Nigerian observer 03 06 2014 by Nigerian Observer

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 • NO.004 TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014 • N 100.00 CUTTING EDGE Page 13

Nigeria needs Heroes

Edo Fire Fighters save 103 lives, N1.5bn property

BENIN CITY – Fire Fighting and Rescue Services of Edo State Ministry of Transport has saved 103 lives and property worth N1,507,708,450 billion. These were results of

combat of 103 fire incidents that occurred at Private dwelling, pipe line explosions, tankers, industrial establishments, hotels, electricity transformer, stalls, busstop, markets, petrol

stations, automobile, shopping complex and finance house in different parts of the state in the last quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014. These were contained in a statistical document

from the Planning, Research And Statistics Department, of the Ministry and made available to newsmen in Benin City yesterday. During the incidences, Continues on page 2

Illegal logging

NATRITIONAL HEALTH AND DIETETICS Page 14

Nervousness and the causes

Edo steps up action By ADAMS OYIBOKE

BENIN CITY - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said his government will step up action against illegal felling of trees as a step towards protection of the environment and battle climatic change. “We need to protect Speaking yesterday at the inauguration of the our environment; if we Forestry Management don’t protect the forest, Committee and Edo City we could become part of Transport Service Board the savanna. “The issue of climatic at the Government House Benin City, change is real and the Oshiomhole said: “the damage which people challenge before you is who fell trees for their own selfish reasons do to enormous. “It is not only about the environment is collecting revenue from something that we must those involved in logging, confront head-on. “Ensure that our I think the first task is to forests are not protect our forest.

devastated by illegal felling of trees. We need to revisit the books and know what new laws we need in order to protect our environment”, he said. On the Edo City Transport Service,

Oshiomhole said, “I trust, as men and women of responsibility, you would be able to add value to the management of the Transport sector. “We are working hard to raise fund to increase the fleet so that we have

more buses plying the city. They currently have one hundred buses and we intend to increase the number. “It will be to your credit if we are able to achieve this. I ask you to scrutinize the

management and ensure that they do the right thing. “Ensure that the company is run efficiently and profitably. Ensure that there are no wastages and above all, Continues on page 2

HIV/AIDS: EDOSACA

to assist civil society organisations By QUEENNETH A. OROBEDEO BENIN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere has said the State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS (EDOSACA), would provide support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) through a system of grants, with greater emphasis on strengthening p e r f o r m a n c e Management to improve

result and programme impact. He stated this yesterday in Benin City, at the startup workshop for HIV/ AIDS fund Grants to CSOs. The SSG who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, office of the SSG, Alhaji Momoh Abu (Esq) said the goal of HAF Grant to CSOs to achieve the objective of HIV p r o g r a m m e Development Part 2. (HPD P2) which is the reduction of New HIV

TIT BIT “Every war develops in three stages, the

need to control the fate of others by our wishes, the imposition of our wishes through tyranny, and the greed for the expansion of our wishes.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

infection by scaling up prevention intervention and increase access to and utilization of HIV Counseling, Testing, care and support Services. Prof. Ihonvbere also remarked that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has Continues on page 2

CONGRESS: Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command (middle) with his men, Mr. Kenneth Ebrimson, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations (left) and Mr. Ali Janga, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operation, during the Edo State All Progressive Party Congress which took place at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

IG urges court to vacate order stopping arrest

N100m dud cheques by Italians:

ABUJA The Inspector-General of Police, on Monday urged an Abuja Federal High Court to vacate its earlier order, restraining him from arresting two Italians who admitted issuing N100 million dud cheques under duress. The court had granted an order of interlocutory injunction, restraining the I-G from arresting the plaintiffs, Piero Allafranchino and Taglioretti Roberto on May 16. Mr Patrick Ikwueto

(SAN), counsel to the IG and Zenith Bank, in an application, urged the court to discharge the

order granted on May 16, and entertain the substantive suit. Ikwueto said it was

necessary to vacate the ex-parte order so that the two Italians would not have advantage over his

clients in the proceedings of the substantive suit. Continues on page 2

Nat’l Confab warns delegates’ aides over protest

ABUJA The National Conference has warned personal aides and drivers to delegates to the conference against a planned protest.

Deputy conference Chairman Bolaji Akinyemi also advised the delegates to call their supporting staff to order

over a move to stage protest at the conference venue on June 2 over alleged unpaid allowances.

Akinyemi, who gave the advice during plenary in Abuja, said a petition written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, Continues on page 2

News

Nat’l Confab warns delegates’ aides over Continued from page 1 protest over the protest was referred to the conference. He appealed to delegates to help avoid any ugly development that may ensue from the protest, adding that the Police had been put under instruction to ensure that nothing disrupted the conference.

The deputy chairman said the drivers and aides had written to the IGP to hold a peaceful protest on June 2, to draw attention to the lack of provision of welfare. He explained that the secretariat was not in charge of the conference budget since it was drawn by the Federal Government, adding

that no provision was made for delegates’ aides and drivers. Akinyemi, who intimated delegates that presiding officers were paying their personal aides and drivers despite not being paid for some weeks, advised them to

IG urges court to vacate order stopping Continued from page 1 arrest

He also prayed the court to take a ‘comprehensive look‘ at the plaintiff’s pleadings to ascertain the veracity of their claims visà-vis the issue of enforcement of fundamental right. “My Lord, I urge you to vacate the ex-parte order of May 16 and let us argue the motion on notice and let them not have any advantage over my clients,’’ he said. Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN) counsel to the Italians, in a counter-affidavit, urged the court to dismiss the application on the ground of being incompetent. Raji argued that prior to obtaining the order, he placed before the court reliable exhibits vis-a-vis the urgent need for the order to protect his clients pursuant to court rules. “I submit that all the arguments and reliance placed by the defendant counsel be disregarded by the court. “The case is contained within a very narrow compass; the point in this matter is the resort to police intervention to resolve a purely civil commercial matter involving two parties. “Therefore, the applicants/ defendants have not made any case and should, first of all, be ordered to refund N211 million being my clients’ money held in the

bank’’, Raji said. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, after listening to the submissions of both counsel, adjourned the case till June 10 for ruling. Kolawole granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the I-G from arresting the Italians pending the determination of the suit. In the application, the plaintiffs joined Zenith Bank Plc and the police as codefendants. According to Raji, New Technics Construction Ltd, Allafranchino’s company had entered into a construction contract valued at N5.3 billion with Delta Mall Development Company in 2013. He said that his client approached his bankers, Zenith Bank Plc, which provided an advanced payment guarantee of 20 per cent (1.05bn) construction cost of the contract.

Raji said that there was an alleged dispute between the parties to the contract which made Delta Mall to unilaterally terminate the contract. He said that Zenith Bank then wrote a false petition to the police against the first plaintiff,, alleging fraud following which he was arrested and detained on May 1 at the Special AntiFraud Unit, Lagos. According to Raji, while his client was in detention, the police forced him to issue 10 post-dated cheques valued N10 million each (to the police). He said that subjecting his client to issue the cheques to them portrayed the police as debt collectors which the constitution of the country did not assign to them. He had, therefore, urged the court to grant his clients’ application, restraining the defendants and their agents from arresting them.

also take care of their drivers and aides. “Now that this issue is on the floor, let me also say that even the presiding officers have not been paid because government has not given us the money. “You will notice that the Assistant Secretary, Finance and Administration is not here. He reports in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation every day. “ It is not that the money is not there nor approved, it is the letter to authorise the release that is the issue. “So, it’s not under our control. We also have not been paid,” he said. Mr. Dan Iwuanyanwu, a delegate representing Labour Party (LP), however, accused the drivers and aides of presiding officers of instigating other drivers and aides to stage a protest over poor welfare. Iwuanyanwu, therefore, called for payment of delegates allowances. He noted that part of the reasons why drivers and aides were not properly taken care of might be because delegates had not been paid for six weeks. “May be they are not aware that you have not paid us here for accommodation and transport for six weeks and yet we are coming. “Some of the delegates that occupy the empty seats you see here have been driven from their hotel rooms because hotel is paid up front, not in arrears,” he said.

ASUU Uniabuja begins indefinite strike

GWAGWALADA (FCT) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Abuja Chapter has begun an indefinite strike to draw attention to developments in the institution since after the work of the visitation panel. The union announced its decision on Monday after a meeting held at the mini

EDOSACA to assist civil society organisations EDO/SACA achieves the goal of co-ordinating the put necessary instruments in state response to the place towards ensuring that epidemic. Commending EDOSACA for successes recorded so far in the fight to reduce the prevalence rate in zero, he charged the 22 CSOs which is scaled through the final state to ensure that the resources made available to Continued from page 1 them are gainfully utilized. ensure that there are no Project Manager, intrigues, such that will EDOSACA, Hapa Marriet undermine the management”, Bukola, thanked the state he said. government and World Bank Responding, the Chairman for their support, adding that of Edo City Transport Service Board, Chief Sunny Uyigue the aim of HPDP2 is to zero HIV thanked the government for maintain the opportunity given them to Prevalence rate in the state serve and promised that they and even do better. would strive to improve on the legacy of their predecessors. On his part, Chairman of Forestry Management Committee, Mr. Samson Abu Continued from page 1 assured that the committee would live up to expectation only two lives and property and work within the extant worth N116,417,625:5 million rules guiding forestry were lost, according to the document. management.

Continued from page 1

Illegal logging

Edo Fire Fighters

campus of the institution. The Chairman of the branch, Mr. Ben Ugheoke, told newsmen in Gwagwalada that the union had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike beginning from Monday. He said that the Federal Government on July 16, 2012 constituted a visitation panel to resolve issues affecting the institution but the white paper of the report had yet to be released. Ugheoke alleged that facts available to the union showed that funds allocated to the institution were being misappropriated, the ViceChancellor, Prof James Adelabu, was misusing power. He alleged that the vicechancellor deliberately refused to pay their teaching, marking, supervision and professional allowances dating back to 2010.

The union also alleged that the vice-chancellor refused to check off their dues. “ The vice-chancellor in April 2013 checked off our dues as it is mandated by the Trade Union Act and some levies but the fund was yet to be remitted to the union’s account. “He later stopped the check off dues from May 2013 claiming that there was a circular to that effect. He did that because he wants to cripple the union. “ We feel that the white paper should be released so that the university through its council would effectively implement its recommendations immediately because a lot of issues are contained in it,” the chairman said. He urged the vice-chancellor to clear up the problems he had created before vacating the office.

NIMET predicts cloudy weather for today

LAGOS - The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) yesterday predicted cloudy conditions with chances of rain during the morning hours today in coastal areas. This is contained in a weather report issued by NIMET yesterday. The report also stated there are slim prospects of localised thunderstorm during the afternoon. It stated that cloudy conditions are expected with chances of morning rain over the western part during the morning hours. “There is also a prospect of thunderstorm over the eastern part during the afternoon and

evening hours. “In the central states, cloudy conditions are expected with chances of localised thunderstorm over Yola-Jalingo areas during the morning hours. “There are prospects of localised thunderstorm, especially over the highland area during the afternoon and evening hours. “In the northern states, partly cloudy conditions are expected with chances of localised thunderstorm over the northwest (Sokoto-Yelwa) area during the morning hours,” the statement added. NIMET states also that there are slim prospects of localised thundery activities during the afternoon hours.

