm the decision of the lower court,” Galadima declared but did not award any cost to the respondent.

Doctors Strike: Court Adjourns Case Following the protracted crisis in the health sector, the National Industrial Court of Nigerian (NICN) has adjourned the case between the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and federal ministry of health to October 13 of this year.

However, Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals Association have filed applications seeking to join the suit.

Meanwhile the defendants in the case, ministry of health, ministry of labour and the attorney - general of the federation have filed their respective memorandum of appearance.

The restraining order against both the ministry of health, ministry of labour and the AGF continues having been made to subsist until the learning and determination of the motion on notice.

It would be recalled that few weeks ago, the MDCAN dragged the federal ministry of health, federal ministry of labour and productivity and the attorney-general of the federation to NICN over an agreement they signed with JOHESU and AHPA at the end of a meeting on June 5.

The court in its ruling on June 27 issued an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents.

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

short news Attacks: Religious Leaders, Fulani Herdsmen Meet With the silent killings that have continued to occur in some agrarian communities in Idoma land, Benue state the Catholic bishop of Otukpo dDiocese, Most Rev. Micheal Apochi and other religious leaders yesterday met with the Fulani herdsmen to evolve proactive measures to end the conflict.

To this end, the justice, development and peace commission of the Otukpo Catholic Diocese had organised a one-day stakeholders’ engagement for crisis mediation in Otukpo town. The theme of the discussion was building consensus for peaceful coexistence between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

Traditional rulers, security agencies including the police, Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps and men of the state security service who attended the meeting assured the communities of maximum security of lives and property.

By Solomon Ayado, Makurdi

L-R: Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Abba Bukar Ibrahim; and Minister Of Lands, Housing And Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, during the inauguration of Elim Housing Estate in Enugu yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Boko Haram: NIS Deports 182 Illegal Aliens

By MATTHEW DIKE,Lagos

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State command has deported not fewer than 180 illegal immigrants from different African nations to their various countries.

LEADERSHIP Weekend investigations revealed that the immigrants were apprehended from different parts of Lagos, following incessant threats by terror-

ists in some parts of the country.

The controller in charge of Lagos State command, Comptroller Julius Ogbu said community leaders from various parts of African nations were told to advise their nationals to go to their countries and obtain all the necessary documents that could qualify them to stay in Nigeria.

Ogbu said, “Few weeks ago we had a meeting with heads of the non-Nigerian nationals intimat-

ing them on the need to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS protocol which requires that non-Nigerians must come in through the recognised gateways and obtain ECOWAS travel certificate in their countries. By recognised routes, we mean the places where you have immigration, customs and all those security agents who are to screen you and ensure that you have good intentions before you come into the country.

Kaduna Attacks: Deputy Gov Visits Communities

By MIDAT JOSEPH and ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Three weeks after close to 200 people were killed in Sanga local government by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the state government finally visited the villages that were attacked.

Kaduna State deputy governor, Nuhu Audu Bajoga, who visited the villages expressed shock when he was greeted by deserted villages.

LEADERSHIP Weekend findings revealed that many residents in the affected communities and others within the border areas of Kaduna, Plateau and Nassarawa states are now in camps, while others have

gone to stay with relatives.

The deputy governor, who hails from Southern Kaduna, was speechless at the sight of the destruction and desolation in the communities.

The district head of Nando in Sanga local government area, Elisha Umoru, who addressed the deputy governor, called on the federal and state governments to create a permanent security post in the area to prevent further attacks and give the people the confidence to return back to their communities.

He alleged that Fulani may have carried out the attacks, saying, “they are the ones that attacked us. They have been living with us,

but they have all left our community. Even their chief left about two months before they started attacking us.

“When he left I called him to ask why he packed out of the community and he said, he did not want to stay in the area again. Before you know it the attacks started,” he revealed.

On his part, Bajoga assured the people that adequate security will be put in place to curtail future attacks, adding that, “As some of the villagers have confirmed soldiers now come to sleep among the people.They come around in the night and go back in the morning.”

Vandalism: NNPC Supplies Crude To Warri, PHC Refineries By Boats

By Juliet Alohan, Uyo

The supply of crude oil through the regular means of pipeline transportation has become impossible due to incessant vandalism of the lines and theft of the product, a situation that has resulted in the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries having to now depend on marine transport for crude supply.

This deteriorated situation of pipeline vandalism was disclosed yesterday by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Engr. Andrew yakubu while speaking yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at a capacity building workshop for media practitioners with the theme “The Role of NNPC in the

Nigerian Economy.”

This comes just as Nigeria has been ranked as the country most plagued by oil theft in the world with the theft of an estimated 400,000 barrels of oil per day, equating to a revenue loss of about $1.7 billion a month and $20.4 billion annually, according to a report by oilprice.com.

The amount represents 7.7 per cent of the nation’s GDP vanishing, or more than the country spends on education and healthcare combined, the report added.

Yakubu who stated that the capacity utilisation of the refineries is at 60 per cent name plate, however said, the refineries could do better were it not for the challenge of the vandalisation and theft.

He said: “Capacity utilisation of the refineries is 60 per cent of name plate, the 60 per cent of the name plate capacity is not because the plants cannot take more but because we have challenges of crude supply, so we have to go through marine.

“If you don’t have a pipeline that supplies your crude continuously you cannot maximise the volume put in. so if you have to go through marine and alternative sources, you are constrained based on the volume that those systems can deliver.

“To be frank, there is a major challenge, you cannot put a barrel in Excravos and get it at Warri end.

So that pipeline is completely abandoned. Warri to Port Harcourt is the same thing, it is absolutely impossible.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

Pregnancy: Antenatal Experiences In Public Hospitals Pregnant women are having a mixed grill of experience in accessing antenatal treatment in many public hospitals across the country. AMARACHI AIGBANGBE ( Abuja), STANLEY UZOARU (Owerri), OBINNA OGBONNAYA (Abakaliki), MATTHIAS NWOGU (Umuahia), GBENGA ADEBOYE (Abeokuta), TOPE FAYEHUN ( Akure), ALO ABIOLA (Ado-Ekiti), ADEBAYO WAHEED (Ibadan), JOSHUA DADA (Osogbo), ARONKE OLAYIWOLA (Lagos), ABUBAKAR SALIHI (Kano) and ANAYO ONUKWUGHA (Port Harcourt) report.

A pregnant woman undergoing an ultrascan

F

or most women, especially the married ones, it is a thing of joy to fall pregnant. When a woman conceives, her body begins to change as the hormones kick in on the prompt from the pregnancy. Medical practitioners advice women to register for antenatal treatment as soon as they find out they are pregnant. For many pregnant women, government hospitals come well recommended. This is based on the general belief that these public hospitals have better trained and more experienced personnel.

Also, the masses patronise government hospitals because they charge subsidised rates for their services, including antenatal treatment.

Kelechi Amanfor, an expectant, first-time motherto-be says she has registered at a federal hospital in Abuja. “I was advised by my mum and my mother-in-law to register for my antenatal at a federal hospital

because of their expertise and general experience as they handle more medical cases than private hospitals. It cost me about N20,000 to register for antenatal and that sum covers three ultra-sound scans for the duration of the pregnancy, vaginal delivery and free consultation with the doctors and specialists,” Amanfor explained.

A mother of two, Mrs. Yinka Williams, said she also patronised government hospitals for similar reasons.

At the Imo state general hospital, Umugwuma some of the pregnant women who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend under condition of anonymity alleged that some members of staff of the hospital operate as touts and demand extra money to speed up access and dispense drugs to them.

"If you want quick service, you have to part with N200 and another N100 for urine sample. If you don't pay this

extra charge for urine, then it’s as good as you did not come,” one pregnant woman stated.

The source also alleged that the charge was compulsory on every visiting day for the antenatal patients.

Bursting the assertion that this hospital is cheaper than the private ones, a pregnant woman said: “It is better to get a bed space at the private hospitals than the public ones because the charges are almost the same. Some of them now charge between N2,000 and N3,000.”

However, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, some pregnant women who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend commended the wife of the Governor, Mrs Josephine Elechi, for her pet project, the Mother and Child Care Initiative (MCCI), under which free and compulsory antenatal services are rendered to expectant mothers.

According to Mrs. Ifeanyinwa

Ude, “it is pertinent to state that the poverty rate in Ebonyi is still high. Most of our rural women are peasant farmers cannot afford the financial obligation of antenatal care. That is why before now most of them make use of health attendants, which usually result into complication or death.”

In Kano, it is the policy of the state government that antenatal services are free in public hospitals. Investigations revealed that since 1999 every public hospital in Kano has been providing free antenatal services.

In an interview, Hajiya Maryam Abba Dambatta said she attended Murtala Muhammad Hospital for antenatal care and that at no time was she asked to pay for the services rendered to her.

She described the antenatal care as effective and comparable with that of private hospitals.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

The masses patronise government hospitals because they charge subsidised rates for their services

12 cover story

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Pregnancy: Antenatal Experiences In Public Hospitals

An expectant mother cradling her baby bump

➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 However, a housewife, Maijidda Maigari Jaen, told LEADERSHIP Weekend that the major problem pregnant women encounter in the state is the attitude of the health personnel towards them. She alleged that some of the health personnel were also corrupt, extorting illegal fees from patients.

But Mrs Toke Odesanya, who is nursing a three-month old girl, Nike, in Abeokuta, Ogun state appears to have had a memorable antenatal experience in public hospital in the state. She said: “My husband instructed me to go to the hospital and register for antenatal. In fact he said it with anger because I had a miscarriage before this baby and his conclusion was that if I had registered for antenatal, the tragedy would not have occurred.

“So I registered for this one and the nurses attended to me very well. It was fun. We would sing and dance and the nurses were really nice only that they abuse the pregnant women too much, but generally they were nice. I had a safe delivery and I paid some money, N2,800.

That is not much compared to private hospitals. During my pregnancy I did not pay any money other than the drugs I bought outside. Since I gave birth, I have been bringing my baby for immunisation and that is absolutely free," Mrs Odesanya said.

Pregnant and expectant mothers in Ondo State are having it fairly good too, based on the free health policy of the successive administrations in the state. The state specialist hospital in Akure and other health facilities across the state charge between N10,000 and N12,000 per delivery, apart from other expenses.

Some of the expectant women

who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend on condition of anonymity told of some difficulties they went through before accessing the services because of the large population of expectant mothers that come for antenatal care.

One of them said: "At times, the population of pregnant women in the hospital is large, making it a bit difficult before we could be attended to. But at the end of the day everyone will be attended to.”

Similarly, public hospitals in Ekiti state seem to be enjoying a large patronage of pregnant women who sought antenatal services that could be accessed at a relatively low cost.

Mrs Adetutu Babalola, who attends antenatal clinic at the comprehensive health centre, Okeyinmi, Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital said she paid just N500 for the service offer to her and her unborn baby every two weeks.

The clinic which holds every Tuesday at the good health facility with wards and call rooms of about 10 blocks receives about 150 pregnant women on each clinic day.

Mrs Babalola said accessing the antenatal has not been stressful as there were sufficient personnel to attend to all patients at the clinic.

Another expectant mother at the clinic, Mrs Abimbola Olayinka, who described the antenatal service as “affordable” said visiting the clinic depends on age of the pregnancy and the payment of a token at a designated bank.

According to her, those whose pregnancies are up to seven months and above attend clinic more often than others and have easy access to the service.

At the Ile-Abiye health centre, Irona in Ado-Ekiti, Mrs Oladele Abigail corroborated her counterpart's’ assertion , saying that she only paid N500 for her antenatal clinic.

Two pregnant women who

spoke with our correspondent in Ibadan, Oyo state, Mrs Folurunso Adeleke and Mrs Khadijat Mustapha, said though the cost of health service was cheaper at public hospitals, they prefer private hospital.

According to them, the sorry state of public hospitals has made it difficult for them to register for antenatal there.

"Though, it is cheaper to register at the public health institutions for antenatal, the service delivery is poor compared to what one gets at the private hospital. A pregnant woman is made to pay for effective health service at private hospital but even when you pay at the public hospital, the service you get cannot be compared with that of a good private hospital," Mrs Adeleke said.

The mother of four added that many of the pregnant women have to register at both private and public health institutions for fear of uncertainty at the latter facilities.

The idea, she said, is that if their expectations are not met at the public health institution, “one would hurriedly leave for the private hospital.”

Mrs Mustapha noted that medical equipment at public health institution could not be compared with that of private hospital. “While the charges at the public hospitals are relatively cheaper, one cannot get the best medical attention from them,” she asserted.

In Rivers State, the cost of antenatal in government hospitals differ from that of private hospitals in the state.

Investigations by LEADERSHIP Weekend revealed that while government hospitals charge between N11,000 and N25,000 for antenatal, private hospital charge between N18,000 and N28,000.

It was also observed that most pregnant women in the state patronise the state government-owned newly-built

primary health Ccentres found in almost all the communities in the state.

A pregnant woman who simply identified herself as Blor, told LEADERSHIP Weekend that she registered for her antenatal at the Churchill Road Primary Health Centre, in Port Harcourt City, with N11,000.

Blor said: “I registered here when my pregnancy was just two months with N11, 000 and the amount covers all the tests and other things that may come up. The only thing is that we are asked to pay N100 for card every Wednesday when we come to the health centre.”

Also, another pregnant woman, Margaret Micah, said she registered in a private clinic located in the Borokiri area of the state capital with N18,500, saying that the amount would have been N22,500, if she had not done some of the tests by herself.

At Aba general hospital, Abia state, Mrs Jessica Nnamdi, who attends antenatal clinic at the hospital on Wednesdays said she paid a registration fee of N6,120 which covers her scan, urine and blood tests. She said the other costs for medication starts from N50 for routine drugs during the monthly visits, adding that medical bills may be higher depending on the complaints made to the doctor.

The cost of antenatal care for pregnant women varies from hospital to hospital in Lagos state. A visit by LEADERSHIP Weekend to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta revealed that the cost is quite affordable for pregnant mothers.

Pregnant mothers are advised to register in the 20th week of their pregnancy.

At this point, according to Mrs. Fiyin Ariyo, the pregnant mother will be required to pay N13,500. This covers the registration of the pregnant woman, her initial blood test, her drugs all through antenatal clinic and consultation fees to see the doctors.

At the Lagos State General Hospital, Ifako Ijaiye, which is also a state-of-the-art maternity centre owned by the state government, the cost is slightly lower as patients were not required to pay more than N10,000.

According to an official at the accounts department of the hospital, pregnant women are required to pay an initial sum of N2,000, which will cover their first investigative test at the hospital. Later at the point of booking, they will be required to pay N 6,000.

This was confirmed by a pregnant woman, Mrs. Temitope Osagie.

It is better to get a bed space at the private hospitals than the public ones because the charges are almost the same

Saturday July 12, 2014 ISSUE 82

Men’s Health

Managing Premature Ejaculation

WOMEN:

Health Beauty Fitness

KIDS- HEALTH

How To Be A Street Smart Kid

Women’s Top Health Concerns Ayurvedic Medicine: Ginger

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July 12, 2014

KIDS- HEALTH

R’S EDITO

NOTE

How To Be A Street Smart Kid

Avoiding Minor Injuries Hi readers, Thank God it’s Saturday, and we are glad you kept a date with us for your incisive health perspectives. First, accidents are inevitable but the key to minimising the risk of death is to use your common sense and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Simple actions like wearing a seatbelt while in a car, wearing a helmet when cycling, skiing, skateboarding, or other activities where head injuries occur help decrease risk of death in an accident.

Many men engage in extravagant displays of machismo, for example, my car can really move, check my motorbike, and see what I can do. In fact, some men drive with one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the window, in moves that exaggerate our masculinity in order to impress but most times lead to severe accidents.

Also, driving while impaired on drugs and alcohol, including over-the-counter cold and sleep medications, texting and talking on the cell phone are never acceptable and can cause a dangerous situations not only for the driver but for those around him.

At home, making sure that floors aren’t slippery or wet, stair railings are secure, and walks and driveways are well maintained and well lit at night prevents and decreases home accidents.

Hence, to avert accident, be careful in whatever you do.

Always try to remember there is a family or people who care about your wellbeing. You don’t want to leave them miserable, do you?

Do you know how to be street smart? Being street smart means knowing how to keep yourself safe from strangers when you’re alone or with other kids. Whether you’re walking to school or to the bus, hanging out on the playground, or riding your bike in your neighborhood, being street smart helps you stay safe. When you’re street smart, you know your way around, you know how handle yourself in tough situations, and you’re able to “read” people.

Imagine if a baby were able to walk around alone. The baby couldn’t understand a “Don’t Walk” sign, wouldn’t know where to go for help, and couldn’t find the way back home.

What’s more, the baby might not know good people from bad people. The baby would be in danger.

Thank goodness you’re not a baby anymore!

You know your way around and you know the rules of the road. That’s why it’s important to follow these safety rules all the time: Don’t Accept Gifts, Parcels, Bags From Strangers We are currently in trying times in the country. Kids should not collect gift, parcel or bag from anyone, also parents and guidance should help educate their kids on this, never to collect parcel, gift or bag from anyone, both within and outside schools.

Make Your Whereabouts Known The adult who’s taking care of you needs to know where you are at all times. That means telling your mom or dad, grandmother, babysitter, or whoever is keeping an eye on you where you are and when you’ll be coming home.

Stick With a Friend It’s more fun and safer to do things with friends. Take along a buddy when you walk to school, bike around the park, or go to the store. Traveling with a friend whenever you can is a good idea, and traveling with a bunch of kids is even better.

Pick Out Safe Spots What are safe spots? Safe spots are places where you can stop if you need help, like the houses of kids you know, your parents’ friends’ houses, stores, restaurants, police stations, libraries, and fire departments. When you’re walking or riding your bike, make a mental note of the safe spots along your route.

Avoid Places That Aren’t Safe Be sure to keep away from isolated areas.

These are places where no one is around, like the woods or small, dark streets.

Let Grown-Ups (and Only Grown-Ups) Help Strangers It’s nice to help people. But remember: Strangers should ask adults, not kids, for help.

Stay Away From Strangers’ Cars If a stranger pulls up in a car and offers you a ride, don’t get in. You probably know that rule, right? But that’s not all of it. It’s also important to avoid a stranger’s car completely.

If a stranger asks you to look in the car, don’t do it.

Make a Lot of Noise If You’re Scared If a stranger approaches you (on foot or in a car) and follows you when you try to walk away, yell for help as you run away. If a stranger ever tries to grab you, yell as loudly as you can and try to get away. You can shout things like, “kidnapper!” “Help! I don’t know you!” or “Help! This isn’t my dad!” People in the area will hear what’s going on and help you, so make plenty of noise.

Trust Your Instincts Kids need to follow the rules of street smarts all the time with every stranger, even if the situation seems fine. And if your instinct is telling you something is dangerous or just not quite right, get out of the area, tell an adult, or call 911. No one will think that you are silly. In fact, just the opposite — people will think that you’re truly street smart!

E-mail: miminaija@yahoo.com 08075300560(text only)

EDITOR: Raliat Ahmed-Yusuf Ag. GM CREATIVE DESIGNS: Chukwudi J. Nwabueze AG. EDITOR: Catherine Agbo

FOUNDER: Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman: Hajiya Ireti Heebah Kingibe GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR: Azubuike Ishiekwene GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Michael Okpere Dr. Kazeem Durodoye

He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not… Italian Proverb

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July 12, 2014

The Dangers Of Smoking Shisha According to a recent survey, shisha smoking is becoming more rampant in the country, most especially among teenagers who join the bandwagon, believing that smoking tobacco through water cools off the smoke and filters out cancer-causing chemicals, tar, metals and carbon monoxide. However, while the research about shisha smoking is still emerging, a recent study posits that just a night of shisha smoking poses many dangers to the health. In this piece TUNDE OGUNTOLA writes on the salient reasons why you should not indulge in smoking shisha.

S

hisha, also known as hookah, narghile and goza is a water pipe with a smoke chamber, a bowl, a pipe and a hose which create a vacuum for specially made tobacco to be heated, while the smoke passes through water, it is drawn through a rubber hose to

Did you know?

a mouthpiece.

Shisha smoking may seem like a relatively harmless way to spend an evening, but a new study suggests otherwise. Just one evening of shisha smoking could make nicotine urine levels spike by more than 70 times, and also result in the increase of cancer-causing agents.

According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) ‘’A shisha smoking session may expose the smoker to more smoke over a longer period of time than occurs when smoking a cigarette. Also, due to the method of smoking including frequency of puffing, depth of inhalation, and length of the smoking session hookah smokers may absorb higher concentrations of the same toxins found in cigarette smoke.’’

It explained that, ‘’Contrary to the popular belief, the smoke that comes from a water pipe contains numerous toxicants known to cause lung cancer, heart disease and other diseases and a sufficient dose of nicotine to cause addiction. A single

When it comes to matters of the heart, men and women definitely aren’t created equal.

For instance, a man’s heart weighs about 10 ounces, while a woman’s heart weighs approximately 8 ounces.

Not only is a woman’s heart smaller than a man’s, but the

session of smoking shisha yields a nicotine intake equivalent to more than one pack of cigarettes.’’

A 45 minutes shisha session delivers 36 times more tar, 8.4 times more carbon monoxide and 1.8 times more nicotine than a single cigarette.

However, smoking tobacco through water does not filter out cancer-causing chemicals, tar, metals and carbon monoxide. Water-filtered shisha smoke can damage the lungs and heart as much as cigarette smoke.

With its entirely different smoking experience, shisha has become so popular not only in the Middle East but also worldwide. It has been used to smoke away stress because of the relaxing sensation that one gets and the pleasure of a flavourful smoke as well as the misconception that it is a safer alternative to cigarette and cigar smoking. Aside from its misleading labelling like “contains 0 mg tar,” many believe that since tobacco is inhaled through water, the harmful

signs that it’s in trouble are a lot less obvious. When women have a heart attack -- and more than a half million do each year -- they’re more likely to have nausea, indigestion, and shoulder aches rather than the hallmark chest pain.

Heart disease is the biggest

killer of both men and women.

And both genders should heed this healthy advice: Don’t smoke, keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check, and watch for the obvious and the more subtle warning signs your heart could be in trouble.

ingredients are filtered.

Not many shisha users realise that the risk of getting communicable diseases is very high. Shisha smoking may not directly cause it but it is associated with the sharing of water pipes. Getting tuberculosis, herpes and other common illnesses like cold and flu viruses are some of the dangers of shisha which can be another problem.

As with cigarette smoking, shisha smoking is linked to heart disease, poses dangers associated with secondhand smoke, low birth weight babies in pregnant women, high risk in the spread of infectious diseases as well as other serious illnesses.

On a final note, shisha smoke is just as dangerous as cigarette smoke; the only difference is how the smoke is produced.

Cigarette smoke is generated by burning tobacco, whilst shisha smoke is produced by heating tobacco in a bowl using charcoal. The end product is the same smoke, containing harmful cancer causing chemicals.

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WOMEN Fitness Beauty Wellness

July 12, 2014

Simple Steps To Healthy Living

By Raliat Ahmed Yusuf, with additional report from WebMD

Women’s Top Health Concerns

there are far too many women dying of heart disease in their 60s, when no one expects to die because that’s too young in this country

...cont’d from last week Obesity Experts, recommend controlling your weight, exercising, quitting smoking, and talking to your doctor about your risk and appropriate screening for breast cancer. So as to keep your risk factors in perspective.

Hence, just because your mother didn’t have breast cancer, it does not mean you are immune to this problem. At the same time, it’s also important to note that some women who have one or more risk factors never get breast cancer.

Osteoporosis Hunched backs, back pain, and frailty used to be things older women had to accept before doctors knew anything more about osteoporosis. Now, there are steps women and girls can take to avoid such problems.

Osteoporosis is largely preventable. The behaviors that women develop in their childhood, in their adolescence, and in their early adult years really play a significant role in the development of the disease.

That’s because bodies build up most of bone mass until age 30. Then new bone stops forming and the focus is on maintenance of old bone. It is never too late to keep bones strong and avoid fractures.

Your body will do what it can to repair bone damage, but you have to provide the tools for it, such as adequate calcium consumption and weight-bearing physical activity.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include: • Female sex • Increasing age • Small, thin-boned frame • Ethnicity. White and Asian women have the greatest risk.

• Family history • Sex hormones. Infrequent menstrual cycles and estrogen loss due to menopause may increase risk.

• Anorexia • Diet low in calcium and vitamin D • Medication use, particularly glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants • Sedentary lifestyle • Smoking • Excessive alcohol • Talk to your doctor about your possible risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to prevent problems.

Depression Depression appears to affect more women than men. Recent research shows that 12 million women are affected by a depressive disorder each year compared to about 6 million men. Women need a connection with others in their lives. They need that sustenance. If they don’t have it, they tend to get depressed.

Sometimes, hormonal changes can also trigger the condition, particularly after pregnancy (postpartum) or around menopause.

Other risk factors for depression include: A previous depressive episode Family history of depression History of heart problems Serious chronic illness Marital problems Substance abuse Use of drugs that could trigger depression, such as medicines for high blood pressure or seizures A stressful life event, such as job loss or death Diseases that could trigger depression, such as vitamin deficiency and thyroid disease Recent serious illness or surgery Childhood history of physical or sexual abuse Being a worrier or being overly anxious Having an eating disorder or an anxiety disorder

How to Lose Belly Fat with Natural Remedies Drink Lemon Water to Lose Belly Fat You need to detoxify your liver because a stressed liver cannot metabolise fat effectively and which gets deposited around your waistline. Lemon water excellently increases enzymes that detoxify your liver so that it may carry out its basic functions efficiently.

Get this: •Lemon- 1 •Water (warm preferred)- 1 glass Do this: •After you get up in the morning, take the lemon and squeeze out its juice into the water.

•While warm water is good to make lemon water for fat burning purpose, you can also use water at room temperature.

This won’t stop lemon doing its job.

•Mix well and drink this lemon water on an empty stomach everyday in the morning.

•Do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after you have your regular lemon water every morning.

Drink Cranberry Juice to Lose Belly Fat Cranberries are a rich source of organic acids like malic acid, citric acid, and quinic acid that function as digestive enzymes. These acids act as emulsifying agents on stubborn fat deposits in your lymphatic system which transports all the waste products that your liver cannot process. Cranberry juice digests these lymphatic wastes and help you reduce fat.

Get this: •Unsweetened cranberry juice- 8 oz. Or 1 cup •Water- 56 oz. Or 7 cup Do this: •In the morning, mix cranberry juice with water to get your day’s supply of cran-water.

•Have one cup of this cran-water at a time throughout the day.

•You may have a cup each before breakfast and lunch, after dinner, and at other times of the day.

•You may also make this cran-water just before you have it. Just mix 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice to 7 oz. (a little less than a cup) of plain water.

Fish Oil or Fish to Lose Belly Fat Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids in it. If you can’t take fish oil, have fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Do this •Have 6 g of fish oil daily. 6 g roughly equals a generously filled tablespoon which is on the verge of overflowing.

•Alternatively, you may have such fish as salmon or mackerel two times a week. Tuna and halibut are also high on omega-3.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

I’m Still An Upcoming Artiste –Ice Prince The rise of Ice Prince is somewhat meteoric; he went from being just a passionate music lover in Jos to an award winning rap artiste. In four years, Panshak Zamani has carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian rap music scene. The Aboki crooner, who won the 2013 LEADERSHIP Entertainer Of the Year award, is unarguably one of the hottest rappers in the industry, with two albums already in his kitty. The JOVAGO cum ETISALAT ambassador, in this chat with SAMUEL ABULUDE talks about his music, non-governmental organisation and his best kept secret.

You won a BET award last year, how has it been like?

BET opened up a new platform for me. The interesting thing is that it was not aired in US alone; it was also aired in UK, Asia and Africa.

As a result, I got to do stuff with a couple of US artistes. Off the BET awards, I did a song with French Montana, Wale and I also did a song with Chip from the UK. I did a song with Joel Ortiz. All these songs are in my Fire of Zamani album released last November. Winning the BET African Act award put me in some international festivals as well. At this year’s award I had the honour of performing live and presenting the award to the new winner which interestingly is Davido. All these have really put the Nigerian hiphop music on the global stage.

That makes you the hottest rapper currently, right?

(Smiles) I don’t see myself like that.

I still see myself as an upcoming musician. I still see myself as having not arrived yet. It’s not even about humility. That is how a man should see himself. I don’t think as a human being you should ever get to a place that you believe you have arrived. That’s why I still see myself as upcoming. I don’t think Dangote thinks he is the richest African, that’s why he’s still making money. You shouldn’t believe that you have gotten there yet because that is way down- you get me? So there is still much more from Ice Prince.

It’s like I haven’t even started.

How much work have you put into your music since you gained recognition?

I don’t sleep. That is the honest truth. I’m always working- especially at night. You met me on a weekend like this, normally there are a lot of boys here making music; I record every now and then.

There is a studio downstairs. There are always artistes in the house. We are always recording. The more you do that the more you improve as an artiste and I’m always trying to improve on my music. I don’t club.

You hardly see me club unless it’s necessary. If it is someone’s birthday or I’m supposed to perform, that’s when you find me in a club.

I”m a very reserved person.

So what has Ice Prince been up to recently?

Like I told you earlier, I’ve been making music. I’ve been trying to perfect my art as a musician; trying to learn more; trying to rap better; learning how to sing better and how to write songs. I’ve been shooting videos for my album as well. Just shot a video in South Africa. The song was produced by Don Jazzy and features AKA, a South African musician. I was in London recently and shot a video with Chipmunk, a UK artiste known now as Chip. I shot the video with him called Mercy.

I just dropped Risky, a video featuring Sunny Neji. I’ve also been going on tours trying to put my Zamani foundation out there, an NGO aimed at caring for orphans.

I’m an orphan- my parents are not around anymore. I want to help people in the society that don’t have a voice. To be honest with you, I don’t talk about it because I don’t blow my own trumpet. I’m not the kind of person that’ll donate to charity and start making noise. Apart from Zamani Foundation, I just came back from Jos. Every time I go back there I connect with the youths, organise concerts and seminars. I also just came back from recording a song people paying tax, for the Plateau State government. It has all the legends in it- Jeremiah Gyang, Panam Percy Paul, Adudeme, Dorcas Bentu and other indigenous artistes. These are some of the ways that we give back to society.

You just Dropped Can I Talk, what inspired it?

Can I Talk is a freestyle song, a free vibe. I just thought of putting out a hiphop song. I’ve been focusing a lot on trying to make people dance and excited. I’ve been dropping tracks like Aboki, VIP and Jamboall club songs. So I wanted to do something different with a little bit of rapping, I had this track that me and my boy, TMXO did. So, I spoke to Joel Ortiz. He’s an artiste under Eminem’s outfit. He jumped on the beat and as soon as I heard his voice, I didn’t want to release it as an Ice Prince song. I drove to MI’s house straight and told my boss, MI to bless it. MI killed it and ripped it apart. So Can I Talk is free for download. People have been commenting about it. There is another one I dropped, Tears For Naija, which is a song about what it is going on in the country right

Ice Prince

now. It’s about changing our ways and gettimg this country back to the way it used to be in ‘97-’98.

Short On Short is another freestyle song with Sarkodie. I went to Ghana and we shot the video.

Since releasing FOZ, how has the sale been?

FOZ is an 18 track album. It is doing well. I wouldn’t say it is selling more than my debut album. Everybody Loves Ice Prince sold quicker.

The fans love Fire of Zamani and they feel that I took them by surprise. They didn’t expect the angle that I came with. In terms of sales, it’s a different thing and I think that is how the market is right now. If you look at all the albums dropped so far, it’s the same story, compared to those released last two years. Now most people want to download their favourite tracks on their phones and that’s it. It’s not just a FOZ album issue, it’s a trend across the globe. Jay Z has dropped an album, Wale has dropped an album, a lot of artistes have dropped albums, Kanye West has dropped an album but I have not even seen a hardcopy of it.

It’s a global thing. Physical sales of musical works are being overshadowed by online downloads.

Even the Alabas dey cry, dem no dey make money (The pirate market in Alaba are also bleeding because they are not making sales from musical CDs again). So now if a song is released you download it, folks also download the tracks of the album. But it doesn’t stop the album culture from thriving. You have to give people a body of work at the end of the day. I’ll definitely drop more albums. Whenever I’m inspired, I’ll drop an album. Right now, I have already a body of work to make two albums, just waiting for the right time. I’m working on

my 3rd album and 4th one already.

I record everyday so I’ve songs already for those. I even take my studio abroad sometimes when I travel. I pay for the fare of my music producers, engineers and we carry our systems along like we did in South Africa recently.

What are the details of your Universal Music License?

It is for the distribution of my song I Swear which I recorded with French Montana. It is a deal that Universal Music has the rights to distribute that music. When I made the song, it got recognition and the music company came into the picture and wanted to push it.

We are releasing I Swear on the 27th of July. So they will promote it on radio, major TVs across the United Kingdom hopefully. I’m signed to Chocolate City and managed by S.O.M.E. Universal Music handles the I Swear song abroad.

How did you come about the name ‘Ice Prince?

Music found me when I got into secondary school. I loved hiphop and just wanted to explore and sing. But at a point in my life after secondary school, I met some folks whose lifestyle I admired as singers and I wanted to sing. Along the line rap came my way because I love the English language and starting working with rhymes.

The name “Ice Prince” came in my SS2. Going to St Murumba College in Jos was great for me. I went to school one day wearing a DMX Ruff Ryder chain and it had blings on it. A new student who just came to my class started calling me ‘Ice’ because he didn’t know my real name; and so ‘Ice’ stuck. I added ‘Prince’ years later. Now I call my music ‘super cool cat music.’

I don’t club.

You hardly see me club unless it’s necessary

18 E-FEATURE

Saturday, July 12, 2014

African Cinema: Short Films Taking Centre Stage In recent times, the movie industry across the African continent has experienced an increase in the number of movie makers telling our stories in diverse ways. This in no small way is shaping the African continent and changing the way the western world views Africans. In this report SAMUEL ABULUDE writes on the growing trend by African movie makers to use the medium of short films to tell our stories.

T

he African cinema is becoming a phenomenon.

This is because of the renaissance in the film industry. The creativity industry which has always been limited by lack of resources is beginning to wake up from its slumber. Over the last five years there has been an influx of young film makers emboldened to rewrite history by telling our stories in simple terms. The people of Africa, though one of the most creative of all races, have been setback by a myriad of challenges, but have now taken the gauntlet by telling our stories by ourselves through the short film medium.

Though the film industry in most African countries face the niggling problem of funds, this has not discouraged the teeming youth in learning the art of film making. With the Africa Film Academy (AFA) founded

by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe and other organisations setting the stage for capacity building for filmmakers across the continent, hundreds of young creative people are being trained in the East and West African countries.

The need to improve the skills of movie makers has become a necessity as the African cinema evolves into a change agent by educating, entertaining and informing the over one billion teeming population, through

our rich and cultural heritage.