Waste Mgt: Ministry tasks Edo Market Women By TESSY OTENE BENIN CITY - As part o f the programmes lined-up for this year’s World Environment Day celebration by Edo State Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, market women have been urged to clean-up their surroundings so as to ensure that waste generated from their wares do not impede the environment. Prince Peter Uwagbale, the Head of Committee on World Environment Day, 2014 stated this during the sensitization to various markets in Benin City metropolis. Prince Uwagbale who led other members of the committee to various markets in the metropolis noted that, “there is need for people to be aware of the hazard caused by our attitudes, especially

individuals burning of waste, blocking the drainage with litters, massive gas flaring heartless and reckless deforestation, avoidable bush burning and many other activities that introduce toxic gases into the atmosphere, give rise to warming, leading to sea rising” he noted. He added that this year’s World Environment Day which comes up every June 5, 2014 has as its theme: “Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea” is geared towards educating and sensitizing the people on climate change that has assumed alarming dimension. He said that everybody needs to join in raising their voice on the rising sea level, adding that together, “we will be able to protect the environment”. He however appealed to the traders to continue to support the state government in keeping Edo State clean.

FG advises civil servants on Core values SOKOTO - The Federal Government has urged its workers to adhere to the core values of the civil service and perform their duties diligently. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Mustapha Suleiman, made the call in Sokoto at the ongoing 42nd Annual Conference of Civil Service Commissions of Nigeria. The theme of the conference is “Enhancing Civil Service Core Values and Performance for National Development”. “We must perform our duties diligently in line with the rules and regulations guiding the operations of the service. “As civil servants, our primary duty is to assist government in the initiation, formulation, execution and implementation of policies for the wellbeing of our people,’’ Suleiman said. The permanent

secretary said it has become imperative for civil servants at federal and state levels to also offer quality advice to the leaders. Suleiman said that the meeting of the officials usually tagged, “Technical meeting’’ was very crucial to the outcome of the conference. Earlier, Hajiya Aisha Umar, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Civil Service Commission, said that the state government was committed to ensuring an efficient, effective and disciplined workforce. “In view of this, it is pursuing policies and programmes that will enable the civil servants strive for excellence and ultimately improve the socioeconomic condition of our citizenry. “ The drive for excellence calls for continuous assessment, renewal and modernisation on how we manage the service,’’ she said.

Jonathan appoints 3 new permanent secretaries ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of three new permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mohammed Manga, Assistant Director, Media Relations, in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF). According to the statement, the Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Bukar

Aji, announced the approval yesterday in Abuja. It said the new appointments had been made to fill vacant slots following the retirement of permanent secretaries representing Ekiti, Plateau and Katsina states. The statement listed the newly-appointed permanent secretaries as Mr. Tope Ajakaiye, representing Ekiti, Mrs. Binta Bello, representing Katsina State, and Mr. Sheni Danjuma, representing Plateau.

Youth Group Holds Rally For Oshiomhole By MORRISON HAYBLE AUCHI- A Political rally to strengthen support forth the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Edo State was weekend held at Auchi with a reminder to Edo people not to forget the pains and neglect they suffered prior to Governor Adams Oshiomhole led administration. The rally at the instance of Auchi youths for Oshiomhole was preceded by a mass movement of party supporters and faithful round major streets proclaiming APC under Governor Oshiomhole as the redeemer of the people. The move was precipitated by recent attempts by some persons to discredit the state governor and the party in their desperation to defect to opposition party. General Youth Leader of the body, Mr. Abu Aliu who led the rally told newsmen that they appreciated the unprecedented developmental strides of the governor across the state and Auchi in particular. According to him no administration had empowered the youths as this. He remarked that it would amount to sheer ingratitude for anyone to turn around against the Comrade Governor in spite of his numerous achievements noting

that Edo State had never had it so good. Mr. Aliu (aka Agbor) restated the commitment of the youths to the cause of the Comrade Governor and the APC, adding that they would always remain in the party with him. The General Youth Leader assured that Auchi youths would resist any attempt to deceive them into joining another political party, saying; “Edo State is blessed with the Comrade Governor. We don’t know when we shall have this kind of governor again and we will remain with him”, he added. He noted that the defectors from the party did not do so for reason of lack by their people, but for their own untamed selfish interest.

News Stealing

Man Bags 5yrs Jail Term

Barr. Anslem Ojezua, Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Edo State (left) and Comrade Godwin Erhahon, Publicity Secretary during the state APC Congress in Benin City recently. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Water Helps Body To Eliminate Waste - Dietician

ABUJA- Mrs. Deborah Luka, a Dietitian at St Patrick’s Hospital, Kaduna, says that water helps the body to get rid of waste and relief constipation. Luka told newsmen in Abuja that during weight loss, the body needs to get rid of a lot of waste, and that adequate water was required to flush out the waste. According to her, when the

body gets too little water, it draws what it needs from internal sources. “The colon is one primary source; when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually returns.’’ She also said that water suppressed appetite naturally

BNCL Co-Operators Applaud BENIN CITY – The Utesi Community Enogie, elders, members of the CDA and youths of Utesi Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have been commended for their peaceful disposition and readiness to partner with prospective property developers and investors in the community. The President, BNCL Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Mrs. Marvellous Oghomwen Imoisili made the commendation shortly after the successful completion of land transaction between both parties in Benin City recently. Mrs. Imoisili particularly

praised the Enogie, HRH O s a z u w a Uhunmwenkpenma, the CDA Chairman, Mr. Lugard Idemudia, Community Secretary, Mr. Uwaze Pullen Iyokho and the Youth Chairman, Mr. Friday Aignokhian for creating the enabling environment which facilitated the speedy and successful completion of the land transaction. She noted that the BNCLMPSC is a fast growing government-approved Cooperative Society with the aim

of enriching and adding value to the life of each co-operator, adding that the successful purchase of twenty plots in Utesi Community, was another landmark achievement in the history of the society. She described the Enogie, elders, members of the CDA executive and youths of Utesi Community as very responsible, receptive and investor-friendly people who are equally determined to bring rapid development to their community.

Representative of IGP and Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank MBA (left) inaugurating counter-terrorism campaign factsheet in Abuja yesterday. With him is the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abayomi Shogunle.

and helped the body to break down stored fat. “Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake could reduce fat deposits.’’ Luka said that drinking enough water was the best treatment for fluid retention. “When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. “Water is stored in extra cellular spaces, outside the cell. This shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands.’’ She also said that diuretics offered a temporary solution at best, as they forced out stored water along with some essential nutrients. “The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs, plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. “If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. “Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat, the more water your system retains to dilute it.’’ She further said that drinking more water would get rid of unwanted salt, as it would force itself through the kidneys to take away excess sodium. Luka said that water helped to maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural ability to contract and also to prevent dehydration. “It also helps to prevent sagging skin that usually follows weight loss; shrinking cells are buoyed by water which plumps the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient.’’ She said kidneys could not function properly without enough water, and that when they did not work to capacity, some of the work load would be

dumped on the liver. “One of the liver’s primary functions is to break down stored fat into usable energy for the body. If the liver has to do some of the kidney’s work, it cannot operate at full capacity. On the required amount of water to be taken, Luka said: “On the average, a person should drink at least 12 average cups of water daily. “However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 11 kg of excess weight. “The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry.’’ She advised that in the morning, four average cups should be consumed over a 30minute period. “Also at noon, same four cups should equally be consumed over a 30-minute period and in the evening, four cups should be taken again between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.”

BENIN CITY A Magistrates’ Court in Benin City has sentenced a 25-yearold man, Braimoh Stephen, to five years in prison for stealing his friend’s Nissan Pathfinder jeep. The magistrate, Mr Mike Osayi, sentenced Stephen after he pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of theft. Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Sylvester Omor, told the court that on December 20, 2013, the convict visited his friend, Mr. Odigie-Bernabas Ikpia. Omor said the visit was for them to celebrate the annual Igue festival at the friend’s place, No 13 Jehovah street, off Murtala Muhammed Way, Benin City. The prosecutor said that after drinking and eating, the friends went to sleep and later the convict took the key of the jeep with Registration No. EPE 983 AV valued at N1.4 million and drove it away. When the complainant and other friends woke up, they discovered the jeep was missing. Omor said that the convict later confessed during police interrogation that he committed the crime The key to the jeep was recovered on top of the roof of the convict’s father’s house, while the jeep was hidden at ADP, Oko Area, Benin City. Giving the judgment, Osayi said : “In sentencing you, the court puts into consideration your plea for leniency. “The sentence is without an option of fine to serve as deterrent to others who want to take what do not belong to them,’’ the magistrate said.

Sustainable Economy Nigeria Needs 160,000MW Of Electricity - Economist

EWOHIMI- A renown economist and politician, Comrade Peter Aguele said Nigeria needs about 160,000 megawatts of electricity to have a robust and sustainable economy. He stated this in an interview with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER at Ewohimi, Esan South East local Government Area of Edo State. Aguele also stated that to sustain the recent rebasing of the nation’s economy adequate power supply is needed to meet the demands of the increasing nation’s population. According to him, “ the truth of the matter is that

Nigeria is still struggling between 3,000 to 4,000 MW of electricity, with a population of about 160 million. The rule of the thumb for electricity is that, for every one thousand population, they should have one mega watts; so, Nigeria needs about 160,000 MW of electricity while in other countries like Britain it’s double. He added that, the current 4,000 mw, distributed nationwide is very far from what is actually needed to appraise the recent rebating of the economy which he described as a blessing expected to attract foreign investors into the country

South-South News Amaechi Dissolves 21 Local Govt Councils By ELIZABETH AGBOEGBULEM

Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, Secretary to Delta State Government (right) with Comrade Desmond Agbama, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council during the presentation of distinguished Award to Comrade Macaulay by Edo State Council of NUJ in Benin City last weekend. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Free Bus Services

PORT-HARCOURT The Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi yesterday, in Port Harcourt, dissolved 21 out of the 23 local government councils in the state. However the governor said that both Degema and Ogba/ Egbema Ndoni local Government council’s e not affected by the dissolution because elections were recently conducted into the two councils. The tenure of the Council Chairmen expired yesterday. The Governor, yesterday evening, forwarded the names of the care taker committee members to the State House of Assembly for screening. The Assembly reconvened

Children Commend Oshiomhole BENIN CITY - Pupils and students in Benin, the Edo State capital, have commended the state government for its free bus services for them. The school children who spoke with newsmen in Benin said that the gesture had made less their financial burden and should be sustained. Miss Mary Osaro, a primary five pupil in Iwogban Primary School, Benin, said the gesture would enable more children to attend school. “Most of my friends don’t go to school every day because their parents don’t have enough money to give to them as transport fares. “But since Governor Adams Oshiomhole has provided school buses for us free, I believe my friends will now be able to go to school every day,” she said.

Some of the school children, however, appealed to the operators of the buses to adjust their departure time in the morning to prevent them from going late to school. They also called on the bus operators to cover more routes to enable majority of the school children to benefit from the services. Some of the pupils and students in public schools also appealed to the state government to also renovate their dilapidated school buildings. They also urged the government to provide desks, chairs and tables in the schools and introduce more services such as free meals and use of computers. Reacting, a staff of the bus company, who pleaded anonymity, said that “we are scared that this policy might affect our business,

Bridget Weds Jude THE Solemnization of Holy matrimony between Miss Chiamaka Bridget Obi of Umuokie in Isiala Mbaw Local Government Area of Imo state and Mr. Jude E. Okodede of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo state will hold on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport

Road, Benin City by 10.00 am prompt. Reception follows immediately at Brother Pius Nursery and Primary School Hall, Akenzuwa Road, off Airport Road Benin City. Guests expected at the occasion include Mr. Longinus Obiukwu, Miss Chinwe Obi, Mr. Monday Okodede.

especially the marketers who formerly sold our tickets. “But since it just started, we will wait for more directives from our

management”. It would be recalled that Oshiomhole on May 27 introduced the free bus services for school children

in the state. The governor said the gesture was part of measures to ensure the security of children in the state.

late yesterday to screen the nominees who expected to serve in the 21 local Government councils of the State for a period of three months. The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly Dan Otelemagba Amachree told reporters in Port 1 that the Assembly had to sit on Saturday to enable lawmakers screen the local government care taker committee members. “We have to sit on Saturday to enable us screen the care taker committee members. You are aware that their tenure yesterday. So in other not to create a vacuum we had that reconvene on Saturday to screen the care taker nominees” he said. Four local Government chairmen were retained in the new care taker committees which have seven members each across the 21 local Government councils. Governor Amaechi late yesterday has sworn in the new care taker committees members.

Comrade Eddy Ogwude, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zonal South-South Zonal Secretary (left) congratulating Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, Secretary to Delta State Government (right) after being honoured with meritorious Award by NUJ Edo State Council. Middle is Comrade Desmond Agbama, Chairman, of the council. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

Church Dedicates Auditorium THE family of Apostle and Rev. (Mrs.) Goddy O. Okeranlen and Christ’s Chosen Church of God International (Etete station) will on Sunday June 8, 2014 mark the church auditorium

and dedication, including apostolic promotion and thanksgiving service at mumber 38, poles street, (By samosa Filling station), After Santana Market, off Sapele

Road, under three officiating ministers and its Spiritual Leader / General Overseer, Apostle Joshua E. E. O. Osasuyi, D.E. O. Unuefe Ikhuiwa(Director of Lands and Housing) and Silva V.

Imagbe (Director of Fincince). Guests expected to grace the occasion include Rev. Shedrack Obayojie, Elder S. E. A. Iyore (JP), Peter Idogen, amongst others.

South-West Insecurity: Be Vigilant, Activist Urges Parents OSOGBO - A girl child rights activist, Mrs. Awe Tope has urged parents to be vigilant in order to protect their children from danger. Awe made the call in Osogbo at a press conference organised by an NGO, Girl Child Rights Awareness Initiative in Africa. She said children, especially females, were vulnerable and parents must maintain a high level of vigilance because of the criminal activities which often had them as targets. ‘’Like never before, parents should be more critical about the whereabouts of their children and the kind of association they

keep for them not to be exposed unnecessarily to danger. ‘’The volatility of our society now by the incessant violence against children make it compulsory for parents to be more vigilant. “ Children are now more vulnerable like never before. ‘’In the same vein a hen will resist any attempt to attack its chicken, so also parents must jealously protect their children and wards against criminals, ‘’ she said. The activist condemned the abduction of the Chibok school girls in April and called for their unconditional release.

She urged the parents of the abducted girls to take solace in the supremacy of God and the global efforts to rescue them.. ‘ I have said this time without number in different for a and briefings like this that the abduction of over 200 girls from Chibok is the most bestial action anybody could think of. “ It is barbaric as it is primitive; it shows that the perpetrators have no clear-cut religious ideology. “ They are not guided by any doctrine whatsoever, rather they are but a bunch of bandits. “ I am optimistic that the global efforts to rescue these innocent kids will yield a positive and

desirable result soon. ‘’I want to make a passionate appeal to the parents of these girls, most especially the

mothers, to be optimistic and prayerful as their daughters will return to them safely very soon. ‘’I will also appeal to our

military force to take the welfare of the troops seriously so as to be motivated to tackle insurgency, ‘’she said.

Pastor Seeks Marriage Dissolution IBADAN - A pastor, Matthew Olumide has prayed a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan to dissolve his marriage with his wife, Oluyemisi, over her alleged attempt to destroy his manhood. Olumide told the court that his wife had overwhelmed his life with miseries. “Oluyemisi exposed me to public ridicule when she tore my clothes, including my underwear, and compressed my testicles. “I spent several weeks in the hospital and when I returned, she warned me not to receive visitors if I needed my life. “She falsely accused me of having extra marital affair with my church secretary. Olumide told the court that his wife had ruined his ministry following her domineering attitude, adding that from more than 50 members, his congregation had dwindled to a handful. “She does not even take care of domestic issues like preparing my food and that of the children anymore. “I have to combine all that with evangelism when I should be resting. In fact, she has almost sniffed life out of me,’’ Olumide lamented.

In her defence, Oluyemisi said her husband and his people were always beating her. “He had a wife before he married me, and they are still seeing each other till date. “He even invites her to our night vigils. Olumide asked me

not to work and yet, he does not take care of me,’’ she alleged. The president of the court, Mr. Ezekiel Ogundipe, asked the couple to invite their relatives to court on the next adjourned date, and adjourned the case until June 9 for further hearing.

AKURE - Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has restated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through agriculture. The governor spoke at the opening of a one-week training programme and inauguration of “Profarmers and Agropreneurs Sustainable Scheme ’’. The state government recently engaged 280 graduates under the scheme. Mimiko tasked the graduates to show commitment and absolute dedication to the programme,

warning that anyone found wanting would be shown the way out. “Agriculture provides the best avenue for employment and wealth generation aside oil and gas. “Let me state clearly that youth empowerment through agriculture is part of this administration’s policies aimed at engaging youths in productive venture,” he said. He said four agro-business cities with state-of-the-art facilities, comprising hostel

ILE-IFE (OSUN) - A 20-yearold, Elijah Adeoye, has been remanded in prison by an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly

stealing beverages. The police prosecutor, Mr. Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the accused committed

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole congratulating the new President, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kayode Obembe at a reception in his honour in Ibadan recently. With them is the wife of the NMA President, Olufunke (2nd right), and Chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor, Oladipo Akinkugbe.

Mimiko Reiterates Commitment To Youth Empowerment accommodation for more than 1,000 youths, dams, fish ponds and poultry houses, had been established in the state’s three senatorial districts. Mimiko restated his determination to key into Federal Government’s programmes such as Growth Enhancement Scheme and Cassava Value Chain Programme. He said the government had started clearing 1000 hectares of

land at Ore for use by profarmers out of which 500 hectares would be used for rice project in collaboration with its Malaysian partners. The governor also said that about one million oil palm seedlings were being transplanted from the nursery to plantations in Ore under the state’s oil palm revolution. According to him, the cocoa plantation in Oda is being revitalised to facilitate

establishment of the state’s chocolate academy. Earlier, Mrs. Bola Olafunmiloye, the chairperson of the state’s wealth creation agency, said each graduate would receive N30,000 monthly. Olafunmiloye said they had been registered under the SUREP Graduate Internship Scheme. “The state government is collaborating with reputable organisations such as IITA, UNHabitat, USAID and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in driving the initiative,’’ she added.

Man Remanded Over Stolen Beverages the offence on November 15, 2012, at about 4:30a.m. on Iloro Street, Ile-Ife. Osanyintuyi alleged that the accused broke into the shop of

one Olajide Akintibubo and stole beverages valued at N6, 800. He said the offence was contrary to and punishable under section 390 (9) and 411 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol 11, Laws of Osun, 2003. The accused pleaded guilty to the three-count charge of felony, shop-breaking and stealing.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State

Acquire Risk Mgt Strategies, Consultant Advises Biz Operators

Assistant to the wife of Kankara Local Government Transition Council Chairman, Hajia Abu Hamza (left), measuring corn with the wife of the Chairman, Hajiya Maryam Abdulhadi (right) during the distribution of good stuffs to 800 less priviledged families in Danmarabu Village in Katsina recently.

LAGOS - A Management Consultant, Dr Wura Abiola, has urged business operators to acquire financial management skills and proper risk management strategies to enhance their business growth. Abiola, the Managing Director of Management Transformation Ltd Lagos, a management consulting firm, gave the advice at a news conference in Lagos. She said that the briefing was to herald the company’s forthcoming summit, tagged: “Finance Week West Africa”. According to her, many businesses failed because they did not employ strategies on financial and asset management.

“Many entrepreneurs justify their failures based on challenges of inaccessibility to capital, whereas their major problem is inability to manage funds for the success of their businesses. “This summit is expected to educate entrepreneurs on how they can manage their finances by engaging in less risky investments that can sustain their businesses. “It will also create a platform for entrepreneurs to develop mutual business relationships that can yield the growth of every sector,’’ she said. Reports state that the summit will hold from June 5 to June 6 in Lagos.

Lagos JAMB Conducts Hitch-free CBT

Invest In Surveillance Technology’ FG Advised LAGOS - A security expert, Dr Philip Ujomu of the University of Benin, has appealed to the Federal Government to invest more in surveillance technology to combat terror. Ujomu told newsmen in Lagos that the use of technology in counterterrorism had assumed critical importance in the aftermath of the September 11 attack by the late Osama Bin Laden in the U.S. He said that the U.S. Government deployed technology to identify possible insurgents through bio-metric scanners and electronic surveillance. “The U.S. deployed advanced x-ray technology at the airports and they were able to control accesses to communications through the use of spy aero planes manned by drones. “The most accurate and sharper mode of identifying criminals and their weapons was achieved through electronic surveillance,” he stated. Ujomu noted, however, that in the last two years, the Federal Government had strengthened its identification technology through the use of biometrics for elections and census. While praising the efforts of government in its use of identification technology, the don said the government should do more in the area of electronic and aerial surveillance. He noted, however, that surveillance was a milliondollar project and that government should liaise with foreign countries to

Scene of accident at Ozumba Mbadiwe Ave in Lagos weekend.

Why I Set Up Lumen Christi TV -Founder

LAGOS - The founder of the newly-inaugurated Lumen Christi Television (LCTV) network, Mr Robert Olagunju, said that he set up the station “to do something big to express the universality and uniqueness of the Catholic Church.’’ Olagunju made the declaration while speaking with newsmen in Lagos on the motivation that made him to embark on the multimillion naira cable television project. “Lumen Christi Television was ordained in heaven. “It is by divine grace and providence that I happened to be the labourer, who brought it to reality. “It gives me concern that the mother church in Africa with millions of lay faithful across this continent does not have a direct means of mass communication for her work of evangelism. “I realise the sacrifice it will

call for from all of us and I gladly give myself the challenge of the greater responsibility for the establishment and overall maintenance of the station.” Olagunju restated that the station would operate round the clock, disseminating mainly Catholic contents to viewers across Africa, Europe and parts of Asia. He said that an editorial management team would soon be put in place to guide the

operations of the station, assuring that the free-to-air network would dwell on programmes that would “edify God and nurture the faithful’’. Speaking also on the new network, the Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, Chairman of the Directorate of Communications of the Catholic Bishops Conference, described the network as a medium that would promote the culture of life. He said that the station could

light up the thick darkness of tragedies, disasters and woes in Nigeria and also “light up our lives with the light of Christ and the gospel’’. Badejo said that the network was about evangelism and bringing the good news of truth, love, justice and peace to the homes of millions who had no hope. The station is located at KM 15 in Lekki on the Lagos-Epe Expressway.