Indeed the once dark continent is becoming a beacon of light and source of joy as the frontiers are being broken by ordinary people telling simple stories that emancipate. What better way to disseminate information other than through short films and documentaries?

Short Films That Shot To Limelight A short film is any film not long enough to be considered a feature film and has a running time of forty minutes or less. At this year’s African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held on May 24, 2014, it was revealed there is a big increase in the number of short films entered for awards consideration.

According to Shuaib Hussein, reputable movie critic and head of screening committee of the AMAA jury, a total of a hundred and fifty-four (154) short films were entered for the Efere Ozakor Best Short Film Category, the highest by any African movie awards and in the ten years of AMAA’s existence.

Last year’s AMAA only got 88 short film entries. This is a 57 percent increase from AMAA 2013 entries for the short film category. To prove that movie making is on the rise across Africa, AMAA received 220 entries in 2011 and 328 entries in 2013.

“AMAA 2014 received a total of 154 short films. That is the

highest in any year of the AMAA. I think we got roughly about 64 short films in 2013 edition. But it tells you that cinema is rising in Africa; that cinema is alive and that there are a lot of people, particularly young people who acquired some form of training or who have left film school and are already trying their hands on filmmaking,” Shuaib noted.

Dalemi meaning ‘My Love’, a short film about creativity and love and about the inspiration that one enjoys, won the Efere Ozakor Best Short Film at AMAA 2014. Dalemi, directed by Nadine Otsobongo featured Central African actress Prudence Maidou, and actor Laurent Owendo.

The Wages, shot in Nigeria and featuring Shan George and Gbenro Ajibade, won the Africa Movie Viewer’s Choice Award AMVCA 2014. Other short films that competed with Dalemi in AMAA 2014 are Haunted Soul – Kenya; Siriya Mtungi – Tanzania; New Horizon – Nigeria; Nandy l’orpheline – Mali; Living Funeral – Nigeria and Phindile’s Heart – South Africa.

Living Funeral was expected to have won an award at the AMVCA 2014 having been nominated in 8 categories. The twenty-minute film directed by Udoka Oyeka and produced by Pink Pearl Foundation features ageless Liz Benson, Norbert Young and

Stephanie Wilson. It was aimed at creating awareness on breast cancer. Living Funeral focuses on a young girl battling with breast cancer in the last days of her life, who arranges a farewell for her family to help ease their pain. The film was recently screened at the 2014 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and is also at the New York African Film Festival.

Kwaku Ananse, a unique movie

by Akosua Adoma Owusu from Ghana won the AMAA 2013 prize for Best Short Film. Others that competed in that category were Dead River from Namibia; Elegy For A Revolutionary from South Africa; Yellow Fever from Kenya; Nhamo from Zimbabwe; Big Daddy from Nigeria; Release from South Africa and Burnt Forest from the east African country, Kenya.

The Short Film Corner has been described as the essential rendezvous for filmmakers to make meetings reality and take decisive steps for their future. The challenge of funding for short film perhaps is also the same as for others. Shuaib Hussein says short films have a lot of advantages and are used by many movie makers to test the waters.

He speaks further, “It is not as though to make a film you have to start from a short film, but there are budget considerations and the fact that you want to test the waters to know your strength and what you can work on and improve on. Most times it is advisable to start small and finish big and well. Nigerians too are working on the short film medium; you may not be hearing about it because of the preponderance of feature length films. But we make short films here and even more, compared to those other countries.

However I must say that the quality of movies from these other countries you mentioned is always high, because they get the right funding and are better equipped than us.”

Conclusion With short films taking centre stage in African cinemas, as well as movies such as Ogondah shot in Port Harcourt and winner of Nollywood Movie Awards, Shoeshine, shot in Tanzania and Scandalous, Paradox and Survival and Ogondah all nominated at the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) 2014, the film industry in Africa is up for an onward drive as policies that impact on the growth of African cinemas are embarked upon.

A short film is any film not long enough to be considered a feature film and has a running time of forty minutes or less

scoop 19

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Solomon Nda–Isaiah Entertainment Ricochet

08116759802

nda_is@yahoo.co.uk

Why Abuja Entertainment Is Not Growing

T

he nation’s capital, Abuja, is a city flowing with milk, honey and sugar; I guess you all know what I mean by that and its entertainment scene ought to surpass all other entertainment scenes in the nation, however, the reverse is the case. Many musicians who started from here(Abuja) are not making waves in the Nigerian music industry. In fact hunger has driven some into other trades; some have gone back to their hometowns to make ends meet, while many others have died in abject poverty. Some others who have come seek greener pasturesshowbiz promoters, actors, event managers, models etcare not finding good footholds in the city. While some have ventured into other professions and businesses, a larger number of others have turned into corporate beggers, making the rounds among politicians, government officials and top business moguls.

Followers of this column might be wondering why harp on the Abuja entertainment scene; the reason is simple: it is my constituency and I’m not just a musician and a showbiz promoter, I’m also an entertainment editor of a newspaper with its corporate headquarters in Abuja and the deputy governor of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), FCT chapter.

I organised the first ever Miss Hotlegs in Abuja and other shows and events. I have also served as entertainment and promotions manager and coordinator of quite a number of spots in Abuja. So I am quite knowledegeable about the entertainment industry in Abuja. I’m really not happy with what I have been seeing from the 80's to the present day.

Instead of improving, it's been deteriorating, impacting the practitioners, the industry and Abuja at large, negatively.

In Abuja, it seems few are ready to sponsor any show or artistes. Big shots pretend to like entertainment, but they do little to contribute to its growth. They tell you bring your proposals but most of these proposals end up in their waste bins. These top shots patronise shows, live bands, night clubs, hotels,

gardens, etc, to watch artistes perform. On the spur of the moment, probably influenced by alcohol, they tell one or two artistes they like to come and see them for assistance in either the recording of their albums or raising funds for them to facilitate their upcoming shows.

Sadly, when you meet the same person in his office, they would have forgotten their grand promises.

In Lagos, people invest in showbiz; corporate organisations sponsor shows and many artistes. Also, in Lagos there are big time marketers who are eager to showcase artistes to the world. It’s about time the lovers of entertainment and fun seekers in the FCT start helping the entertainment industry and entertainers to grow.

Another factor militating against the industry in Abuja is that there are a lot of quack promoters and practitioners present in it. It's just like a doctor trying to do a carpenter's workit will surely not go well.

Another thing is media hype; the media houses in Abuja are not doing enough to promote entertainment and entertainers in Abuja, I can beat my chest anytime anywhere that I’m the only entertainment journalist in the print media in Abuja who has been doing a lot in promoting entertainment and our local entertainers in the FCT. The print and electronic media have a lot to do to make the industry grow and we need more entertainment magazines and newspapers. Also, our TV and radio stations have to have more entertainment segments. There is no togetherness in the Abuja entertainment scene; artistes constantly fight themselves, forming one association or the other.

If we the stakeholders and captains of the industry can come together as one, showing true love to one another, I think we will achieve greatness in the Abuja entertainment industry and beat Lagos and other places where entrainment is seriousness thriving.

The federal government, Federal Capital Territory Administration and other lovers of entertainment, have to help to boost the entertainment industry in the FCT so that it can grow and glow. Cheerio peeps!

I Don’t Mind Being Second Wife – Nkiru Sylvanus

By Anthony Ada Abraham,

Abuja with agency report

Nollywood actress and former special assistant to the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Nkiru Sylvanus, seems to have come to a point in her life where she is no longer picky about whom to marry.

Nkiru, in her mid-30s, knows age is no longer on her side and as a Nigerian woman, she must be under a lot of pressure to settle down. Thus, even if a married man wants her hand in marriage, she would not hesitate to accept his proposal.

Sylvanus

The multiple award winning actress says she does not mind

being a second wife, as long she finds a good man who is ready to marry her.

In a recent interview, the fair complexioned Nkiru, who has insistently denied ever dating her former boss, Rochas Okorocha, say ‘If the situation and the person is good, I would go for it. It all depends on what I feel for the man but if he is the right person for me, even if he is married, I will accept his proposal,’ she explained.

So is this an invitation for other unmarried movies stars to embrace polygamy? Time will tell.

Peter Grimes Opera Comes to Nigeria

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH ,

Abuja

FilmOne Distribution, a company known for its sound professionalism and innovation, is spearheading the introduction of “event cinema” in Nigeria. This concept offers alternative content to movies through visually refreshing stories using the Opera platform. FilmHouse cinemas will exclusively screen one of Britain’s most significant operas; Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes, as performed by the English National Opera in cinematic high definition from July 25th 2014, in all its outlets in Lagos, Calabar and Ibadan. This is the first of its kind happening in West Af-

rica. This is possible thanks to the support of the UK’s Cultural Relations Organisation of the British Council and Altive Media. Peter Grimes is an opera in a prologue and three acts and is the first revival of director David Alden’s 2009 five-star, sellout production. Peter Grimes paints a vivid picture of a small community’s descent into suspicion, gossip and mob mentality in the face of a tragedy. What really happened to fisherman Peter Grimes’ missing apprentice, and was he involved? As the townspeople’s mistrust grows, Grimes spirals into a downfall with devastating consequences.

Ojoma Ochai, director of arts, British Council, Nigeria said, “We are very pleased about the part-

nership with FilmOne Distribution and FilmHouse Cinemas and look forward to sharing high quality performances from the UK with new audiences in their cinemas across Nigeria.”

The English National Opera is one of the world’s most innovative and accessible opera companies with an International reputation for distinctive, contemporary and highly theatrical productions. Stuart Skelton, described as the ‘definitive’ Peter Grimes, takes the lead role, with Elza Van den Heever playing Ellen, Iain Paterson does justice to Balstrode’s role, while Rebecca de Pont Davies gives a spectacular performance as Auntie.

It is directed by David Alden and conducted by Edward Gardner.

Fans Lambast Wizkid Over Instagram Pic

By Anthony Ada Abraham,

Abuja

Wizkid’s fans have come hard on him for uploading a picture which shows him kissing the butt of a cigarette on Instagram. While some called him names, others didn't see anything wrong with the picture.

While many of his fans on Instagram believed there was nothing wrong with Wizkid smoking and posting the photograph on Instagram, others advised him to stop smoking because of the danger

Wizkid

it poses to his health. Below are some of the comments: @chukwuemeka_godwin: "Lets

go there......pass on" @sure_kel: "U r a fool Wizkid, ur mates r winning awards." @imoraphl: "Fuck off @mide...

WIZZY BABA do your thing...." @toybest90: "Me like ur #bata .thumbs up@wizkidayo" @milkysexin: "Stop smoking isn't good to your health please" @lala_231: "@real_marvo who tell u say davido no dey smoke" @mide__: "This one is always smoking and u fink it's cool" @minart18: "Nd I soo like him oh" @radjiee: "Love your kicks"

Oritsefemi Creates MSN Gang

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Itsekiri musician and City People's Most Popular Song Of The Year Award winner, Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele has floated a new group called Money Stop Nonsense (MSN) Gang.

He unveiled the name immediately he returned from South Africa where he shot two videos.

Launched this week, MSN Gang focuses on developing young talents and positioning the entertainment industry on the international stage.

“The aim is to bring out my new video under this newly introduced platform. My Body & Soul video is already being aired on TV and we have also released it online. We have been gathering positive comments

about. It means we are on the right path. Other projects will also be unleashed under this platform. We are working with some international experts via MSN Gang. My fans will also see Oritsefemi with some new faces in the industry. We are aiming high every day. The sky is our limit. Other talents will join the gang as well,” the Double Wahala crooner said.

20 BLITZ

Saturday, July 12, 2014

HOAYS In Nigerian Cinemas Soon

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH , Abuja

Half of a Yellow Sun, the highly anticipated movie, adapted from the award winning novel of the same title by Chimamanda Adichie is set to be released in Nigeria very soon.

The movie, starring BAFTA award winning and Oscar nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, BAFTA award winning actor Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, AMAA winners Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, Zack Orji and O.C Ukeje, has been opened to audiences in New Zealand, Australia, UK and the USA. After being certified by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, the movie would be available in cinemas across

Nnaji

Nigeria from the 1st of August 2014.

“Half of a Yellow Sun, is a movie that has made Nollywood

and Nigerians proud home and abroad. The movie is a breath of fresh air and has raised the standard of Nollywood movies from just good to excellent.

Kudos to the producers of the movie, they did a good job.

The producers of the landmark movie would like to say a big thank you to Nigerians for their love, patience and support.”

Half of a Yellow Sun which has received rave- reviews and critical acclaim, is a love story and is set to thrill movie lovers and strike a special chord in the heart of Nigerians. It was directed by Biyi Bandele and has been classified as an “18”movie.

The movie would be distributed by FilmOne distribution and Shareman Media Company.

I'm Focused On My Studies And The Runway– Milka

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH, Abuja

Each time the word 'diva' is mentioned our minds travel to bright lights, studios and electrifying voices of female performers. In Nigeria, divas are in the western, eastern and southern parts; seldom in the north.

Milka Luka, popular called IceMilad is a name that may not ring a bell in Nigeria, mainly because she took her rare talent to the United Kingdom as a student and upcoming model.

Besides, she is not a singer but a runway model from the northern part of Nigeria and she is based in Katsina. “Those who change the world are those who dare to be different,’ she retorted in a rare chat.

Born in Zaria, the beautiful model began her early education in London, England and is currently doing her HND at Katsina Polytecnic.

Milka started her modelling career with Pearls Fashion Agency and has participated in several fashion exhibitions

Milka

(Afro-Centric Designs). She has also contested in modelling competitions. Based in Katsina, one might wonder what made her take to modelling.

“I see myself as the next top model from the core northern part of this country,' she rightly asserts.

Milka. a lover of Semo and 'Ogbono, is in her early twenties and has a unique figure which makes her stand out on the runway!

Asked if she could go nude, her reply was bold: “Hmmm… going nude? Yes I can if it’s worth it.'

On a personal note the daring young lady acknowledges, “Yes, guys notice me a lot as a model but I'm focused on my studies and the runway.'

Asked whether she gets modelling jobs frequently she said, “Most promoters don't look here (Katsina) but give me a try and the world will notice your brand.'

She goes on to say; I've met a lot of promoters and people in the industry who tell me I have got a future and that has encouraged me a lot.'

This shy girl from the north loves swimming, dancing, reading and playing basketball.

Like the typical northern girl, she is humble and respectful. Loves honesty and abhors deceit.

“I love a guy who loves what I do without judging me or feeling uncomfortable.'

ABPFEON Sues For Peace, Unity In Nigeria ByAnthony Ada Abraham, Abuja

The Association of Beauty Pageant and Fashion Exhibition Organisers of Nigeria (ABPFEON) has called on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity, especially in trying times as these, when security challenges have led to a huge loss of lives and property.

The association made its position known at a press briefing held at Meantime, Wuse II, recently, after its earlier held national rally in Abuja tagged "Arise Nigeria for Peace and

pageants organisers and some beauty queens at the press conference

Unity," which was attended by beauty pageant winners, models, fashion designers, choreographers and fashion exhibition organisers.

Speaking during the conference,

the interim national president, Ejiro Opkhwo, said the organisation deemed it necessary to sue for peace and unity, as the nation has been troubled by some unscrupulous elements whose ambition is to threaten the peace which Nigeria enjoys.

"It is true that, in recent weeks, the city of Abuja has suffered a huge and drastic loss of lives and properties. The association is officially using this medium to condemn every act of these disgruntled elements of disunity that has threatened the social life of the capital city.

African Beauty Expo Slated For October

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH , Abuja

Exhibition guru, the exhibition company that has successfully hosted several editions of WED Expo, Africa’s largest wedding exhibition is taking things a notch higher this year with the introduction of African Beauty Expo.

The event, which would take place in Lagos this October, is the largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and wellbeing in Nigeria and West Africa. A truly international event, African Beauty Expo offers visitors the convenience of meeting hundreds of companies face to face over three days, for serious business.

The expo is not only for end users of beauty products but for beauty professionals at all levels who have a unique opportunity to source and experience the latest beauty products, treatments,

Akin Esho, CEO African Beauty Expo

ideas and equipment, from the largest gathering of leading brands and suppliers across the world.

African Beauty Expo will cover a broad group of products and services in the beauty industry including makeup, hair and body care products, cosmetics, nutrition/diet, professional equipment and accessories for spas and beauty salons and much more.

Amstel Malta Wins International Taste Quality Award

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Nigeria’s No 1 premium low sugar malt brand, Amstel Malta, is once again being recognised as an international high quality and prestigious brand with its recent quality awards from both the International Taste and Quality Institute (ITQI) in Brussels, Belgium and the Monde Selection Quality Award in Bordeaux, France, making it a rare accomplishment in the Nigerian market to be globally recognised and awarded by two esteemed quality institutes.

The premium malt brand received 2 golden stars out of 3 at the ITQI Superior Taste awards ceremony; making it the first ever African brand to

Marketing Manager, Non Alcoholic Drinks Nigerian Breweries, Sampson Oloche, Amstel Malta Brand Manager, Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf, Sasha P and CEO Hip TV, Ayo Animashaun

receive such an award amongst other internationally recognised premium brands.

Amstel Malta brand manager, Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf described the achievement as extremely delightful. “Amstel Malta is very excited to be honoured with these prestigious awards.

Madam Testimony Thrills Fans at Album Launch

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH, Abuja

Fast rising gospel music sensation, Biola Akintomide, has launched her sophomore album to the delight of music lovers in Lagos. The promising music act who delivered a show-stopping and electrifying performance kept her audience on their feet and left them asking for more. Indeed, the audience savoured each musical rendition at the prestigious M.A.N event centre, Ikeja, venue of the album launch.

The album titled The Storm is over is a 4 track composition that was produced by music producer/ arranger extraordinaire, Richard Efunbote. The audience danced and enjoyed every performance during the album launch, as Biola Akintomide aka Madam Testimony enthralled her fans

Madam Testimony and her dancers in action

with her stagecraft.

According to the energetic and consummate afro-soul singer whose musical repertoire bears a semblance with Tope Alabi, Madam Testimony believes that her music is meant to inspire and heal wounded souls. ‘‘As a gospel singer, I believe that beyond the entertainment value one should derive from my music, it should also minister healing and life to people.

SPORTS

8

ELATING

PAGES

12.07.2014

BRAZIL V NETHERLANDS

WORLD CUP CONTROVERSIES

WORLD CUP FINAL KEY BATTLES

3RD PLACE PLAYOFF P24

SPORTING RECALL P22

COMMENT, P52

Brazil are desperate to end the World Cup with a face-saving performance against Netherlands

Over the years, the FIFA World Cup has never fallen short of producing some embarrasing and controversial moments

This year's ďŹ nal promises to serve up very interesting personal and team duels

WORLD CUP FINAL ARGENTINA V GERMANY GIANTS CHASE FOOTBALL'S HOLY GRAIL PAGE 24

Pressure Is On Germany – Aguero

Argentina forward Sergio Aguero believes all of the pressure is on Germany in Sunday's World Cup final.

The Manchester City attacker feels Joachim Low's men were the team to beat right from the start of the tournament and is happy to head into the game as the underdogs.

Germany impressed in the semi-finals with a 7-1 win over hosts Brazil, whereas Argentina needed penalties to overcome Netherlands in their final-

four clash.

"Germany were always the favourites, along with Brazil, to win the World Cup," Aguero said at a press conference. "They continue to be so now. We need to play our own game and it suits us that all the pressure is on them.

"We want to have control of the ball, but we know that Germany are a great team that know each other off by heart having played together for many

years.

"It is clear that Argentina always go out to win, but sometimes during the game you have to be cautious.

We are all aware of what the objective is and we will leave everything on the field to achieve it.

"We are in the final and we have to play it and win it in whatever way possible. Germany will definitely be worried about us. We have a number of players in attack who can cause them trouble."

22 SPORTS/POURRI

Saturday, July 12, 2014

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

I thought I had slipped, I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I tore my arse on that move, the pain Javier Mascherano on his matchsaving tackle on Arjen Robben during Argentina's semi-final win over the Netherlands

I know a lot of a**holes will make fun. I know a lot of losers in the biggest game in the world, which is the book of life, will rejoice Quick, everybody, hide your Brazil photoshops - Dani Alves is angry

In 50 years’ time our kids will know that Brazil lost at home against Germany, 1-7 You can always rely on Jose Mourinho to kick you when you're down - even when he's trying to be nice by saying he feels sorry for Brazil

SPORTS

GROUP SPORTS EDITOR Ishaku Kigbu REPORTERS Samuel Malik, Salifu Usman DESIGN & LAYOUT Paul Benjamin ACTING EDITOR Catherine Agbo

group FOUNDER Sam Nda-Isaiah CHAIRMAN Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr Kazeem Durodoye

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Perfectly timed: Javier Mascherano's tackle on Arjen Robben saved Argentina from defeat against Holland

SPORTING RECALL

World Cup: 11 Controversial Moments In Tournament History

1. Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi France captain Zinedine Zidane headbutts Italy's Marco Materazzi in the chest during the 2006 final in Berlin and is sent off after the fourth official alerts referee Horacio Elizondo. Months later, it is claimed Materazzi had insulted Zidane's sister before the headbutt.

Wembley. Rattin is so incensed by the during the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico City. Officials fail to spot the offence and decision he refuses to leave the field, leading to a lengthy delay before his exit. the goal is given, with Maradona later telling reporters he was aided by the 'hand of God'.

4. Patrick Battiston knocked out West Germany goalkeeper Harald 7. Luis Suarez's handball Schumacher fouls France's Patrick Uruguay's Luis Suarez handles the ball on Battiston during the 1982 semi-final the line to deny Ghana a winner in the in Seville. The defender is knocked unconscious and has to be given oxygen last minute of extra-time during their 2. Cynical Carlos fouls Bruno Bellone on the pitch, but referee Charles Corver 2010 quarter-final. Suarez is sent off and Ghana given a penalty, but Asamoah awards a goal-kick to Germany.

France striker Bruno Bellone is fouled Gyan hits the crossbar with his spot-kick

by Brazil goalkeeper Carlos when 5. Frank Rijkaard spits at Rudi Voller to send the match into a penalty shootthrough on goal during the 1986 quarter-final. Referee Ioan Igna chooses Netherlands midfielder Frank Rijkaard out, which Uruguay win 4-2. spits at West Germany's Rudi Voller after not to give a free-kick, leading to BBC co-commentator Jimmy Hill calling it "an the pair are sent off after 22 minutes of a 8. The 'Battle of Nuremberg' heated encounter in the last 16 in 1990. Four players are sent off and 16 yellow extreme mistake". cards handed out - the most in any World Cup match - as Portugal beat 6. The 'hand of God' 3. Antonio Rattin sent off the Netherlands in a stormy 2006 Argentina's Diego Maradona uses his Referee Rudolf Kreitlein sends off hand to score when jumping for the ball encounter in Germany. The match is so Argentina captain Antonio Rattin during England's 1966 quarter-final at against England goalkeeper Peter Shilton bad-tempered it is dubbed the 'Battle of

Nuremberg'.

9. Nigel de Jong's 'karate kick' Netherlands player Nigel de Jong is shown only a yellow card by referee Howard Webb for a chest-high kick at Spain's Xabi Alonso during the 2010 final. The tackle looks so bad that commentator Guy Mowbray calls it a "karate kick".

10. Rivaldo's 'injury' In 2002, Brazil's Rivaldo feigns a head injury when a ball kicked by Turkey defender Hakan Unsal hits him on the leg. Unsal is sent off but TV cameras capture Rivaldo's playacting.

11. The 'Battle of Santiago' Italy have two men sent off in a violent encounter with Chile at the 1962 World Cup, a match later dubbed the 'Battle of Santiago'.

TRANSFER SNIPPETS Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh, 30, has agreed a two-year deal to stay at Crystal Palace, accepting a significant pay cut in the process Arsenal have been given a boost in their bid to sign Germany international Sami Khedira, 27, after the midfielder rejected the offer of a new two-year contract at Real Madrid Arsenal are in negotiations for the £8m transfer of France striker Loic Remy from newly promoted Queens Park Rangers Leicester City have made a club record bid of £7.5m for Brighton's 27-year-old striker Leonardo Ulloa Chelsea are holding out for a fee of £8m for defender Ryan Bertrand as Liverpool and Tottenham consider a move for the 24-year-old Fulham midfielder Kieran Richardson, 29, is expected to complete a medical at Aston Villa on Friday, after turning down offers from three other Premier League clubs Villa boss Paul Lambert is planning to let eight of his current players leave the

club in order to fund new signings Liverpool have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Swansea City's 25-year-old Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony, with the Welsh club holding out for a fee of £20m Lazio believe they are favourites to sign Feyenoord's 22-year-old Dutch defender Stefan De Vrij, who has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United West Ham are facing competition from AC Milan and Sevilla for 25-year-old Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, who is valued at £12m by Mexican side Pachuca Southampton's bid to sign striker Graziano Pelle has stalled after Saints refused to meet Feyenoord's £9.5m asking price for the 28-year-old Italian Everton boss Roberto Martinez has made a £4m bid for 21-year-old Bosnia midfielder Muhamed Besic Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is planning to limit Steven Gerrard's first-team appearances next season in a bid to keep the 34-year-old captain fit until the end of the campaign Leeds United began life under new

Bony

manager Dave Hockaday with a resounding 16-0 win over Italian minnows FC Gherdeina Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton, 29, wants talks with Paul Lambert after the Villa boss blocked his move to West Brom Villa are also set to offer defender Ron Vlaar, 29, a bumper new contract to head off interest in the Netherlands internationa Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen, 27, could quit Tottenham this summer according to his agent Mustapha Nakhli Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta, 32, has no intention of leaving Arsenal this summer according to his agent Inaki Ibanez.

Khedira

/ SPORTS 23

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Nigerian Football

Court Order: Group Vows To Petition FIFA

BY SAMUEL MALIK, Abuja

As reactions continue to trail the controversial removal of the management of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following a court order, which led world football governing body, FIFA, to ban Nigeria from international football, a group, Nigeria Football First, has vowed to petition the football governing body over what it sees as a witch-hunt of the

Maigari

Aminu Maigari-led board, even if the judgement is rescinded.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, spokesperson of the body, Adbulrahman Sade, expressed surprise at the swiftness with which the court order was executed, saying the sports minister, Tammy Danagogo, should have properly studied the judgement before removing the board, adding that an out-of-court settlement

should have been pursued instead. “He (minister) should have called all parties together and call for an out-of-court settlement,” Sade Said.

Sade also condemned the arrest of Maigari by the State Security Service, describing it as inhuman and an infringement of the fundamental rights of someone who had brought honour and glory to Nigeria through football.

Mid-season Tourney: Supreme Court FC Finish High

BY SALIFU USMAN, Abuja

Nigeria National League campaigners, Supreme Court FC of Abuja ended their outing at the just concluded Gold World Cup Break tournament among top finishers, a performance that put their hope of waxing

stronger in the league back on track.

The Abuja-based side recorded two outstanding victories against Juvenile FC and AFCON FC before playing out a 1-1 draw against Remo Stars and Ebedei FC in a championship organized to keep players fit

ahead of league resumption after the on-going world cup in Brazil.

Speaking after his team’s participation, Supreme Court FC Technical Adviser, Fatai Osho expressed satisfaction with the organization of the week-long football event adding it afforded his players Supreme Court FC

Gombe United Appoint Eguavoen Gombe United FC are set to unveil former Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen as their new Technical Adviser following the sudden departure of Maurice Cooreman.

Cooreman recently severed ties with the Desert Scorpions by mutual consent, after the Belgian's health deteriorated, making it impossible for him to continue in his role as Technical Adviser of the club.

Media Officer of the Gombe State-owned club confirmed the situation to KickOffNigeria.com stating that Eguavoen, who was sighted at the team's training camp earlier in the week will be unveiled on Monday.

"Eguavoen will formally sign on Monday as the Technical

Eguavoen

Adviser. Oladuni Oyekale will also sign as Chief Coach," Umar informed.

3SC Appoint Lakondoro As New Boss

Agbim In Another Transfer Saga Super Eagles goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim has once again landed himself in another partnership tussle between Gombe United and Warri Wolves.

Gombe signed the home-base Eagles’ skipper as a free agent from Enugu Rangers, where his appearance was hampered by his constant involvement with the national team.

But Warri Wolves boss Davidson Owumi insisted that Agbim is still their player as Rangers are yet to pay the N8million transfer fee agreed upon in the settlement of their earlier dispute over the ownership rights of the goalkeeper and midfielder Sunday Mba. Owumi told kickoffnigeria. com that they remained

Agbim

silent all this while in order not to jeopardise the career of the player.

“It is a fact which has been acknowledged in the past by the player that he belonged to Warri Wolves and Rangers International came for him with an agreement that they would pay 8-million Naira.

But as I am talking to you, no kobo has been paid and we have notified those that should know in football in the country.

Kwara United Get Full Payments

3SC players

The Oyo State Government has appointed Pa Samson Olayiwola Lakondoro as the new Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement made available by 3SC's Media Officer, Jubril Arowolo, which stated that Pa Lakondoro has been chosen to co-chair the board with Mrs Bayo Beckley and Honourable O. Peter.

Lakondoro was at the club's Akinola Maja Office in Jericho, Ibadan on Tuesday, and called for the support and cooperation of all fans and stakeholders to help move the club forward.

Many fans of the Oluyole Warriors are however unhappy with the appointment of the octogenarian, citing his old age and lack of experience in football administration.

The Kwara State Government has released funds to clear all outstanding entitlements of players and officials of Kwara United FC of Ilorin.

This disclosure was made by the State's Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Prince Saheed Popoola, who revealed that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed had approved the payment of the remaining 30% of the sign-on fees for the 2012/13 season as well as the 2013/2014 sign-on and clearance fees for the team.

The Commissioner stated that the governor was fully committed to the welfare of the team and sports generally in the state and charged the players and

Kwara United FC

management of the team to reciprocate by promoting to the Premier League next season.

The general manager of the club, Alhaji Haruna Maigidasanma, while commenting on the development, said the governor is a sporting loving governor, who remained the first governor to pay a hundred per cent sign-on on fee.

NAIJA FOOTBALL BRIEFS Ikhana Fancies Club Job

Current Enyimba FC of Aba Chief Coach, Khadiri Ikhana says he prefers to manage a football club than a national team.

Ikhana, who had an inglorious outing with Super Falcons when he failed to lead the team to victory in the 2012 Africa Women Championship (AWC) hosted in Equatorial Guinea, admitted that he is not good in coaching a national team.

“I prefer coaching a club than a national team because clubs are always busy week in, week out unlike national team that will stay for three months once there are no tournaments.”

Kaduna Demand Cash For Agba

Kaduna United are demanding a transfer fee for striker Samuel Agba, who has agreed to join Enugu Rangers for the second round of the season.

Agba is one of several players that have agreed to join the Enugu club for the resumption of the league, which is now expected to begin on July 18.

“He joined us from Bayelsa United on a free transfer but we have an agreement that we will be paid a fee for his subsequent move,” a top official of Kaduna United disclosed.

He scored five goals in the first round for Kaduna United including a memorable brace against Kano Pillars, who once turned down the big striker.

The 23-year-old Agba has featured for several other clubs including Bayelsa United and Spotlite of Katsina.

Oshaniwa Valued At €1 million Israeli club FC Ashdod have upped their valuation of Nigeria defender Juwon Oshaniwa to a million Euros after his outing at the World Cup in Brazil.

Left back Oshaniwa played all four matches as Nigeria reached the last 16 of Brazil 2014.

He has generated interests from several clubs, who will now have to pay more for his services.

The former Sharks FC defender was valued to be around €300,000 before he represented Nigeria in Brazil, but AfricanFootball.com has since learnt his price tag is now between €700,000 and €1 million.

24 SPORTS/FOOTBALL GUIDE WORLD CUP BRIEFS

FOOTBALL GUIDE /SPORTS 49

Saturday, July 12, 2014

2014 FIFA World Cup

WORLD CUP STATS 91% - Keylor Navas (91.3%) & @ Manuel Neuer (85.2%) have the best save percentage of all keepers with at least 2 games at the WC 2014.

TOP GOALSCORERS BRAZIL V NETHERLANDS

Scolari

Time For Scolari To Go Brazil great Zico has called on Luiz Felipe Scolari to be replaced as Brazil coach following their FIFA World Cup exit.

Scolari's side were sent crashing out of the competition on home turf this week as they were convincingly beaten 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals.

The comprehensive nature of the scoreline ramped up the pressure on Scolari to leave his post, with Zico demanding change.

The 61-year-old, who played at three World Cups and was a key part in Brazil's iconic 1978 side, is also of the opinion that Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho should take over.

"We should thank him [Scolari] and thank [assistant coach Carlos Alberto] Parreira too. But we need to choose new people with new thoughts about how to play the Brazilian way," news agency EFE quotes him as saying. "[Ramalho] is one the greatest champions of the Brazilian league, which is one of the hardest in the world to win."

Having struggled at times in the group stage, Brazil often relied on Neymar to inspire them before the Barcelona man sustained a tournamentending back injury in the quarter-finals.

Zico also questioned the quality of the squad at Scolari's disposal - stating many of those selected were not regular starters at club level.

"If you look at the starting players in the last year, none of them were key players at their clubs," he said.

"Look at Neymar, the best player in Brazil, but how many times was he on the bench for Barcelona last season?

"Fred, Marcelo, Hulk all played inconsistently. Even David Luiz and Oscar, you can't say they were first choices at Chelsea."

GERMANY V ARGENTINA

TODAY: 9:00PM After semi-final humiliation, Neymar has called on Brazil to salvage a measure of pride in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off.

Having seen his participation in the tournament ended by a cracked vertebra suffered in the quarter-final win over Colombia, Neymar watched on as the hosts capitulated in dramatic fashion in Tuesday's last-four clash with Germany.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side conceded four goals inside six scarcely believable first-half minutes on the way to a 7-1 hammering as the dream of World Cup glory on home soil was shattered at the Maracana.

As it is, they must settle for the scant consolation of a play-off with Netherlands in Brasilia on Saturday, after Louis van Gaal's men suffered the agony of a penalty shoot-out defeat following a 0-0 draw with Argentina in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

And Neymar, Brazil's only likely absentee for the clash as captain Thiago Silva returns from suspension, believes the game in the capital provides a chance for the team to begin the healing process.

Netherlands, meanwhile, seemingly have little interest in the encounter, with Van Gaal already voicing his criticism of the concept, while Arjen Robben has been similarly disparaging.

Van Gaal, in his last match in charge of the national team before departing to take over at Manchester United, is likely to make changes.

TOMORROW: 9:00PM If revenge is a dish best served cold, then Argentina have a chance to serve up a plate of freezing cold retribution on Sunday evening against the side that defeated them the last time they made it to the World Cup final.

24 years ago saw a preunification West Germany overcome the Albiceleste by a solitary goal to nil in the ugliest of showpieces and neutrals will be hoping for a more aesthetically pleasing encounter at the Maracana.

That Germany are favorites of course is not solely down to their exceptional performance in the previous round, but more to do with the balance and belief of Joachim Low's side.

They have controlled every match they have contested and play as a supreme unit comprised of talented individuals.