LAGOS - The Unified Tertiary Examination Computer-Based Test, which ended nationwide last Saturday was hitch-free at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) centre in Lagos. Newsmen who monitored the examination report that it was hitch-free with no reported case of malpractice. On May 26, a power outage at the DBI centre forced the examination to be postponed to May 31. Speaking on the outcome of the examination, the JAMB Deputy Director in charge of Outstation, Mr Noble Onukwue, said that sustenance of the CBT system would impact positively on candidates. “The continuation of the CBT would improve the orientation of the candidates. “They will have an orientation, organisation and discipline and this will be translated to the university as they move ahead in life,” Onukwue said. The examination commenced on May 17, having about two or three sessions a day and was concluded on May 31.

NGO Commends JAMB For Introducing ComputerThe organisation’s Based Test LAGOS - The African centres are not places for Pride Empowerment Empire, an NGO, has commended the Joint Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB) for introducing the ComputerBased Test (CBT) to check examination malpractice in Nigeria.

president, Mr Godwin Uwagbale, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of its reach out to students campaign in some schools in Lagos. Uwagbale said the

L-R: Chairman of the Physically challenged, Mr Stanley Nwachukwu: Government and Community Relations Manager of SPDC, Mr Evans Krukrubo and Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment, Prof Okey Okoro at the 2014 Shell Livewire Nigeria awards in Owerri recently.

introduction would to a large extent curb the perennial problem of examination malpractice and advised students to shun it to attain desirable intellectual heights in society. He said that examination malpractice militated against academic progress as it always made children less intelligent and to display false high grades. “No developed country in the world can attain any form of advantage through examination malpractice, it is only those without vision that subscribe to it,” he said. According to Uwagbale, the current JAMB’s CBT is a bold step in curbing examination malpractice. “I commend JAMB for introducing the CBT to complement the paper-based test which has been an easy prey to malpractice. “So far, from what we have seen, the computer-based tests

malpractice, it is a plus for the board,” he said. He noted that though there were some challenges in the computer-based exercise, other examination boards should borrow a leaf from JAMB. Uwagbale urged parents and teachers to discourage their children and students from getting involved in the menace before it destroyed the country’s educational standard. The reach out programme showcased cultural and educational displays with gifts of books, pencils, biro, artsets and mathematical sets to students who participated. Students of More Private School, Joyful Kids School, Debby Term Private School, Brighter Edge School and Samkky Private School participated in the programme.

Across The Nation

Foundation Awards Scholarship To Youths JALINGO - The Kefas Agbu Foundation, a charitable organisation, has awarded scholarship to 16 youths from Taraba to study various courses in the U.S., UK, Russia and Italy.

Mr Lukas Agbu, the National coordinator of the foundation’s scholarship scheme, disclosed this at a ceremony in honour of the beneficiaries in Jalingo. He said the scheme was initiated by Lt Col Agbu Kefas

(Rtd), Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure education-for-all in the country. Agbu urged the beneficiaries

to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and Taraba during their studies overseas. “I appeal to you to take your studies seriously while in those countries, we will not be there with you but we will always be

in touch. “Do not go there and join groups that promote social vices at the expense of your future which the foundation is assisting you to secure. “As you depart in the next two weeks, do not disappoint your parents, the foundation, Taraba and Nigeria,” he appealed. Agbu said the scholarship which would be offered on a continuous basis would soon extend to other parts of the country. Also, Alhaji Muhammed Wangara, the chairman of the occasion, advised the beneficiaries to shun anti-social behaviour while pursuing their

studies. Mr Yusuf Sandas of Taraba Television, father of one of the beneficiaries, said he was overwhelmed with joy that his daughter was going to study abroad. “I never dreamt that my daughter will one day travel abroad for studies because I do not have the means. “My family is overwhelmed with joy for this gesture and we pray God to further bless NIMASA board chairman so that he can do more for humanity,” he said. Parents, friends and well wishers of the beneficiaries attended the occasion.

Attitudinal Change Solution To Nigeria’s Problems - Emir

Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Ministry of Special Duties, Alhaji Muhammad Danyaya, acknowledging cheers from the crowd during his turbaning as the new district head of Nasaru in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State recently.

KATSINA - The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir has urged the populace to always do the right thing for the country to overcome its challenges. He said this in Katsina when he conferred the traditional title of ‘Kaugaman Katsina’ on the Acting Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Alhaji Kabir Mashi. Kabir said without attitudinal change, the nation’s economic and social challenges would be difficult to surmount.

Propagate Islam With Your Wealth, Sultan Urges Muslims SOKOTO - The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on wealthy Muslims to use their wealth for the propagation of Islam, and in educating young Muslims. Abubakar made the call at the graduation of 96 Qur’anic students of Iman International Schools, Arkilla, Sokoto. The Sultan, who expressed satisfaction with the performances of the students, said there was no gain for a wealthy Muslim to expend his wealth in causes other than Islam. He explained the benefit of such investment, saying “this will surely fetch you an everlasting

positive rewards from Allah against that which will not profit you”. Abubakar described education as the weapon and strength for survival on earth and the Hereafter. “I am impressed by the sermon delivered by young Tahir Muhammad on leadership, justice and trust. “This is the kind of foundation our children should be built upon as future leaders for an egalitarian and God fearing society”, he stressed. Abubakar also commended the morals, quality and standard of both learning and structural

innovations put in place by the school, and urged the school authority not to compromise on quality. “In our own modest way of commitment, we will continue to do our best to extend all necessary support to the school and others”, he promised. The religious leader donated clothing materials to each of the graduants and cash to others for outstanding performance. Earlier, the proprietor of the school, who is also the Chairman,

Sokoto North Local Council, Abdullahi Hassan said the school was established in 2010 to provide knowledge to students in a modern setting. “Today the school has adequate learning, hostel and

recreational facilities as well as modern Library, mosque, classes, electricity, ICT network facility, water among others”. He commended the Sokoto State Government for sponsoring 70 per cent of the students.

MDGs To Provide Free Medicare JOS - Mr Peter Gai, Coordinator, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Plateau, said the goals would soon begin free medical service at the grassroots across the state. In an interview with newsmen

in Jos, Gai said the service would provide diagnoses and treatments for various diseases. He, however, said that the exercise would be done in some selected health centres in the three senatorial districts of the

Health Week

1m Children Get Free Treatment HADEJIA (JIGAWA) - The Jigawa Government said it had offered free treatment to one million children in the ongoing Maternal and Child Survival Health Week in the state. The Director, Gunduma Health System in charge of Hadejia, Dr Abdullahi Umar, made the disclosure while reviewing the progress of the exercise in Hadejia. Umar said more than 200,000 expectant and nursing mothers were currently receiving free treatment under the six-day exercise.

He added that children were provided with food supplements to control malnutrition and treated against malaria and other child killer diseases. “Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers are being treated against various diseases to improve their health and that of their children,” he said. The director said the medical treatment and other support services were conducted as part of activities to mark the week and urged parents to make sure they provided their children for services.

“We need to ask ourselves why these things are happening in the North. We must change our attitudes before we begin to see changes,’’ he said. The emir also urged the populace to continue to pray for peace in the country, and continue to support efforts by government to address the nation’s challenges. He called on religious leaders to avoid utterances capable of bringing about disunity among the people. The emir also conferred the title of ‘Dankafin-Katsina’ on the Katsina State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Musa Adamu; and ‘Garkuwan-Gabas’ on the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Salisu Majigiri. Reports state that billionaire businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote, some ministers, traditional titles holders within and outside the state were among the dignitaries that witnessed the event.

Hunters from Ningi Local Government during the turbaning of the new district head of Nasaru, Alhaji Muhammad Danyaya as Yeriman Ningi in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State recently.

state. Gai said the exercise was an effort at meeting some key goals of the MDGs, insisting that only patients at the grassroots would benefit from the free medical service. “It will involve a holistic medical examination, treatment of different ailments and administration of drugs. “ Those ailments that are beyond the medical team on the field would be referred to hospitals for proper treatment,’’ he said. According to him, the exercise, being anchored by the Plateau Project Support Unit of the MDGs, will precede the inauguration of 97 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) constructed across the state by MDGs. The coordinator stated that the PHCs were situated in very rural communities to bring healthcare closer to the rural people. “We are partnering with some NGOs to give us kits for HIV tests so that we can conduct HIV counselling and testing during the free medical service. “We will also distribute treated mosquito nets to the residents of the communities we are reaching

Abuja Mubi Bombblast

C h a i r m a n , Gwagwalada Main Market Traders Association, Alhaji Nura Rimi (3rd left), congratulating the Vice Chairman of the Association, Mrs. Elizabeth Erondu after the Associations’ Election in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Sunday. With them are other elected officers with their certificates of return.

Death Toll Rises To 18 had risen to 19 as against 12

ABUJA- The death toll bomb explosion in Mubi, Adamawa, has risen to 18 from the initial 14 deaths confirmed by the police. This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, on Sunday in Abuja. The statement also said that the number of injured people

Tourism: Scribe Cautions Against Imposing Tax ABUJA- Secretary General UN World C o o m T o u r i s m Organisation (UNWTO),

Terrorism: ECOWAS Leaders Renew

ABUJA- ECOWAS leaders have met in an extraordinary session to review the political situation in Guinea Bissau and the security situation in the region, particularly in northern Mali and northern Nigeria. A statement from Mr Sunny Ugoh, the ECOWAS spokesperson, said that the meeting was held in Accra on May 30. The statement said the heads of state and governments expressed deep concern with the recent deterioration in the security situation in the Kidal region of Mali. It said the authority reaffirmed its determination to actively combat the threats posed by terrorism to regional and international peace and security. “The heads of states and governments strongly condemned the deplorable acts of violence and killings perpetrated by separatist and terrorist groups in Kidal and

its adjoining towns in the north.” It said the summit renewed its support to the government and people of Mali in ensuring economic reconstruction, consolidation of peace, national unity and territorial integrity of the country. The summit also appealed to the international

GOMBE - Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the protection of the traditional institution in the country. Speaking with newsmen in Gombe, Abubakar said that traditional institutions were the basis of the society. He said the recent attack of the emir of Gwoza by insurgents, which led to his death, was very shocking, adding that the government should be able to protect the traditional institution. The former vice president, who was at the palace of the emir Gombe, condoled with the state government over the death of Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, the 10th Emir of Gombe. He described the deceased

as a level headed person who related with the ordinary people. He prayed the Almighty God to grand him eternal rest. Also at the palace for condolences was Mr Chris Garuba, a former military administrator of the old Bauchi State. Garuba described the deceased as humble, committed and dedicated to his duty. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and also for God to give the family and government the fortitude to bear the loss. The reports state that the late emir was turbaned the 10th Emir of Gombe during the administration of Garuba in 1984