They have no one in the same bracket as Argentina's Lionel Messi (few teams do) but the relentlessly high standards of the likes of Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira and Mats Hummels make Germany overall stronger than their South American opponents.

They are defensively supreme and brutally ruthless in attack, a combination which was shown in all its glory in that now legendary night in Belo Horizante against the hosts.

J. Rodríguez T. Müller L. Messi Neymar A. Robben R. v. Persie K. Benzema E. Valencia X. Shaqiri A. Schurrle

6 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

Colombia Germany Argentina Brazil Netherlands Netherlands France Ecuador Switzerland Germany

10 - There have been fewer red cards at the 2014 World Cup than any other edition since 1986 (8).

Sporting.

Germany Have Plan To Stop Messi

Flick

Germany assistant coach Hansi Flick says they have a ‘secret plan’ to stop Lionel Messi in the World Cup final on Sunday.

After four goals in the three group games, Messi assisted the winning strikes in both Argentina’s last-16 clash with Switzerland and the quarter-final tie against Belgium.

But the Barcelona star was shackled by the Netherlands' defence during 120 minutes of goalless action in the semi-final on Wednesday.

And although Flick revealed Germany will be paying special attention to the diminutive number 10, he refused to be drawn on what their ploy would entail.

"We saw how the Dutch managed to keep Messi out, but we too have a special plan for him, although I won't give that away," he said.

"We're looking forward to meeting a compact, organised team and in Messi, they have one of the outstanding players of the tournament.''

Argentina Is More Than Just Me – Messi Lionel Messi has insisted that Argentina would remain a force to be reckoned with at the World Cup even in his absence.

The 27-year-old has been in sublime form so far this tournament, netting four goals in five appearances as well as creating a single assist, leading to criticism that Argentina are too reliant on their star man.

However, Messi has stressed that there's more to the Albiceleste than just his match-winning abilities.

"I absolutely do not agree that Argentina are nothing without me," Messi was quoted as saying by Times of India.

"Football is a team game, so whoever says that does not portray the actual scenario.

"Yes, I scored a few important goals which have helped our team, but there are 10 other members of the team who helped us reach where we are now.

"Gonzalo Higuain scored the all-important winner against Belgium and we all were happy to defend the lead for the remaining part of the game. Everybody had to fight for everything."

The Barcelona forward then went on to discuss the role of

Angel Di Maria, who will miss Wednesday's semi-final against Netherlands due to injury after picking up a knock versus Belgium in the quarter-finals.

"Angel has been an integral part of the side on and off the field.

He has played really well before he had to leave the ground. It was shocking.

"His decisive runs inside the opponent's defensive third helped us create space for the strikers as well. We'll miss him but Argentina will play at their best."

Messi was full of respect for Netherlands ahead of Wednesday's

World Cup semi-final and made it clear that it will be vital for Argentina to keep a clean sheet.

"They have reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive time and they will be looking to add something to their performances which can take them to the final. They are just a step away from achieving such a wonderful target.

"As an opponent, they deserve what they've achieved and on Wednesday, they will be even more eager on the field. We have to concentrate more on not conceding goals."

86% Manuel Neuer has saved 86% of shots on target faced at the World Cup since 2010, a highest (min. 6 games). Fence.

18 - @ Luke Shaw is the only 18 year old to have played at this year's #WorldCup. Solo.

65 - Only 3 men have made more dribbles in a single World Cup than Messi 2014. (Maradona 90 1986, Jairzinho 70 1970, Kempes 68 1978). Mazy.

1 - The Netherlands only had 1 shot on target (ex. pens) vs Argentina, the least in a World Cup game since records begun (19662014). Shut.

509 & 606 - J. Mascherano has the most passes (509) while T. Kroos has the most touches (606) at #Brazil2014.

Engines

ODD BALL Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic completed just one day of pre-season training with the thick beard he had grown during his time off before shaving it off.

ISSUE 141, JULY 12, 2014.

TECH LIFE

MICROCHIP HELPS PARALYSED MAN MOVE HIS HAND

>43

SOPHIE OKONEDO

I have to go across the Atlantic to get work

FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES

She is one of Britain’s most accomplished and acclaimed actors – but most of her job offers come from abroad

TRENDED

Michael Schumacher is slowly progressing

DESPOTS AND DICTATORS

Japan's Hidekitojo, Hungary’s Ferenc Szalasi

ISA KAITA

Exemplary politician WHAT'S UP

AUCTIONED

World Cup finals: It’s Pope versus Pope

Tracey Emin’s My Bed artwork sold for $4m at auction

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

KNOW-ALL BELIEVE THIS!

THAT'S INSIDE THIS ISSUE

32

STUFF

Albert Einstein couldn’t speak fluently when he was nine, his parents thought he was retarded.

28 TRENDED

45

STUFF 31 DESPOTS AND DICTATORS

28 TRENDED

32 TICKLING

• •

ISA KAITA: Exemplary politician Michael Schumacher is slowly progressing

Most ridiculous travel accessories

37 FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES • • • • •

Grand Teatro alla Scala Opulent Palais Garnier Eminent Metropolitan Resilient Bolshoi Theatre Prestigious Sydney Opera House Royal Covert Garden Outstanding Teatro Colon Ancient Teatro di San Carlo Revolutionary Vienna Staatsoper

34 ARTICULATE

World's Most Wanted Fugitives, 2014

35 LIFE–STYLED •

Brazil’s other big, fat problem

38 MOST POPULAR OPERAS IN THE WORLD

World Cup finals: It’s Pope versus Pope

•

Sophie Okonedo: I have to go across the Atlantic to get work

Result of Brazil/Germany match blows up Internet minutes after final whistle

29 TOP TEN

30 WHAT'S UP •

•

Japan's Hidekitojo Hungary’s Ferenc Szalasi

• • • •

28 VIRAL •

• •

33 FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE •

Cheat a parking metre

•

Carpenter creates replica of Soviet motorcycle out of wood

36 DOERS

• • • • •

30

WHAT'S UP?

43 TECHLIFE

Madama Butterfly Il barbiere di Siviglia Le nozze di Figaro Rigoletto Don Giovanni

44 DRESS SENSE

THE REGULARS

THE BIG STORY

27 PROUDLY NIGERIA

LIFE-STYLED

DESIRABLES

29 TOP TEN STARTING BLOCKS

35

43 TECHLIFE •

Click Click,

44 CULTURED! •

Etiquettewise, Superstitions, Proverbs, Excusez moi

45 DESIRABLES 46 MINDFUL •

Crossword, WordSearch, Sudoku, Homework, Bookshelf

47 A LA CARTE •

Crazy Tricks, Gentleman's Words, Laugh-Out-Loud

48 BONUS PACK •

Seen & Overhead, English Phrases, Keepsakes

BOXED • • • • • • • • • • •

Believe this Fact Box, Do You Remember When? Strictly For JJCs Shocking Foodfacts Psychology Ideas, Useless Information, Business Blunder, Quick Quiz, Espionage, Discovered Sounding Clever, Sounding Great, Spotlights, Know Why, Celeb Info, Teeny Fascinating Facts, Keepsakes, Just Unbelievable, Fast Forward

Buzzstop Russia successfully test-launched its new Angara rocket on Wednesday after a planned maiden flight overseen by President Vladimir Putin had to be aborted last month.

Madonna turned up at the New York Supreme Court on Monday, after being summoned to jury duty along with hundreds of ordinary New Yorkers, an hour later than everyone else and was relieved of her civic responsibility after officials decided that her superstar celebrity was a hindrance rather than a help.

Three days after she made headlines for storming off set during her satellite interview with CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield, Joan Rivers, Tuesday, in another interview

cleared the air as to whether the walkout was staged. According to her, Whitfield was interrogating her instead of interviewing her.

The Vatican says it is unlikely that Pope Francis and his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, would get together to watch their home teams in the World Cup final on Sunday. Vatican spokesman, the Reverend Federico Lombardi, said Thursday.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal revealed Thursday that two of his players refused to step up to take the first penalty in their Wednesday 4-2 World Cup semi-final shootout loss to Argentina.

Oscar Pistorius’ trial resumed on Monday

in Pretoria with sports physician Wayne Derman retaking the stand.

China’s Wanda Group, controlled by the country’s richest man Wang Jianlin, said Monday, that it will invest $900m in a five-star hotel and apartment complex in Chicago, as it acquires more assets in the US. According to reports released Tuesday, Hollywood’s long-time bachelor, George Clooney was all set to marry British Lawyer Amal Alamuddin, but overlooked one crucial factor: Amal comes from an Orthodox Lebanese Druze family and her mother, Baria Alamuddin is not happy that her daughter is intending to marry ‘outside the faith.’

CONTENT Victoria Usman, Abisola Alawode, Love Adeyemi, Elizabeth Martin DESIGN/LAYOUT Michael Igwe-Ngerem ACTING EDITOR Catherine Agbo

group

FOUNDER Sam Nda-Isaiah CHAIRMAN Hajiya Ireti Kingibe GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr Kazeem Durodoye FEEDBACK AND MAILS Cognoscenti is published as an insert in LEADERSHIP Weekend. A number of the articles in this pullout are sourced from diverse sources.

Please do send your feedback and enquiries to cognoscenti@leadership.ng or send us a tweet @LeCognoscenti

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

STARTINGBLOCKS AFRICANFACTS

Rwanda has the highest percentage of children in school in Arica

THE PACESETTING PAGES

The central Kalahari reserve located in Botswana is the second largest game reserve in the world

PROUDLY NIGERIA

ISA WALI

Passionate women’s right activist

ISA KAITA

Exemplary politician The life and times of the late Isa Kaita (Waziri Katsina) provides an insight into how public officials are supposed to live. Hardworking, efficient, compassionate and ever ready to lend a helping hand to the less privileged, his memory will be around for a long time Isa Kaita was born to the family of the Waziri of Katsina, Waziri Haruna.

He attended Katsina Primary School (later named Barewa College) and he later went to the Katsina Training College, a notable college attended by many politicians from the North such as Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Aliyu Bida. After completing his studies in 1922, he started teaching at the Katsina Middle School. He taught at the school for 19 years before quitting to become a radio announcer in 1941.

He worked at Zoy Radio Station at the Radio House in Accra, Ghana. Though he joined the station during World War II, his time at the radio station is often recalled with feelings as he was known to have made broadcasts about related news items on the war. He left the radio station in 1944 to become a secretary to the emir of Katsina and the Katsina Native Authority. In 1948, he travelled to the UK to earn a diploma in public administration at Exeter University all this while preparing for a career as a politician.

His political career started when he won a seat to the Northern Region House of Assembly in 1951. He contested the seat under the political platform of the Northern People's Congress. Prior to the election, he was a founding member and prominent campaigner for the party; he was

STRICTLY FOR JJCs As personal finances become easier to monitor and manage online, more of us do our banking over the Internet and that’s made our information an increasingly attractive target for cyber crooks looking to steal money, or worse, identities. To ensure you’re not their next victim simply, familiarise yourself with the most common types of fraud and the weak links securing your personal information, and learn the steps you can take to protect yourself from some of these common schemes that have been highlighted.

Card skimmers When swiping a credit or debit card, you

Isa Kaita

also the party's financial secretary. In 1954, he replaced Sir Ahmadu Bello as the regional Minister for Works while also serving as the party's financial secretary. During the Nigerian First Republic, he was the regional Minister for Education and was known to have strived to promote a progressive learning environment and enlightened educational policy. He was also an important adviser to Sir Ahmadu Bello, the regional premier and a powerful political leader.

After the banning of political activities in 1966, Isa Kaita retired to Kaduna where he was involved as a board member in a few companies such as the United African Company and Chellarams. During the Shagari administration in the 1980s, he was

chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau. He was also a lobbyist for the creation of Katsina State. A sport enthusiast, he was a patron of the Nigerian Fives Association and Nigerian polo. He was also an active member of several associations like the British/Nigerian association, Indie/Nigerian association, Jama'atul Nasrul Islam, Rotary Club and so on.

In recognition of his immense contribution to the betterment of the world in general, Alhaji Isa Kaita was awarded the OBE and CBE by the Queen of England, awarded the CON by the Federal Government and awarded Doctorate Degrees by the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and the Bayero University Kano. He is often regarded as the third most important Northern leader after Sir Ahmadu Bello and Alhaji Aliyu Makaman Bida.

Taking after his extraordinary achievements, his children also have standout careers. They include Shehu a politician, Sadiq a Banker, Ibrahim a Diplomat, Ali of the Nigerian Customs, Abdulaziz a onetime Commissioner of Works, Housing and Transport of Katsina State, Mustapha a businessman, Umar another businessman, Ahmed of Julius Berger PLC and others.

Isa Kaita died at his residence in Kaduna on 26 November, 1994.

Dodging common high-tech schemes naturally assume the reader device is legitimate and secure. After all, who has one of these machines except for, well, businesses? Truth is, the technology to read your card’s magnetic strip, which contains personal information, is cheap and widely available. Tech-savvy criminals can secretly swap their readers for the legitimate units at a cash register, gas pump, automated teller machine or just the unit guarding access to the ATM. These card skimmers sometimes use hidden cameras or keypad overlays that record not just the account number but the personal identification number (PIN) used to unlock it, opening a hole that

criminals can use to drain your account.

Be vigilant about where you swipe your card. And don’t forget to review your account statements regularly to spot bogus charges.

Phishing or phony fraud alerts Whether it’s by email, text message or even a phone call, these scams all seek to get you to reveal your personal information, such as a login name and password, by pretending to be a trusted company you already do business with, like a bank. Scammers will create emails and even fake websites that include a real company’s logos and look genuine, but there is a good way to spot a fake.

The late Isa Wali was a Nigerian diplomat from Kano who served as the Nigerian ambassador to Ghana during the independence period.

He was known in the Northern region as a critic of religious and political suppression during the pre-independence period. He was in support of opening more doors of employment to the less privileged classes of people in the native authority.

Wali was born to the family of the Muslim cleric and Wali of Kano, Wali Suleiman, and was a brother of Na’ibi Wali. After his father’s death in 1939, he was raised by his uncle Abubakar Wali, a Mallam well versed in the Arabic language. By then Wali had read the Qur’an; he then went on to attend the Kwaru Primary School, Kano Middle School and the School of Arabic Studies where he excelled in academics. In the Arabic school, he concentrated on studying the Hadith and Tafsir.

After completing his studies, he became an interpreter in the Northern Nigerian regional House of Chiefs and the House of Assembly and later was an assistant clerk. He then became more known among the intellectuals circles in the North for his modernist views on women especially after writing an article in the Nigerian Citizen on ‘The True Position of Women in Islam’ and minorities in the region and also for reforming the court system, reducing the emir’s salary and bringing the native authority under civil service regulations. He once remarked that: ‘Islam has secured equal rights for men and women in various fields of endeavour. They have been given complete freedom to claim and pursue those rights; the right of opinion, the right of action and the right of belief.’

However, many of his views caused controversy and he left Kaduna for Lagos to join the Foreign Service.

In 1958, he was appointed as the Nigerian representative to the United Nations. Isa Wali was also an associate of Aminu Kano.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

STARTINGBLOCKS

13,000,000

Number of people who tuned in to watch Brazil vs. Germany FIFA 2014 World Cup semi final match world wide.

3,000,000

Number of fans that have gone to watch live games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far.

THE BUZZWORTHY STUFF ONLINE

Trended Michael Schumacher is slowly progressing

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In her first public appearance since the skiing accident that left her husband in an induced coma last December, Corinna, wife of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher has said that his condition is slowly getting better. Corinna was smiling and joking while handing out chocolates at a riding event in her native Switzerland. The former seven-time F1 world champion is currently being treated in a rehab clinic near his family home in Lausanne in Switzerland after leaving Grenoble hospital in France where he had been hospitalised for months after the fatal skiing which left him comatose.

Katie Holmes goes topless

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Like and comment on your friend’s posts, and be notified when someone comments or likes one of your posts.

TextWarrior, ultimate text editor If you get annoyed at accidentally moving the cursor or triggering the virtual keyboard while navigating text, TextWarrior provides an alternative to the standard Android behaviour.

Besides all the usual features of text editors, TextWarrior features syntax highlighting for programming languages and a slide able clipboard.

Best of all, it is free and opensource!

Katie Holmes is heating up magazine stands with a risqué photo spread! The 35-year-old appears on Glamour magazine’s August 2014 cover and on the inside pages, the actress is seen topless (with her arms strategically placed of course). The actress, who has been divorced from Tom Cruise for two years, explained that dating is not on her radar. “I am really focused on motherhood and work right now,” the single star said.

“Motherhood is the greatest gift,” the actress, who is mom to Suri Cruise, told the mag. Parenthood has also given Katie a new appreciation for animated movies, in addition to presenting her with a slew of life changes.

Traffic Monitor keeps an eye on your mobile data usage This app is really good at keeping a tab on the mobile data traffic. It is capable of keeping a track of the data that you consume via Wi-Fi and cellular network. It measures the download and upload throughput and displays a traffic summary for the current day, week and month. Moreover, it also offers statistics per application with history for current and last day as well as current and last month.

Viral

Result of Brazil/Germany match blows up Internet minutes after final whistle It was a matter of minutes before the Internet was overloaded with viral images mocking Brazil for their 7-1 defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup. Christ the Redeemer, the iconic statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, is normally seen as an image of hope - but the famous landmark was quickly photo-shopped at the expense of the defeated host nation, following their semi-final humiliation. Twitter revealed that Brazil’s humiliating loss in the semi-final was the most talked about individual sports game ever on the social network with users sending 5.6 million tweets during

the game, and a total of 35.6million tweets after the game had ended making it the most discussed single sports game ever on Twitter.

Leaked Star Wars fake footage racks up more than a million YouTube hits With its production, plot and characters shrouded in the strictest secrecy, Star Wars fans have been pouring over and dissecting every tiny morsel of information revealed about J.J. Abrams’ Episode VII. So it was perhaps unsurprising that followers of the hit film franchise got rather excited when some leaked footage from the Star Wars set was posted on YouTube. A short video, purportedly ‘filmed’ at Frankfurt airport in Germany,

features an array of Star Wars vehicles used by Darth Vader’s Empire, including Imperial AT-ATs, AT-STs and Sentinelclass landing craft. The footage - entitled ‘Leaked Star Wars Episode VII Filmset Footage’ is clearly fake. However, it still managed to fool fans despite even featuring spacecraft flying past an incomplete Death Star above the airport and has more than a million views.

STRANGE

Unborn baby found pregnant A pregnant woman in Portland, Oregon, United States of America was hospitalised with extreme stomach pains, and doctors were extremely shocked at what they discovered.

After an ultrasound to check on her baby, they were taken aback to find that her unborn daughter was also pregnant. ‘I have never in my life seen anything like this,’ said Dr Joseph Goldsmith, a paediatric surgeon at Silverstein. ‘I don’t think anyone has.

This is the first time that an unborn baby has become impregnated. It’s so far beyond rare that we didn’t know it was possible.’

Doctors were shocked at the diagnosis at the time, but it was

later discovered that she had entered into precocious puberty, which is a rare disorder that causes puberty in extremely young children. It won’t be possible to test Lambert’s unborn daughter for precocious puberty until she is born. Even if she is found to have the rare disorder, it will still make her the youngest person to ever become pregnant. ‘Doctors told us it was safe to have sex while I was pregnant. Several of my girlfriends told me that they did, and there were no problems at all,’ said Lambert. ‘We never thought this would happen. Carl is going to be a dad, and a grandpa all at once.’

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

STARTINGBLOCKS DUMBLAWS

In Kentucky, a woman cannot remarry the same man more than three times.

In Britain, it is illegal to import potatoes into England or Wales if you have reasonable cause to believe that they are Polish.

10

OF EVERYTHING THAT'S WORTH ITS SALT

WORLD'S MOST WANTED FUGITIVES, 2014

Bradford Bishop

Jason Derek Brown

Fidel Urbina

S/N Name

Offence (s)

1

Bradford Bishop

Murder with a blunt instrument

2

Jason Derek Brown

First degree murder, armed robbery

3

Fidel Urbina

Aggravated sexual assault, failure to appear

4

Eduardo Ravelo

5

Robert William Fisher

Numerous, including conspiracy to launder monetary instruments First degree murder, arson

6

Alexis Flores

Kidnapping, murder

7

Glen Stewart Godwin

Murder, escape

8

Víctor Manuel Gerena

Armed robbery; theft

9

José Manuel García Guevara Second degree murder, aggravated rape, etc.

10

Semion Mogilevich

Fraud by wire, RICO conspiracy, mail fraud, etc.

MOST EXPENSIVE HOTEL SUITES

Royal Penthouse

Royal Villa

S/N Suite, hotel

City, country

1

Geneva, Switzerland

2

Royal Penthouse, President Wilson Royal Villa

Amount per night $64,000

Athens, Greece

$45,000

3

Hugh Hefiner Villa

Las Vegas, USA

$40,000

4

Ty Warner Penthouse

New York, USA

$35,000

5

Royal Plaza Suite

New York, USA

$30,000

6

Presidential Suite

Tokyo, Japan

$25,000

7

Bridge Suites

$25,000

8

Royal Suites

Paradise Island, The Bahamas Dubai, UAE

9

Imperial Suite

Vendome, France

$19,000

10

Ambassador’s Bure

Fiji

$4,900

SHOCKING

FOODFACTS

In parts of India, a man who is in debt can offer up his wife until the debt is paid.

$22,900

Natural vanilla, strawberry and raspberry flavouring comes from a beavers anal gland.

TAINO INDIAN SITES – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1. El Pomier Caves This network of batinfested caves north of San Cristobal contains the largest display of Taino wall paintings in the Caribbean.

Spiritual symbols and preColumbian daily life are depicted.

2. Las Caritas La Descubierta These expressive ‘little faces’ are chiselled into the coral rock of the cave overlooking Lago Enriquillo.

El Pomier Caves

3. Cueva El Puente This long cave holding almost 70 figurative and abstract petroglyphs is in the Parque Nacional del Este.

4. Cueva de Panchito Food and ceramic remains found in this cave in the Parque Nacional del Este indicate that it was actively used by the Tainos. A carving of a great zemi appears on the wall, along with about 30 other petroglyphs.

5. Sala de Arte Prehispanico This museum displays delicately carved jewellery and decorated pottery.

Clay zemis, depicting various gods, indicate the spiritual dimension of Taino society.

6. Cueva de las Maravillas In this complex of grottoes and labyrinths are drawings and engravings depicting human figures and animals associated with death rituals.

7. Los Indios de Chacuey A circle of rocks surrounds a stone slab in the middle of a huge open space. Nearby, religious

Las Caritas La Descubierta

petroglyphs suggest that this was an important ceremonial centre.

8. La Isabela The museum at the Parque Nacional Historico La Isabela highlights everyday life in a Taino village.

Outside, you can see an indigenous bohio, or thatched dwelling.

9. Parque Nacional Los Haitises The Taino sites here can best be accessed through an organised boat trip.

There are caves with drawings, including birds, whales and faces, and hunting scenes.

10. Cueva de Bema This is one of the most spectacular caves in the Parque Nacional del Este, with more than 300 petroglyphs along the walls

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

STARTINGBLOCKS

BY THE NUMBERS

Brazil’s World Cup loss to Germany

2000

Milestone reached by Germany in the match.

76

Years that separates Brazil’s first semi-final defeat from this one.

CELEBINFO

BOXOFFICESTATS

Actor, Harrison Ford has a species of spider named after him: The Calponia spider.

WHAT'S UP

As at July 6 2014, Paramount Pictures’s Transformers: Age of Extinction has grossed $597m worldwide.

IN-THE-NOW HAPPENINGS AROUND US

World Cup finals: It’s Pope versus Pope

Will the World Cup finals become a ‘Holy War’? At the very least, Sunday’s match could put millions of Catholics not to mention Vatican employees in a bit of a bind.

223 Goals Germany has scored in all the World Cup matches they have ever participated in.

39

Years that had passed since Brazil’s last competitive home defeat.

16

The new all-time World Cup goals record that belongs to Miroslav Klose.

10 Goals that Thomas Muller has scored in all the World Cups he has been to.

10

World Cup matches that German coach Joachim Low has won with Germany national team.

5

Goals that were scored by the Germans in the first-half.

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Will the World Cup finals become a ‘Holy War’? At the very least, Sunday’s match could put millions of Catholics not to mention Vatican employees in a bit of a bind.

Will they root for Argentina, the homeland of Pope Francis, who is known to be an ardent soccer aficionado? Or will they back Germany, the native country of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, also a big football fan? And what about the Big Referee Upstairs?

Whose prayers will he heed when the game is on the line?

Germany reached the finals on Tuesday after blowing out Brazil, the host country. Argentina beat the Netherlands on Wednesday afternoon. Of course, both Popes (not to mention God) have more important things on their minds.

But the pontiffs have also said that sports can be more than fun and games. ‘‘The sport of football can be a vehicle of education for

the values of honesty, solidarity and fraternity, especially for the younger generation’’ Benedict told Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper back in 2008. His successor, Francis has echoed those remarks, and even promised not to pray for Argentina. But a Catholic who met Pope Francis recently to discuss more serious matters said that the pontiff seemed to be secretly pulling for his home team. ‘He absolutely wants for Argentina to win,’ Peter Saunders, a victim of sexual abuse from England who met Francis on Monday, July 7th, told the Boston Globe. ‘He didn’t say it out loud, but you could see it in his eyes, he’s a closet fan.’

And earlier this month, before Argentina played Switzerland, Francis jokingly told his Swiss Guards, ‘It’s going to be war!’ It will be interesting to see what the Vatican says about the ArgentinaGermany matchup. The men are

known to be close, with Francis saying he and Benedict ‘are brothers.’ Maybe the ‘brothers’ will put a little wager on the highstakes soccer match, or maybe this just means that God has a really good sense of humour.

Pope Francis has been described as a man of immense personal charisma, one who combines the humility of a Nelson Mandela with an almost Clintonian drive to interact with people of the land. He has also been commended for his reforms in the Catholic Church especially in the scandal hit Vatican bank.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

Stuff

p32

travel accessories

p35

We all like comfort when we travel but comfort with any of these items? Bad!

Brazil's other fat problem Once known for their slender bodies, half of Brazilians are now overweight.

p36

Sophie Okonedo One of Britain’s most accomplished actors who crosses the Atlantic to get work.

that will tickle your fancy

despots and dictators

Big Ideas

Deterrence

Japan's Hidekitojo

Maniacal, white-gloved Japanese nationalist known as ‘The Razor,’ prime minister of Japan during the Second World War, and instigator of Japanese aggression against China, Russia, and the United States who, with the complicity and approval of Emperor Hirohito, was responsible for innumerable atrocities: the Rape of Nanking, during which Japanese troops slaughtered 300,000 Chinese

men, women, children, and infants; the Sook Ching Massacre in Singapore, during which the Japanese killed 50,000 more; and the systematic slaughter of another three million non-combatants throughout greater China. On the domestic front, he formed the Kempai Tai – the Japanese Counterespionage and Secret Military Police – which was omnipresent and omniscient in Japanese society and, during the war, in all occupied territories. Their numbers in I945 were estimated at 70,000 members on the home islands alone and twice that number in occupied territories.

The Kempai Tai exercised censorship and controlled propaganda, regulated sales of arms, explosives, and drugs, and the Secret Military Field Police had the power to arrest any army rank three times their senior, administering punishment on the spot. Under Tojo’s inhumane leadership, one of the most infamous incidents of the war occurred: the Bataan Death March, during which American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to march for days without food or water and were bayoneted if they stopped to rest or took a drink at a stagnant pool, and had to sleep in filthy, cramped, and overcrowded conditions, amongst their own excretions. Many did not survive and many others died at their destination. Tojo oversaw the entire conduct of the Asian and Pacific Wars, from the attack on the American fleet at Pearl Harbour to the last ditch fanaticism of the kamikazes. In I945, realising defeat, he attempted suicide but failed, and was captured, convicted of war crimes and sentenced to death by hanging, unrepentant to the end.

Hungary’s Ferenc Szalasi

For three fatal months, Ferenc Szalasi was the leader of the National Socialist Arrow Cross Party-Hungarist Movement and the ‘Leader of the Nation’ being both Head of State and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Hungary’s ‘Government of National Unity.’ Szalas’s earliest involvement with full-time politics coincided with his creation of the Party of National Will, a radical, right-wing nationalistic group of which his Arrow Cross Party was a later offshoot. Szalasi was also a strong proponent of ‘Hungarism,’ advocating the expansion of Hungarian territory to the borders of Greater Hungary as it was prior to a 1920 treaty which had reduced the country’s area by 72%. During the early 1940s, Hitler’s Germany protected Szalasi and, in 1944, by means of Operation Panzerfaust, absorbed Hungary as a client state with Szalasi at the helm. The Germans continued to deport Jews, but Szalasi resisted, because of the drain on manpower. In response to the situation, he created the International Ghetto in Budapest, effectively confining Jews to neutral territory.

Meanwhile Szalasi shipped staple goods to Germany and conscripted Hungarians to be pitted in battle against the oncoming Red Army. Szalasi kept power for 163 days, until the Russian forces were encircling Budapest, and he absconded with his life. He turned up first in Vienna, and later Munich. After the war, he was captured and repatriated to Hungary, tried by the People’s Tribunal in Budapest, sentenced to death for war crimes and high treason, and hanged.

Answer:

Where is the world's first twisted skyscrapper located?

The world''s first twisted skyscrapper, the HSB Turning Torso, is located in Malmo, Sweden.

QUICKQUIZ

Deterrence is the doctrine that if a country has sufficiently strong armed forces and a mighty arsenal of weapon no other country will dare to attack it, or to endanger its interests. This is generally the justification any country p forward for spending huge sums on ‘defence’, in the hope if it does so, it will never need to fight a war.

The trouble with this doctrine is that it leads to arms races which serve to increase tensions and mutual fear. In the Cold War, the doctrine of deterrence evolved into that of ‘mutually assured destruction’ (MAD for short), which held that neither side would launch a first nuclear strike; because they knew the other side would be able to respond with a devastating retaliation. The development of anti-ballistic missile systems has always threatened to disturb this delicate ‘balance of terror’, since such systems might enable one side to survive a retaliatory strike.

USELESS INFORMATION

Eat your veggies Onions get their distinctive smell by soaking up sulfur from the soil.

The oldest known vegetable is pea.

Pumpkins contain vitamins A and potassium.

The colour of chili is no indication of its spiciness, but size usually is - the smaller the pepper, the hotter it is.

The most popular sweet pepper is the bell pepper.

Eggplant is a member of the thistle family.

You use more calories eating celery than there are in celery itself.

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Stuff

Saturday, July 12, 2014

HISTORIFIC

THAT WILL TICKLE YOUR FANCY

Maiden Castle was one of the strongest Iron Age hill-forts in Britain. Approaching invaders could be seen a long way off and the forts concentric earthworks made it difficult to capture.

SCIENTIFIC When a flea jumps, the rate of acceleration is 20times that of the space shuttle during lunch.

Most ridiculous travel accessories

Beam N Read LED hands free light

GoGirl female urination device

The cabin pillow

Guardian gear dog backpack

The cabin pillow Just when you thought the airplane tray table was already hugely annoying, with its faulty catch and slick surface that sends your coffee into your lap, along comes the cabin pillow. Imagine the scene: the seatbelt light has been switched off, the movie starts, passengers are nestling down with their complimentary drinks and John Grisham novels and then: Wham!

You set this giant grey recycling bin on the tray table, instantly making you the most ludicrous person in your row.

Zebco 220 umbrella and shelter To get your money’s worth out of this thing you need to be going somewhere where it’s pouring rain and that already sounds like a bad move. You may as well stay in the office and spend your time searching for wacky travel accessories on the Internet.

Highlander camping cupboard Now neat freaks can enjoy camping too. One of the things we’re not thinking about before we leave to go camping is where we’re going to store our underwear and tins of beans.

However, we also concede that some obsessive and compulsive types like to keep their things in order even when out in the wild. For these people, the “portable camping larder” fills a need.

Travel door alarm stop Wedge this shiny gadget under the door of any sleazy hotel room and anyone entering will set off a 120-decibel alarm. It might send your would-be attacker running, but it might also give you a heart attack,

ripping you out of your sleep with all the subtlety of a rhinoceros.

Guardian gear dog backpack If you ever wanted to embark on an epic adventure in the great outdoors, only to be held back by all that lard around your six packs, this canine backpack is going to open up your world.

Deluxe seatback organiser And you thought you’d never get to show off your fine collection of Old Spice toiletries, sentimental family photos and fresh copy of Biscuit World on the plane. Ye of little faith.

To the rescue comes the Deluxe Seatback Organiser which has two pen loops, so there’s no excuse for failing to finish your Sudoku.

Sun-mate solar safari hat Your forehead stays cool, you become very uncool. We’ve all been there -you’re on your Kenyan safari, you’re being charged by a two-ton bull elephant while a pride of lions stalks you from the tall grass and all you can think is, “Jeez, it’s hot.” That’s when you regret not forking out a measly pile of change for the sunmate solar safari hat, with in-built electric fan. Oh wait, that’s what the well-intentioned people at sun-mate would like you to think. But face it, the only way you’re going to be cool while wearing this thing is if you ... nope, sorry. There’s simply no way to be cool while wearing this.

Hotel / motel room inspector The hotel motel room inspector is a portable black light that when scanned over surfaces can detect blood stains, vomit, faeces, semen, urine and saliva. Listen, if you really insist on staying in sketchy hotels,

QUESTIONS YOU'LL NEVER ASK

WORLD OF ESPIONAGE

UK spy agency sued by Internet providers over malware attacks A group of Internet service providers from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa have filed a lawsuit against Britain’s foremost signals intelligence agency, accusing it of hurting their business by spying on them. The legal complaint was filed against the General Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the British government agency tasked with communications interception, which also provides information assurance to both civilian and military components of the British State. Service providers from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, South Korea and Zimbabwe are listed as plaintiffs in the complaint which was filed recently in a court in London.

The legal action against the spy agency is based on articles that surfaced in the inter-

do you seriously want to know what people have been doing on your pillow or in your bathrobe?

Beam N Read LED hands free light We like the idea behind the Beam N Read Hands Free Light seeing things is good. Extra light is good. But did they have to make it look like a reject prop from Star Trek?

GoGirl female urination device Now women can pee standing up too ... the world is finally equalised. “You won’t be like a man. You’ll just pee like one.” That’s one of the lines from GoGirl’s website. Here are more of the maker’s reasons to consider the pink, plastic attachment that allows women to pee standing up: “GoGirl fits easily in your purse, pocket, or glove compartment.” “Don’t take life sitting down.” “Just lower your panties, and put GoGirl against your body, forming a seal. Aim and, well, pee. Pretty simple, huh?”

Marge Schott Yes, even women can get banned from professional sports if they push things too far. Marge Schott was the president and CEO of the Cincinnati Reds in the late 80s and early 90s.