Commitment

community, partners and donors to continue to support the efforts, especially in humanitarian assistance to displaced people and refugees in neighboring states. On the security situation in Nigeria, it said the authority also expressed concern with

the bloody and recurrent attacks perpetrated particularly by the Boko Haram sect in parts of northern Nigeria. The statement commended the mobilisation of the international community

NSCDC Demands Reports Of vandalism. Activities against He said such infrastructure

ABUJA- State Commandants of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been directed to give daily reports of activities within their commands to the headquarters. Mr Olusola Odumosu, deputy spokesman, NSDC, made this known newsmen. He said the CommandantGeneral of NSCDC who gave this mandate, added that anybody not effective on duty would be replaced. Odumosu added that members of the corps had been asked to be more vigilant and effective in their patrols. “The NSCDC has charged its

Atiku Calls For Protection Of Traditional Institution

counter terrorism personnel of the arms squad, the nuclear, biochemical and joint operations units who go on day and night patrols, to ensure that Nigerians are adequately protected. “This will enable them to execute their duties promptly and adequately when the need arises.’’ Odumosu said the organisation had deployed its critical infrastructure unit personnel to several government assets and infrastructure to protect them

included pipelines, electrical/ telecom installations, government buildings and bridges, among others. Odumosu said vandalism of any of the infrastructure would make life unbearable for Nigerians. According to him, vandalism of petroleum pipeline will result in shortage of fuel supply thereby affecting the lives of the people negatively. “We will continue to do our best to protect all the facilities under our charge by ensuring that we carry out our duties diligently’’, Odumosu said.

earlier confirmed by the police. It said that all the injured persons had been evacuated to hospitals for treatment. “ A suspect who was said to have been identified with the car used in conveying the bomb device has been arrested by troops in the area .“He is being interogated while further investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.

behind Nigeria and also encouraged the Nigerian government to pursue national dialogue and reconciliation. The authority further commended the positive outcome of the May 17 Paris Summit on the security situation in Nigeria. The statement said the authority urged member states to strengthen their cooperation particularly in information sharing, in coordinating the efforts of intelligence services and in law enforcement. The authority strongly condemned the acts of terrorism as well as kidnapping and hostagetaking, and expressed solidarity with Mali and Nigeria in the difficult times, it stated. On Guinea Bissau, he authority commended the smooth holding of the general elections in transparent and peaceful conditions, it added.

Chairman, Gwagwalada Main Market Traders Association, Alhaji Nura Rimi being carried shoulder high by his supporters after his victory in the Associations’ election in Gwagwalada on Sunday.

Mr Taleb Rifai, said the proposed tourism tax on air passengers and hotel guests in Africa would have negative impact on the sector. This position is contained in the May edition of UNWTO Journal made available to newsmen. Rifai said tourism was one of the main contributors to Africa’s balance of payments and a source of livelihood for millions on the continent. “Tourism tax in Africa is a threat to the competitiveness of the region and to all African economies, which increasingly have tourism as a key pillar to their development. “Any decision on the possible imposition of tourism tax in Africa should be carefully evaluated as to the negative impact it will have on tourism demand, economic growth and jobs.’’ He said the sector was one of the areas where the region had a major competitive advantage in international markets. Rifai also said the concern was echoed by the Ministers of Tourism of the region at the 56th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa held in Angola. He said participants identified increased taxation as one of the main obstacles to the sustainable development of tourism and aviation in the region. “Connectivity is one of the major barriers to Africa´s tourism growth and a further increase in the cost of air travel to the continent will jeopardise the need to increase intra and inter regional air access across Africa’’, he added.

Business + Economy Auto Policy Can Boost Industrial Transformation ABUJA - The Chairman, Abuja Car Dealers Association, Mr Auwal Rilwan, said the Federal Government’s new automotive policy could help in realising the nation’s industrial transformation agenda. Rilwan told newsmen in Abuja. He, however, said that for the policy to achieve the desired results, necessary measures to ensure its successful implementation should be put in place. Reports state that the policy, officially known as the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), is designed to resuscitate the local automobile industry by increasing tariff on imported vehicles. Rilwan said although some aspects of the NIADP were unfavourable to car dealers in the short term, it was one of the revolutionary policies of the present administration. He identified one of the “unfavourable aspects“ as the hike in vehicle import tariff, which he said would hike the country’s car market up until local manufacturers began full operations. “Our government has good policies and programmes such as the new automotive policy that can transform this country.

- Car Dealer

“The problem has always been poor implementation and lack of continuity by successive administrations. “This administration has shown some signs of seriousness in developing the automotive industry through this policy, but experience has shown that there may not be continuity.” Rilwan urged the Federal Government to put adequate measures in place, including legal backing, to ensure the sustenance of the new policy. Mr Aminu Jalal, the DirectorGeneral, National Automotive Council (NAC), had told newsmen in March that the council was working on a bill to provide legal backing for the policy. Jalal said that NAC was collaborating with relevant regulatory agencies on the draft bill which would be sent to the National Assembly before the end of the current legislative year. “The proposed legislation would be on the general guidelines of the policy to ensure that it could not be easily changed. “Legislation is very critical because if the policy remains at the circular stage, anybody can just issue a counter circular and reverse the whole thing,’’ he had said.

Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Dr Mohammed Santuraki (right), receiving DirectorGeneral, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Masari, during a courtesy visit by SMEDAN in Kaduna recently.

UNESCO To Train 50,000 Women ABUJA - The Director, FCTAgency for Mass Education, Alhaji Musa Yakubu, has said in Abuja that UNESCO had arranged to train 50, 000 women on literacy and different skills acquisition by June. Yakubu told newsmen that the training would cover the FCT and Rivers. According to him, the

training will be organised by UNESCO in collaboration with and agency and its Rivers’ counterpart. “The training, which will last for three years, is a pilot programme. It will commence in Abuja and Rivers by June. They will learn through the use of radio and television. “They will teach them on

Centre To Hold Space Week Confab ABUJA - The Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) has said that it was ready to hold its 2014 Annual CSTD Space Week Conference from June 3 to June 5. The CSTD Director, Dr Spencer Onuh, told newsmen in Abuja that the theme of the conference was “Sustainable Socio-Economic Benefits of Space Technology’’. CSTD is an activity centre under the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA). Its mandate is to build indigenous satellite and capacity

development. Onuh told newsmen that the focus of the conference would be on innovative small satellite programmes for developing nations. According to him, the event aims at providing a forum for creating awareness about the socio-economic benefits of space technology, its products, services, developments and contributions to daily life. “It also aims to serve as an interface to encourage and facilitate collaboration and partnership between the space sector and relevant private/public sectors as well as professionals,” he told newsmen.

Onuh said the conference had the sub-themes, “Space Science and Application; Capacity Building and Space Enterprise, Space Systems and Aerospace Materials and Component Miniaturisation”. He told newsmen that the subtheme, Space Science and Application would dwell on military, security and monitoring operations, energy and environment, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) among others. He said Space System would dwell on earth observation satellites, communication satellites, navigation satellite,

software, ground segment design and management as well as mission analysis, planning and design. Onuh said that Capacity Building and Space Enterprise sub-themes would treat space education and sustainable development and frontline research as critical components of space capacity development. He added that the focus of Aerospace Materials and Component Miniaturisation would be the testing, verification, evaluation and validating new technologies in simulated orbital environment and emerging technologies in semi-conductor devices.

L-R: Director-General, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Emeka Okereke; Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers, Enugu Chapter, Mr Victor Agunwah and representative of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mrs Ijeoma Ezensor, at the ECCIMA Stakeholders meeting in Enugu recently.

how to read and write through the ICT. 20,000 women will be trained in the first year, 10, 000 for FCT and 10, 000 for Rivers. “They will not only be taught how to read and write, they will also be taught some basic skills such as catering services, tailoring and soap making, among others.’’ The director said that UNESCO would provide instructional materials for the programme, which would be coordinated by Procter and Gamble (P and G), makers of sanitary pads. “P and G is handling the programme because most of its products, such as sanitary pads, are being used by our women and girls. They want to empower them. I think it is like payback time.’’ He said on its part, the agency

would create awareness, provide facilitators and arrange for the venue of the programme. “We have trained some facilitators already. UNESCO is not giving us money. They will support the training, facilitators and learners with instructional materials. “The project started in Dakar, Senegal, and it was successful. That is why they want to replicate it in Nigeria.’’ He said the agency, with 582 centres in the six area councils, had the mandate to provide literacy to those that did not have the opportunity to access formal education in earlier in life. “Our mandate is to make sure that every adult is literate, including the youths that are out of school,’’ he added.

Nigerians Express Divergent Views

Nollywood:

ABUJA - As the entertainment industry grows in leaps and bounds in the last decade, Nigerians with the passion for Nollywood films now hold divergent views about its impact on the general society, economy, social and the political class. Nollywood in particular, has achieved a significant feat (behind India’s Bollywood) in the global film markets, in terms of volume of production. Therefore, stakeholders in the movie industry in Abuja expressed different shades of opinion on the impact of the industry. Some of the stakeholders who spoke to newsmen stressed both the pros and cons of Nollywood films in Nigeria. Mr Kayode Aiyegbusi, Head, Performing Arts Department of Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, said that Nollywood films were sending positive and negative messages to the viewers. According to him, the movie industry is one that can break all

kinds of barriers with the different messages in the films such as race, insecurity, and religion, among others. Aiyegbusi said that the industry had not been doing enough in sending the right messages on issues that affected the society. “ I have been fortunate to be outside this country, where people were talking about Nigerian movies. “ The impression is that all our movies are targeted at witches, nudity, bad mothers-in-law, 419, rituals, money rituals and all sorts of negative things, ‘’ he said. He urged movie producers to produce movies that would reflect the good of the country and not to further give it a degrading image. Mr Gabriel Enwerem, a teacher at Nurl Bayan International Academy, Wuse, Zone 5 Abuja, said that movies were being produced to entertain the audience.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (02/06/2014) Stocks

Open

Change

Deals

Units

Value

176.09

181

4.91

815,740

144,852,187.40

7UP

85.8

95,291

8,516,159.26

NCR

15.99

100

1,520.00

ABCTRANS

0.82

0.85

0.03

214,078

180,511.96

NEIMETH

1.07

1.11

0.04

209,252

228,576.88

ACADEMY

1.71

30,200

49,226.00

NEM

0.86

0.82

-0.04

13,109,787

11,161,610.70

ACCESS

10.1

-0.1

65,123,564

651,558,986.60

NESTLE

1073

1089.99

16.99

5,298,698

AFRINSURE

0.5

5,771,930,307.00

AFRIPRUD

3.23

3.2

-0.03

1,291,487

4,225,722.27

NEWGOLD

1977

1959

-18

21,549.00

AGLEVENT

1.41

29,580

41,304.04

NIGERINS

0.5

30,000

15,000.00

AIICO

0.82

0.83

0.01

1,639,117

1,372,272.24

NNFM

22.01

1,045.50

AIRSERVICE

2.09

2.16

0.07

70,000

151,200.00

NPFMCRFBK

1.12

19,248

20,595.36

ASHAKACEM

22.47

23.59

1.12

909,553

21,440,465.27

NSE30

1896.47

1901.37

4.9

313,265,641

BECOPETRO

0.5

1,050

525

11,132,917,405.00

BERGER

9.3

89,686

813,760.14

NSE50

2046.98

2052.93

5.95

343,582,031

BETAGLAS

16.22

6,510

105,462.00

11,290,345,724.00

BOCGAS

6.37

500

3,030.00

NSEASI

41474.39

41502

27.61

418,490,446

443.06

440.95

-2.11

202,342,652

1031.79

1044.17

12.38

15,320,755

CADBURY

75.02

-2.98

524,132

39,551,884.76

11,542,421,245.00

CAP

37.51

105,558

4,079,888.22

NSEBNK

CAVERTON

5.41

5.14

-0.27

1,413,336

7,272,929.03

3,143,696,038.00

CCNN

10.35

114,505

1,166,587.25

NSECNSMRGDS

CHAMPION

13.79

200

2,622.00

6,272,716,771.00

CHAMS

0.5

1,100

550

NSEINDUSTR

2604.43

2579.46

-24.97

3,191,962

227,951,500.20

CILEASING

0.5

54,035

27,017.50

NSEINS

143.85

143.66

-0.19

25,019,783

22,870,047.52

CONOIL

48.41

423,197

20,268,519.56

NSELOTUSISLM

2769.24

2756.67

-12.57

17,793,881

CONTINSURE

1.05

4,122,090

4,319,340.50

6,184,789,260.00

CORNERST

0.5

137,000

68,660.00

NSEOILGAS

386.96

414.63

27.67

12,354,427

427,566,672.40 204,279,132.70

COSTAIN

1.29

1.3

0.01

191,000

238,530.00

OANDO

19.95

0.95

10,423,973

COURTVILLE

0.6

270,331

162,236.60

OKOMUOIL

33.1

257,947

8,605,955.45

CUSTODYINS

3.25

3.26

0.01

7,629,689

24,661,266.11

PHARMDEKO

1.57

2,000

3,140.00

CUTIX

1.82

1.85

0.03

377,666

681,460.50

PORTPAINT

240,050

1,211,137.50

CWG

5.48

100

521

PRESCO

277,700

10,294,568.30

DANGCEM

235

229.5

-5.5

399,442

91,719,555.63

PRESTIGE

0.53

264,560

140,766.80

DANGFLOUR

7.99

-0.01

359,474

2,853,432.78

215,242

7,776,450.63

DANGSUGAR

10.25

9.75

-0.5

1,984,980

19,372,707.06

REDSTAREX

4.55

4.5

-0.05

360,200

1,620,900.00

DIAMONDBNK

6.45

6.77

0.32

6,671,121

44,785,689.50

ROYALEX

0.53

0.51

-0.02

194,087

101,082.55

DNMEYER

1.06

1,966

2,102.26

RTBRISCOE

1.04

1.09

0.05

824,688

886,596.90

DUNLOP

0.5

3,000

1,500.00

SEPLAT

658.95

671

12.05

124,771

83,637,491.40

ENAMELWA

32.27

1,533.00

SKYEBANK

3.53

3.54

0.01

9,129,832

31,912,821.16

EQUITYASUR

0.5

STACO

0.5

200

100

ETERNA

3.51

460,205

1,599,203.37

STANBIC

23.77

24.8

1.03

958,755

23,740,818.21

ETI

17.64

17.99

0.35

35,791,821

646,191,079.30

STERLNBANK

2.5

2.38

-0.12

6,708,878

16,045,681.80

EVANSMED

2.57

2.45

-0.12

140,800

345,000.00

STUDPRESS

2.4

6,620

15,093.60

FBNH

15.3

15.98

0.68

62,297,824

994,160,324.30

TANTALIZER

0.5

25 79,584,382.79

FCMB

4.15

4.14

-0.01

3,166,312

13,205,299.30

TOTAL

166.05

168.01

1.96

463,443

FIDELITYBK

2.1

2.07

-0.03

6,160,080

12,987,554.24

TRANSCORP

3.95

3.89

-0.06

20,417,027

79,005,533.92

FIDSON

2.8

2.9

0.1

16,144,991

46,235,464.34

TRANSEXPR

2.2

106,300

222,167.00

FLOURMILL

77.5

-2.5

1,071,666

83,046,039.37

UAC-PROP

17.93

17.96

0.03

430,600

7,734,864.45

224.57

235.79

11.22

487,898

114,679,501.00

UACN

303,071

18,989,062.09

GLAXOSMITH

68.15

-0.15

144,579

9,827,273.94

UBA

7.55

7.65

0.1

19,294,752

145,849,654.80

947,638,882.80

UBCAP

2.51

2.54

0.03

14,684,801

36,870,323.90 9,663,790.19

GUARANTY

29.92

29.3

-0.62

32,376,072

GUINNESS

179.99

175

-4.99

646,395

115,395,233.20

UBN

10.56

10.5

-0.06

919,309

HONYFLOUR

3.83

3.99

0.16

563,622

2,218,412.54

UNILEVER

49.99

0.01

1,118,146

55,978,488.36

IKEJAHOTEL

0.9

487,252

437,276.80

UNITYBNK

0.5

580,000

290,000.00 10,000.00

INFINITY

1.61

20,000

30,600.00

UNITYKAP

0.5

20,000

INTBREW

26.01

120,753

3,147,079.87

UPDCREIT

10.47

10,000

99,500.00

INTENEGINS

0.5

60,000

30,000.00

UPL

4.04

174,111

712,603.28

IPWA

0.52

6,250

3,125.00

UTC

0.53

0.54

0.01

232,807

125,723.37

JAPAULOIL

0.5

619,178

309,589.00

VETGRIF30

19.12

19.2

0.08

5,710

108,492.00

JBERGER

66.17

66.76

0.59

199,174

13,296,866.84

VITAFOAM

4.22

4.42

0.2

1,664,223

7,142,316.31

112.5

948,992

106,733,183.70

JOHNHOLT

1.15

360

396

WAPCO

JOSBREW

3.08

200

586

WAPIC

0.79

0.76

-0.03

4,897,179

3,759,993.28

LAWUNION

0.5

WEMABANK

0.93

0.97

0.04

1,083,253

1,049,945.36

LEARNAFRCA

1.75

2,800

4,820.00

ZENITHBANK

24.56

25.01

0.45

25,792,848

652,057,634.30

LIVESTOCK

3.16

3.28

0.12

1,980,942

6,201,078.96

MANSARD

2.44

2.48

0.04

819,800

2,032,279.00

MAYBAKER

1.78

447,320

795,457.20

Stock

Loss

MBENEFIT

0.5

200

100

NSEOILGAS NSEASI NESTLE NSECNSMRGDS SEPLAT FO NSE50 NB NSE30 TOTAL

414.63 41502 1089.99 1044.17 671 235.79 2052.93 181 1901.37 168.01

27.67 27.61 16.99 12.38 12.05 11.22 5.95 4.91 4.9 1.96

MOBIL

129.98

32,511

4,064,188.98

MRS

51.49

48.92

-2.57

63,200

3,091,744.00

MULTITREX

0.5

10,000,000

5,000,000.00

NAHCO

4.9

-0.1

6,437,870

31,452,757.09

NASCON

12.98

842,343

10,935,026.95

TOP 10 GAINERS

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Stock NSEINDUSTR 24.97 NEWGOLD NSELOTUSISLM 12.57 DANGCEM GUINNESS 4.99 CADBURY 2.98 MRS 2.57 FLOURMILL NSEBNK 2.11 GUARANTY 0.62

Close 2579.46 1959 2756.67 229.5 175 75.02 48.92 77.5 440.95 29.3

Loss -18 -5.5 -2.5 -

AS global outrage continues to pour at Boko Haram’s abduction of more than 200 school girls, all students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER notes with sadness that today marks the 42nd day in captivity of those innocent girls, whose freedom the dreaded Islamic Sect has hinged on swapping with their (Boko Haram) members in various prisons and detention camps across the country. THE sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, recently released a video recording showing more than 100 of the girls together in a rural setting in which he offered to exchange them for captured Boko Haram adherents in various prisons across the country. The video clips, if anything, raised the hopes that the location could be found using a combination of ground forces, state-ofthe-art intelligence and surveillance planes. FOR the avoidance of doubt, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER is vehemently opposed to Boko Haram’s proposal to the federal government to swap detained insurgents for the more than 200 school girls abducted by the terror group in Borno State for a number of reasons. FIRST, besides the protests by groups across the globe expressing condemnations at Boko Haram’s action, there is already an international team in place to rescue the abducted girls. The United States, Britain, France, China and Israel as well as Nigeria’s immediate neighbours, Chad, Cameroun and others

THE NIGERIAN

Swapping Boko Haram Prisoners For Chibok Girls have joined in the hunt for the girls. It will be fool-hardy not to allow this team exhaustively carry out its rescue operation than accept the Boko Haram proposal. SECONDLY, it is senseless and thoroughly wrong for the federal Government to condescend to exchanging criminals for abducted girls. It will be a bad precedence and a notorious reference point in future should the federal government start to negotiate with these faceless terrorists along the lines of their proposals. The NIGERIAN OBSERVER considers it a very wrong step to take. The government should never trade the girls but face the terrorists squarely. They are criminals and should be treated as such. IT is our considered view that the government should use all resources at its disposal, national and international to crush Boko Haram. The more reason why the government should do so is the fact that some people have become unnecessarily sentimental, speaking from both sides of their mouth, especially northern Elders whose remarks and language betrayed support for the

notorious Sect. They are a disappointing lot. ANOTHER reason the government should not swap Boko Haram criminals for our Chibok girls is the fact that government would have sanctioned illegality and compromised the essence of leadership and rulership. If the government dares it, it would have provided a new platform for Boko Haram and other terror groups to commit more heinous crimes and then, turn around to ask for this manner of swapping which to us is quite unthinkable. Indeed, it would amount to the federal government negotiating from the position of fear, weakness and intimidation, with all the available international and global support. YET another reason the federal government should not swap Boko Haram prisoners for our abducted innocent Chibok girls is that the students are innocent persons who should not be exchanged for the Boko Haram criminal murderers. This is why it will be morally wrong to do so, because it would amount to equating the girls with criminals. LASTLY, what is the clear agenda of the Boko Haram Sect? What are they actually fighting for? Other than cause the reign of terror through sponsorship of religious extremists and political pugilists who have failed to gain certain positions in government? They are criminals and their sponsors are enemies of the Nigerian State; pure and simple, and should be treated as such.