Starting in 1991, allegations about Marge’s racist mouth started to surface, including calling outfielders Eric Davis and Dave Parker ‘milliondollar niggers.’ In 1993, she was suspended and fined for saying that she thought Hitler was ‘good for Germany’ and she didn’t understand how calling someone a ‘Jap’ was offensive. Amazingly, they let her back into the office, but in 1996 she was permanently banned from the MLB for further pro-Hitler comments.

national press last year. They alleged that GCHQ targeted Belgium’s largest telecommunications service provider Belgacom. The revelations surfaced first in September of 2013 in Flemish newspaper De Standaard which claimed that Belgacom’s mainframe computers had been deliberately infected by an ‘unidentified virus’, which had specifically targeted telecommunications traffic carried

by Belgacom’s international subsidiaries. De Standaard further claimed that the scope and technical sophistication of the operation pointed to a state-sponsored agency as the culprit. Further revelations about the Belgacom malware attacks were made in German newsmagazine Der Spiegel in November of last year, pointing to GCHQ as the agency behind the operation.

Will condoms protect me from all diseases?

When used correctly, condoms are an important and highly effective barrier to the spread of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

However, condoms are only as good as the people who use them, so they are not fool proof.

They can fail due to human error, breakage, and inconsistent or incorrect use. While condoms are effective in preventing STDs that are transmitted by fluid or skin to skin contact, not all areas of contact get covered by a condom. If your partner has open sores that are not covered by the condom, the diseases can still be spread to you. Additionally, condoms made from sheepskin are inadequate in preventing the spread of HIV and other viruses because they have natural pores that the viruses can pass through. Thus, while latex condoms are an effective protection against the spread of diseases, there is still a risk any time you have sex.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

SPORTSFACT

BRANDED Massage oils were the first Clarins product range.

SoundingClever Endemic Characteristic of people belonging to one particular area from the Greek endemos: native, based on demos: people. Roger Federer epitomises the cool precision endemic to the Swiss.

The record for the most Olympic medals ever won is held by Soviet gymnast, Larissa Latynina. Competing in three Olympics between 1956 and 1964, she won 18 medals.

FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE

THINGS not everyone should know how to do

Cheat a parking metre

tinnitus A ringing sound in the ears (often caused by a specific condition such as a head injury) from the Latin tinnire, from e:out, and dicere: to ring, tinkle. After leaving a loud pop concert, people often have tinnitus in both ears. cleave To become extreamely involved with (someone) from the Old Englich clifian, to stick. To fall in love at first start is to cleave instantly to another person. ornery Ill tempered. Despite having a painful back which necessitated frequent operations, John F. Kennedy never appeared ornery in public.

SOUNDING GREAT

beguile

1. To decieve by guile; delude. 2. To distract the attention of; divert. Almost every problem we have can be ascribed to the fact that human beings are utterly beguiled by their feelings of separateness. It would seem that a spirituality that undermined such consciousness, could not help but improve our situation.

Stuff

that will tickle your fancy

January 2013

spotlights

FILM Mama

Annabel and Lucas are faced with the challenge of raising his young nieces that were left alone in the forest for 5 years.... but how alone were they?

MUSIC Bruno Mars

When I Was Your Man is a song recorded by American singersongwriter Bruno Mars for his second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox.

TELEVISION The Following As everyone knows, a parking meter is a device used to collect money in exchange for the right to park a vehicle for a limited amount of time. Here are two ways of turning it into a device used to collect a small piece of card- board or candy in exchange for parking for as long as you want. These methods won’t work for the newer digital meters, but will save you a few quarters on the older types.

Out of order 1. Park your car next to a metre with no time left on the clock.

2. Take a business card, matchbook, or any piece of semi thick paper. Tear or cut a piece measuring 1.5 inches by 2.5 inches, then fold it twice lengthwise so that it measures about .25 inches by 2.5 inches and becomes quite rigid.

3. Stick the folded card into the quarter slot until you meet resistance and can’t push it any further. When the card is about halfway into the slot, turn the handle on the metre all the way (you may have to use considerable force). This will draw the paper further into the slot.

Keep turning the handle until the yellow ‘violation’ sign appears.

You have effectively jammed the machine into the ‘out-of-order’ position. Don’t turn the handle in the other direction or you’ll make the red ‘ticket’ sign appear and you’ll have to drive away.

As the yellow ‘violation’ sign is showing, parking enforcement cannot ticket you no matter how long you stay. On rear occasions, you may get chalked (the parking enforcer marks your tires with chalk and notes the time), which will give you about two hours ‘of free parking, but most likely you can stay as long as you like.

Tear away any of the card that is still sticking out of the meter, otherwise the parking attendant may see it and pull it out. The next attendant that walks past will then issue you a ticket.

Haw flakes Another way to beat the system is to purchase a-packet of Haw Flakes: dark pink Chinese candy made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn, available in any Chinese food shop, or often given away as freebies when you visit a Chinese doctor. They come in rolls of twenty and cost about a nickel a roll. If you stick them in the slot you’re in business. Turn the handle gently, otherwise the candy will break.

A brilliant and charismatic, yet psychotic serial killer communicates with other active serial killers and activates a cult of believers following his every command.

EVENT International relations

The UN Security Council on the 22nd, passed Resolution 2087, condemning North Korea’s December 2012 rocket launch and expanding economic sanctions against the country.

BIRTHDAY Alicia Keys

The first singer to receive five Grammy Awards at once after releasing her debut album, Alicia Keys, for such hit songs as ‘Fallin,’ and ‘Girl on Fire’, celebrated her 32nd birthday on the 25th.

DEATH Leroy ‘Sugarfoot’ Bonner

American R&B singer, Leroy ‘Sugarfoot’ Bonner died on the 26th at the age of 69.

34

Stuff

THAT WILL TICKLE YOUR FANCY

ARTICULATE

Carpenter creates replica of Soviet motorcycle out of wood Yuri Hvtisishvili, a carpenter from Russia, has created an astoundingly perfect wooden replica of the legendary IL-49 Soviet motorcycle. The life-size model is so realistic that you’d expect him to mount it and take off at any moment.

The idea for the project came to Yuri earlier this year, when business was slow at the carpentry shop where he works. He wanted to attempt something new and different, and that’s when he remembered something he saw on the internet – a master carpenter who had made full-scale models of motorcycles from wood. The idea inspired him, so he decided to replicate his favourite Russian motorcycle, the IL-49. Yuri started to work on the project in January; it was the perfect activity to pass his time during the long winter evenings. He patiently carved out the motorcycle one part at a time, down to the last nut and bolt and today, it’s a reality. He made use of two types of wood – beech and pine – mainly for the way they complement each other.

KNOW WHY...

…clouds are white?

115.61 metres

Saturday, July 12, 2014 Height of Hyperion, the world's tallest known living tree.

120

Drops of water that will eventually fill a teaspoon.

Can blind people hallucinate?

Hallucinations are actually more common in visually impaired people. As many as 15 per cent of visually impaired or blind people may experience Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), which takes its name from the 18th-century Swiss naturalist who first described the phenomenon experienced by his grandfather. In a healthy eye, the optic nerve is accustomed to dealing with as much data as a high-speed broadband connection. When vision is reduced or lost due to damage to the eye, the neurons in the visual cortex are suddenly left with nothing to do. The visual cortex is already adapted to automatically fill in gaps in our visual field, to compensate for the blind spot. It seems that, in CBS sufferers, this mechanism just takes wilder and wilder guesses.

Victims report dancing monkeys, floating faces and other strangeness.

What makes sliced apple turn brown?

It’s the plant trying to seal and disinfect the wound. The colour comes from melanin, the same thing that darkens our skin. When plant cells are ruptured, various phenolic compounds in the cell encounter an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. That oxidises them into quinones, which themselves combine to make antimicrobial melanin barriers.

Can you sneeze underwater?

This is rather like the duck’s echo – just because you have never heard one, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Sneezing underwater isn’t very likely because dust, allergens and bright sunlight – the three things that normally provoke a sneeze are all absent.

Could Neptune and Pluto ever collide, as their orbits intersect?

Diagrams of the Solar System give the impression that the orbits of Neptune and Pluto cut right across each other, and textbooks even state that Pluto crossed the orbit of Neptune in February 1999. Yet in reality the two planets can never get close to colliding, for two reasons. First, the apparent

crossing-points are optical illusions, caused by the fact that the two orbits are actually steeply inclined to one another. The second reason is because Neptune’s orbital period of 164.8 years means it makes three orbits for every two made by Pluto, with its 248.8-year orbital period.

Do parrots have taste buds?

It’s odd because clouds contain air and water – both transparent substances that hardly absorb any visible light. Crucially, however, some of this water exists as tiny, sparsely dispersed droplets. Light can travel many meters into cloud, but eventually it’s likely to hit a droplet. That can scatter the light, changing its direction, although often only slightly. A cloud’s colour is basically a mix of all the light put into it. Daylight is usually white: light straight from the sun mixed with a little blue skylight. But you see non-white clouds at sunset or over lit cities at night.

Yes, but not many. Parrots’ taste buds are found in the back of their throats and on their tongues and, like ours, can distinguish sweet, sour, bitter and salt.

But whereas humans have about 9000

taste buds, parrots have only about 350.

Many birds need to be able to taste bitter so as to avoid poisonous foods, but only a few, such as parrots and hummingbirds, can taste sweetness.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

LIFE–STYLED

Beating the bulge: Brazil’s other big, fat problem

After their national team’s humiliating exit from the World Cup, Brazilians’ immediate concerns might not be the country’s footballing future, but its health. Obesity has become main stream in the Brazilian society and is continuing to rise.

Once known for their slender beach bodies, half of Brazilians are now overweight. What’s the reason? In 2012, around one in seven Brazilians were classed as obese. Globally, Brazil is far behind countries such as the United States and Mexico, where around a third of people are obese, but the concern is the rapid rate of weight gain.

The country once vulnerable to malnutrition and the associated health impacts such as impaired growth is instead now vulnerable to obesity and resulting heart disease and diabetes. In 1975 just 19% of Brazilian men and 29% of Brazilian women were overweight: In 2014 those figures are now 54% and 48% respectively.

In Brazil, being thin is associated with poverty, so culture has accepted being heavier as a desirable trait says Professor Ricardo Uauy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. ‘Brazil is very diverse. In the south it is like Europe but in the north you have regions of poverty and then in the Amazon basin you have rural indigenous populations,’ he explains. ‘But all over the country low-income populations have become dependent on food that is high in both carbohydrates and sugars.’ This change in consumption has led to a rapid change in weight and therefore health. Uauy puts it down to changes in the food people now have access to. ‘Healthy foods have become more expensive,’ he says. Communities across the country both urban and rural have reduced their intake of fruit and vegetables to include more meat, sugar and processed foods.

Globalisation has enabled even the most rural of residents to access processed foods; Nestle, for example, has provided scheduled boats since 2010 that serve as floating supermarkets for communities residing along the Amazon.

Remote communities can now buy branded goods and often to choose those instead of local farm produce. Public health teams are calling for a change in attitudes towards health. ‘The healthy choices need to become the easy choices,’ explains Uauy. ‘The poor are growing as fast as the rich and everyone needs to understand more about what they are eating.’

This isn’t a problem unique to Brazil. However, the Brazilian government, and ministry of health, are taking the matter seriously and have been heralded for their recent projects issuing food guidelines for the public and creating programs for schools to source 40% of their food locally as childhood obesity is approaching adult levels. ‘I saw these seats before the tournament began but it’s not a good way to deal with it. It’s a kind of segregation,’ explains Dr Guilherme Cotta, a bariatric (weight-loss) surgeon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cotta is referring to the 4,750 extra-wide seats made available in the stadiums of this year’s World Cup to accommodate Brazil’s burgeoning obesity problem. Set aside at the ends of rows throughout the stadium, the lowbacked, wide-set seats for obese people have been built in accordance with Brazilian law, in which obesity is classed as a disability and must be accommodated.

Stuff

THAT WILL TICKLE YOUR FANCY

TEENY Caring for your hair Wash your hair less often Over-washing hair strips off the natural oils produced by your scalp, which normally help to keep hair in a healthy condition. This increases damage, and also makes your hair over-produce oils, which is why your hair may often feel greasy just the day after you wash it. If you decrease how often you wash it as much as you can, your hair will get greasy less quickly, and it will also reduce the risk of damage.

Re-consider what shampoo and conditioner you should be using Many drugstore products contain chemicals such as sulphates which actually cause more damage to your hair. Look for natural products, many are available quite cheaply now, they will contain less harmful substances.

Ask your hairdresser for their recommendations for your hair type, or just try out different things to find out what works for you.

Use heat protector spray before using heated appliances This includes hairdryers. Before blow drying your hair, wait until your hair is fifty per cent dry, then spray with a heat protection and comb gently, either using your fingers or a wide toothed comb. Then dry on a medium or low heat, because although it takes longer, it’ll leave your hair looking shinier.

Try and avoid using too many heated tools Use a round hairbrush while drying your hair to smooth it out, using a large one will straighten your hair, and smaller ones will give your hair more of a curl. This will give you less of a need to use hair straighteners as your hair should already be smooth.

Twist your hair up until it goes into a bun and fix it with a hair bobble or bobby pins. Leave it for at least an hour. When you take your hair down it should look naturally wavy/curly.

Eat the right stuff By choosing the correct foods, you can increase hair growth and repair and prevent hair loss. If you’re not eating enough then you probably have thin hair, try improving your eating habits and eat more, and see if you get more hair.

Drink lots of water Healthy hair needs to be hydrated, so make sure you drink plenty of water to give it the hydration it needs. This will also help to hydrate your skin and nails, as well as making you feel healthier.

Don’t use rubber bands in your hair Use a hair grasp or cloth hair twisty/ scr unchy instead. Exposed rubber in rubber band will grab and tear at hair causing split ends and hair loss.

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Stuff

Saturday, July 12, 2014 that will tickle your fancy

SHOPAHOLIC

It’s a season for sweaters; get Row's cable knit design available at $4,490 and enjoy luxurious warmth.

LADYLIKE

A lady knows how to be friends with other ladies as well as gentlemen.

fitnessdorm Stretch your mind

Sophie Okonedo: I have to go across the Atlantic to get work Sophie Okonedo is one of Britain’s most accomplished and acclaimed actors – but most of her job offers come from the US, where last month she won a coveted Tony award for a Broadway role. So why is the UK neglecting its black stars?

Few British actors have had a rave review from Barack Obama. But Sophie Okonedo, the 44th president of the United States, revealed that, he and Michelle had ‘enjoyed so much’ watching her play a poor Chicago mother in the recent revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s 1950s play, A Raisin in the Sun, in a cast that also included Denzel Washington.

With A Raisin in the Sun bringing her both presidential compliments and a Tony award – US theatre’s equivalent of an Oscar (she was nominated for one of those in 2004 for her performance in Hotel Rwanda) Okonedo is unarguably one of the standout talents among the generation of British performers who left drama school in the early 90s. As such, she should be a useful rebuke to the loud complaints about the frustrating under-employment of non-white actors in the UK. But alas, for UK TV bosses with red faces over this issue, Okonedo will make them blush some more. ‘I do notice that over the last year I’ve had maybe two scripts from England and tens and tens from America. The balance is ridiculous. I’m still struggling (in the UK) in a way that my white counterparts at the same level wouldn’t have quite the same struggle. People who started with

me would have their own series by now, and I’m still fighting to get the second lead or whatever. I think I’m at a certain level and have a good range, so why isn’t my inbox of English scripts busting at the seams in the same way as my American one is? There’s something amiss there.’

Certainly, her highest-profile performance in theatre to date was the Obama-endorsed run that she has just completed in New York and, during rehearsals; she filmed a pilot for a CBS drama with a potential seven-year run. It would be unfair, though, to say that all of her most interesting offers come from the US, as one of them was an Australian project: the eight-part adaptation of Christian Tsiolkas’s novel The Slap, in which she played Aisha, a young Melbourne woman whose storylines explore the toxic residues of racism in a Melbourne family. While some would attribute her UK-light CV to prejudice, Okonedo also cites Pride and Prejudice. ‘I think a lot of it is (due to) costume and period drama, which must be, what, at least 40% of what we do here? Which means that 40% of opportunities are closed to me already.’ If she were running British TV, what would she do? She said: ‘I think you have to start with the stories. If the writers all come

from the same background, you are going to get the same sorts of characters. Get a broader variety of writers and you get a bigger range of stories. One of the things I have noticed in America is that so much more time goes into script development. If you just say, ‘We’re going to do a police drama with someone from EastEnders,’ or, ‘let’s do another Dickens’, then you’re not going to get diversity.’

Okonedo also argues that, whatever casting disadvantages may come from not having a white face, there is a wider problem in Britain for any actors whose features aren’t famous.

‘It’s not just about black and white.

In America, they would take a risk on a relatively unknown actor for one of their major shows: like Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad. The fact that Okonedo is less wellknown in Britain than her work deserves can partly be attributed to unimaginative casting directors, but also to her deliberate decision to keep a low profile on the party and publicity circuits. Her biographical footprint extends little beyond the fact that she has a grownup daughter from an earlier relationship, and now lives with a partner who is, as showbiz people say of civilians, ‘not in the business’.

If you constantly do the same things over and over, your brain works on auto drive, simply following tried and tested automatic routines. Change things around and the brain has to create new cerebral pathways and build better networks. In a word, it has to work harder, which keeps it fit.

To keep your mind active, do something different every day. You don’t have to grapple with huge challenges: simply take a new route to work or buy a different book.

Try using your non writing hand to brush your teeth or use your computer mouse, and move the things you reach for automatically in the morning, such as your alarm clock or your shower gel, to a different place. All these things will encourage your brain to wake up and force the lazy cell networks to work in new ways.

Stimulate your mind Brain function naturally deteriorates from your mid-20s onwards, but there is plenty that you can do to reverse the effects of time and keep the mind young and vital. The key thing is to keep yourself stimulated all the time with new and interesting learning experiences.

A simple daily activity such as doing the crossword can make all the difference to the way you think. Playing chess or doing a cryptic crossword, challenges you to think laterally, and word games promote mental fluency. One research study found that people who did crosswords cut their risk of developing dementia by almost half.

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Stuff

THAT WILL TICKLE YOUR FANCY

FASCINATING FACTS

ACQUIRED TASTES Durian: Indonesia This tropical fruit’s pungent smell has being likened to the aroma of rotting corpses.

Several hotels in Southeast Asia have banned it.

Balut: The Philippines Enjoyers of balut eat a nearly developed chicken or duck embryo that’s been boiled and served in the shell.

Haggis: Scotland A sheep’s stomach is steamed and then stuffed with suet, oatmeal, spices, and organs, such as heart and liver.

Cibreo: Italy Catherine de Medici loved this Tuscan sauce of ‘extra’ chicken parts: the cockscomb, testes, embryonic eggs, and other bits.

Ortolan: France A songbird is drowned in brandy and roasted, then swallowed by a diner wearing a napkin over his head to preserve the ‘aromas.’

Birds’ nest soup: China This nutritious soup is made from the dissolved nests of the swiftlet, a bird that makes its nest primarily from its own spit.

Kentucky fried buches: Mexico This delicacy of deep-fried chicken necks and fresh salsa on corn tortillas originated in the restaurant of a Tijuana family.

Loco moco: US This Hawaiian treat consists of rice topped with meat patties (often Spam, everyone’s favourite ration), a fried egg, and gravy.

Poutine: Canada Quebec’s heart attack-inducing signature dish is French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in gravy.

Txipirones En Su Tinta: Spain For this Basque dish, baby squid are cooked with onions in their own ink, creating a black, murky sauce with a velvety texture.

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THE BIG STORY

FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES

Opera houses were built not only for the delectation of opera buffs and balletomanes, but also as urban temples for the romance of music and the magic of stage illusion. Here are some of the world’s most famous opera houses.

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FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES

Grand Teatro alla Scala Milan’s Teatro alla Scala is perhaps the most famous opera house in the world, the one most associated with opera. Built in 1778 with four tiers with separate loges, it is the home of Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi. One of the opera house’s most ingenious features is the concave channel under the wooden floor of the orchestra; this is credited with giving the theatre superb acoustics.

Most of Italy’s greatest operatic artistes and many of the finest singers from around the world have appeared at La Scala during the past 200 years. Today, the theatre is still recognised as one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world and is home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet and La Scala Theatre Orchestra. The theatre also has an associate school, known

as the La Scala Theatre Academy (Italian: AccademiaTeatroallaScala), which offers professional training in music, dance, stage craft and stage management. La Scala’s season traditionally opens on December 7, Saint Ambrose’s Day, the feast day of Milan’s patron saint. All performances must end before midnight, and long operas start earlier in the evening when necessary. The La Scala Theatre Museum, accessible from the theatre’s foyer and a part of the house, contains a collection of paintings, drafts, statues, costumes, and other documents regarding La Scala’s and opera history in general. La Scala also hosts the Academy for the Performing Arts. Its goal is to train a new generation of young musicians, technical staff, and dancers (at the Scuola di

BalloDelTeatroallaScala, one of the Academy’s divisions).The auditorium holds some 2,000 people in four tiers of boxes and two balconies. The Scala Museum,

one of the best of its kind, abounds in mementos of the theatre’s past: costumes, capes, masks, and photographs belonging to Tebaldi, Callas, Zeffirelli, and Toscanini.

Opulent Palais Garnier A 19th-century architectural masterpiece, the Palais Garnier Opera House, built by Charles Garnier and opened in 1875, is one of the thirteen opera houses in Paris since the introduction of French opera by Louis XIV in 1669.

Napoleon III commissioned the house as part of the renovation works in the capital carried out under his command by Baron Haussmann. A historical monument open to visitors during the day staging opera and dance, the ceiling painted by Chagall in the main auditorium is one of its prominent assets.

The Opera Garnier is famous for a lot of reasons including the fact that it was used as the setting for Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, The

Phantom of the Opera and especially, the novel’s subsequent adaptations in films and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular 1986 musical. Other side attractions of this opera house are its Greek statues outside of the building on the one hand and the beautiful chandelier hanging with a beautiful 1964 paint by Marc Chagall in the inside. The house also boasts of many stairways and beautiful detailed columns as well as a nailing effect created on the roof where the picture of painted angels is visible to every tourist eye. The elegant 1,979seat opera house was originally called the Salle des Capucines because of its location on the Boulevard des Capucines in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, but soon became known as the Palais Garnier in recognition of

its opulence and its architect, Charles Garnier. A symbol of Paris like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, or

the Sacré Coeur Basilica, this opera house is a most see for tourists in Paris all year round.

Vienna Secessionist styles, it houses the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet, the Fort Worth Opera, and the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

Bavarian State Opera, Munich

OTHER FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES War Memorial Opera Houses

The War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, California is located on the western side of Van Ness Avenue across from the rear facade of City Hall. It is part of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Centre. It has been the home of the San Francisco Opera since opening night in 1932.

The theatre space is dominated by a massive aluminium and glass panel chandelier under a blue vault, and the proscenium arch is decorated with gilded figurative sculpture. The theatre has 3,146 seats plus 200 standing room places. This is smaller than the Metropolitan Opera and the Chicago lyric Opera, but it follows the trend of larger capacity in American opera houses than the

main European opera houses of the 19th century.

Bass Performance Hall

The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, located in downtown Fort Worth near Sundance Square, occupies a whole city block, and was opened in 1998. It was built entirely with private funds and seats 2,056 people. The European opera house-inspired limestone structure has been called the ‘crown jewel of downtown Fort Worth’. Although not actually called an opera house, it most assuredly is one, designed in the grand old manner: a horseshoe auditorium surmounted by a dome that appears to float over trompe l’oeil clouds. A mixture of Beaux-Arts and

Teatro La Fenice

Inaugurated in 1792 with Paisiello’s musical drama Guochi d’Agrigento, La Fenice has risen from the ashes more than once to loom large in the city of canals. It was the first theatre in Venice which sought to claim its status in the classical, elegant facade, designed by G a Selva. Even after it was burned down and rebuilt in 1837, it remained one of Italy’s leading theatres. Verdi composed five operas for La Fenice and the theatre helped Giacomo Meyerbeer rise to stardom with his Il crociato in Egitto (1824).

The Bavarian State Opera and Ballet reside in the National Theatre, in Munich.

Decorated with glided ornamentation, indispensable red plush chairs and one of the biggest stages in the world, Munich’s Bavarian State Opera is not only one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses, but also one of the most technically advanced combining pomposity from the reign of King Ludwig II and the modern know-how of BMW and Siemens’ home town. The opera company which was founded under Princess Henriette Adelaide of Savoy has been in existence since 1653, when Giovanni Battista Maccioni’s L’arpa festante was performed in the court theatre.

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Eminent Metropolitan Opera House The Metropolitan Opera is the largest classical music organisation in North America and is based at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York’s Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts. It performs an impressive 27 operas on average in a season, which typically lasts from September until the following May. Its repertoire is performed on a rotation basis with about seven performances in a week of four different operas. As one can imagine, this involves a substantial amount of singers, musicians, actors, dancers and a symphony-style orchestra. The works performed vary but are generally from the 18th century Baroque and 19th century Bel Canto opera genres. Madama

Butterfly and Der Ring des Nibelungen are two of the more recent renditions performed by the company.

Established in the late 19th century, the Metropolitan Opera has embraced the modern age wholeheartedly. It is frequently broadcast on radio and, of late, has been recorded in HD for public theatre screenings. The Metropolitan Opera House which was designed by architect Wallace K. Harrison contains 3,800 seats and 195 standing room places.

The building is clad in white travertine and the east facade is graced with a distinctive series of five arches. Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts also houses a library and two theatres. The centre advances not only classic

performance but also innovation and operas here are regularly filmed and presented live in theatres around the world. The

opera house stands as a global repertory promoting inspiration and creativity for students and professionals.

Resilient Bolshoi Theatre Although in recent years the Bolshoi Theatre has been beset by financial and artistic difficulties, and somewhat overshadowed by the remarkable resurgence of St Petersburg’s Kirov, it is still one of the greatest theatres in the world, with its own proud traditions and unforgettable atmosphere. The building itself is one of Moscow’s most symbolic sites, a truly impressive example of Russian Classical architecture that faces the Kremlin walls, and some fairly tacky open air bars and restaurants, with proud indifference. The Bolshoi is the second biggest opera house in Europe, and grandeur and artistic strength are combined in everything from the impressive statue of Apollo that crowns the

facade to the ballet’s famously muscular style of choreography.

Bolshoi Theatre apart from having one of the best symphony orchestras in the world, its stunning neoclassic portico, topped by a statue of Apollo in his chariot, is a precursor to the magnificent splendor visitors find when they venture inside.

This historic theatre and opera house was opened in 1825 and was designed by architect Joseph Bove. Four balconies and a top gallery surround the orchestra where the seats are Chippendale chairs upholstered in red damask. The great stage is known for its celebrated ballet company. Here, Yuri Grigorovich choreographed memorable productions of Swan Lake,

The Golden Age, and Romanda.

Today the Bolshoi theatre holds performances of ballet and opera.

The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera are amongst the oldest

and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world. It is by far the world’s biggest ballet company, having more than 200 dancers.

OTHER FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES Oslo Opera House North Sea oil money helped pay for this strikingly modern marble-and-glass opera house, which opened in Norway in 2008. Each seat back in the opera house has a screen offering subtitles of the performance in eight languages.

The building has quickly become a city landmark. The structure contains 1,100 rooms in a total area of 38,500 m2 (414,000 square feet). The main auditorium seats 1,364 and two other performance spaces can seat 200 and 400. The main stage is 16m wide and 40m deep.

The angled exterior surfaces of the building are covered with Italian marble

and white granite and make it appear to rise from the water. It is the largest cultural building constructed in Norway since Nidarosdomen was completed circa 1300.

Bayreuth Festival Theatre

The Bayreuth Festival Theatre is an opera house in the north of Bayreuth, Germany, dedicated solely to the performance of operas by the 19th-century German composer Richard Wagner. It is the venue for the annual Bayreuth Festival, for which it was specifically conceived and built. The official name is Richard-Wagner-Festspielhaus. Composer Richard Wagner supervised the

construction of this hall specifically for his operas, which are still performed here during an annual festival. The simple wood-and-brick building influences countless others because the orchestra is covered. The Festspielhaus features a double proscenium, which gives the audience the illusion that the stage is further away than it actually is.

The double proscenium and the recessed orchestra pit create – in Wagner’s term – a “mystic gulf” between the audience and the stage. This gives a dreamlike character to performances, and provides a physical reinforcement of the mythic content of most of Wagner’s operas.

Cairo Opera House The Cairo Opera House is part of Cairo’s National Cultural Center and it is the main performing arts venue in the Egyptian capital. It is home to most of Egypt’s finest musical groups, it is located on the southern portion of Gezira Island in the Nile River, in the Zamalek district west of and near downtown Cairo. Its main hall seats 1,200 people in its four levels, including orchestra seating, three tiers and a presidential box. It is used for operas and orchestra and ballet performances. While the small hall seats up to 500 people on a single floor; it is used for chamber music and recitals.

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FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES

Prestigious Sydney Opera House Situated on a spit of land that juts out into Sydney’s harbor, the spectacularly contemporary Sydney Opera House has wonderful views of the sailboat-dotted water.

Even if attending a performance doesn’t suit any tourist’s plans, they might want to visit the opera house just to see the building; tours are offered frequently.

The Sydney Opera House structure was designed by Danish architect, Jorn Utzon to suggest a series of overlapping shells and sails. The grand opening took place in 1973 while the house’s first public performance was Prokofiev’s War and Peace. The house has

about 1000 rooms, including five theatres, five rehearsal studios, two main halls, four restaurants, six bars and numerous souvenir shops. The roofs of the house are constructed of 1,056,000 glazed white granite tiles, imported from Sweden. The house interior is composed of pink granite and wood and brush box plywood. The five constituent theatres here are the Concert Hall (with a seating capacity of 2679), the Opera Theatre (1547 seats), the Drama Theatre (544 seats), the Playhouse (398 seats) and the Studio Theatre (364 seats). The Concert Hall contains the Sydney Opera House Grand

Organ, the largest mechanical tracker action organ in the world with over 10,000 pipes.

The house theatres are housed in a series of large shells, conceived by dissecting a hemisphere. The Concert Hall and Opera Theatre are contained in the largest shells, and the other theatres are located on the sides of the shells. Large free public performances have also often been staged in front of the Monumental Steps that lead up to the base of the main sets of shells. A much smaller set of shells set to one side of the Monumental steps houses one of the formal dining restaurants.

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FAMOUS OPERA HOUSES

Ancient Teatro di San Carlo Built by King Charles of Bourbon and inaugurated in 1737, The Teatro di San Carlo is the oldest continuously active venue for public opera in Europe. The opera house’s magnificent red-andgold theatre is the world’s oldest working theatre, and until La Scala, it was the most prestigious in Italy. Some of Gioachino Rossini’s most popular operas premiered on its stage. It is located adjacent to the central Piazza del Plebiscito, and connected to the Royal Palace in Naples, Italy.

The opera season runs from late January to May, with the ballet season taking place from April to early June. The house currently has a seating capacity of 3,285.

Charles wanted to endow Naples

with a new and larger theatre to replace the old, dilapidated, and too-small Teatro San Bartolomeo of 1621, which had served the city well, especially after Scarlatti had moved there in 1682 and had begun to create an important opera centre which existed well into the 1700s. Thus, the San Carlo was inaugurated on November 4, 1737, the king’s name day, with the performance of the opera Domenico Sarro’s Achille in Sciro, which was based on the play by the dramatist Metastasio. Admired for its architecture, its gold decorations, and the sumptuous blue upholstery (blue and gold being the official colours of the Bourbons), the San Carlo was now the biggest opera house in the

world. The most prominent singers performed and consolidated their fame at the San Carlo including Lucrezia Anguiari, called ‘La

Cocchetta’, the renowned castrati Giovanni Manzuoli, Caffarelli , Farinelli , Gizziello and Gian Battista Velluti, the last castrato.

Revolutionary Vienna Staatsoper The Vienna staatsoper is an opera house and opera company with a history dating back to the mid-19th century. It is located in the center of Vienna, Austria. It was originally called the Vienna Court Opera. In 1920, with the replacement of the Habsburg Monarchy by the First Republic of Austria, it was renamed the Vienna State Opera.

The members of the Vienna Philharmonic are recruited from its orchestra. The Vienna Staatsoper was mostly destroyed in an Allied bombing of Vienna during World War 2. The house was renovated and reopened only after the Russian occupation ended. The first performance in the reopened opera house

was Beethoven’s Fidelio, conducted by Karl Bohm, and at the presence of the American Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles. The Vienna State Opera is closely linked to the Vienna Philharmonic, which is an incorporated society of its own, but whose members are recruited from the orchestra of the Vienna State Opera.

The Vsienna State Opera is one of the busiest opera houses in the world producing 50 to 60 operas per year and ten ballet productions in approximately 300 performances. It is quite common to find a different opera being produced each day of a week. As such, the Staatsoper employs over 1000 people. As of 2008,

the annual operating budget of the Staatsoper was $123,563,000 with slightly more than 50 per cent coming in the form of a state subsidy. The opera company

operates a repertory system: more than 50 productions are staged every year, and there is a performance nearly every day for ten months of the year.

MOST POPULAR OPERAS IN THE WORLD Madama Butterfly Composer: Giacomo Puccini Famous Aria: Un bel di

Il barbiere di Siviglia Composer: Gioachino Rossini Famous Aria: Un bel di

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly premiered at Milan’s famed theatre, La Scala, on February 17, 1904. Though it began as two acts, through a series of five revisions, the opera that is performed today is in three acts. Given that there was hardly any rehearsal time at the premier performance, unsurprisingly, Madama Butterfly was poorly received. Thankfully, Puccini didn’t give up on the opera and continued to revise it. After splitting the second act into two, as well as having more rehearsal time under their belts, the revised versions were hugely successful.

Despite the first performance of Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia on February 20, 1816, at London’s Kings Theatre falling flat on its face, thanks to an audience loyal to rival composer, Giovanni Paisiello, Rossini’s opera has become one of the world’s most famous comic operas.

Its farcical story full of disguises and deceptions tells the story of two men wanting to marry the same woman.

Le nozze di Figaro

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Famous Aria: Largo al factotum

Since both works were inspired by plays written by Pierre Beaumarchais, it’s not shocking to see Mozart’s opera, Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) following Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia.

Mozart’s opera, though written thirty years prior to Rossini’s, is actually a continuation of events taking place after Rossini’s opera.

censorship as some critics considered its content offensive to the public.

Thankfully, Verdi proceeded to premier the opera anyway and it was a huge success.

Composer: Giuseppe Verdi Famous Aria: La donna e mobile Verdi’s Rigoletto is considered by many opera aficionados to be among his best operas. Of the twenty-eight operas Verdi composed, he once said in a letter that this one was revolutionary. During its creation, the opera went through tough

Mozart’s Don Giovanni premiered in Prague’s Teatro di Praga on October 29, 1787. The opera is based on various Don Juan legends which makes for some exciting content. Throughout the opera, Mozart artfully mixes both comedic and dramatic scenes which makes this opera a well-rounded form of entertainment.