Nigeria Needs Heroes Cutting Edge

IN my early teenage years, I was fascinated by epic stories; enthralled by accounts of the heroic deeds of the rulers, warriors, statesmen and other exceptional minds of ages past. My late father, Joseph Idumebor Obuseh, noticed my love for adventure books and spared no costs in ensuring that my voracious appetite for books was constantly nourished by supplying me with some of the most sought-after masterpieces available, especially those with strong historical bases. So, before the age of twenty, I had read classics such as: Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany, Guns of August, Battle Cry of freedom: The Civil War Era, Bhagavad Gita, John Adams, The Odyssey, Cleopatra: A life, The Twelve Caesars, all the works of Shakespeare, along with several other classic pieces of literature I could lay my hands on. Of all these fascinating books, those on American history made the deepest impressions on my young mind. American history is dominated by the exploits of its illustrious leaders and peoples who strove in unison to establish the “home of the brave and land of the free”; accounts of the heroic deeds of the mighty men and women of substance who stood up to be counted when it mattered most; exceptional individuals whose deeds have continued to define the currents of the times; the select species of homo sapiens who defied all daunting odds to perform mind-blowing feats; irrepressible champions who strove to defy both natural and manmade limitations to build a nation founded on the foundations of liberty, freedom and justice; indomitable gladiators whose foot prints are boldly etched in the sands of great American heroes; mighty minds who - through dints of sheer bravery and sacrificial dispositions to protecting the values of family and country - rewrote the history of their nation and turned around the fortunes of their people for good. Outstanding political leaders such as Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy et al; writers such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Thomas Pain, Henry David Thoreau et al; military leaders such as Ulysses Grant, John Paul Jones, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Col. Jimmy Doolittle, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower et al; and other patriots, too numerous to mention, saw the U.S through the most difficult times of her history. These men and women, against all odds, when others cringed in fear, stood up to be counted by taking up the sacred assignments of fighting for the establishment and nurturing of the U.S, as we have it today. It

is the dividends of the hard work of these American champions that their ancestors enjoy today. No wonder Americans are now known as the proudest human beings on planet earth; a people who see themselves as God’s own people living in God’s own country; a select breed of Homo Sapiens singled out by divine oracular fiat to exercise dominion over the rest of mankind. For a land overflowing with milk and honey, where everybody can aspire to be the best that they can be, America fits the classic description of a real life Eldorado; a land of exceeding possibilities where a man’s dreams can truly come true. All thanks to the efforts of their heroes past (and present), Americans can raise their heads anywhere in the world and say “we are Americans and we are proud people”. I have also read some impressive works on the lives and works of some great Nigerians; accounts of the breathtaking deeds of some illustrious sons of Africa’s most populous country; stories of the evolution of the most naturally endowed treasure chests populated by the some of the most gifted beings on planet earth. The stirring, striking and aweinspiring foot prints of some iconoclastic Nigerians – some of who qualify as true heroes - might tempt one into drawing a parallel between Nigeria and the U.S. However, any attempt at such comparative excursion throws up contrasting pictures. The truth is that Juxtaposing the evolutionary history of the U.S - as defined by its people, especially its leaders, with that of Nigeria, as defined by Nigerians, is like comparing the Northern and Southern stars; an exercise that is bound to sap any sane mind of all its energy; a wasteful, pitiful and ultimately futile excursion in every sense of the word. Nigeria, unlike the U.S, lacks real heroes in the true sense of the world; men and women who believe in the ideals on which their country was founded and who work assiduously to protect, sustain and promote them; patriots with altruistic dispositions; fearless loyalists who, above every other consideration, remain faithful, loyal and honest to the Nigerian State and its defining principles. In the midst of the rank rot that has become the lot of the Nigerian State and its people over the years, consequent to the villainous dispositions of its past and contemporary crop of leaders, in tandem with the docility of the larger population to the systemic bowdlerization of their fatherland, the need for the emergence of true patriots to arrest the situation has

become very urgent. Today, Nigeria wallows in a tar pit of confusion, despair and hopelessness; a mazy, hazy, dark and dank labyrinth from which there seems to be no escape; an avoidable condition that is the direct result of several years of clueless leadership and blind followership. The shameful conduct of Nigeria’s past and contemporary crop of leaders, paints stark pictures of a country in free-fall; images of a country being sucked into a black hole. Nigeria, like the U.S, is a country that is extravagantly blessed by the Almighty God. It has all the resources human and natural – that can turn it into one of the richest, most powerful and influential countries in the world; a vast treasure chest that has remained a perennial underachiever, despite the potentials available to it and its people. But unlike the U.S, which has been able to

conscious Illuminati who have created a caste system comprising of the superrich and desperately poor? Are they the manipulators of the political processes – the election fixers? Are they the conflict instigators and entrepreneurs who don’t give a hoot whether Nigeria remains one or not? Or are they the cowardly citizens who are afraid of fighting for change? Those masquerading as Nigerian heroes are actually devil incarnates with selfish

“evil thrives when good men keep silent” (emphasis added). Nigeria has remained a dilapidated project partly if not wholly - because its people have been tolerant and quiescent in the face of the visceral intransigencies of their leaders. They have watched while a little cloud turned into a mighty squall; buried their heads in the sand while things fall apart around them. Like their leaders, they qualify as traitors for failing to check the country’s gradual descent into oblivion of the

leverage on its resources to become the greatest global power the world has ever known, Nigeria has failed to translate its potentials into the finished product it is supposed to have become since its creation; a heavyweight that spars with amateurs; a KingKong trapped in a wooden cage; the sick man of Africa, so to speak. Come to think of it, who are Nigeria’s heroes? Are they the thieving rulers – not leaders – who mercilessly rob us of our commonwealth? Are they the vicious hit men – operators of the machinery of governance - on the prowl who are guilty of some of the most reprehensible and horrendous crimes against humanity? Are they the selfish ingots who are pre-occupied with lining their pockets and those of their cronies with ill-gotten wealth at the expense of providing the greatest good for the greatest number? Are they the ethnic, tribal and religious bigots who have kept this country divided since its creation? Are they the class-

demeanours; eaters of flesh and drinkers of blood whose treacheries are well documented; false apostles of political correctness whose infamies are legion; masters of doublespeak whose false doctrines bewilders the populace; power mongers who have been absolutely corrupted by their love for a fleeting ideal; saboteurs who have no love for the country and its people; enemies of light who are committed to keeping the people in darkness. Unfortunately, some Nigerians, either out of primordial loyalties, or gross ignorance, sacrilegiously call elements like these, heroes. No wonder the country continues to levitate over a bottomless pit. Simply put, some members of the larger politic - the masses - are accessories to the damning crimes being targeted at them by the traditional traducers in the country – the local comprador elements who have kept this country off course since its birth. According to Edmund Burk,

atavistic kind. By omission and commission, the citizenry have aided and abetted the decapitators of this country in their inglorious mission. That is the fact of the matter. Nigerians have simply relinquished power to those to whom it is not due. If Nigeria is to get out of the doldrums, both the leaders and the led must rise up to the daunting challenges of nation building. This is not the time to stay pigeonholed in hellish comfort zones; not the time to contemplate, any more, on what to do. It is time for all stakeholders in the project to strike off together, in unison, in the collective task of building a Nigeria every Nigerian can be proud of. For the leaders, on whose tables the buck stops, duty calls on you to begin to perform the fiduciary responsibilities defining as defined by the offices you occupy. You must rethink your selfish dispositions to governance by seeking to redeem yourselves from past misdemeanours’. The rudders of governance are

With Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173

Courtesy WHO

in your hands; use them wisely that the ships you navigate may sail safely to their destinations. You should endeavour to write your names in gold that future generations may look back proudly to your glorious days and say” indeed, those were good old days when men were men; days when our leaders strove to build a nation founded on the principles of justice, equality, freedom and liberty”. Great leaders don’t just lead, they inspire. For the citizenry, the time has come for you to rise up to the challenges of building a truly virile Nigerian nation. It is your primary duty to save Nigeria from the strangulating sleeper hold of the taskmasters who have led her astray for so long. Americans and the citizens of other prosperous sovereign states enjoy the good life today because their ancestors set a precedent of closely censoring the conduct of their leaders; a tradition that has been successively carried into the current dispensation. “Nothing good comes easy”, as the age long maxim goes. The time has come to begin to walk the walk just as you talk the talk. Great nations are not built on pipe dreams, but on deliberate, constructive and well-targeted actions. That is the only way out of this avoidable national mess. Nigeria needs true heroes who are ready to sacrifice their all for the common good of all – not self-seeking individuals without direction. Nigeria needs people of character, courage, and ability to inspire to change the course of its history. The Americas of today were not created by super humans, but by mere mortals who utilized the resources the good Lord made abundantly available to them. Nigerians can do the same, despite the gargantuan challenges facing the republic. All that is needed for change to occur is for brave men and women to rise up to the occasion and committing themselves totally to the sacred task of re-inventing and re-engineering Nigeria. It will require unalloyed sacrifice, excessive passion and indefatigable commitment to change this country. No effort will be too minute or too much to rescue this country. God save Nigeria! MR OBUSEH JUDE, A PEACE PRACTITIONER AND RESEARCHER, WRITES FROM BENIN CITY

Nutritional Health And Dietetics

Nervousness And The Causes

THE nervous system is the most complex and the most intricate of all the systems in the body. It consists of the brain, the spinal cord, the autonomic nerves and all the large and small nerves trunks and branches leading out to all parts of the body. Such a farflung system is naturally subject to many different disease. But in most people, the nervous system is remarkably free from any serious disorder. When a person speaks of being “nervous”, it is easy to draw the conclusion that, there is something wrong with his nerves. In most cases, this is far from true. The term “ nervousness” means a functional disorder, arising from the stress and strain of living. Emotional problems may make a person jittery and some unstable. This is not the fault of his nerves , but rather, of himself. The nerves merely carry the impulses originating within the mind (Murry, 1998). Many people, complain of “frayed nerves” when actually, there is nothing wrong with their nerves. Their troubles arise in the mind. Emotional conflicts stir up a storm of impulses that place the whole nervous system under heavy pressure. Certain organs react too much, others not enough. Electrical impulses from the brain cause the outpouring of too much acid from the stomach. This may result in an “ulcer”. The heart beats furiously, although, it is not in anyway diseased. Tiny wall muscles tighten down, raising the level of the blood pressure and increasing the work of the heart and other organs. In spite of these wide spread reactions, the fault is not in our nerves but in ourselves. What then is a nervous break down? Which the individual suddenly finds he can no longer face the difficult problems of living. The nerves themselves are not affected. They do not break down or fall apart. They are merely the channels through which the impulses from a mind

that is no longer in complete control of the situation are flashed back. A person suffering from a nervous breakdown according to Barry is somewhat like an old car with a broken spring, a flat tire and shock absorbers that no longer work. Trying to travel in a car like this is rough going, even on the smoothest road. The slightest bump will throw the whole mechanism out of line. Such a car’s reactions are most unpredictable (chen, 1994). Billy K says this is the way a person feels when he has a nervous breakdown. He is in a sad plight. Like the old car, he has lost his normal powers of adjustment. His nervous system can no longer take the bumps of life. His reactions are unpredictable in all that he does. He goes to extremes. And just like the old car, he needs new tires, new spring and new shock absorbers. The road of life is ranely smooth. For those who are more sensitive, it is rough and often full of unpleasant surprises. Realizing this, some parents have tried to protect their children, so that, they will not have to face the world for themselves. This does the child injustice. It leaves him weak and robs him of his real powers of decision. The only sensible way is for a child to learn to handle the problems of life for himself. He must do this gradually, at a pace, he can cope with. The earlier he learns to live sensibly, the better his chances of making a success in life. The power of choice is a grave responsibility. Teach a child how to catch fish for the child to catch fish at will when he wishes than to give a child fish making him to be dependent and appear to walk on clutches, instead of his two legs on the ground. The child will no long exercise his free will.” Each individual must learn to make his own decisions. The earlier he does this, the smoother his journey will be. Research shows that others

will develop a variety of aches and pains for which there is no organic cause. Some will have trouble in breathing, others will suffer from palpitation, indigestion and a whole host of arrelated symptoms. Those who are more emotional get the jitters. They go to pieces over

feelings to occupy their minds. The symptoms give the patient some thing tangible to account for his conditions. Remember, the real problem is the mind xrays and laboratory tests rarely rectro cardiogram is usually normal. There may be slight changes in the blood pressure,

things that at one time would never have bothered them. Some of these strange symptoms may serve a useful purpose. Probably, there would be many more nervous breakdowns, if people did not have these other peculiar

but these are not significant. Sensory Nerves –Research shows that different types of nerves are needed to carry on the great communications system of the body. For instance, sensory nerves tells us of the world around us. They

“Some of these strange symptoms may serve a useful purpose. Probably, there would be many more nervous breakdowns, if people did not have these other peculiar feelings to occupy their minds.”