Rigoletto

Don Giovanni Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Famous Aria: La ci darem la mano

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GAMETROPIC

GADGETED

Since November 2006, Nintendo’s Wii Sports has sold over 83 million copies worldwide.

The Laser Illuminating Binoculars boast of the ability to illuminate subjects that are in the dark.

TECHLIFE

Microchip helps paralysed man move his hand A man who is paralysed from the neck down has become the first patient to move his hand by the power of thought alone. Thanks to a chip implanted in his brain, Ian Burkhart ushered in what doctors are calling a ‘bionic age’ which could revolutionise treatment for the disabled. All he had to do was think intensely about moving his hand and the rest was done by the chip in less than a tenth of a second.

Mr Burkhart, 23, carried out a successful test of the ‘Neurobridge’ which doctors say could offer hope to stroke victims and those with muscular disorders.

To achieve this, a team from Ohio State University and research firm Battelle had to open up the US patient’s skull and inserted the 0.15-inch chip into his brain to ‘read’ his thoughts. The information is transmitted via cable to a computer which decodes it and adds commands that would normally

come from the spinal column. The computer is connected to a sleeve of electrodes on his arm which stimulates the muscle fibres to move. Battelle’s Chad Bouton said: ‘It’s like a heart bypass, but we’re bypassing electrical signals instead of blood. We take signals from the brain, go around the injury and go directly to the muscles.’ In a test, Mr

Burkhart was able to curl his hand into a fist, open it fully and grab a spoon. He told reporters that the thing he misses most is ‘just being independent’. He said: ‘You have to rely on other people so much.

It would really be nice to just do something as simple as open up a water bottle myself.’

Google Glass wearers can steal your password Cyber forensic experts at the University of Massachusetts have developed a way to steal passwords entered on a smartphone or tablet using video from Google’s facemounted gadget and other videocapturing devices. The thief can be nearly ten feet away and doesn’t even need to be able to read the screen meaning glare is not an antidote.

The security researchers created software that maps the shadows from fingertips typing on a tablet or smartphone. Their algorithm then converts those touch points into the actual keys they were touched enabling the researchers to crack the passcode. They tested the algorithm on passwords entered on an Apple iPad, Google’s Nexus 7 tablet, and an iPhone 5. Why

Click! Click!!

should you be worried? ‘We could get your bank account password,’ researcher Xinwen Fu said. The

software can be applied to video taken on a variety of devices: Fu and his team experimented with Google Glass, cell phone video, a webcam and a camcorder. The software worked on camcorder video taken at a distance of over 140 feet. Of course, pointing a camcorder in a stranger’s face might yield some suspicion. The rise of wearable technology is what makes this approach actually viable.

For example, a smartwatch could stealthily record a target typing on his phone at a coffee shop without drawing much attention. ‘The major thing here is the angle. To make this attack successful the attacker must be able to adjust the angle to take a better video they see your finger, the password is stolen,’ Fu said.

FOR THE UPWARDLY MOBILE

Facebook users influenced by friends’ downloading behaviour Facebook users are more influenced by the choices of their friends than bestseller lists when it comes to downloading apps, according to a new study. Researchers have developed a mathematical model to examine users are influenced in the choice of apps that they install on their Facebook pages. By incorporating figures from the installation of Facebook apps, they found that users selected apps on the basis of recent adoptions by their friends rather than by using the social networking site’s equivalent of a bestseller list.

Smart fingernails light up when you take a call Tokyo toy company Takara Tomy has released LED stickers for nails that light up when you take a phone call. The ‘LumiDecoNail’ uses a technology called Near Field Communication (NFC), in which small amounts of power are transferred very short distances, to communicate with a smartphone. This means that when the ‘smart nails’ come near an NFC device, such as a phone, they will light up.

It also flashes whenever the wearer uses an electronic money card such as a train pass.

Introducing the Instagram for kids PopJam allows children to create art, stories, photos, games and contests, and then share their ‘creations’ with other kids around the world. The app is similar to Instagram in that users can follow their friends or other users if they like their creations. They can also like, comment and draw responses to other creations that pop up in their feed. As well as user-generated content, there will also be some professional content from the likes of Natalia Vodianova, who aims to teach children about philanthropy, and Decoded, which aims to inspire children to learn coding.

Plasma TVs are just about dead

Plasma TVs are just about dead Samsung confirmed recently that it was shutting down its plasma TV business ‘due to changes in market demands,’ choosing instead to focus on curved and ultra-high-definition models that use LED technology.

Samsung’s announcement follows news last year that Panasonic had decided to stop making plasma panels. Seoul-based LG, the last major international plasma TV manufacturer, is also planning on

shutting down plasma production, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to LED and LCD screens as they develop the next generation of TV sets. Veronica Thayer, a consumer electronics analyst with IHS, said the last shipments of plasma TVs for American retail shelves will come by the end of this year. There are still a few Chinese companies producing plasma TVs, Thayer added, but

those too will likely be gone by 2016.

Plasma TVs are composed of pixels filled with gas that light up in different colours when they’re hit with an electrical current. LED and LCD televisions uses screens made of liquid crystals that are lit up from behind to create images. Plasma TVs offered what many considered to be the best picture quality on the market in the past few years, albeit at higher prices than LCDs.

They gained favour thanks to their brighter images, warmer tones and wider viewing angles. But plasma screens are now being supplanted at the high end of the market by LED technology, which offers comparable picture quality on thinner screens that use less power. IHS reported last month that plasma TV shipments dropped 16% globally in the first quarter versus a year prior, and that they ‘are on their way out of the industry permanently.’

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

CULTURED!

CULTURE

FOR THE UNINFORMED & CLUELESS

SHOCK

There used to be a woman in every village in Sardinia called the acabadora who would put the sick and dying out of their misery with a little hammer. The last reported incident was in 1978.

Superstitions

Dresssense

In Poland, it is considered bad luck for a woman to put her handbag or purse on the floor. Doing that will make you broke and never have any money in it.

Pastor’s wife exposes boobs in scandalous outfit Meagan Good, the Hollywood star married to a pastor is in the news this time for the very wrong reason. A few months back, she wore an outfit to an event that exposed her very ample bosom and caused uproar in the media. The actress is in the news again this time for her outfit to the Think Like A Man screening that took

place in Washington DC recently. For that event, she wore a transparent bra and a transparent top so that anybody who looks closely can see very clearly the large chest which she is blessed with. Meagan Good has been married to Devon Franklin, a Seventh-Day Adventist Pastor since 2012.

Proverbs A light is still a light-even though the blind man cannot see it.

–AUSTRIAN PROVERB By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree.

–CAMEROONIAN PROVERB Success and rest don’t sleep together.

–RUSSIAN PROVERB

Auctioned

Excusez-moi

Tracey Emin’s My Bed artwork sold for $4m at auction One of Tracy Emin’s most controversial artworks created a world record for the artiste when it went under the hammer for an exorbitant sum of nearly $4m at the sale conducted by renowned auction house Christie’s of London. The unique artwork which dates back to 1998 features an unkempt bed with the flooring littered with all sorts of dirt- empty vodka bottles, cigarette butts and condoms, etc. Interestingly, this strange work of art was previously bought by millionaire art collector Charles Satchi for

Uncommon history of common things An office: Two men in the suits approach each other; raise their right palms, slap hands, then continue on their separate ways.

Decorum is maintained. The scenario owes its origins to the original high five, the wildly exuberant palm-topalm slap by athletes after a touchdown, an important basket, or just about any big score. More than one person is credited with the first high five. The Louisville Cardinals basketball team,

winners of the 1980 NCAA championship, had two players, Derek Smith and Darrell Griffith, who at least made the gesture a part of popular culture. The latter was, at six feet four, one of the outstanding dunkers of all time. An earlier episode has Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers running out to high-five Dusty Baker in 1977 after a Baker home run.

The gesture appears to have grown out of a hand-

Dressing of the French

$256,752 in year 2000, an amount that was far less than the presale estimated price of between $1,369,344 and $20,540,160. That same year, this work was also short listed for the prestigious Turner Prize.

As per media reports, the piece depicted the unfortunate relationship breakdown of the artiste. It is believed to be considered as one of the most important works of the Young British Artiste Movement which was auctioned off to provide support to the work of the Saatchi Gallery Foundation.

High five

slapping greeting in black urban hip culture. The recipient offers an open palm and says ‘gimme five’ (meaning five digits) or ‘gimme some skin.’

Numerous variations of the high five have come about.

The low five is a back-toback palm-slapping gesture, arms extended downward.

People across a room or open space can mime a high five to each other, the gestures sometimes referred to as an ‘air five.’ A

simple congratulation or expression of enthusiasm is often rendered by touching palms or fists. And athletes sometimes celebrate with a ritual leap and midair chest-to-chest bump, a manoeuvre that requires balletic timing and the teammates’ highly intuitive sense of each other’s intentions.

The French are the world’s fashion leaders. Dress is conservative and understated, but always elegant and fashionable. Be clean and welldressed at all times.

For business, men may wear coloured, white, or striped shirts for business meetings. In general, women wear skirts or dresses more often than slacks.

Men should keep suit coats on in offices and restaurants.

For most formal occasions, men wear dark suits, and women wear cocktail dresses.

Invitations will indicate whether black tie is necessary.

Dress jeans are fine for weekends or the country; otherwise, the French wear high-style casual attire (highquality designer clothing that’s well fitted and tastefully coordinated and accessorised).

You may change into a swimsuit on the beach by holding a towel around yourself. Be aware, though: nude and topless bathers are common.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

TRAVELOGUE

Maui, one of the most beloved of all Hawaiian Islands lives up to its superlatives.

With exotic beaches (like Kaihalulu), palatial resorts (like the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea) and lush terrain (as seen in the Iao Valley State Park.

DESIRABLES

THE MUSTREADS AND LINGER-ONS

Much ado about ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s watch His black robes and turban may harken back to Arab rulers from 1,500 years ago, but Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s taste in wrist-wear is decidedly 21st century.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Days after the mysterious leader of the Sunni terror group ISIS was purportedly filmed at a mosque in northern Iraq calling on believers to wage ‘jihad’ against God’s enemies, social media is ablaze with speculation on the make of al-Baghdadi’s watch.

But while critics claimed that the flashy silver timepiece dangling from the Arab warlord’s wrist was a luxury Western watch worth thousands, his supporters say he was actually wearing a relatively more modest $560 ‘Islamic watch’ from Al-Fajr, a Saudi Arabia-based watchmaker.

The deluxe stainless steel WA-10S watch the preferred choice of ‘true Muslims,’ according to some commentators on social media can be programmed with the correct prayer times for hundreds of cities around the world. The watch can be set to ring before each ‘azan,’ or call to prayer, wherever the wearer happens to be, according to the Al-Fajr website. Muslims pray five times a day, and prayer times are based on the movement of the sun, so they can vary in different places within

the same city. In addition to the prayer alarms, the Swiss-made watch has a builtin compass to indicate the direction of Mecca, Islam’s holiest site, so believers will know what direction to pray. The bilingual watch displays in English and Arabic and allows you to choose either the Gregorian or Hijra calendar, which is based on the astronomical moon sighting at Mecca, according to the watchmaker’s website.

The deluxe model also has a Quran bookmark feature which enables you to record the last Sura and Verse number so you can pick up where you left off later.

An employee at the watchmaker said in an interview that: ‘we can’t be 100% sure that the watch al-Baghdadi was wearing was actually ours, but after seeing the picture we can assume it is the Al-Fajr WA-10S Deluxe. Though the Arabic signs were not clear, the watch’s shape is identical to ours.’ ‘There is no record about who bought what from the more than 30 branches we run. While we don’t have branches in Iraq, we do have them in many other countries, among them 11 Arab

countries and even European branches such as the one in the UK,’ the employee added.

ISIS has not commented on the watch al-Baghdadi was wearing, but observers claimed earlier this week that one of the world’s most wanted men was wearing either a Rolex or a $5,000 Omega Seafarer the timepiece of choice for James Bond, the world’s most famous silver screen spy. Critics of al-Baghdadi the ringleader of the al Qaeda splinter group whose lightning-quick advance has seen them seize large swathes of land in Syria and Iraq in recent months say his flashy silver timepiece contradicted with his attempt to strike a pose of pious humility during his sermon at the mosque in Mosul.

Regardless of the brand, al-Baghdadi, like Osama bin Laden before him, wore, the watch on his right arm in accordance with Salafist tradition dating back nearly 1,500 years to the Prophet Mohammed, who encouraged all Muslims to prioritise the right side of their bodies as they go about their daily lives.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

MINDFUL

RANDOM

FOR THE LEISURELY-MINDED & THOUGHTFUL

FACTS

LAST WEEK'S

CROSSWORD 1. Gallantry (7) 5. Subsequently (5) 8. Extreme happiness (5) 9. Considered unlikely (7) 10. Pills (7) 11. Paragon (5) 12. Gaped (6) 14. Concurs (6) 17. Proverb (5) 19. Recite (7) 22. Feed (7) 23. Water lily (5) 24. Frock (5) 25. Use again after processing (7)

BICUSPID BRIDGE CAVITY CROWN DECAY DENTIST DENTURES ENAMEL FILLING FLOSS FLUORIDE GUMS INCISOR MOLAR ROOT TARTAR TOOTHBRUSH TOOTHPASTE

SUDOKU CLASSIC

WORDSEARCH

WORDLADDER Can you climb the ladder and find the missing numbers?

?

18 90 ?

60 12

SUDOKUCLASSIC

?

9 18 6 See solution below

HOMEWORK FOR GROWN-UPS 1 What book in the Old Testament comes between Obadiah Micah? a) Nahum b) Jonah c) Leviticus

5. Black-eyed peas are not peas. What are they? a) Peanuts b) Onions c) Beans

2. Which is the smallest breed of dogs? a) Alsatian b) Chihuahua c) Bull dog

6. What type of creature builds a lodge in which to store food, rear its young, and pass the winter? a) Porcupine b) Beaver c) Duck

3. Who was the electrical unit of resistance, the ohm, named after? a) Daniel Ohm b) Phillip Ohm c) George Ohm

7. Which American state produces the most potatoes? a) Alabama b) Arkansas c) Idaho

4. Which is the most widely eaten fish in the world? a) Herring b) Sardines c) Tilapia

8. The Chinese apple is also known as what type of fruit? a) Cantaloupe b) Pomegranate c) Pear Answers

WORDLADDER SOLUTION

HOMEWORK

b) Jonah b) Chihuahua c) George Ohm a) Herring c) Beans b) Beaver c) Idaho b) Pomegranate

WORDSEARCH

Put each of the numbers 1-9 once in every row, column and 3x3 box

CROSSWORD

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

1. Established custom (5) 2. Arc of refracted light (7) 3. Publish (5) 4. Humble (6) 5. Risible (7) 6. Heading (5) 7. Conundrums (7) 12. Hankered (7) 13. Foes (7) 15. Flexible (7) 16. Fix firmly (6) 18. Angle less than 90 degrees (5) 20. Something that has survived the past (5) 21. Follow (5)

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS

6(x3)=18(/2)=9(x4)=36(/3)=1 2(x5)=60(/4)=15(x6)=90(/5)= 18(x7)=126

DOWN

Catfish are the only animals that naturally have an odd number of whiskers.

47

Saturday, July 12, 2014

a la carte

28%

Percentage of unemployed people in Spain as at 2013.

HOW TO ...

THE LOTS TO CHEW ON AND REGURGITATE

80%

…do push-ups Percentage of time the human mind spends thinking and worrying.

LADY'S WORDS When a lady's evening is interrupted by a telemarketer…

She does not say: “How does it feel to spend your life irritating people?”

“Is this the only job you could get?”

“You know you’re breaking the law. I could have you arrested if I weren’t so nice.”

But she does say: “No thanks. Don’t call me again.

Good night.” Telemarketers, for good or ill, are simply doing the job they were hired to do. A lady does not attempt to insult them. She remains polite and courteous, even with those who

may be annoying. She is direct and makes it clear that she does not wish to be called again.

When an acquaintance asks a lady how old she is, and she prefers not to discuss her age…

She does not say: “How old do you think I am?”

“It’s rude to ask a lady her age.”

“How old do I look?”

“Why are you asking?”

But she does say: “Sorry, but I don’t give out that information.” Even if she offers this sort of response in a light-hearted manner, a lady will still let it be known that

she wants to talk about something else. More often than not, when a friend asks a lady’s age, the friend intends, eventually, to offer a compliment.

Still, for whatever reason, a lady has the right to keep any of her vital statistics to herself.

MAKING THE PLANET A BETTER PLACE ...

Home and garden Separate your rubbish Just about everything picked up by your municipality goes to a landfill where it will still be taking up space and leaching chemicals into the environment for generations to come. You can minimise your contribution by separating your rubbish into recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Unfortunately, most of Nigeria’s municipalities don’t yet collect separated rubbish from wherever you live, although a couple of private companies do so. In the meantime, set aside 20 minutes of your week to take your own separated trash down to the recycling centres at your local municipal dump.

If you’re not saving on the rental of at least one wheelie

bin straight away, you aren’t doing it right.

Dispose of household batteries properly Batteries contain various acids and heavy metals that can leak out over time and contaminate the water supply near landfills. It doesn’t seem like a major problem until you realise that everyone probably throws out 10 or so little batteries a year. These quickly add up and can be pretty serious sources of pollution over time. Pop them in the same packet as your used bulbs and drop them both off at a recycling centre the next time you go shopping.

Switch off the water when you’re brushing your teeth It’s astonishing how often

people leave the tap running while they are brushing teeth, washing up or whatever. This is far more about being aware of your environment and appreciative of the fact that clean, portable water is actually quite a rare and valuable commodity than it is about saving our rivers one cupful at a time. Try this little experiment: next time you have a tap running where you would normally let the water just flow away, pop the plug in and have a look at how much water you go through compared to how much you actually use. Just that little bit of knowledge is going to be enough for you to switch that tap off in the future.

LAUGH–OUT–LOUD

Explorations Just before heading to Florida for spring break, a college student bought a skimpy bikini.

She modelled it for her mother.

‘How do you like it?’ The parent stared in silence for a few moments, and then replied, ‘If I had worn a bathing suit like that when I was your age, you’d be four years older than you are right now.’

Two passengers on a ship are

The following is a series of preliminary steps to help you focus on your alignment and develop the body awareness to do the push-ups with correct form.

Stand 2 to 3 feet from a wall with legs shoulderwidth apart. (Standing adjacent to a mirror will help you judge your alignment.) Place your palms on the wall, slightly below shoulder height, fingers pointed upward. Contract your quadriceps to lift your kneecaps. Release and reengage 5 times, to get the feel of this action.

Now contract your inner thighs, as though you were trying to slide your feet together. Again, release and reengage these muscles 5 times. Contract the muscles of your buttocks. Squeeze and release 5 times.

Elongate your torso by lifting the chest and pulling your belly toward your spine. Do this 5 times. Pull your shoulders down, away from your ears, and pull your shoulder blades together in back, as though you were trying to pinch a pencil between them.

Now, contract each of these areas in sequencequadriceps, inner thighs, buttocks, stomach, chest, and shoulder blades-and hold them until all are engaged. Tightly holding all these stabilisers and keeping your body in a straight line, bend at the elbows and bring your body to the wall. Memorise the sensation and alignment.

…pack for a trip If you want to get away from it all, don’t take it all with you. Here are some secrets to get you packing like a pro.

1. Checklist Check each item as you pack it.

2. Travel wardrobe The one thing people pack too much of is clothing.

The secret to cutting down on the amount of clothes you pack is to build your wardrobe using two basic colours. By doing this, the same shoes, belts, and accessories can be worn with everything. Since shoes are one of the heaviest items in any bag, pack a maximum of three pairs.

3. The basic of wrinkle-free packing talking. ‘Can you swim?’ asks one. ‘No,’ says the other, ‘but I can shout for help in nine languages.’

From a passenger ship one can see a bearded man on a small island who is shouting and desperately waving his hands.

‘Who is it?’ a passenger asks the captain. ‘I’ve no idea. Every year when we pass, he goes mad.’

One day, an explorer was captured by native warriors

and taken to their chieftain, a gigantic man with teeth filed to dagger-like points. Desperately, the explorer tried to think of a way to save himself. He pulled out his cigarette lighter, held it in front of the chief’s face and lit it, exclaiming, ‘Look! Magic!’

The chief’s eyes were huge in astonishment. ‘It certainly must be magic,’ he said. ‘I have never seen a lighter light on the first try!’

The secret is to pack your bag in two layers. The first layer should be your heaviest items, and the second (top) layer, your clothing.

Super packing tips If you can’t wheel or carry your bag with ease, you’ve packed too much.

Dry-cleaner bags (plastic) allow items to move freely without getting stuck in a wrinkled position.

Pack everything possible inside a plastic bag. This keeps items all organised and protected in case anything leaks.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

BONUSPACK $30 292 billion kmh

THE TAKE-AWAYS THIS WEEK

KEEPSAKES

FASTFORWARD The highest speed achieved by a rider and a pillion passenger.

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SEEN & OVERHEARD

AREA(SQKM)

Greenland 2,130,800 New Guinea, Papua New Guinea - Indonesia. 800,000 Borneo, Indonesia-Malaysia-Brunei 725,500 Madagascar 578,041 Baffin Island, Canada 507,451 Sumatra, Indonesia 425,000 Honshu, Japan 227,414 Victoria Island, Canada 217,291 Great Britain 216,777 Ellesmere Island, Canada 196,236 Celebes, Indonesia 174,600 South Island, New Zealand 150,737 Java, Indonesia 126,700 North Island, New Zealand 114,050 Newfoundland, Canada 108,860 Cuba 105,007 Luzon, Philippines 104,684 Iceland 102,828 Mindanao, Philippines 94,627 Ireland 84,406 Hokkaido, Japan 78,073 Sakhalin, Russia 76,400 Hispaniola, Dominican Republic - Haiti 74,700 Banks Island, Canada 70,028 Sri Lanka 65,268 Tasmania, Australia 60,637 Devon Island, Canada 55,247 Severny, Novaya Zemlya, Russia 48,904 Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina - Chile 47,992 Alexander Island, Antarctica 43,200 Axel Heiberg I., Canada 43,178 Melville Island, Canada 42,149 Southampton Island, Canada 41,214 Marajo, Para, Brazil 40,100 Vestspitsbergen, Svalbard 39,044 Kyushu, Japan 36,555 New Britain, Papua New Guinea 36,514 Taiwan 35,801 Hainan, China 33,572 Prince of Wales Island, Canada 33,339 Yuzhny, Novaya Zemlya, Russia 33,275 Vancouver Island, Canada 31,285 Timor, Indonesia - East Timor 30,777 Sicily, Italy 25,460 Somerset Island, Canada 24,786 Sardinia, Italy 23,813 Bananal, Tocantins, Brazil 20,000 Shikoku, Japan 18,780 Halmahera, Indonesia 17,780 Ceram, Indonesia 17,148 New Caledonia 16,750 Kotelny, Russia 16,670 Bathurst Island, Canada 16,042 Prince Patrick Island, Canada 15,848 Thurston Island, Antarctica 15,700 Sumbawa, Indonesia 15,448 Flores, Indonesia 14,300 Nordaustlandet, Svalbard 14,210 Oktyabrskoy Revolyutsii, Russia 14,170 King William Island, Canada 13,111 Samar, Philippines 13,079 Negros, Philippines 12,706 Tupinambarana, Amazon and Uraría rivers, Brazil 11,850 Palawan, Philippines 11,784 Yos Sudarso (Dolak), Indonesia 11,600 Panay, Philippines 11,515 Bangka, Indonesia 11,330 Bolshevik, Russia 11,312 Ellef Ringnes Island, Canada 11,295 Sumba, Indonesia 11,153 Bylot Island, Canada 11,067 Jamaica 10,991 Hawaii, Hawaiian Islands, United States 10,414 Viti Levu, Fiji 10,388 Cape Breton Island, Canada 10,311 Bougainville, Papua New Guinea 10,049 Mindoro, Philippines 9,735 Prince Charles Island, Canada 9,521 Buru, Indonesia 9,505 Kodiak Island, Alaska, US 9,293 Cyprus 9,251 Komsomolets, Russia 9,006 Puerto Rico 8,897

please cut along this line and keep

ENGLISH PHRASES Door

Politics I am mindful of the difference between the executive branch and the legislative branch. I assured all four of these leaders that I know the difference, and that difference is they pass the laws and I execute them.

GEORGE W. BUSH To link me to George W. Bush is like linking me to an Oscar. It’s ridiculous.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER please cut along this line and keep

ISLAND AND LOCATION

JUST UNBELIEVABLE Estimated fortune of French L'Oreal heiress, Lilliane Bettencourt as at April 2013.

This president is going to lead us out of this recovery. It will happen.

DAN QUAYLE

Crime A common misperception of me is that I was involved in the Brinks Mat robbery. I wasn’t, I will never grass on those who were.

HUGH DENNIS My director said I should try it out.

I should have notified the store and said I was going to come and shoplift. I’m sorry.

WINONA RYDER If crime went down 100 per cent, it would still be 50 times higher than it should be.

JOHN BOWMAN

Afterlife Is there an afterlife? Well, there’s an afterbirth so why shouldn’t there be an afterlife?

KEVIN MCALEER Bigots say that all gay people are going to hell. If that’s true, I’d like to see how everyone in heaven is going to get their hair done.

JUDY CARTER When I die, I hope to go to heaven, wherever the hell that is.

AYN RAND

Close/shut the door on/to something To exclude something as a possibility; to refuse to consider it. And the beauty of the pearl, winking and glimmering in the light of the little candle, cozened his brain with its beauty ... Its warm lucence promised a poultice against illness and a wall against insult. It closed the door.

Door to door (Said of a sales person) calling at every house on a round. Nay, I bear it (beating) on my shoulders, as a beggar wont her brat, and I think when hath lamed me I shall beg with it from door to door.

A foot/toe in the door An initial gain or established basis from which further progress can be made. As the top solicitors are highly regarded in the music business, sometimes this can be another way of getting a foot in the door.

Lay something at somebody’s door To regard somebody as responsible or to blame for something. His meeting with Adrain Singleton had strangely moved him, and he wondered if the ruin of that was young life was really to be laid at his door.

Leave the door open To allow an opportunity to remain.

While you live, therefore, if there be more than one decent daughter in the family, where you are in love, take care to leave the door open, to back out at - till the last moment.

Open the/a door to something To make an opportunity for something.

Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are oppening a door to eternal tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government.

Show somebody the door To order somebody to leave a building, or to dismiss them from employment.

His wife died, and two of his three children died, before the tribunals could make up their minds to show him the door and take no more of his money.

Communication

Cog

I want to talk to the organist, not the monkey grinder.

BRIAN POTTER

A cog in the wheel/machine A minor member of a large or complex organisation: with allusion to a cog engagging with other and larger cogs to make a mechanism work. Fraz was incapable of becoming a cog in a political machine, and he remained profoundly human.

I could not fail to disagree with you less.

BORIS JOHNSON

50 SPORTS/other sports FOOTBALL BRIEFS Navas Set To Join Bayern

Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas is on his way to Bayern Munich, according to the La Liga club’s vice-president.

Navas, 27, was linked to several of Europe’s biggest clubs after his fine performances for FIFA World Cup surprise packets Costa Rica.

In an interview with Teletica Deportes, Levante vicepresident Tomas Perez said Navas was headed to the German champions.

“He’s going to one of the best teams in Europe and I’m sure that he’s going to enjoy playing there and will be good competition for his new team-mate, [Manuel] Neuer,” Perez was quoted as saying.

Mayweather-Maidana Rematch Set For September 13 Although pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr said last week that he planned to give a rematch to Marcos Maidana, the unified welterweight champion made it official on Thursday with an announcement over social media.

Mayweather-Maidana II - dubbed “Mayhem” - will go down on September 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and headline a Showtime PPV card, the fourth bout of Mayweather’s six-fight

Chamakh Signs New Palace Deal Marouane Chamakh has signed a new two-year contract at Crystal Palace, the Barclays Premier League side have announced.

The 30-year-old Morocco international originally moved to Selhurst Park on a one-year deal last summer after leaving former club Arsenal and went on to become a regular fixture in the Eagles’ side as Tony Pulis guided them to Premier League safety.

Chamakh scored six goals for Palace last season, including a run of three successive league games in December, and was transformed into playing in a position behind the main striker

by Pulis.

deal with Showtime/CBS. Although the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, has pressed hard to land a Mayweather fight, he is comfortable fighting in his hometown and will lace ‘em up at the MGM Grand for the 10th consecutive time.

“Marcos Maidana is a tough customer and he gave me a fight that had me work for the victory,” Mayweather said in a news release.

Mayweather (right) is hoping to erase any doubt about what happened on May 3 when he faced Maidana for the first time

Klopp Eager For Defensive Improvement

Arsenal Invite Fathi For Trial Egypt international Ahmed Fathi will have a trial at Arsenal after Al Ahly confirmed that the right-back is due in London on Friday.

Fathi spent six months on loan at Hull City in the second half of the 2012-13 Championship season, but made just one start and six league appearances in total.

However, the 29-year-old has been given the chance to impress Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ahead of the 2014-15 Premier League campaign.

Egyptian Premier League club Al Ahly confirmed on their official Facebook page that Fathi will leave for London on Friday.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Klopp

Jurgen Klopp feels that the focus for his Borussia Dortmund side next season must be to improve defensively and concede fewer goals.

Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga last term, trailing dominant Bayern Munich by 19 points come the end of the campaign.

However, Klopp’s men picked up two wins from four against Bayern in all competitions last season, with the eighttime German champions strengthening their squad in recent weeks.

Ciro Immobile, Adrian Ramos and Ji Dong-won have all arrived to help fill the void left by talisman Robert Lewandowski - now at Bayern - but Klopp is eager to focus on defensive improvements.

“We should focus next season to concede fewer goals. We played great [last season], but there’s still plenty of room [for improvement],” he told Bild.

“In the direct games against Bayern, we were not 19 points worse.

“But we have not been able to play as constantly as Bayern.”

Neymar Rejects Agent's Anti-Scolari Tirade Neymar rejected his agent’s Twitter tirade against Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who called the 65-year-old “an old jerk”.

In a clear response to Brazil’s 7-1 mauling at the hands of Germany in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, Wagner Ribeiro - Neymar’s agent - slammed Scolari’s credentials to be coach of the Brazilian national team on Wednesday.

Ribeiro sarcastically listed six requirements to be Brazil coach, alluding to a number of Scolari’s less impressive coaching

achievements.

But Neymar was not interested in his agent’s opinion when asked about it on Thursday.

“I do not agree. I do not accept this attitude,” Neymar said at a media conference.

Scolari took over as Brazil coach towards the end of 2012, replacing Mano Menezes, who had failed to lead the South American country to their first Olympic gold medal in men’s football, going down 2-1 to Mexico in the final at London Neymar 2012.

Allegri Undecided On Italy Job

Allegri

Former Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is waiting to decide whether he would take on the Italy job.

The 46-year-old was sacked

by Milan in January but remains one of the favourites to replace Cesare Prandelli, who resigned after Italy’s poor FIFA World Cup campaign.

Allegri said there were several tacticians who were good enough to be in charge of the national team, but he is yet to decide if he could be one.

“There are many coaches who are capable of doing the Italy job,” he was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

“Would I be up for it?

There’s no point discussing it now, as they still haven’t decided who the new president of the federation will be.

“It isn’t a total disaster, as Italy are capable of excelling in any sport.”

Asked about Sunday’s World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, Allegri said the two teams had taken different approaches in Brazil.

“Germany focused on good football, whereas Argentina set aside spectacle and conceded very little, relying on their champions Leo Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria,” he said.

REPORTS/SPORTS 51

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Neymar: I Could Have Been Paralysed Brazil star Neymar could not hold back the tears as he revealed he had come within a few inches of being paralysed.

Neymar, giving his first press conference after being hospitalised with a fractured vertebra in Brazil's World Cup quarterfinal win over Colombia, also said he disagreed with his agent for calling coach Luiz Felipe Scolari "a repulsive and conceited old jerk".

The 22-year-old also revealed Colombia defender Juan Zuniga had called him to apologise for the knee in the back that

initially left him unable to feel his legs.

"Zuniga called me a few days later to apologise and to tell me that he did not intend to hurt me," Neymar said. "I accept his apology, but I cannot consider that a normal action.

"I cannot say whether it was intentional, but everyone knows it wasn't normal.

The way he came in, behind me, I couldn't defend myself.

"I thank God for helping me, because if that blow had been a few inches lower I would have risked being paralysed."

Neymar

Liverpool Hijack Tottenham's Move For Bony

Bony

Liverpool have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Swansea striker Wilfried Bony.

Spurs have had an £18million bid for the Ivory Coast star rejected by the Swans and the Reds are now ready to beat their Premier League rivals to his signature. talkSPORT understands Bony’s representatives are on Merseyside to hold talks with Liverpool, although a fee with Swansea has yet to be agreed.

The Welsh club are looking for at least £20million for Bony, who joined from Vitesse Arnhem last summer

for £12m.

That fee is unlikely to deter Liverpool, who are set to sell Luis Suarez to Barcelona for around £75million.

The Reds have already signed England forward Rickie Lambert and are close to a deal for Belgian striker Divock Origi, but the latter is likely to be loaned backed to Lille and Brendan Rodgers wants another hitman.

Bony enjoyed a successful debut season in England, scoring 25 goals in all competitions last year, and has stated his desire to play Champions League football next season.

‘Selling Sanchez Was A Mistake’

Barcelona’s directors have proved they “know nothing about football” by selling Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal, Hristo Stoichkov claims.

Chile forward Sanchez has move to the Emirates for a fee of around £30 million, with the move having been sanctioned by the Barca board as part of a general shake-up of the squad ahead of the new season after struggling under the now-departed Gerardo Martino.

“Because of those who do not understand football we must sell the best player we have at Barca,” former

player Stoichkov, who won five La Liga titles and the 1992 Champions League as a Barcelona player before a bitter departure after falling out with Louis Van Gaal during the 1997-98 campaign, is quoted as saying by AS. “The policy of Barca was always like this, they do not like great players,” Stoichkov added. “[Alexis] is the best player for his pace, his battling qualities. He fights for every ball, he plays for the team. I like his mentality. He is leaving with his head high. He is a decisive player.”

Stoichkov

Suarez Completes £75m Barcelona Move

Suarez

Liverpool have confirmed they have reached an agreement for the transfer of striker Luis Suarez.

Barcelona confirmed in a statement on their official website that the Uruguay striker will be in Catalonia next week to put pen to paper on a five-year deal and complete his medical.

The Premier League club added: “Liverpool FC confirms that Luis Suarez will be leaving the club after a transfer agreement was reached with FC Barcelona. The player now has permission to complete the usual formalities, which will then conclude the transfer.

“We would like to thank Luis for his contribution and the role he played in helping bring Champions League football back to Anfield.

“Everyone at Liverpool Football Club wishes Luis and his family well for the future.”

… As Striker Departs With 'Heavy Heart' Ahead of his departure from Liverpool to Barcelona, a sorrowful Luis Suarez revealed he leaves Anfield with “a heavy heart”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” he said in a statement.

“Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city.

“But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.

“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team

well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season.

“I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.

“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Suarez

FOOTBALL BRIEFS Whelan Branded A Fugitive Ray Whelan, who works for FIFA partner Match Hospitality, is claimed to have gone on the run after being arrested as part of an investigation into allegations of illegal ticket sales at the World Cup. However, Brazilian authorities have now branded Whelan a "fugitive" after it was reported he had left the Copacabana Palace hotel where he and the majority of senior FIFA executives were staying shortly before the police arrived to rearrest him on Thursday night.

Police investigator Fabio Barucke said: "He's now considered a fugitive. We have security camera images of him exiting the hotel through a service door."

Boyce: Referees Not Told To Be Lenient

FIFA vicepresident Jim Boyce has refuted suggestions that referees at the World Cup have been ordered to be lenient.

With two matches remaining, the 2014 finals in Brazil have seen 10 dismissals - the lowest figure at the tournament since 1986, when 52 games were played, 12 less than in the competition's current format.

Spanish official Carlos Velasco Carballo came under criticism for failing to brand a caution until the 64th minute of Brazil's feisty quarter-final clash with Colombia, leading to speculation that referees had been asked to keep their cards in their pocket

by FIFA.

Thauvin Hails Bielsa Marseille's Florian Thauvin expects Marcelo Bielsa's arrival as coach to help mould them into Ligue 1's surprise package this season.

The experienced Argentine was appointed as coach in May, with the club having been led

by Jose Anigo following Elie Baup's sacking in December.

Under Anigo, Marseille missed out on qualifying for European football by a point and Bielsa is tasked with helping break back into the top five.

With Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Lille, Saint-Etienne and Lyon all finishing above them last time out, Thauvin feels Bielsa has what it takes to get Marseille back into the upper reaches of the French top flight.

52 SPORTS/COMMENT

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Key Matchups Of The World Cup Final

T

he last three World Cup finals can be summarised neatly by three individual battles.

In 2002, it was Ronaldo versus Oliver Kahn, the Golden Boot winner getting the better of the Golden Ball winner in Brazil's 2-0 win over Germany.

The 2006 final was about Zinedine Zidane versus Marco Materazzi, the two goalscorers becoming involved in the World Cup's most famous red card shortly before Italy beat France on penalties.

And finally, the 2010 decider saw Spain's Andres Iniesta take on the Netherlands' Mark van Bommel: beauty versus the beast, with Iniesta netting a late extra-time winner.

What will be the crucial battle this time? Here are three contenders...

Thomas Mueller vs. Marcos Rojo If Thomas Mueller isn't truly a forward when he's deployed upfront, he's certainly not a right-winger when used on the right.

Since being moved there by Joachim Loew ahead of Germany's quarter-final victory against France, he's stayed in extremely advanced, narrow positions - often appearing more like a second striker than a wide forward.

This creates an interesting situation.

Against France, it seemed like Mueller was neglecting his defensive responsibilities, allowing Patrice Evra forward on the overlap to create overloads with Antoine Griezmann against Philipp Lahm.

Maybe that's what Brazil were attempting in the first 30 minutes of their embarrassing 7-1 thrashing

by Germany - but regardless of the intention, it turned into an absolute disaster.

Marcelo spent the game pushing high up the pitch, getting caught ahead

Messi

of the ball as Brazilian moves broke down in the centre of the pitch. Mueller remained in a position to attack, was constantly available for big switches of play from Toni Kroos, and combined with Sami Khedira to break into the left-back zone unchallenged.

It will be interesting to see the approach of Argentine left-back Marcos Rojo this weekend.

Usually, Rojo plays an attacking game, but in the semi-final draw against the Netherlands he remained in much deeper positions, ensuring Arjen Robben didn't have space to break into.

This weekend, he's again likely to play a more reserved role, and considering he plays centre-back for his club side Sporting Lisbon, should be capable of tracking Mueller into deep positions.

Mueller's an impossible player to mark, though - he pops up with a crucial goal when he's at his quietest and is always in the right place at the right time in situations defenders can't do anything about, like reaching fortunate rebounds. Rojo versus Mueller will be contested in a wide zone, but it's more like a centre-back versus centre forward clash.

to press energetically, as became his forte at club level under Pep Guardiola, and instead remains in a position to receive the ball. Schweinsteiger should be able to find pockets of space, especially inside his own half, and play intelligent balls forward into attack.

It's his defensive work that will be tested, and put simply, Schweinsteiger needs to turn in the performance of his career against the most celebrated player of this generation. Germany's use of 4-3-3 means Schweinsteiger won't always receive assistance from Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira, who are likely to be tasked with pressing Argentina's deeper midfielders, and there will be situations where Schweinsteiger must take responsibility solo.

Messi will drift over towards his old position on the right, as he did regularly during the tedious goalless draw against the Netherlands. This should be a concern for Germany, because their weak link is Benedikt Hoewedes, who hasn't looked comfortable at left-back throughout the competition.

We know what Messi will do - drift right, suddenly drop his shoulder and move onto his left foot, and either dribble directly or slide a through-ball between defenders. Schweinsteiger must show the defensive discipline to stop him.

Bastian Schweinsteiger vs. Lionel Messi Bastian Schweinsteiger always seems a level below the best deep-lying midfielders of this generation - players like Xavi Hernandez and Andrea Pirlo.

Converted into that position having been an inconsistent, flashy winger in his youth, he's never faultless in either aspect of his game: his ability to dictate play when pressed heavily, or his defensive work.

The former won't be a problem. Leo Messi plays a much more relaxed role for Argentina than at Barcelona, more of an old-fashioned, languid, classic Argentine No.10 role. He's not expected

Sami Khedira vs. Javier Mascherano Two combative midfielders going head-to-head in something of a Clasico battle. They play different roles, but their meeting in the centre of the pitch will be crucial.

Mascherano has been the outstanding holding midfielder in this tournament, with some steady, reliable defensive performances capped by a quite wonderful display in the semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

The lasting memory of the game was his last-ditch, last-minute tackle on Arjen Robben, and it summed up a scrappy, defensive-minded game - exactly the type of situation Mascherano thrives in.

However, Mascherano hasn't simply been about defending, and the surprising aspect of his World Cup performance has been his distribution.

He's played some lovely diagonal balls into attack, particularly noticeable in the games against Nigeria and the Netherlands. The likes of Angel di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi have been thankful because of Mascherano's decent service into attack - which has been crucial considering the underperformance of Fernando Gago, usually tasked with that role.

Against the Netherlands, Mascherano dropped back and collected the ball in very deep positions, often between his centre-backs, to get away from the manmarking system the Dutch used in the centre of midfield. It will be fascinating to see how closely Khedira sticks to him - the Real Madrid midfielder's pressing and forward running was one of the key factors in Germany's brilliant start in the 7-1 thrashing of Brazil.

After a difficult, injury-hit season, a poor performance in the Champions League final when not 100%, and a slow start in Brazil, Khedira has returned to the level he showed throughout the 2010 World Cup, when he first truly broke onto the international stage.

In truth, this hasn't been a great tournament for central midfield displays - full-backs have shone, No.10s have taken centre stage and goalkeepers have earned plaudits. Few man-of-the-match awards have gone to central midfielders - but one from either Mascherano or Khedira and their side will probably lift the World Cup this Sunday evening.

Source: ESPN

Khedira

Mascherano

Muller

this hasn't been a great tournament for central midfield displays, WITH Few man-of-the-match awards HANDED to central midfielders Agree or disagree? We want to know what you think . You can have your say by emailing weekendsports@leadership.ng or tweeting @sportsmetronome

POTPOURRI 53

Saturday, July 11, 2014 PATRICK EBI-AMANAMA saintpatrick1996@gmail.com

BACKGROUND: The story behind the picture Spending Quality Time With Your Kids Is Important There is an old primary school song that goes, “Parents listen to your children; we are the leaders of tomorrow. Try and pay our school fees, and give us a better education.” The photo above shows a father dutifully teaching his young daughter how to operate his professional digital camera.

He holds his hands over her tiny ones to guide her as she tries to take a photograph, smiling to himself as he encourages her.

The image stirs up warm feelings of father-daughter attachment, but also shows us what it means to be a parent.

Paying school fees is important for a child’s formal education, but paying attention to a child’s development in other areas is also important for a child’s total well-being.

Children soak up knowledge rapidly, both what is taught in the formal classroom and what is seen, heard, and done at home. Parents can mould their children’s understanding of the world by what they choose to expose them to at a young age.

For example, a parent who notices that his

Things You Only Know When You’re Single Amarachi Aibangbe Feedback: amaflysky@yahoo.com amaflysky@yahoo.com

Tired Of Waiting!

Being in a working relationship is the delight of most Ladies. In as much as our culture encourages long term relationships, as a means of promoting solid foundations and lasting relationships, everyone gets tired of a relationship that doesn’t seem to be moving forward.

Every woman’s desire is to be with a man for a ‘not too long era’ before he takes the relationship to the next level, but today many ladies are being frustrated in relationships as the most expected four words are never asked.

Aisha Danladi, 28, has been with her boyfriend for 9 years and she says he has not asked her to marry him. “I have been with my boyfriend since I was 19 years and we have had a wonderful relationship since then but he has not asked for my hand in marriage for reasons best known to him. My family, friends and I can’t wait for the story to change,” Aisha lamented.

When asked what measures she is willing to take, Aisha said she would not relent but will be continue to stay hopeful because she knows God would grant her her heart’s desire.

Contrary to Aisha’s patient virtue, Marco, 27, shares her experience. "My husband and

I dated for two years before he proposed. I guess I demanded a proposal from him because I was not going to allow two years go by just like that, so I had a very serious talk with him in a way I had never done before. I told him how I felt and asked him what plans he had for us. He proposed a few months after that and today we are happily married,” Marco said.

“This is the 21st century and all ladies should not allow men use them. A lady should not remain in a relationship where there are no future plans for her. Dating or courting is a period where a lady should find out the reason and destination of that relationship. No matter how difficult it may seem, it is always advisable for a lady to break off from such a relationship.” Judith 25 said.

Relationship expert Sharon Gilbert, feels that every lady needs to study her relationship and her man because that is the only way things would begin to work for you in that relationship. “When you study your man you would know if he wants to spend the rest of his life with you and then how to get him to ask the same question all ladies want to be asked: Will you marry me?”

Gilbert explained.

Dear Amarachi, My name is Uju and I am a regular reader of ‘Things You Only Know When You Are Single’. I write to you from Lagos where I study and live.

I have something that has been bothering me and would appreciate your advice. I am 24 years old and in my final year but I have never had a boyfriend. Initially, I was not bothered about it as I had my studies to concentrate on, but now what is worrying is that guys do not even approach me for a relationship. I would soon be graduating and I am beginning to feel I might have a problem, because every lady I know has dated and have had many guys approach them for relationships. I don’t know what to do and it is really getting to me because my friends are worried about me.

I await your response.

Thanks.

Uju, Lagos.

Dear Uju, Thanks for being a regular reader of ‘Things You Only Know When You Are Single.’

Uju, I do not think there is anything wrong with you. I feel you didn’t want to be available to guys before now, but since you are ready, you would see changes as long as you make yourself available.

Dress smartly, and go out with your friends a lot; I bet you, soon you would get tired of guys coming after you! I wish you all the best!

Amarachi

daughter seems to have a love for music and dance may start enrolling her in dance and music classes from a young age in order to encourage those talents.

Once you have a child, you will always be a father or mother, but the time you have to influence the type of person your child will become is limited. In that short time, parents should take an active interest in developing their children’s worldview and experiences, and not leave it up to television, school, and nannies to notice and encourage their child’s potential. In the long run, the investment of time, passion, commitment and prayer that a good parent pours into his or her child is bound to pay off. And when your child stands in her proudest moment to receive accolades for a job well done, she will be able to say with heartfelt sincerity and pride, “I want to thank my daddy and my mummy for everything they have done to help me become who I am today. I love you.” And that will be reward enough.

Faces In The Crowd

BY AMARACHI AIBANGBE, Abuja

Chioma Uwalaka Consultant What is your biggest achievement in life so far?

I would say my biggest achievement in life so far are my degrees. I have 2 degrees and I'm so happy and fulfilled by that.

Emeka Obi Research Analyst What do you aspire to achieve in 5 years?

I hope that in 5 years time I would have my own business and I also hope to be in a serious relationship.

Banke Sunmola Model What would you do if you find out your parents are not your biological parents?

Wow! I have never imagined that but if that happens, I guess nothing would change. They would remain my parents, but I'll just try to find my biological parents out of curiosity and anxiety.

54 OPINION

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Pastor T. O. Banso Faith 08155744752

W

I assure you, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber

hat a privilege God has given me again to bring His Word to you. In this series today, I want to talk about the duties of shepherds – pastors – having looked last week at different abuses of the sheep (Israelites) by their shepherds (leaders) as written in Ezek 34:1-10.

Duties of a good shepherd “I assure you, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! For a shepherd enters through the gate.

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t recognize his voice.” (John 10:1-5 NLT) From the Scripture above, I want to highlight the duties of a good shepherd of God’s people as told by Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

• He gathers the flock. It

cedarministryintl@yahoo.com, cedarministryng@gmail.com

Church Abuse (11) is the job of the shepherd to gather his own flock. Every shepherd has his own flock over which he labours. John 10:4 talks about the shepherd gathering his own flock.

He doesn’t steal sheep. He doesn’t scatter others’ sheep fold to get his own sheep. The shepherd does not allow his sheep to be scattered otherwise they will be exposed to danger. A sheep without shepherd is a proof of poor or no leadership concerning which God indicted the spiritual leaders in Israel. “So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.” (Ezek 34:4-6 NKJV) But God says in Jer. 31:10 says, “Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’”

(NKJV) It is a pastor’s duty to gather the flock not by scattering other shep-

herds’ flock – not by luring members from his former church to start his own or changing the name of a branch he is currently pastoring to start his own church. No. If the sheep he has gathered are scattered, he has a responsibility to look for them and bring them back into the fold. It doesn’t mean he will always succeed with every sheep but he must make diligent effort.

• He leads the sheep. Jewish shepherds go ahead of the sheep; they don’t lead from the rear. If there is any danger, they encounter it first. A good shepherd should be in front leading the flock. John 10:3-4 says, “He …leads them out.

After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice.” (NLT) Sheep without shepherd is not a good sight to behold – the sight will always attract Heaven’s compassion. In Mark 6:34 Jesus saw the great multitude, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd so he began to teach them many things.

The Bible says in Matt 9:36-38 “But when He saw the multitudes,

He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

(NKJV) Ministers of God must always provide the required leadership for the flock of God. They must not fail God in this regard.

Thank you so much for reading this column today. I believe God has spoken to you. Be obedient to His voice. I’ll discuss more duties of the shepherd next week.

TAKE ACTION! If you are not born again, kindly say this prayer now: “0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to him today.

I invite Jesus into my heart today.

By this prayer, I know I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God”.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Friday Ebinyi Impactful View impactfulview@gmail.com

Tel: 08150741383 (text only)

Love And Forgiveness In A Divisive Society It was John Kennedy who once said: “Don’t get mad, get even”. This counsel may sound reasonable and appealing especially when viewed from the standpoint of the offended or injured. But does revenge really solve any problem beyond a mere satisfaction of brute passion? Let’s take a critical look at the principle of retaliation as a way of handling misunderstanding and conflict in our society.

Christ’s clarification of the Mosaic injunction is insightful. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” This shows that the Mosaic injunction is not the best way to resolve conflicts. Under the Mosaic dispensation, offenders were punished to serve as a deterrent to others. But the punishment on the offender must not exceed his crime; hence the assertion, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Let us

also observe that personal retaliation was not provided for in the Mosaic injunction. This power lied with the appointed civil magistrates to interpret the laws and adjudicate.

The message of the Mosaic injunction can be best understood in the words of Jesus Christ: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so unto them: for this is the law and the prophets”. Elsewhere in the scriptures, He had similarly taught that loving God with all our hearts and soul and loving our neighbours as ourselves is the summary of the entire scriptures. Well, may we then say that loving God with all our heart and soul, and loving our neighbours as ourselves is the summary of God’s message to man in every generation?

In the light of the foregoing, what is the best way to handle offences and conflicts? When we suffer as a result of other people’s misdeed, the natural tendency is to seek revenge.

Apart from giving vent to brute pas-

sion what benefit does retaliation really serve? Mahatma Ghandi, the great leader of the struggle for the liberation of India remarkably influenced by Christ’s teaching declared: An eye for an eye and the whole world is blind. In other words, we all stand to lose in the long run. To choose the path of retaliation is to confront darkness with darkness or evil with evil and in the words of Martin Luther King Jnr, “darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that”. Think of a situation where one interprets another’s action as ill-treatment and feels injured. If he chooses to react on impulse, will this may culminate into a chain of evil reactions, which will lead to regrettable actions?

The evil and ruinous nature of revenge is well pronounced in the words of its hardline advocates.

Savinion Cyrano de Bergerai declared: “Perish the universe provided I have my revenge.” In a letter to

a former business associate, Cornelius Vonderbilt wrote: “You have undertaken to cheat me. I won’t sue you for the law is too slow. I will ruin you”. Jungle justice, reprisal killings, retaliation, sectarian strives and upheavals etcetera can all be linked to the word ‘revenge’. When we misunderstand, disregard or fail to heed God’s instruction we are bound to reap bitter consequences. God’s message to men holds the key to true freedom, peace and happiness among all humanity. If we love our neighbours as ourselves, then we will not want to hurt them. And even when others hurt us first, we will prefer to forgive rather than pay them back in their own coin. This is what it means to do unto others what you will have them do to you.

This is the mightiest force in the universe, having unequalled capacity to win over the heart and mind of the enemies and bring them on their knees.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

You have undertaken to cheat me.

I won’t sue you for the law is too slow. I will ruin you

Business 55

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Govt Is Not Committing Adequate Resources To Agriculture Development – Sefiu Senator Gbenga Kaka Sefiu, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, representing Ijebu East senatorial zone of Ogun State. In this interview with KINGSLEY ALU, he laments the gross under investments in the nation’s agriculture sector and advised that Government allocates at least 10 per cent of the national budget to the sector as contained in the Maputo Declaration.

What are your views on Nigeria’s trajectory in agriculture development?

By and large, the agriculture sector is not developing at the expected pace for a big country like Nigeria. With vast arable land, large number of the cheapest labour in the world and with the resources at Nigeria’s disposal particularly from crude oil, we ought to have maximised our diversification into agriculture especially when you juxtapose all these with the fact that over 70 per cent of our people are employed in agriculture. It is rather unfortunate. In other advanced countries, we have less number of people (some 5 per cent, some 10 per cent) actually involved in agriculture and producing all that is needed not only for consumption, but for exports, for industry and value addition. But here, because of dearth of technological advancement and lack of mechanisation, we still continue to emphasise what we call small-scale holder scheme and that cannot solve our problem.

The bits and pieces coming from our farmers can never be enough to run a viable agro-industry, which will be capable of employing more people, talk less of the export level commodities that we are all expecting. So I am of the view that with the vast resources at our disposal and the vast arable land, we ought to have gone beyond all these small-scale implements (hoes and cutlass) into mechanisation and applying modern day technology and then going full blast on to large-scale production.

So, we need to change our style, we need to inject more funds and we need to make things work. That’s why the idea of devoting 10 per cent of the country’s budget as highlighted in the Maputo Declaration just for five years is very apt and should apply to Nigeria. So that even if it is for once, in just a single year’s budget, Nigeria devotes 10 per cent and keeps on scaling it down to 9, 8, 7 etc., we

will see unprecedented transformation. What we need to do is lay a solid foundation based on modern technology, mechanisation and economy of scale.

How would you assess Nigeria’s performance with regards to budgetary allocation for agriculture?

Sefiu

What are your views on getting back the young people to agri-

A radical problem requires a radical solution. Among the Yorubas, there is a popular singsong that says “ise agbe ni ise ile wa, eni ko s’ise, a ma j’ale” meaning that farming is our occupation, anybody who does not farm, will steal. What is happening is that young people have lost the significance of farming and this requires that we have to train our younger generation and give them proper re-orientation right from a tender age.

We should be able to remodel the curricula from primary to tertiary level. We should make agriculture as a subject compulsory at the primary, secondary and even as a core base subject like the general studies course for all disciplines in the university or other tertiary levels.

Also, practical agriculture in schools should be promoted especially in our older universities where less than 25 per cent of the land is actually built up.

This provides opportunity to encourage students to engage in agriculture while they are being trained. Students can also be given the opportunity to earn a living by working on school farms and supplementing the cost of their education.

They can also learn all the steps of agricultural production and value addition in the various value chains. This can expose them to the alternatives available in the agriculture sector so that on graduation from any course or at any level, youths would have the choice other than their main courses of specialisation to create jobs for themselves and employ other people. This can be a defence

I acknowledge that Nigeria is very good with policy design but the implementation is the problem. All the plans in the transformation agenda can only gather dust if there is no adequate backing with funds. The best of ideas can never translate to reality if there are no funds. It has been rightly observed that in the last three years, the allocation for agriculture has remained constantly below 2 per cent. Out of this two per cent (between 65 and 71 billion naira for the entire country), the recurrent expenditure is between 60 per cent and 70 per cent .

At the end of the day, what is left for capital expenditure or infrastructural investment is probably less than N30 billion.

This amount in a year, I can assure you, is not enough to take charge of a state’s rural development not to talk of 36 states in Nigeria. So, it’s like we are deceiving ourselves. We are dissipating energy unnecessarily writing the blue prints that will not see the light of day. It is pitiful. It is labour loss.

The gross under investments in agriculture is the case because we needed a leadership that truly believes in agriculture not in words or prints, but in deeds. A leadership that has the right understanding of what agriculture means to the nation. With good money pumped into agriculture, giving us adequate food, run industries, and export, I can assure you we will spend minimally on health because with good feeding, you are not likely to be predisposed to any ailment that will eventually consume your money.

culture?

in the fight against unemployment and the rising youth restiveness we are experiencing in the country.

Another perspective which I have advocated for is that, as millions are entering the job market every year after graduation, their certificates should be as good as any other collateral that exists. The government should serve as guarantors for these certificates being held and instead of looking for white collar jobs, we can give them three years advance earnings as loans and a moratorium of one year to take-off so that they also within the space of five years can become employers of labour rather than looking for job and by the fifth year, all the injected funds will continue to be self-revolving and only marginal replenishment will be made for the number of new entrants into the sector. In addition to that, these young graduates could decide on their own volition that they choose to drop their other vocations for agriculture. This is because they see that there is money in agriculture.

This is where the “Do Agric” campaign by ONE and partners in Nigeria as it has been pursued for the rest of Africa is highly commendable and a very welcome development for agricultural transformation in Nigeria. My views are exactly on the same agenda for agriculture. So, if the recommendations from the campaign are implemented, you can be sure it will result in a revolution in the agriculture sector. “Do Agric” should push the agenda forward to all levels of government especially for the younger generation.

So, we need to change our style, we need to inject more funds and we need to make things work

56 Interview

Saturday, July 12, 2014

How I Came To Be Known As Mama Diaspora– Ajayi Chief Temitope Ajayi, aka Mama Diaspora, is a US-based Nigerian who is a Consultant for Foreign Investors for Sub-Saharan Africa. She is also a delegate at the National Conference representing the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS). In this interview with LEADERSHIP Team, she spoke on some of the resolutions that were passed which are dear to her heart, especially the Goodluck Housing project for Nigerians in Diaspora (NID), inclusion in participating in relevant state affairs and other issues arising from the conference. She also reveals how she got the title, Mama Diaspora.

As a representative of the NCWS, what are the highlights of the conference for you where it concerns women?

Well, this is the first time we have seen the number and calibre of women at a conference of this magnitude, so that is very commendable. We had many women chairing committees. I have always said that any nation that puts women into consideration will always prosper as women are the engine of every nation.

I am always appealing to the men that they will always be the head; we are not competing with them but will complement them. All we need is their support.

It has been insinuated that you are claiming to be at the conference on the platform of Nigerians in the Diaspora?

How would you say this whole mix up started?

By the special grace of the Almighty God I am representing the National Council of Women Societies at this conference.

I’m not even part of the committee for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora matters. However, I used to be the President of All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC) that represents all the Nigerians in the USA, a position I held almost 10 years ago. After I finished my term, they made me President Emeritus ANAC and because of this, somebody very powerful gave me the nickname ‘Mama Diaspora’. I have received awards from President Bush, also from Mayors and Congress for my community activism.

I have also been given honorary citizenship in three states in the USA. So, to some extent, I can speak for Nigerians in Diaspora. We have to be very careful in this coun-

try and have facts and figures before coming out to make allegations or spreading speculations. I am not here on the platform of Nigerians in Diaspora but my passion, concern and also my knowledge on matters puts me in a good position to contribute to issues because they affect me too.

As Mama Diaspora, how do you find some of the resolutions that have been passed so far on the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters?

We have just achieved a nod to get a Diaspora Commission, voting rights for Nigerians in Diaspora and the housing scheme which we should be celebrating. Fortunately, since I was not in the committee, I was able to do justice in my presentation to convince the House that we need these things to be put in place. We are talking of Nigeria’s rebased GDP, N152 billion and Nigerians in Diaspora have been able to remit N52billion. The one million Goodluck Housing Scheme for Nigerians Diaspora is also in the works and these are all great achievements we should be celebrating.

What would you say having the Diaspora Commission entails for Nigerians living outside the country?

It’s an achievement of a lifetime. In the history of amalgamation, this will be the first time Nigerians in the Diaspora are coming out and we owe it to the founding fathers. We are grateful to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof.

Jibril Aminu, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Rtd.Gen. Ike Nwachukwu who moved for the famous dual citizenship and the Vice Chairman of this conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi.

Being a consultant for Foreign

Ajayi Investors for Sub-Saharan Africa from which the Goodluck Housing scheme emerged, how do you think this project will impact on Nigerians in Diaspora?

The project is in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria under the leadership of Mr Gimba Yau and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington headed

by Ambassador Ade Adefuyi.

We have started a pilot programme in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Lagos states.

Gradually, it will expand to other states. Every person in the Diaspora will be able to own a home by paying mortgage. I was able to talk with heads of professional bodies such as Architects, Engineers, Chartered banks and spoke with them about the housing project and they are all eager. All the factories will spring up, most of our teeming youths will be trained in artisan apprenticeships and given work on the sites.

I was also able to explain to them that we have social security in USA and in other parts of the world and there is also the biometric system. It is a felony anywhere in the world to vote twice. I don’t think any embassy would jeopardise the integrity of this country to conduct any fraudulent election in their embassy. We were able to explain that the pride of any citizen is to be able to vote; it gives us a sense of belonging, of being Nigerian.

But it hasn’t come into law yet.

Aren’t you worried it may be rejected when it gets to the NASS?

Yes, it is pending but I am hopeful that when it gets to the legislators, it will be approved.

Finally, I have an appeal as a woman and mother. I want to plead with the insurgents to please bring back our girls.

Nigeria is a third world country; easy to destroy but hard to build. No matter what is going on, there should always How about voting rights now be a way to dialogue. So in being considered for the NID? the spirit of the holy month, When the committee on For- please return the girls to their eign affairs and Diaspora mat- parents. It is disheartening to ters chaired by Prof. Ibrahim think of how the mothers are Gambari presented its report, feeling after carrying them in his passionate speech made their wombs for nine months, everybody see reason why Ni- seeing them grow and then gerians abroad should vote. they are taken away.

So I am in a position to speak for Nigerians in Diaspora.

We have to be very careful in this country and have facts and figures before coming out to make allegations or spreading speculations. Out of ignorance you create a fire where there should be no fire

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July 12, 2014

MEN’S HEALTH

Tests Men Should Never Ignore

According to experts, most cases of premature ejaculation do not have a clear cause.

With sexual experience and age, men often learn to delay orgasm.

Managing Premature Ejaculation

P

TUNDE OGUNTOLA

remature ejaculation is an ejaculation that typically occurs immediately, prior to or just after insertion of the penis into the partner, without any sense of voluntary control.

It is a common sexual phenomenon, occurring in approximately one-third of men under 25, and in about 10 per cent of men older than 25. More common causes of premature ejaculation include: overstimulation, anxiety over sexual performance, stress.

According to experts, most cases of premature ejaculation do not have a clear cause. With sexual experience and age, men often learn to delay orgasm.

Premature ejaculation may occur with a new partner, only in certain sexual situations, or if it has been a long time since the last ejaculation. Psychological factors such as anxiety, guilt, or depression also can cause premature ejaculation. In some cases, premature ejaculation may be related to a medical cause such as hormonal problems, injury, or a side effect of certain medicines.

However, there is no specific cure for premature ejaculation; in some men it is possible for premature ejaculation to be a conditioned response. For example, if a man’s earliest sexual experiences were situations that might have required rapid ejaculation, or where rapid ejaculation was encouraged, then it may have become a learned habit. Another element leading to premature ejaculation is a male’s lack of awareness of the preliminary sensations that lead to orgasm, making him unable to control the process leading to ejaculation.

Regardless of the cause of premature ejaculation,

there are solutions that are considered to be highly effective. Two methods that have been written about extensively are the stop-start method, and the squeeze method. The stop-start method works to make a man more aware of his sensations as he is approaching orgasm. His partner manually stimulates his penis while he focuses on his sensations. When he feels that orgasm is approaching, he has his partner stop the stimulation.

The extreme sexual tension will be defused, and then the partner can begin to stimulate him again.

Once the couple becomes proficient at this, then the procedure is applied to coital situations.

The squeeze technique is commonly executed with the premature ejaculator laying down, knees bent, so that his partner who is sitting up and facing him, can sit between his legs. The partner stimulates the genital area until the penis is erect, then applies a squeeze lasting 3 or 4 seconds by holding the penis with the thumb on the ridge between the head and shaft, and the first two fingers situated on either side of the ridge opposite the thumb.

This squeeze eliminates the desire for ejaculation.

This technique should be repeated several times during genital stimulation, so that foreplay can continue without ejaculation. Once mastered, this method can be used in intercourse where a woman (or male partner) inserts her/his partner’s penis and sits on top of him motionless. When he feels close to ejaculation, she lifts her or himself off and administers a squeeze, then returns to the sitting position. Over time, this results in ejaculatory control.

Why Screening Tests Are Important Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things a man can do for his health.

Screenings find diseases early, before you have symptoms, when they’re easier to treat. Early colon cancer can be nipped in the bud. Finding diabetes early may help prevent complications such as vision loss and impotence. The tests you need are based on your age and risk factors.

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men after skin cancer. It tends to be a slow-growing cancer, but there are also aggressive, fast-growing types of prostate cancer.

Screening tests can find the disease early, sometimes before symptoms develop, when treatments are most effective.

Tests for Prostate Cancer Screenings for healthy men may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and possibly a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Each man to talk with a doctor about the risks and possible benefits of the PSA test. Discussions should begin at: 50 for average-risk men.

45 for men at high risk.

Testicular Cancer This uncommon cancer develops in a man’s testicles, the reproductive glands that produce sperm. Most cases occur between ages 20 and 54. All men have a testicular exam when they see a doctor for a routine physical. Men at higher risk (a family history or an undescended testicle) should talk with a doctor about additional screening.

Some doctors advise regular selfexams, gently feeling for hard lumps, smooth bumps, or changes in size or shape of Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer.

Men have a slightly higher risk of developing it than women. The majority of colon cancers slowly develop from colon polyps: growths on the inner surface of the colon. After cancer develops, it can invade or spread to other parts of the body. The way to prevent colon cancer is to find and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.

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July 12, 2014

Ayurvedic Medicine: Ginger Zingiber officinalis

Ginger increases pitta in the body, reducing both kapha and vatha.

Ginger is native to India, where the ancient Ayurvedics used it to preserve food, as a digestive aid, and as a spiritual and physical cleanser. Garlic was shunned on the days leading up to religious festivities, but plenty of ginger would be consumed in order to be sweetsmelling and purified for the gods. The Greeks wrapped the root in a piece of bread and ate it after a heavy meal to prevent indigestion - this is the origin of gingerbread.

To use Ginger increases pitta in the body, reducing both kapha and vatha. Its muscle-relaxant, heating pitta qualities can warm uterine walls, soothing menstrual cramps. It is also frequently used as an antidote to travel sickness.

For motion sickness (on land, sea, or in the air), use a few drops of ginger oil on a small bandage and place behind the ear. Alternatively, you may take ginger

capsules, or make a ginger tea with 2 teaspoons of the grated root to 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5 minutes.

Of course, you could also sip a glass of ginger ale (provided it is made from real, not synthetic, ginger).

DATA Properties Ginger is a pungent, sweet herb with warming/drying qualities. It acts as a stimulant, diaphoretic, antidepressant, and expectorant. Ginger stimulates all tissues of the body, and is highly recommended in cases where the illness is due to poor assimilation.

Conditions Treated Ginger is recommended for colds, coughs, flu, indigestion, vomiting, belching, abdominal pain, motion sickness, laryngitis, arthritis, hemorrhoids, headaches, impotence, diarrhea, heart disease, and memory loss.

Form Taken As a food, tea, gargle, and also used as a massage oil.

Used With Other Herbs?

Black pepper, eucalyptus, juniper, cedar, coriander, and all citrus fruits.

Caution Do not use in cases of high fever, bleeding, with inflammatory skin conditions, or if ulcers are present.

Ginger in large doses can bring on menstruation. Pregnant women with a history of miscarriage Should exercise caution and consult their physician before use.

Herbal Clinic With Buki Fagbenle

Tel: (SMS only) +234-705-983-1992; Email: buki.fagbenle@leadership.ng

Managing High Cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) Managing high cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) after many weeks of treating hypertension is very vital, as it is apt to touch on other common circulatory problems such as high cholesterol, palpitations, cramps, anaemia (including sickle cell anaemia), chest pains, varicose veins, ulcers, haemorrhoids and poor circulation.

The most important thing to note about cholesterol is that it is very dynamic for survival as it plays an important role in the body although 25 per cent of it is in the brain. You can simply not survive without it but too much of it can also kill you. I shall focus on cholesterol for the next few weeks.

What is cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fatty or waxy substance found naturally in every cell within the body and in the bloodstream, which 25 per cent is derived from food. Hence, the levels in your blood can be determined with a finger prick drop of blood but it is better to test the blood from a vein to get an accurate measure.

Knowing your Number? You should always know your ‘number’, as cholesterol level in the blood is called. Ideally, according to medical bodies, your level should be 5mmol per litre of your blood or under, and should be predominantly of the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) type as this is the one that does a lot of good work in your body.

The cholesterol that is damaging to the body is called the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and it is medically advised that its level should be less than 3mmol/l.

As its name suggests, the low density cholesterol is low in density. Hence, it enables fat to be easily deposited in the blood vessels, narrowing it and sometimes, blocking it totally. And when blood cannot flow, oxygen is deprived to that area - which can lead to the death of the cells or organs affected.

This affects important organs such

LIVING HEALTHY AT 70 AND ABOVE The Best Exercise Machine For Seniors When you’re choosing exercise equipment, one big hurdle is finding something that you truly enjoy. For some seniors over age 70, using the treadmill or rowing machine is just fine, but for others, those are too difficult. What you enjoy and what you’re capable of using will vary from person to person. Your first stop in this journey should be to your doctor to get her okay to start working out, but after that, consider a few common issues that seniors tend to deal with.

What Seniors Need in Equipment

If you haven’t exercised in a while, or ever, your balance may be compromised, so you’ll need something with sturdy handles or perhaps a seated piece of equipment that won’t put you at risk of falling.

Cycling in Place If you’re concerned about joint pain as well as balance, stationary bicycles may be the option that works best for you. You’ll be in a seated position, so you won’t have to worry about falling.

Standing Workout: The Elliptical Elliptical trainers offer a workout that is something like cross-country

skiing and walking, but without additional impact that can cause pain. Since you have to stand up to use the machine, it’s going to require more balance than the stationary bike, but in that standing position you’ll burn more calories.

Strength Training Equipment Cardiovascular exercise will help you maintain your endurance as you reach your late 70’s, 80’s and beyond -- but it’s not the only type of exercise you should be doing. In fact, weight or strength training is the type of exercise you should choose over all others.

as the brain and heart resulting in strokes and heart attacks. Some fat can also break free and plug a blood vessel downstream (thrombosis), with the same disastrous results. The ideal health situation is to have a cholesterol level within the normal range (less than 5 and not more than 7) with a low LDL and a high HDL - which I actually call ‘Happy’ cholesterol level, hence, if you are happy, you could readily banish unhappy thoughts. Corny, I know but that’s how I view these things. I literally visualise the ‘Happy’ cholesterol walking happily together, banishing unhappy ones out of their path - so the more of the ‘Happy’ ones you have, the more unhappy ones are displaced. Makes sense to me anyway.

Factors that determines a predisposition to high cholesterol: First, family history, according to the British Medical Association, you may be predisposed to high cholesterol-if you had (or have) a father, or brother who had a heart attack or heart disease before the age of 55, or your mum or sister before the age of 65; if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure in the family; if you are overweight or if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. I call them the 3 witches who always walk together. Once you have poorly controlled diabetes, the other sisters, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol readily join in for a merry party at your expense.

Furthermore, for the inherited condition called ‘familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), your cholesterol level stays up regardless of your lifestyle. This is the type that would need orthodox intervention but can still be augmented with liver protective and supportive herbal medicine.

Nonetheless, we will look at factors that determine your predisposition to high cholesterol next week. Till then, keep safe and know your number!

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July 12, 2014

Live Well Tips

Live well tips are NOT medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking medicine or supplement, changing diet or exercise.

• Chewing a stick of sugarless gum after meals reduces heartburn. It raises saliva flow, which neutralises stomach acid.

• Mint some new muscles by smelling peppermint. It alters yourperception of how hard you’re working, which makes workouts more easier.

• Forget something at the gym.

Leave something behind that you can’t be without for long.

It forces you to go back to the gym.

• Take a high-protein snack within 30 minutes of working out to increase muscle gain.

A peanut butter sandwich for example.

• Did you know eating cherries can help you fall asleep faster?

They contain melatonin, a natural sleep aid.

• Exercising for 40 minutes reduces stress for up to 3 hours. Rest and relaxation for 40 minutes reduces stress for only 20 minutes, your choice!

• Make it a habit, no skipping breakfast you must eat something healthy, like oats, whole-grain bread. Do it today, tomorrow and every day.

PHOBIA OrthophobiaFear Of Property We all want to own things and it is impossible for one not to own anything even just one’s clothes but there are some people with the irrational fear of owning property and these people are called orthophobes.

This fear is usually caused by political, religions, philosophical or personal beliefs. For instance, one might have been brought up to be someone who is simple and is taught that owning things, especially big properties is just a cause of problems.

Others might have been brought up in a home where you are told that you do not own anything but everything in the house is common

property and you grow up living comfortably with this idea that you are not directly responsible for anything thus this fear of personal property.

Others might have lost their properties in a fire for instance that caused them great loss. This devastation has brought them to think that owning things will just cause them anxiety and fear thus they will prefer not to own anything.

People with this fear will not buy anything for themselves and will always claim that the things they have are just borrowed and not really theirs.

Treatment includes psychotherapy for this subset of people and medications are rarely given.

Your Sexual Health Questions Answered!

Why Do People Fart?

Let’s face it, everyone farts. The act of farting, or flatulence, can be a surprising, often embarrassing, potentially stinky, and sometimes outright booming experience that many people would be more than happy to do without. Seriously, though, when it comes down to it, what’s farting all about? There must be a good reason, or two, for the, a-hem, unpleasant flatus, a.k.a., gas, right?

Well, for starters, the gas that makes up a fart comes from two sources: more originates from the breakdown of food by the digestive system, and some is from swallowed air. In the first case, foodstuffs are broken down by enzymes, stomach acids, and intestinal bacteria in order for the energy in them to be made available to the body. Through the processes of digestion and fermentation, gases can be liberated from what’s eaten. In the second case, air that a person swallows from eating, drinking, breathing, chewing gum, and being stressed, among other ways of entry, that’s not expelled during a burp travels through the stomach and intestine, transforming into fart-ready mode.

In either case, the gases flow down through the rest of the digestive tract and eventually exit the body, in various degrees of sound, expelled as a fart, or farts. And this silent or noisy expulsion of air can help bring about some relief and comfort from a buildup of gas within the lower part of the body.

By the way, the gases that make up a fart are composed mostly of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. Farts smell obnoxious because of the breakdown of compounds containing sulfur (think rotten eggs). Some foods, such as cabbage, eggs, onions, and meat, contain more sulfur than others, which is why some farts smell worse than other farts.

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July 12, 2014

Think Yourself Thin With Zahra Bakari - Imam

08183666800 (text only) thinkyourselfthin@yahoo.com, twitter@thinkurselfthin

FIRST AID Bone, Joint And Muscle Injury The skeleton is the hard framework around which the body is constructed, and on which all the body’s tissues depend for support.

The skeleton is jointed in many places, and muscles attached to the bones enable them to move. Most these movements are controlled at will, and co- ordinated by impulses that travel from the brain via nerves to every muscle and joint in the body.

Diagnosing types of injury It can be difficult to distinguish between bone, joint, and muscle injuries, so it helps to understand how the bones and muscles attached to them function, and how and why injury can happen.

This information is given here, together with the general principles of treatment for

different types of injury.

You will also find specific first -aid treatments for injuries to bones, joints, and muscles in every part of the body, from top to toe The only type of fracture not covered in these pages is skull fracture, which, because of the potential effect on the brain.

FIRST-AID PRIORITIES • Maintain an open airway • Steady and support the injured part, if possible.

• Provide more permanent support, with padding and firm bandaging or splinting.

An uninjured part of the body is the best form of ‘’splint”.

• If a broken bone lies within a large bulk of tissue (for example’, the thigh), treat the casualty for shock.

• Obtain appropriate medical treatment.

JOKES There was this man in a Mental Hospital…

There was this man in a mental hospital. All day he would put his ear to the wall and listen. The doctor would watch this guy do this day after day. So the doctor finally decided to see what the guy was listening to, so he put his ear up to the wall

and listened. He heard nothing. So he turned to the mental patient and said, “I don’t hear anything.” The mental patient said, “Yeah, I know. It’s been like

Water is the Fountain of Youth

Consumers spend rivers of dollars on beauty products, not knowing that water is the actual fountain of youth and beauty!

Four beauty benefits associated with proper hydration that consumers should be aware of are: rejuvenating skin, improving dark circles around the eyes, decreasing fatigue, and preventing acne. Consumers always have been and always will be looking for solutions to health and wellness. While most consumers have probably heard different arguments about how much water they should drink on a daily basis, many are still struggling to remind themselves to drink only a few glasses a day. Knowing that staying hydrated is associated with beauty would be a great motivator for consumers to increase their daily intake of filtered water. Drinking water at certain time maximizes its effectiveness on the body. Did you know that?

2 glasses of water after waking up – helps activate internal organs 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal – helps digestion 1 glass of water before taking a bath – helps lower blood pressure 1 glass of water before going to bed – avoids stroke or heart attack, and helps prevent nighttime leg cramps.

Most people know that our bodies are largely made of water…70%. Both the quantity and quality of the water we drink can determine our body’s ability to shed excess fat, as well as benefit all of our body’s systems in the following ways: • Water is a natural appetite suppressant • Improves skin tone and elasticity • Aids in more effective digestion and soothes digestive problems • Improves detoxification in the body by flushing contaminants out of vital

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

organs Enhances nutrient absorption Improves the respiratory system functions by adding moisture to ear, nose, and throat Helps the liver convert stored fat into usable energy Speeds up your metabolism Helps reduce cholesterol Helps tone your muscles when they’re properly hydrated Prevents your body from retaining water Stops you from confusing hunger with thirst Decreases mindless snacking Increases your energy by maintaining blood volume that carries oxygen to your muscles Aids in heat regulation of the body Provides joint lubrication Wards off headaches

If you’ve ever dieted, then you know that drinking more water can aid you in your weight loss goals.

Bottom line: drink more water! All of your body systems will thank you!

This is a poem that Audrey Hepburn wrote about beauty, and shared with her family just weeks before she died: For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge you never walk alone. As you grow older, you’ll discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the second for helping others. You’ve great days still ahead of you. May there be many of them. Until next time.

news across the states 61

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Derivation Funds: Ijaw Youths Fault Confab

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) yesterday faulted the proposed derivation principle of 18 per cent to oil-producing states and five per cent to northern states affected by Boko Haram insurgency, saying the proposal by the consensus group of the national conference “is an open invitation to war.”

According to the IYC, the proposal by the consensus group of the national conference to increase the derivation by a paltry

5% to make it 18% and also allocate 5% to the north as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency “is provocative, disgusting and an invitation to war.”

The IYC, in a statement yesterday by its publicity secretary, Eric Omare, said the proposal was “an insult to the Niger-Delta people.”

The IYC wrote: “For the conference group to recommend only 5% increase to the derivation percentage from resources produced in the Niger Delta region on the condition that 5% of the nation’s revenue would be allocated to ‘fund’ and ‘encourage’ Boko Haram ac-

tivities.”

“If we may ask, where would the Boko Haram 5% revenue come from? Is it from the oil and gas revenue of the Niger-Delta region and taxes mainly collected from southern parts of Nigeria or 5% of revenue generated from the Boko Haram sponsored states?

“It has become obvious that Ijaw and Niger-Delta delegates to the national confab have run out of steam to resist the arrogance of their northern counterparts and the IYC calls on them to return home honourably.”

They have failed to achieve any-

thing for the Niger-Delta and have further endangered the people of the region. To increase derivation by 5% and allocate 5% to fund Boko Haram to kill more innocent children, women and Nigerians is the worst decision that any person on earth would be party to.”

“The Niger-Delta delegates had a mandate to demand for 100% derivation and if there must be any concession, concede to nothing less than 50% derivation and if this is not accepted by other parts of Nigeria, then return home with honour and not to sell their birth right to northerners.

World Population Day: Ki-moon, Osotimehin Call For Investment In Youth

By ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

The United Nations SecretaryGeneral and the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA), Mr. Ban Ki-moon and Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin respectively on Friday called on government leaders to invest greatly in the well over 1.8 billion youth around the world.

In his message for the World Population Day, Mr. Ban Kimoon said that action on the investment in the youth was ur-

gently needed, stressing that too many young people were denied a right to a quality education, a decent job, and participation in the political life of their societies.

While expressing particular concern about adolescent girls who may face discrimination, sexual violence, early marriage and unwanted pregnancies, the UN chief noted that the solution lied in investment in health, education, training and employment for young people as they undergo the critical transition

to adulthood.

His words: “I call on all with influence to prioritize youth in development plans, strengthen partnerships with youth-led organizations, and involve young people in all decisions that affect them. By empowering today’s youth, we will lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Young people are also speaking out for themselves, he said, noting that more than 1,000 youth organizations endorsed a Global Youth Call to recom-

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mend youth-focused goals and targets in the sustainable development agenda that will start after 2015, the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In his message, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Babatunde Osotimehin, said: “We know that healthy, educated, productive and fully engaged young people can help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and are more resilient in the face of individual and societal challenges.”

OPEC Forecasts Less Demand For Nigeria’s Crude In 2015 There are indications that the country may face tough economic times next year as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said it expects demand for crude produced by its members to fall to 29.4 million bpd in 2015, down from 29.7 million barrels per day (bpd) estimated for this year.

OPEC in its monthly oil market report released yesterday said demand for crude which represents over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s national income would decline by about 300,000 bpd.

OPEC predicted similar decline in demand for crude oil from the other 11 member oilcartel by the same quantum of bpd. The prediction is predicated against the backdrop of surging supply from non-OPEC producers, particularly the United States (US).

The US was said to have overtaken Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the world’s biggest producer of oil as extraction of energy from shale rock strengthens the nation’s economy, Bank of America Corporation said in a report last week.

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Cost Of Uniforms Forces Abuja LEA Pupils Into Apprenticeship Due to the financial constraints faced by their parents, two Abuja children were forced to leave a school in Dobi, Gwagwalada area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They narrated their plight to AGBO-PAUL AUGUSTINE.

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lad in short slacks smeared with grease, Monday Godwin, 7, struggled to hold on to a spanner as he tried to loosen the bolts on a motorcycle wheel in his master’s workshop.

As Monday tries to emulate his master, a cursory glance would make one think he was just playing with the tools. For his master, he was more a burden than an asset.

Monday was barely six years old when his parents decided to place him on a path devoid of a formal education- he became an apprentice at a mechanic workshop. His “offence” was simple- his Benue State born parents who live in Dobi settlement, 7km away from Gwagwalada area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), could not afford the basic requirements to put him in LEA Dobi primary school.

Monday’s parents may have come from Benue State, but the teenager knows nowhere outside the rural Dobi, where he was born.

His parents are peasant farmers who struggle to feed their three children and can’t bear the cost of enrolling Monday in primary school. The requirements, according to the head teacher, LEA Dobi primary school, Hajiya Safiya Tukura, are: a pair of purple check shirts; blue shorts; a dozen 20-leaves exercise books, plus one for assignment; a pair of brown sandals and stockings; a school bag; school house wear and writing materials (pencils, cleaners, sharpeners, etc.).

Also, every pupil is expected to come with N700 Parent Teachers Association (PTA) fee, Tukura stated. Public primary schools in the FCT do not charge pupils any school fees, other than meeting the basic admission needs-a feat seemingly out of the reach of Monday’s parents.

When LEADERSHIP Weekend asked Ojo Adeniran, a middle-aged man from Osun State and owner of the roadside motorcycle mechanic workshop if he knew that his apprentice is too young to carry out tasks, he simply exonerated himself, saying Monday’s parents forced the child on him.

“When they brought him to my shop, he was just too small for the job; a boy of less than 6 years old.

I told the father that I can’t admit him as an apprentice but the man

School dropouts Saidu Haruna (L) and Monday Godwin(R)

said I should just take him but I insisted he was too young.

“The boy does not have any value to me but each time I ask him to return home he keeps coming back, insisting that his parents said he should stay on, that with time he will grow on the job,” Adeniran explained.

Adeniran agrees that little Monday should be in school and not his mechanic workshop. “A boy of his age should be in school and not learning handwork. At least, he should have finished primary school first before coming into this trade,” he added.

LEADERSHIP Weekend also discovered that Adeniran had another boy- apprentice besides Monday working for him. Saidu Haruna is nine years-old whose parents hail from Dobi; he is also a school dropout.

“I was in primary 1 two years ago, but had to be withdrawn by my parents because they could not afford registration fees and buy me exercise books of N220, uniform of N500 and school house wear worth N800,” he explained.

Haruna said as he couldn’t go to school any longer, his parent thought it was wise for him tom learn a trade, hence, the mechanic workshop. He was just seven years old when he became an apprentice at Adeniran’s road side workshop.

For Adeniran, the case of Saidu is better “because he can do some things like loosening screws and other light work; unlike Mon-

day who barely contributes to the business.”

Interestingly, Monday and Saidu are still keen on joining their peers in school, but are stuck at the mechanic workshop due the financial situation of their parents. “I will like to go back to school,” says Saidu, who appears enthusiastic about being in school.

LEADERSHIP Weekend traced the teenage boys to their homes in the outskirts of Dobi but met the doors of their houses locked, as the parents had gone to their respective farms, while Monday’s father was said to be on the road doing his motorcycle transport business. However, his two other children were outside the tworoom apartment playing without any clothes on.

A neighbour who spoke to LEADERSHIP Weekend said he is a farmer too but had no choice but to put his two children in the public primary school to get them educated.

On the issues of charging pupils school fees in Dobi, Hajiya Tukura, the head teacher of the main public school in Dobi denied charging Dobi pupils any form of school fees. She insisted that besides the PTA levy, Dobi primary school does not charge any fee.

Monday Godwin and Saidu Haruna are just two out of the millions of Nigerian children not in school. A 2005 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said Nigeria’s exponential growth in population has put

immense pressure on the country’s resources and on already overstretched public services and infrastructure. With children under 15 years of age accounting for about 45 per cent of the country’s population, the burden on education and other sectors has become overwhelming.

It added that 40 per cent of Nigerian children aged 6-11 do not attend any primary school with the Northern region recording the lowest school attendance rate in the country, particularly for girls.

Despite a significant increase in net enrolment rates in recent years, it is estimated that about 4.7 million children of primary school age are still not in school.

Also, a 2013 report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) revealed that Nigeria has the highest number of schoolaged pupils not in the classroom in the world.

In the report, Nigeria topped the table of 12 problem countries that have a high incidence of school dropout rates with one in every five children not in school.

A total of 10.5m Nigerian kids are not in school at the moment, accounting for about 47% of the global total. Nigeria is followed by Pakistan (5.1m), Ethiopia (2.4m), India (2.3m), Philippines (1.5m), Ivory Coast (1.2m) and Burkina Faso (1m).

The report also says the number is on the rise in spite of the Almajiri School System launched by the federal government in 2012.

“When they brought him to my shop, he was just too small for the job; a boy of less than 6 years old

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

Abuja bomb blast scene

What Causes High Casualties In A Bomb Blast?

As the occurrence of bomb attacks continue to rise in the country with high number of deaths AGBO-PAUL AUGUSTINE takes a look at hidden factors that have kept the casualties high in Nigeria.

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“The most lethal aspect in an explosion is not shrapnel or heat, it is the blast overpressure

our years ago, explosion for many Nigerians was odd, alien and something only a few miners and construction companies used to crack hard rocks in quarries. Today, bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have become a major killer of Nigerians in thousands; so dreaded that that the psychic of an average Nigerian is mulled badly on the mention of the name bomb.

As it continue to be used as a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) by insurgents groups against innocent Nigerians, LEADERSHIP Weekend looks beyond the immediate impact of a bomb blast to other factors that arises minutes after a blast that contribute to more deaths of Nigerian in the last four years.

Historians have it that the first on record of explosives were used in China in 1221, by a Jin Dynasty army against a Song Dynasty city. Since then, bombs have come in different shapes and sizes with IEDs commonly used to torment Nigerians today.

Shock, heat, fragmentation and blast waves are the immediate impact of a bomb blast.

While the immediate impact could claim casualties within the range of the explosive flower bouquet but according

to a search and rescue expert Air Vice Marshall Muhammed Audu-Bida (rtd) who is also the chairman, The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) Nigeria said most of the deaths recorded in the country in the wave of blasts do not come from shrapnel or heat as perceived by many.

“The most lethal aspect in an explosion is not shrapnel or heat, it is the blast overpressure. The blast wave travels at supersonic velocity and severely affects the air-filled organs like lungs, kidneys, and bowels.

“We naturally tend to take a deep breath and hold it in emergencies. However, this proves lethal in a bombing situation, since our lungs become like a pressurised balloon to be ruptured by the blast wave,” he revealed.

Audu-Bida went further to diagnose a typical bomb attack as seen in recent time by saying the majority of victims die from internally related causes mainly from bleeding in the lungs.

“Only 6% on average die from shrapnel wounds. Your chances of injury with empty lungs are far smaller compared to holding your breath,” he said.

For consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Otabor, what kills an accident victim is also preventable. According to him, three major things

kill people in situation involving high impact of humans and objects.

“One is severe head injury, where you have injury to the brain and the content due to a high energy impact. It can lead to death on the spot. The second thing that kills fast is chest injury; whether penetrating chest injury or blunt chest injury because the chest contains vital organs like the heart, the lungs, and some other important structures. These are vital to life. When there has been a penetrating chest injury or blunt chest injury that pierces the heart, the lungs or any of the major blood vessels, which can result to death at the scene of the accident.

“Then closely following that is haemorrhage. A major organ may not have been injured but if there has been severance of a major blood vessel, a patient can bleed until he extenuates and that can lead to death at the scene of accident,” he said.

Dr. Otabor further revealed that many victims are lost in emergency situations because in “many times we cannot do much about it; if there’s a severe head injury, primary brain injury then there’s nothing anybody can do.

“We can also add cervical spine injury to that. For the chest injury, depending on the type of injury, if the

heart is crushed, pierced or the great vessels are ruptured or the lungs are severely coo… ..n, then there’d little anybody can do at that time.

Speaking to Leadership Weekend on the matter, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Kaduna State, Dr. Mohammed Sani Ibrahim said flying objects from a bomb blast often cause | blunt and penetrating injuries to victims.

The public health and community medicine consultant said such flying objects can pierce the body and tear organs like the abdomen, heart, lungs and other vital parts of the human body.

He also stated that objects can also damage internal organs without necessarily causing any physical damage that leads to internal bleeding which leads to shock as a result of improper circulation of blood to vital organs.

“Often open and closed injuries of the scarp also lead to blood loss in the head and can kill within minutes” says, Dr. Ibrahim.

Another major killer of humans after a blast is too much carbon in the lungs of victims.

Often many people tend to be weak from the force of the blast and cannot move leaving them to inhale to much smoke which chokes the lungs hence, increasing the casualties in a blast situation.

To reduce casualties in a blast situation, Audu-Bida has these tips: If things are falling around, crawl under a sturdy table or a solid object, and remain there for at least one minute; assist the disabled around but in doing that do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in obvious, immediate danger, such as a building collapse or fire and reduce lateral profile – while lying on the ground, try to lay on one side and use your arms to protect the exposed eye.

Dr. Ibrahim said since most Nigerians can only do little to prevent attacks, they can do more to safe lives in the events of any explosion. He suggested the ABC of resuscitation in emergencies. A is opening the air way, ensure the victim’s airways is open to allow air to enter the lungs. B is breathing and how is the breathing pattern. The C is the circulation of blood in the body. If there is bleeding arrest it by tying it with a cloth awaiting the arrival of medics.

“As you do that, you are pushing blood from the heart into the brain and therefore you are ensuring that oxygen continues to get to the brain. If that’s all that you can do before further help comes, you may have saved the patient’s life.

In doing the compression, the patient can wake up and that might just be what you need, says Dr. Otabor.

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

NOHC Will Change Global Perception About Nigeria – Obiozor A group of private individuals who feel that the state of the nation’s reputation needs a constructive and urgent overhaul have teamed up with the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and National Orientation, as well as some proudly Nigerian corporates under the banner “Nigeria: Our Heritage Project” with a view to creatively engendering a positive global perception for Nigeria. Former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof George Obiozor, who is a leading member of the team, spoke with SOLOMON NDAISAIAH on the project.

What is the ‘Nigeria: Our Heritage Project’ all about?

Nigeria: Our Heritage Project (NOHP) is conceived as an enduring movement to engender a positive global perception change for Nigeria such that Nigeria would be enabled internally and externally to realise her full potentials.

It will be activated by 100 proudly Nigerian public and private organisations that will catalyse the stra-

mately establish Nigeria as a leading nation through a multi-year, multi-media branding scheme and create easy access for global interests in the opportunities that exist in Nigeria.

How do you intend to bring this dream to fruition?

Obiozor

tegic repositioning of Nigeria as a more welcoming nation. With the official endorsement by the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, this project is better poised to achieving a positive perception change through a well-coordinated exposure of our heritage and the legendary Nigerian spirit for proper appreciation of the world. We intend to create a reputable machinery to attract trust and confidence in Nigeria as a global economic power. This unique project will chronicle Nigeria’s past, evaluate her present challenges and institutionalise progressive initiatives for a glorious future through publications, events, promotions, etc., as strategic platforms to aggressively redress the negative perception we currently have. NOHP will ulti-

Nigeria: Our Heritage Project (NOHP) is being mid-wifed as a national movement which will outlive all of us who are presently involved in birthing it. As a national movement, it would continue to grow year-on-year. It has a soul, and that is, the vision of Nigeria as a member of the top global country brands in the shortest possible time.

Very soon the NOHP movement will gain traction with a couple of activities and programmes this year, and we will continue to build on them as the years go by.

What are these programmes?

Very soon, we shall formally announce this project to Nigerians and friends of Nigeria and at that event, we shall unveil the full action plan of the project. However, I will share some of the activities and strategic outings with you so that you can appreciate the level of work we have done so far. Come August 7 in faraway Washington DC, President Barack Obama shall be hosting the US-Africa Summit for a select

group of African leaders. We have concluded plans to utilise the eminent platform to commence the reconstruction of the Nigerian narrative. During the summit, we will have a global launch of the project as a side event for constructive engagement. This will be held at the prestigious Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts. We are hoping that such exceptional gathering of political and business leaders gives us the right atmosphere to formally flag-off the project and place Nigeria on the global stage. We are in the process of securing lasting partnership with the highly respected centre which will be of great benefit to our partners and the country.

Considering that there have been many similar visions that failed to materialise, what makes this different?

There are so many reasons why we are positive. One is the quality of people involved. Number two, Nigeria is at a point where only decisive actions are urgently needed to restore our national pride and dignity. It is a critical situation that needs every passionate Nigerian or company or institution to get involved. We have been able to assemble a few like-minded and committed individuals to birth this idea. With the strong involvement of the private sector, this project is certain to succeed.

With the official endorsement by the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, this project is better poised to achieving a positive perception change

Undp, Smedan Train Women On Small Business To empower women in Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP) and the Small And Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) organised sensitisation training for some women business groups in Minna. AGBO-PAUL AUGUSTINE writes on the significance of the training.

Minna, the Niger State capital was the ideal city for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) to bring together women of different trade backgrounds for knowledge enrichment.

The women entrepreneurs were selected from the six geo-political zones of the country for a-one-day sensitisation training to further expose them to effective management of small business in Nigeria.

The two bodies recognised the immense contribution of women to the development of the Nigerian economy through the micro, small and medium enterprises scattered across the federation.

This informed the need to sensitise and re-train a select of them from the geo-political zones to make them more functional in managerial capacity with a view of en-

hancing their skills in their choice of business.

Formed into cooperative societies, the women were drawn from various enterprises ranging from agricultural and agro-allied, metal fabrication, trading, food processing, clothing and leather to wood and furniture. The programme was also aimed at addressing specific areas of challenge facing women entrepreneurs in managing their enterprises, such as gender discrimination, sourcing for information, machinery, raw materials, and establishment of business linkages with larger enterprises.

The women cooperatives are: Asibuolu-Uwa Multi-purpose Women Cooperative, Enugu State; Finima Women Industrial Cooperative, Bonny, Rivers State; Iderade Sheabutter Cooperative, Oyo State; Hakuri Kuchi Kebba Women Cooperative, Bida, Niger State; Ado Ekiti Ayobami NACCIMA Women Co-

operative, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State; Karfur Womens’ Grain Processors, Katsina State; NAWE Women Cooperative, Enugu State; Sandamu Women Livestock Farmers, Katsina State; Kalape Kangar Grain Processors, Gombe State and Hazza Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Niger State.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, SMEDAN represented

by Head of Enterprises, Mrs. Justina David said the collaboration between the UNDP and SMEDAN is aimed at providing strong support for Macro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) growth and development. She further remarked that the one-day entrepreneurship sensitisation programme was another milestone recorded by both institutions in a bid to provide all the resources required by MSME practitioners to operate optimally.

The representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Dr. Robert Asogwa commended the various women business groups that attended the training. He also singled out their homogenous dressing as “laudable” which underscores the fact that the cooperatives are not a one-woman group but active groups.

He spelt out the plan of the UNDP for the next four years as including the focus on micro,

small and small women and youthowned enterprises in Nigeria.

“The focus of the women should not just be on getting money from the UNDP or the government but to try and acquire skills from programmes like this.

“Programmes like the one being held will provide the requisite skills required for business growth.

It is also expected that these activities under the programme will catalyse entrepreneurial activities and development in Nigeria, with the interactions helping to build entrepreneurs’ confidence and increasing linkages and networking among participants,” he said.

All the 10 women business cooperatives had a special session with a special business enterprise consultant, Mr. Onesi Lawani of Braun Consult on their reasons for being in business. Responses of the women indicated a strong drive to supporting their husbands in setting their families on strong financial ground. They also said they want to build personal business profile and the capacity of women in their communities.

The women in their various presentations highlighted their business experiences and how to putting business management skills such as book keeping into practice which has help their businesses to grow.

The programme was also aimed at addressing specific areas of challenge facing women entrepreneurs in managing their enterprises

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weekend politics Saturday, July 12, 2014

Politics Editor Weeklies: UCHENNA Awom

There Is No Clear-Cut Agreement On Zoning In Delta- Deputy Speaker Hon. Basil Okobawei Ganagana is the deputy speaker, Delta State House of Assembly. The Patani-born lawmaker, in this interview with KOLA EKE-OGIUGO, says that though he is in support of power shift, he knows that there is no clear-cut zoning agreement in the state.

Do you support that Delta North produce the next governor?

So, there is no clear-cut zoning, but I believe that fair is fair.

Delta State is made up of three senatorial districts

Having been in the House since the return of democracy in 1999, representing Patani Constituency in Delta South Senatorial District, it is only fair that a Delta northerner succeeds Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who hails from Delta South. However there is no clear-cut agreement on the principle of zoning. I am one proponent of the fact that fair is fair but honestly speaking there is no clear cut agreement on the principle of zoning in Delta State. In every election, people from the various ethnic nationalities vie for the position of the governor. People from the three senatorial districts vie for the seat. For example, the election that brought in the incumbent governor, I remember that people from Delta North contested for it in 2007. So, there is no clear-cut zoning but I believe that fair is fair. Delta State is made up of three senatorial districts.

Delta Central has produced Chief James Ibori, Delta South has produced Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, it is only fair that Delta North should have a shot at the governorship seat. The fact is there is no clear cut position on zoning.

What has informed your plans to head to the House of Representatives?

Thank you so much. Infact, my

achievements speak for me such as: Patani Electrification Project, Bulu-Angiama Electrification Project, Odorubu Electrification Project, Adoubu Electrification Project, Adobu Water Scheme With Two Km Pipeline Extension, Odorubu Water Scheme With Two Km Pipeline Extension, Uduophori Water Scheme, Bulu-Appelebiri Water Project, Agoloma Water Project, Patani Water Project Situated at Oproza Gramm.

School, Toru-Koloware Water Project situated at Water Mami area, Amatebe Water Project, Bulu-Angiama Water Project, Toru-Angiama Water Project, Aven Water Project, BuluAngiama Wate Project, Phase II/3km Pipeline extension, Patani Solar Street Light Project/Phase 1, Bulu-Angiama Solar Street Light Project/Phase 1, Bulu-Angiama Solar Street Light Project/Phase 2, Koloware Solar Street Light Project/Phase 1, Aven Solar Street Light Project, Agoloma Street Light Project, Construction of Uduophori Comprehensive Health Centre, Rehabilitation and Extension of Bulu-Angiama Health Centre, Provision of Medical Equipment In All Health Centres In Patani LGA, Agoloma Foreshore Wall Phase I, Patani Multi-Purpose Centre Phase I, Bulu-Angiama Youth Development Centre.

How has it been in the House since you were voted into office to represent Patani Con-

Ganagana stituency?

I am irrevocably committed to the effective and efficient representation of the people of Patani in the state legislature.

Since my assumption in office, I have attracted socio-economic projects which have impacted positively on the lives of the people of my constituency. Through effective representative, water projects have been provided to the various communities in the area, schools rehabilitated and roads, especially the one that links six communities is being executed as well as ensured connection of about 90 percent of the communities to the national grid. He deployed his time and resources for sustained development of the area and empowerment of the people. As a policy, in every dispensation I do empowerment for people to

reduce poverty among the indigenes and enhance their economic well-being. I have decided that his empowerment programmes have resulted in the distribution of 169 motor cycles popularly called Okada for the youths, 100 sewing machines for women, barbing machines and generators for 80 persons as well as paid school fees for students from the constituency. As part of my effort to promote education in the area, I have instituted a scholarship programme for 100 students.

Having represented my people in the State House of Assembly since 1999, it is time to move forward to a higher level of representation in order to attract more dividends of democracy to his people.

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How did you manage the

This Week On Backlash

The National Conference was nearly torn apart along regional lines.

The northern delegates kicked against certain settled decisions like creation of additional states, especially for the South East, derivation and voice vote. They pushed for the re-opening of the issues with the application of open balloting. The southern delegates conversely objected to their position, insisting on the creation of more states for the South East, increase in derivation and continuance of voice vote.

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Backlash

Confab: Northern Delegates Kick Against Voice Vote, State Creation, Increase In Derivation

The feeling of some of the delegates from the North was that intrigues, manipulation, betrayal and personal interest instead of national interest currently hold sway at the Confab

The national conference assumed a new dimension within the week. Some far reaching decisions like the creation of new states particularly an additional one for the South East geo-political zone for “fair play”, derivation principle and of course the already decided issue of voice vote nearly brought the conference to an abrupt close.

Northern delegates, especially those of the core north were opposed to the decision to create additional states and the deletion of local government from the 1999 Constitution as amended. Consequently, they were said to have resolved at their meeting to demand for a reversal of decisions already taken at the conference and at best subject the settled issues to open balloting rather than voice vote. To push the decision, they threatened to take it to the floor of the confab last Monday even if it means walking out on the conference. That was the tense atmosphere, which charged the political atmosphere with the possibility of a planned major showdown.

However, the planned showdown between southern and northern delegates over the issues that could reshape the power configuration in the country, turned into an anti-climax after conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi ruled against reversion of positions adopted last week. It failed.

The planned confrontation was reported to have followed the mobilisation by Northern delegates for a repeal of the conference’s position on the creation of new states and local governments as a way of balancing the superiority enjoyed by the North.

The failure did not however go without a spirited attempt by the Northern delegates. As expected, after the opening prayers on resumption last Monday, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, a delegate from Sokoto State raised objections to the procedures used

in adopting the resolution on the creation of new states, saying to him, the procedures were full of errors.

Well it was not an easy affair for him. While he was still on his feet declaring that the decision on local governments was faulty, the hall was enveloped in shouts “No, no,’ ‘name the page properly.’

With their voices almost being drowned out, some northern delegates hinted on crippling the conference by walking out if their position on state creation and local governments were not met, insisting that the only thing the conference could do was to set the criteria for state creation and not to announce those that should be created.

The feeling of some of the delegates from the North was that intrigues, manipulation, betrayal and personal interest instead of national interest currently hold sway at the Confab headed by Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, and his coChair, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi.

It was said that many delegates from the region threatened to boycott the sessions over the alleged manipulation of deliberations as well as voting process in adopting reports of various committees of the Confab.

The northern delegates reportedly met in Abuja before the Monday sitting to deliberate on possible boycott of the sessions.

However, it was learnt that there was a split as delegates from the North-central geo-political zone pointedly objected , saying they were not boycotting the concluding part of the sittings.

That notwithstanding, other grouses of the Northern delegates include selective choice of delegates to speak during deliberations, “especially on controversial recommendations of some of the committees.

A delegate informed saying; “For instance, if you’ve noticed, in the last two weeks or so, Malam Magaji Dambatta has deliberately been sidelined by the leader-

ship. His hands have always been up, but the leadership pretends it doesn’t see him.

“It will also appear as if the leadership of the Conference has zeroed in on some delegates as the ones to speak on all issues being deliberated upon”.

Another cause of worry for the northern delegates was that, “though the committee of the ‘50 Wise Men’ had resolved that where we’re unable to reach consensus on any matter(s), 70% voting majority will be adopted in taking decisions, the Conference leadership resorted to voice vote, which makes nonsense of the thoroughness that should guide our decison-making process”, said the delegate.

However, while the northern delegates were unhappy, the Igbos have hailed the Confab’s decision, describing it as one taken in national interest.

The spokesman of the northern delegates, Mr. Anthony Sani, according to reports said northerners were not opposed to creation of new states so long as they meet the requirements set up by the creating authority.

The northern delegates wondered why a state would be created on equality without equity rather than on meeting laid down criteria.

They also saw no wisdom in excluding population and land mass among the factors to be considered in the creation exercise.

Erstwhile Nigerian diplomat Professor Ibrahim Gambari helped calm passions, at the sitting when he called for decorum in the plenary, warning against abuse of voice vote in the conference especially on issues that affect unity and security of the country.

Professor Gambari, who reminded delegates of efforts made by some elders of the conference to reconcile decisions of the conference to ensure transparency and accountability, stressed that steps must be taken to take the

Anthony Sani

conference to its conclusion, hinting that “all northern delegates are committed to the progress and success of this conference”.

According to him, Northern Elders met with the leadership of the Conference to complain of abuse of voice vote, especially on very serious issues, adding that at the end of the meeting which he termed very constructive, there were promises from the management that corrections would be made as well as reconcile where there were conflicts.

Conversely, another delegate representing Kebbi State and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed in his contribution called for the sustenance of voice vote and consensus in deciding the final report. However, his assertion that some decisions earlier taken should be suspended until further consensus was reached was followed by shouts of ‘no, no, no’.

Reiterating his point, he said: “I propose we allow time instead of saying these decisions are sacrosanct”, and again, chants of ‘no, no, no’ filled the hall.

The delegates could not have their way at the conference, thus raising doubt of a happy ending for the National Conference meant to discuss way forward for the country.

There Is No Clear-cut Agreement On Zoning In Delta – Deputy Speaker 65

House while you were the Acting Speaker?

It is on record that I have also sponsored over 20 motions which were adopted by the House that have had direct bearing on the lives of our people. These include: Motion calling on the Governor, to forward a bill to the House on the report of the Niki Tobi Law Review Commitee, the governor promptly responded; call on the president to re-

verse the increase in the prices of petroleum products and VAT. President GEJ responded by reducing the price of fuel from the initial N120 to N97 per litre; motion to condemn all acts or intended acts of hostage taking, hostilities and vandalisation of oil installation within Delta state in particular and Niger Delta in general; and I humbly call on the governor to direct the relevant government to construct embank-

ment walls on the river banks of Abari, Toru-Angiama and Adoubu communities situated along the bank of River Forcados; call on the president to formulate a policy that will require major oil exploration and producing companies, to establish refineries in Nigeria. Motion was amended to invite the management of shell; call on the president to prevail on the management of shell and other oil companies, to stop the

intended plan to sack workers; mandating the House committee on commerce to investigate the complaints of irregularities in the allocation of stores in Ogbeogonogo market; ccall on the governor to lift the embargo on employment of Teachers; call on the president to direct the petroleum Training and Development Fund (PTDF) to reverse the plan to establish the National college of petroleum studies in Kaduna; vote of con-

67

weekend politics 67

Saturday, July 12, 2014

the lashback

Southern Delegates Insist On New States, Increase In Derivation And Voice Vote

We all belong to a country where we are all equal.

Nobody is superior to the other.

That was the basis of our coming together. If I know any moment that you are superior in this country and I am inferior, then I do not argue with you

Conversely, the Southern delegates to the conference insist on the creation of new states, particularly an additional one for the South East zone, increase in the derivation and the continued adoption of voice vote in arriving at a decision in the conference.

The Southern delegates also vehemently objected to the North’s moves to reopen already settled issues.

Speaking for the Southern delegates on Sunday, Yinka Odumakin said the move to re-open the settled issues would be effectively tackled.

He told a national newspaper that the move was akin to another annulment, warning of the consequences of such, with the benefit of history.

According to him, “if they succeeded in getting that through (re-opening for head-count), it would start with issues thereafter.

“It is impossible to make retroactive decision as that would amount to another annulment.

The last time we had an annulment, the country was in crisis for five years. We wait for them to bring anything on, we surely will have an answer.”

In his reaction, Chief Clark reiterated his warning that no part of the country should think it was in any way superior to others, even as no one was inferior to the other. He added that it was sad and unfortunate that the Northern Elders could meet with the management without carrying along other leaders and elders especially from the South South zone.

He said: ”It was sad that issues are now being raised almost when we are at the end of the conference. We have considered 19 reports and we have just one to go and issues are now being raised”.

Explaining that delegates consulted among themselves to have pre-conference meetings of an 18man committee to resolve contentious issues before coming to the conference, Chief Clark, who specifically named Professor Auwalu Yadudu as gate-crashing into the meeting of the delegates and despite being welcomed, moved to discredit the conference because his point of view was not accepted.

He said that the pre-conference meetings were approved by leaders of the geo-political zones, noting that it was wrong for any group to send a delegation to leadership of the conference in the bid to seek reversal of decisions taken. He opined that the best such aggrieved persons could do was to liaise with delegates from other zones to see how compromise could be reached for the good of all, just as he appealed to delegates to be more united in the interest of Nigeria and progress of the country.

Chief Clark said: “Let me say this, this country called Nigeria which was amalgamated North and South was made up of equal citizens. That is, we all belong to a country where we are all equal.

Nobody is superior to the other.

That was the basis of our coming together. If I know any moment that you are superior in this country and I am inferior, then I do not argue with you.

“We came to this conference in order to have harmonization, consensus and some of us came out and consulted our fellow leaders.

Can we have a meeting, a pre-conference meeting? This was up to last week. I consulted Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, I consulted with Alhaji Coomassie, I consulted with Jerry Gana, and we met Olu Falae, Jer-

ry Gana, Gen Ike Nwachukwu and others, and we set up an 18-man committee to meet and resolve issues before we come to the floor.

They met once in AIT conference room. After that, there are people who believe they know so much.

Some of us here also have children who went to some of the best universities in the world, and no one should come to flaunt his professorship to others here.

“Professor Yadudu, who was not selected by the North, came there and objected to everything.

He wrote a letter to Dokpesi that they have withdrawn, that no surrender. So we said; can we meet so that we can resolve issues?

Then we came to the open here, it is very unfair. Who defines important matters and who defines matters that are not important?

Nobody!”

Following his speech, delegates urged the leadership of the conference to stop entertaining private delegates from the zones.

Soon after Chief Clark, a delegate representing Kebbi State and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed in his contribution called for the sustenance of voice vote and consensus in deciding the final report. However, his assertion that some decisions earlier taken should be suspended until further consensus was reached was followed by shouts of ‘no, no, no’.

Meanwhile, majority of delegates, gave heed to an increase in the minimum level of derivation proceeds accruable to mineral producing areas of the country.

Delegates speaking ahead of the consideration of the part of the report dealing with derivation, urged for an increase in minimum derivation, saying such was necessary to enable states in the Niger

Yinka Odumakin

Delta adequately tackle challenges in the region occasioned by oil exploration.

That was, however, not without opposition from delegates primarily from the core northern states, who said that such measure would be amounting to giving much to the Niger Delta states at the expense of non oil producing states.

While most delegates from the South, particularly, the South South and South East said derivation should be increased from the present 13 percent to between 21.5 and 50 per cent, the delegates from the core north insisted that it should rather be reduced further from where it is now.

The committee co-chaired by Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State; and Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, the former Inspector General of Police, had after weeks of disagreements and inability of its members to shift positions, recommended that the existing 13 percent be maintained.

There Is No Clear-cut Agreement On Zoning In Delta – Deputy Speaker 66

fidence on the governor and congratulations to him on the award by the CBN as the Best state in Poverty Alleviation Programmes in Nigeria and Award

by Thisday Newspapers as the Best state government in Agricultural Development; condemnation of the wanton destruction of government properties at the state universal Basic Education Board office; motion to urge the governor to direct the commissioner of education to put all modalities in place to access over (792,000,000.00) seven hundred and Ninety-Two million naira. I call on the governor to direct the chairman of oshimili North and south LGA

to relocate the illegal market at the entrance of Legislators Quarters; and I urged the president to direct the Federal Character Commission to ensure that indigenes of Delta state are not marginalised by the Federal Civil Service Commission in its recruitment exercise.

How have you been able to attract employment for the unemployed youths in your area?

Only recently, precisely 2013, Over 150 students studying in various tertiary institutions across the nation benefitted from the scholarship scheme.

Also, 161 persons were hand-

ed motor-cycles, 20 persons got motor saws, 100 women were given sewing machines, 62 others got hair dryers and generators for saloon business, 36 persons got Clippers and generators for Barbing Saloon, 5 persons were given welding machines, 14 persons were given exotic cars including 4 jeeps while some others got canopies and chairs for rental services. It might interest you to know that I have constructed: concrete road leading from Akpogbene to Akobiri, Corpers lodge at Bulu-Angiama, cottage Hospital at Agoloma, students toilet at Amatebe, Rehabilitation of Opukabu Primary School, Patani,

Ganagana

Matrons Ward at Bulu-Angiama, Oporoza Grammar School Fence, Bulu-Angiama Secondary School fence, 4-Classroom Block at Bulu-Apelibiri.

68 OPINION

Saturday, July 12, 2014

The Rebirth At UniAbuja

BY Osaretin Osadebamwen

Besides infrastructure, academic development in the university has also been woeful as it has been characterised by an epileptic work schedule, owing to incessant strike actions often by the local unions and sometimes by their national bodies

On Monday, June 30, 2014, a new vice chancellor, Prof. Michael Umale Adikwu, was appointed to run the University of Abuja for the next five years.

25 years after the university’s inception in 1988, and with over N35 billion spent, what you have is a temporary site at Gwagwalada, that is little more than a glorified secondary school and a permanent site along Giri Airport Road that is defined by inadequate, poorly built, abandoned and dilapidated buildings that dot the massive but underutilised land mass of the university.

Besides infrastructure, academic development in the university has also been woeful as it has been characterised by an epileptic work schedule, owing to incessant strike actions often by the local unions and sometimes by their national bodies. Even when in session, tales of malpractices by the lecturers and students are commonplace.

Government has responded to all these by setting up a number of visitation panels, the last one which was the presidential special visitation panel of 2012. The report of that panel had far reaching recommendations, including sack of the Prof. Adelabu-led management of the university and that the vice chancellor to be appointed next should come from outside the university.

This particular recommendation was sequel to the intractable problems of the university that had pitched the dons into two main divides and several but nefarious cleavages.

Unfortunately, the government has failed or refused to issue a White Paper on the recommendations despite repeated demands by the local ASUU, the national body and even the council of the university.

Sources say that the recent appointment of a new vice chancellor was one exercise that tasked the experience of Gen. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (rtd), the pro-chancellor and chairman of the council. Dr Ogbemudia’s council received an unprecedented 123 applicants from eminent professors, however only 10 were shortlisted for the interview.

It was also gathered that the selection board forwarded Professor Umaru Danbatta, Abdulraheem Lawal and Michael Adikwu with 83 per cent, 73 per cent and 65 per cent respectively, to the council. However, a group in the council insisted on Pro-

fessor Danbatta since he scored the highest votes and his northwest geopolitical zone hadn’t any of the university’s principal officers. This group, made up of six (6) council members abstained from voting as it became clear to them that the other group made up of eight (8) members was going to win.

They were reported to have blank ballot papers, while the other 8 voted for Professor Adikwu. The Universities (miscellaneous provisions) (Amendment Act 2003, provides that the selection board recommends three candidates to the council from which one will be appointed.

What is important is that three persons were recommended by the selection board and that one of the three was appointed.

Paradoxically, it appears that a good man has emerged from this controversy, that is the new vice chancellor himself, Prof. Michael N. Adikwu. He was the most unlikely of all the candidates.

He is a professor of pharmacy, a course not offered in the university. He is a from Benue state in the north central, the least favoured zone for the job. According to an inside source, he was least expected, but Prof. Adikwu emerged as one of the three candidates, which became the nemesis of the schemers that were caught napping and became victims of their own conspiracy.

Prof. Adikwu is a thoroughbred academic, prolific writer with over 220 research publications in local and international journals over 100 conference papers and 10 text books to his credit. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of science, a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, an Honorary Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, President of the Nanomedicine Society of Nigeria, etc. He is also the winner of the prestigious May and Baker Price for Excellence in the practice of Pharmacy and the Nigerian Price for Science etc.

The pro-chancellor and council chairman, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, who is reported to have drawn up a long programme of action for the new vice chancellor, charged him to hit the ground running. Not surprising, Prof. Adikwu upon taking over on the 1st of July, 2014, immediately swung into action by immediately meeting with the unions to resolve issues surrounding the ongoing strike action, amongst many other things.

Osaretin Osadebamwen wrote in from Abuja

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INTERIOR NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, WUSE DISTRICT, ZONE 5, ABUJA

INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION/TENDER ADDENDUM Further to an earlier publication by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Some National Dailies viz: Vanguard and Leadership Newspaper of Monday 2nd June, 2014 and the Federal Tender Journal of 16th -29th June, 2014 on ‘’Invitation For Pre-qualification” for the year 2014, the Corps wishes to further acquaint interested bidders with additional information regarding specifications of items on A and B which was erroneously omitted in the initial publication.

PURCHASE OF MOTOR VEHICLE LOT 1. Saloon Cars 2.0 litres Engine , Automatic Gear, Petrol Engine Fully Air-conditioned LOT 2. Double Cabin Pick-up Vans 4WD, 2.7 Litres Petrol Engine, Fully Air-conditioned LOT 3. Supply of Ambulance 5 Speed Manual Transmission with Auxiliary Gear, 2.7 litres Petrol Engine with Medical Equipment and Fully Airconditioned LOT 4. Supply of Heavy Duty Truck with Carrier and Collapsible Seats LOT 5. Supply of Towing Truck with Accessories.

LOT 6. Supply of 18 Seater Bus 2.7 Litres Petrol Engine with AC. B. PURCHASE EQUIPMENT

OF

OPERATIONAL

AND

SURVEILLANCE

LOT 1. Anti-Riot Shield PS 58, S. 900 X 500mm, thickness 3.5-4mm, weight 2.6kg/PC and 1000 PC. LOT 2. Anti-Riot Helmet with Mask Holder and Artificial leather Protector, PC- Anti-fogging, Anti strong blow, interior cover36.5 x30.5 x 21.5cm LOT 3. Rain Boot PS 950 Black Waterproof LOT 4. Fragmented Jacket LOT 5. TW-10 Heavy Stun Gun LOT 6. Silver steel Stainless Hand Cuffs LOT 7. Silver steel Stainless Leg Cuffs W/18’’ chain LOT 8. Swimming Jackets LOT 9. Digital Camera HVR-HD1000E LOT 10. 7.15 x 35mm Zoom Binoculars LOT 11. 2.0 Spy Glasses, Voice and Video Recorder LOT 12. Combi Tool Spreader Super- Vario SPS 400 LOT13. Hydraulic Cutter, Model S270 71 with a Compact Power Unit E400 and V400.

LOT 14. Celestron Vista Pix 8 x 22 Binocular Digital Camera.

LOT 15. DT6 4X4 DE Thermal Sensor, Rohs Compliant LOT 16. Spy Wrist Watch Camera; SC 005, Voice and Video recording, Picture Shooting, PC Camera, 1280x 960, 30FPS Water proof, PC/ABS and 4GB Memory.

LOT 17. Explosive Detonator/ Disruptor LOT 18.Bullet proof Ballistic Helmet 93 x 32 x 80cm LV VI LOT 19. Telephone Interception/ Cellular Location Tracker.

2.

3.

4.

With this development, the Corps wishes to inform interested bidders that the closing date for submission of tender documents has been extended to Monday 21st July 2014 at 10am. Kindly note however that the bid shall be opened at 1.00pm of the same day (21st July) and at the same venue. All other details remain unchanged.

Any inconveniences caused by this sudden change in date is highly regretted Please ensure compliance.

Signed:

DIRECTOR PROCUREMENT (NSCDC)

69

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Charlyboy Nuts And Screws 08032481739

People ask why CharlyBoy is who he is

Searching Inward

Email: areafada1@yahoo.com Twitter:@areafada1 Instagram: areafada1 BB pin: 2324A360

Reviling My ‘Splendour’

T

Khadija Abdu Iya

he days after the Justice Oputa funeral have come and gone, leaving only the marks of the after events, many occurrences, especially concerning what the media saw to call a spat between I, CharlyBoy, and Rochas Okorocha, the Governor of the state of Imo. Many have seen fit to comment about what happened, the people involved, the controversies, the provocateur’s virgins...

People ask why CharlyBoy is who he is. Why have two day musical concerts after the death of his Iconic father? Why argue with a state governor – doesn’t he fear the vengeance of a man of power?

Why walk around with 6 feet tall, provocatively clad girls wearing bizarre wigs in public, even in the presence of God, his wife and the dearly departed? For some reason, the last one elicits more aggravation than most questions about Charles Oputa. Funny how envy and anger gets blurred.

A lot of people in Nigeria live in fear and express it through anger, jealousy and spite – all acceptable than actually having the courage to face that fear and be the person they really were made to be.

As a brand, CharlyBoy is me doing my job well – it’s an image, a character invented to shake monotonous minds from their daily doldrums and pull them away from the comforts of the familiar, just for a while, but even that as we have seen from the pictures and videos from the weeklong event, is more than enough to stir excitement and controversy – good and bad.

I have been called everything from a cheap publicity monger to a cult leader and those “Virgins” whose tests have yet to be confirmed have been identified as my granddaughters, spiritual wives, satan’s handmaidens and most insulting, Lady Diane’s sales girls moonlighting as virgins.

Apparently, times are hard.

Their hustle is genuine.

How did the Day of Tribute organised by the Imo State

government on behalf of the great Justice Oputa turn into a political campaign front and a seminar in ass kissing? Why would anyone expect me to sit down and listen to politicians begging for goodwill from the governor while using the memory of my late father as an opportunity? What an insult on his name!

What I can’t understand is why everyone chooses to judge me as a devil worshipper and a thug, when the father and legal legend that was the Late and very great Justice Oputa found it in his heart and mind to accept his son for who he was: his own man. Justice Oputa accepted me and everything about me; doesn’t that say something positive about the man behind the CharlyBoy brand?

At the very least I’m honest about my identity, proud about my upbringing and courageous in the face of crippling doubt about my work as CharlyBoy. But I am confident in the fact that I’m going one thing many will never accomplish in their short time on Earth: leaving a legacy, just like my father did.

As funny yet predictable as it seems, some cousins of mine decided to go looking for Rochas Okorocha on my behalf without informing me. Who knew that their love ran so deep? They made an attempt to “apologise” for my actions towards the Governor, but upon looking at them, the people representing Rochas decided that these four men before him were hungry and desperate to make money off the Oputa name. Needless to say, their plans didn’t work. Talk about people swallowing panadol for your own headache!

Instead of wallowing in the bile of hypocrisy and envy, why don’t we search ourselves and consider the deeper actions beneath all the pomp and pageantry twisted and manipulated by the media? Is that prickly sensation in your heart righteous indignation over the Oputa Funeral, or just mild heartburn?

Check yourself – hypocrisy kills.

07033726351 (Text only) searchinwards@yahoo.com 0708 370 1955 cedarministriesintl@yahoo.com

The New Dawn A New Dawn is an interesting narrative of a woman who decides to go into politics because of the failed system of governance in her local government. She has lost a child at some point before which informed her decision to go into politics.

She became passionate about the need for a change and decided to vie for the local government chairmanship position. After seeking permission from her husband, she spoke to her neighbors and market women of the ‘fire’ burning inside her to save mothers from going through the pains of losing a child. She described how necessary that change would be and how that would see things work the way they should.

She craves; potable water, good roads and all the basic amenities to be made available to the people without hassle. The market women saw the sincerity of purpose and gave her their support. The serving local government chairman at first took her intentions for granted and thought at how a mere teacher could unseat him. He got the shock of his life when he found out that the will of the people was greater than any god-father, money or whatever he thinks he’s got against her. Her biggest challenge however was fund. But alas, she made it against all odds! Find out all the intrigues and power play the former chairman tried to play when you buy the movie.

Politics is about influence In most of my articles, I’ve always emphasised on not being too enthusiastic about politics. My forte has always been making something out of nothing; in other words, creating relevance where there seems not to be any. That is my definition of entrepreneur ship and that has become my reality. That movie has changed my whole perception of women being in politics completely. It is clear in that movie that the woman transformed herself to become a change agent. Who you are and what you represent is of utmost importance. That also determines how many people would take you seriously. It is hard enough that women who are in the business of changing lives have to contend with a lot of issues, but for them to make that deliberate change in the lives of many, focus must be made on service. They must work three times harder than men! Politics is about influence; it is about how many people you are able to influence and how the result would be impacted upon making their lives better. In Nigeria, developmental growth has been slow due to all

the cultural and negative approaches used in the past, but we are coming of age as a people and one of the most important aspects of the growth we must deal with is bringing more women on board to take part in the decision-making process; women who are schooled and groomed to awake to their roles and responsibilities.

Training These and many more are the roles the Nigerian Trust Fund has been playing and establishing; how traditional contemporary and ethical politician should be like, focus being on women. Most women who know and understand their salt have a lot to bring to the table; especially, those who already understand the power of being a woman and a mother.

The Nigerian Trust Fund produced the movie and we were invited for the premiere;an awesome moment. Major stake holders in women politics in Nigeria were all in attendance. My take home that day was the deeper meaning and significance of putting credible women to be part of the change we need in our society. A renewed generation of women we can trust, depend on and trained by the fund to engage in politics.

Key results areas Their roles and key results areas should be well-defined, grooming them to become the best that they can be. This worthy purpose of the fund is gaining grounds and I pray they discover the right people and get them to change the entire globe of politicking and good governance in Nigeria. The movie succeeded in emoting feelings of ‘can do’ for the next generation of women...

Women It has been estimated that the countries which had been ruled by women or who have more women in politics have an edge over most of the countries that women are a meager number and are hardly part of the decision-making process. For example, let’s start from a small unit of governance say a small organization... Women leaders are more assertive and persuasive, have a stronger need to get things done and are more willing to take risks than male leaders, according to a new study conducted by Caliper, a Princeton-based management consulting firm, which has assessed the potential of more than two million applicants and employees for over 25,000 companies around the world, and Aurora.

I’ve always emphasised on not being too enthusiastic about politics

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

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Leadership wEEKEND

DAY

31

Saturday, July 12, 2014

The Pressure Is On Germany – Argentina South American giants Argentina feel they are not under any pressure as they prepare to square off in the final of this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil against Germany tomorrow.

Argentina scraped past the Netherlands on penalties in the semi-finals, while Germany

humiliated host nation Brazil 7-1 to secure their spot in the final.

And Argentine forward Sergio Aguero believes his European counterparts have the upper hand going into Sunday’s final, yet feels his side are happy going into the encounter as underdogs.

“Germany were always the

Scolari

favourites, along with Brazil, to win the World Cup,” the striker said.

“They continue to be so now. We need to play our own game and it suits us that all the pressure is on them. We are in the final and we have to play it and win it in whatever way possible.”

Team mate Maxi Rodriguez agreed, yet feels his side are capable to stopping the wellorganised German outfit as they go in search of their third Mundial.

“Germany is a very strong, aggressive opponent, but if we are at our best we can beat anyone,” said Rodriguez.

Federico Fernandez of Argentina challenges Michael Babatunde of Nigeria during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Nigeria and Argentina

Babatunde Michael Lauds Jonathan’s Support

BY Salifu Usman, Abuja

Volyn Lutsk of Ukraine striker and Super Eagles revelation at the ongoing Brazil 2014 FIFA World, Michael Babatunde has commended President, Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Sports and chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Tammy Danagogo and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the tremendous support given to him while passing through injury he sustained during the Nigeria’s match against Argentina.

The former Heartland of Owerri player, who is recuperating in Abuja, said he will back to action soon and

assured Nigerians his best is yet to come. “My doctors told me that it will take me one month to recover from this injury. I have already undergone a successful surgery to correct the fracture in my hand.

“I would like to say a big thank you to President Jonathan, the Minister of Sports and the leadership of the NFF for standing by me during my injury at the World Cup. With the type of support I have received so far from the government and Nigerians, I promise to give my best to the Super Eagles whenever I am called up to represent my country. Nigerians are yet to see my best.

“Everything was okay for me because at my age, playing as the youngest player in the Nigerian team was a very big life achievement, which I would rely on to do well in my future career for both my club and the national team.”

Babatunde, who started Nigeria’s match against Bosnia/Herzegovina and Argentina, admitted that his inclusion in Super Eagles’ squad to the World Cup was a big surprise, but he is happy that he justified the inclusion. “I wanted to use my surprise inclusion to the Super Eagles World Cup squad to prove that I rightly deserved a place in the team and I thank God that I was able to make that despite the injury I sustained,” he noted.

Kano Pillars Sign Ocheje, 5 Others

BY Salifu Usman, Abuja

Nigerian champions Kano Pillars have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of new players ahead of the resumption of the second half of the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season.

The club’s Media Officer, Idris Malikawa, confirmed to KickOffNigeria.com that six new players have been recruited based on the recommendations of the Okey Emordi-led technical crew.

The new signings are: Nura Ibrahim and Muntari Ali who were signed from local teams in Kano. Bala Muhammad from Enyimba, Tochukwu Eson from FC Taraba,

Moses Ocheje from Dolphins and Abawula Anthony from Bayelsa United.

Malikawa stated that the players had already passed the medical test and some of them joined the training session of the club at Kano Pillars Stadium in Sabon Gari.

“We know second round would not be easy been the league leaders and also the defending champion that is why we are fortifying the team with additional players in order to make sure we achieve our target,” Malikawa said.

Four players were been put on transfer in the club at this mid-season and some had been served with warning letters for their low performances and other

Ocheje

unacceptable behaviour during the first stanza.

The four players that had been placed on transfer are: Nura Muhammad, Henry Ezekiel, Ado Ali and Obi Eugene.

Babatunde Michael With the type of support I have received so far from the government and Nigerians, I promise to give my best to the Super Eagles whenever I am called up to represent my country

Felipe Scolari Must Go – Zico Brazil legend Zico believes Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari should be sacked and replaced by Muricy Ramalho following the country’s crushing World Cup semi-final exit.

The tournament hosts were humiliated 7-1 by Germany this week, with calls rising for Scolari to be given the axe after Saturday’s third place play-off with the Netherlands.

Zico, who played in three World Cups and was a star in the 1982 team - widely considered the finest not to win the event, believes Sao Paulo boss Ramalho is best suited to adress the Samba Boys’ tarnished standing.

“We should thank him (Scolari) and thank (assistant coach Carlos Alberto) Parriera too. But we need to choose new people with new thoughts about how to play the Brazilian way,” Zico said in the Daily Mail.

He added of Ramalho: “He is one the greatest champions of the Brazilian league, which is one of the hardest in the world to win.

Ramalho reportedly turned down the national team job in 2010 when in charge of Fluminense.

Ejike Set For Mamelodi Sundowns Reunion

Super Eagles midfielder, Ejike Uzoenyi is expected to return to his South Africa’s club, Mamelodi Sundowns next week after his loan deal at Enugu Rangers officially expired.

The speedy winger has been given an extended break following his participation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with the Super Eagles and though he is still in his homeland, he will not be continuing with Rangers when the Nigerian Premier League resumes next week.

Sundowns have confirmed that they expect the 22-year-old back at Chloorkop next week.

Uzoenyi’s handlers have also confirmed that he has been given a longer break to allow him to recover from the effects of playing non-stop football for the past 18 months.

“He [Uzoenyi] is still in Nigeria but his loan deal at Rangers expired on June 30. He should now be heading to his parent club Sundowns and will actually be reporting for training within the next 10 days because he has played a lot of football over the past year,” says one of his representatives.

AMUSEMENT PARK

I DON’T GREATLY ADMIRE JAPANESE WOMEN; THEY HAVE NO FIGURES TO SPEAK OF, AND LOOK AS IF A BEE HAD STUNG THEM IN THE EYE — Crosbie Garstin

12.07.14

www.leadership.ng

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 440 N300

The Weekend Column Capt Daniel Omale

N

Half of the pilots were able to see the graphical intent information of other traffic

ASA and industry are developing a suite of surface trajectorybased operations applications to help pilots safely and efficiently taxi between gates and runways at increasingly congested airports. Key elements of these applications, which will be a feature in next generation integrated cockpits, include airport moving maps with GPS-based own-ship position, synthetic and enhanced vision, data-link communications for messaging with controllers, and ubiquitous surveillance input from automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-R).

While the technologies needed for full surface trajectorybased operations (STBO) implementation are not yet developed, early pathfinder versions are beginning to emerge in the business aviation market.

Post-2020, researchers say, STBO will be a required complement to the airborne 4-D trajectory (position and time) operations that are fundamental to the success of the nextgeneration air transportation system, which requires a defined departure time and arrival at key fixes along the route at predetermined times. Getting from the gate to the runway for the assigned departure time is just as important, but involves more variables – starts, stops, merging into lines, undefined separation criteria – than for airborne 4-D trajectory operations, particularly at congested airports. “Surface operations are a bottleneck in terms of reliable operations,” says Randy Bailey, team lead for flight deck interface technologies for NASA Langley. Both NASA Langley and NASA Ames Research Center have been researching ground and flight-deck STBO technologies for several years.

Aviation week sample Langley’s latest STBO application evolution in the Langley research flight-deck simulator on March 20 with Denies Jones, an

On-time Taxi daniel@leadership.ng

aerospace research engineer.

The setup is identical to what Jones used in a research trial last fall with 12 airline crews testing various permutations of the application. Results of that study will be presented this fall. The research flight deck has four large flat-panel displays at the front, a Rockwell Collins HGS-6700 head-up guidance system for both pilots and an Astronautics Corp. touch-screen electronic flight bag (EFB) that hosts applications developed

by Langley, on both sides of the cockpit.

While at the simulated gate at the Memphis (Tenn.)

International Airport, we received an “expected” STBO taxi clearance from ground controllers as a taxi message via data link that read: Expect taxi to Runway 18R from spot 13 via [taxiway names] with expected taxi release time at 12:32Z universal time.

On the EFB, pilots can touch the tan chevrons representing other traffic on the ground to see their taxi routes and “intent” circles for their expected location in 30 sec. “If the circles overlap, that is bad,” says Jones. “It means you’ll be at the intersection at the same time.”

Of particular interest to NASA during the pilot study was how much buffer crews needed to feel comfortable turning in front of traffic approaching the same intersection based on the intent circles alone. Langley researchers have also developed audible and textual conflict-detection-andresolution applications that depend on ADS-B-In surveillance data for the location of other aircraft and vehicles.

In Jones’s study last year, half of the pilots were able to see the graphical intent information of other traffic and half were provided with only textual information, requiring them to interpret and visualize the routes on their airport movingmap diagrams. The pilots’ overall preference was to see the routes drawn out on the map, says

Jones.

Industry meanwhile is moving forward with bringing pieces of the STBO puzzle to market. Both Rockwell Collins and Honeywell are developing 3-D guidance systems using synthetic vision on the head-up and -down displays, respectively.

Rockwell Collins is developing a head-up synthetic-vision taxiguidance system for its Pro Line Fusion integrated flight decks and synthetic-vision-capable head-up guidance systems (HGS) that is “nearly ready for full-scale development,” says Matt Carico, senior engineering manager of advanced concepts.

“We’re about ready to commit it to programs once we find the right customer. We are thinking we have done enough work with the pilot communities to refine the human-machine interface so that it is acceptable.” Carrico demonstrated the system to Aviation Week in late March, with a simulated taxi route at the Rio de Janeiro/Galeao-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. The system does not require datacomm or ADS-B, although future versions could use the technologies.

Pilots enter, by hand, the approved taxi route into the prototype system, which interprets the text and creates a text version of the route and a graphical taxi route in green on both the 2-D airport moving map on the panel and in the 3-D synthetic vision system on the HGS. The system also shows target and current speeds. Target speed is not based on an RTA, but is pre-selected based on the maximum speed for passenger comfort in terms of turns on the taxiways or exiting a runway on a high-speed taxiway after landing.

In the HGS 3-D view, the pilot sees cones marking the edges of the taxi route and flattened triangles on the center line that show the direction of travel, as well the taxiway identifier. Also in view is route information – target and actual speed, and distance in feet to the next turn

08054102747 (text only) – none of which clutter the view ahead. The bottom one-third of the HGS view shows the aircraft’s position on a 2-D map, complete with range-rings. The prototype also included virtual barriers on the HGS view for active-hold locations, and audible callouts, including upcoming holds, intersections and turn directions at those intersections. Carrico notes that the callouts are experimental. “We’re not sure if pilots are going to like those or not,” he says. Once lined up on the runway, the “taxi” display reverts to the normal synthetic vision display for takeoff.

Honeywell is working on a 3-D taxi system for the primary flight display, which would be converted to a “primary taxi display “ when the pilot selects the mode, with the navigation display showing a standard 2-D airport moving map. The taxi display has an exocentric view of the aircraft, from behind and to the right, showing a 3-D view of the airport, with labeled taxiways and a compass showing direction of travel. A red-andwhite segmented circle denotes “hot spots,” where the FAA has found that runway incursion risks are increased. Future capabilities include real-time taxi guidance and ADS-B-In traffic.

— Source: AW&ST, May 2014

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