With

O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 keep us informed of what is going on. There are several different types of sensory nerves. Through our sense of touch, we can tell whether we are in contact with something that is hard or soft. Our temperature nerves tells us whether it is cold or hot. Our pain fibers tells us whether the

object is causing us any pain. All of these, have different endings in the skin. They are all in close proximity to each other, but their messages travel to the brain by entirely different pathways. The Mottor nerves work differently, Instead of carrying sensations to the brain, they carry explicitly directions from the brain to the museles telling them when to move. Even when we sleep, our minds are still working. Thus, the whole body is made to serve the mind. But the movements of our muscles must be carefully controlled otherwise, they

would be jerky and ill-timed. To prevent this, some nerves and muscles must act in opposition, partially blocking these motions, so that our movement will be graceful and well directed. All these complicated reactions are carefully graded by means of several different nerve pathways leading from the brain. We see these jerky, uncontrolled movements in certain diseases that attack the nervous system e.g cerebral palsy is a disease in which this may occur. Parkinson’s disease is another. Complete control of our muscles requires a well balanced nervous system and a well integrated mind. Autononic Nervous SystemWhether we are asleep or awake, our nervous system is constantly on guard, keeping watch over our vital functions and protecting us from danger. Most of these functions are quite automatic. The system consists of two generally opposing forces, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. In general, the sympathetic nerves speeds up the vital processes of life, such as the heartbeat, the rate of breathing or the temperature of the skin. The parasympathetic slows them down, conserving the body’s reserve powers. For a smooth operation, both parts of the autonomic nervous system must be well co-ordinated. Our most important sensations are transmitted to the brain. What then causes a Nervous breakdown? Many different conditions may lead to a nervous breakdown. An attack of influenza can leave a person depressed, A surgical operation may result in a breakdown. Physical and emotional strain are often part of the picture. lack of proper rest is a common cause, over work, strange feelings, fatigue, unreasonable fears, anxiety, worriness etc. He art trouble is often associated with nervous tension. An irritable, bounding heart is a common complaint in those who are tense and nervous, But this does not mean that they have any real heart disease. Usually, little cause for alarm, vigorous pounding of the heart may be due to nothing more than an overconscientious person who is suffering from some hidden anxiety. A pounding heart is the first sign of fear. This is a perfectly normal reaction. To be contd.

Perspective Progress PROGRESS on Goal 1 since 2004 when the first progress report for Nigeria was published (Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004) has been slow. Although the rate of economic growth has improved over the last decade, this has not led more jobs or less poverty. Citizens still suffer gross deprivation in what has been aptly described as ‘jobless growth’. UNDP (2009) reports that more than half (54%) of Nigeria’s population of 140 million are poor. Although Nigeria is one of the world’s largest exporters of oil, the country ranks third in the list of countries with the largest number of poor people (after India and China). Poverty is more pronounced in rural than in urban areas, and among farmers and large households headed by persons with a low level of education. Strategies for accelerating progress Strategic interventions to accelerate progress are: Professionalizing agriculture to attract youths and new graduates in the areas of production, processing and marketing. Breeding and distributing high-yielding and disease-resistant species of crops, livestock and fish. Achieving an efficient agricultural extension system by increasing the ratio of extension agents to farmers to 1:500 by 2013. Accelerating the growth of the economy, ensuring a stable macroeconomic environment, ensuring an enabling environment for a market-based, private sector-driven economy and ensuring pro-poor economic policies. Instituting policies and programmes specifically designed to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, such as youth empowerment and conditional cash transfer schemes, conditional grants to state governments, and Presidential initiatives on various agricultural commodities and microfinance. In addition, putting in place a robust evaluation framework to improve the quality of programmes and encouraging rapid scaling-up when they deliver good results. Speeding up improvements in infrastructure, services and human resource capacity particularly in rural areas: * Increasing investments in agriculture, promoting modern equipment and technology transfer to attract the younger generation to the sector, and strengthening industrial processing technology and market linkages to boost employment and income from agriculture. * Establishing community-based care schemes to strengthen social security for the elderly. * Urgently improving all coordination, monitoring and evaluation of poverty eradication efforts throughout the country 5.2.2 Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education Progress The net enrolment ratio has improved, from eight in every ten children in 2004 to nine in every ten children in 2007. However, completion rates for sixth grade primary education fell from eight out often children to seven out of ten children between 2004 and 2007. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act makes it compulsory for every child to receive nine years of education free of charge (six years of primary and three years of junior secondary education). Nigeria still has more than seven million children out of primary school, of which girls constitute about 62 per cent. In addition, diseases due to poor water and sanitation cause the loss of millions of school days each year and often lead to chronic infections that lower educational performance in the long term. Furthermore, the education system largely excludes disadvantaged groups and the quality of education is poor. Strategies for accelerating progress Three areas where strategic interventions could accelerate progress in achieving universal primary education (and in time universal junior secondary education) are finance; teacher training and curriculum review; and school management and supervision. Finance: * Urgently reviewing the criteria for states to access UBE Counterpart Grants Scheme funds, to ensure that they can access

Millenium Developme

Achieving Targe funds if they need to. * Institutionalising regular tracking of budget allocations (including grants) to schools by independent monitoring groups and publishing the results. Tasking the Universal Basic Education Commission with making lessons learned from international good practices in tracking expenditure (for example, Uganda) available to states.

Girls’ Education Project in all states where female-male parity has not yet been achieved in primary school enrolment. This includes intensifying efforts to scale up installation of private, safe and sanitary toilets for girls in schools. Providing an enabling environment for economic empowerment of women by

a e w o

facilitating their access to credit (especially microcredit) and access to agricultural seeds and fertilisers. Domesticating and implementing international agreements that guarantee respect for women’s rights in Nigeria. 5.2.4 Goals 4, 5 and 6 (health goals) Six cross-cutting strategic interventions are needed to achieve health goals: 1. Rapidly passing and effectively implementing the new Health Bill and Health Investment Plan that establishes a comprehensive strategy to monitor health care delivery involving key stakeholders. 2. Developing and enhancing consultative, cooperative and coordination mechanisms and strategies across key stakeholder groups: among federal-state-local government cooperation and coordination; government- private sector-civil society organisation cooperation and coordination; and government-civil society organisation development partner cooperation and coordination mechanisms. The Conditional Grants Scheme is a good example. Establishing a Health Fund for contributions from all three tiers of government, the private sector and international development partners would be a step in the right direction. Promoting creative ways to assure the involvement of beneficiaries (not necessarily through user charges). 3. Continually improving the capacity of health institutions, such as by hiring sufficient numbers of qualified health personnel, rehabilitating existing institutions and providing basic equipment, effectively allocating skilled health care workers to primary facilities, and establishing rewards for better performance by health care providers, especially those in rural areas. 4. Adopting a cross-sector approach to tackling the environmental factors determining maternal, newborn and child health, including access to basic sanitation, safe drinking water

g m r i e o s a a

Teacher training and curriculum review: · Ensuring an adequate supply of trained teachers and regular re-training as a priority. Maintaining and expanding ongoing efforts to supply teachers through the National Teachers’ Institute. · Reviewing school curricula to ensure a balance between acquiring basic knowledge and preparing for the world of work. Management and supervision of schools: * Empowering and making accountable the institutions responsible for managing and supervising schools (State Primary Education Boards). Ensuring that parent-teacher associations are fully involved in managing and supervising schools. Focusing the attention of all concerned on operational efficiency and effectiveness. 5.2.3 Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women Progress Gender inequality pervades every facet of Nigerian life. Nigeria missed the 2005 target of gender parity in education although enrolment of girls in school rose from 78 per cent to 85 per cent between 2000 and 2008. Reaching the target of 100 per cent enrolment of girls by 2015 would require accelerating progress considerably. The gross enrolment ratio has consistently been over 10 per cent higher for boys than for girls. At secondary level, although enrolment of both males and females has risen, the enrolment of males has been higher than that of females. Drop out rates for girls tend to be significantly higher in schools that do not have separate toilet facilities for boys and girls. Women are grossly under-represented in leadership and key decision-making bodies at all levels (federal and state legislatures, cabinets at both federal and state levels, civil services, public enterprises, and private companies). Furthermore, progress in economic empowerment has been slow. Crucially, persistent cultural beliefs and practices across the country undermine efforts to achieve gender equality more rapidly. Strategies for accelerating progress Five strategic interventions will be pursued to accelerate progress: Committing all stakeholders to the National Gender Policy and National Gender Policy Strategic Implementation Framework through sector budgets and legislation, and clear policy directives (guidelines, incentives and sanctions) on mainstreaming gender in the activities of both federal and state ministries, departments and agencies. Fully implementing the Child Rights Law and encouraging greater use of the National Child Policy and Guidelines. Creating incentives to promote compliance at state and local government levels, beginning with passing the Child Rights Act in states that have not yet done so. Promoting female enrolment, retention, completion and performance in school by scaling up the

“UNDP (2009) reports that more than half (54%) of Nigeria’s population of 140 million are poor. Although Nigeria is one of the world’s largest exporters of oil, the country ranks third in the list of countries with the largest number of poor people (after India and China)”

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Perspective

ent Goals: Strategies

ets

and hygiene practices. These efforts will require working with institutions and partners outside the health care system. 5. Promoting good

down to 76 deaths per 1,000 live births. Strategies for accelerating progress The strategic interventions needed to accelerate progress towards the targets for Goal 4 are: Rapidly implementing the Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Care Strategy

governance and efficient management of public health resources by establishing an nstitutional framework to enable civil society organisations to track health sector budgets and expenditure, and ensure transparency and accountability. 6. Encouraging international development partners to scale up technical and financial support for primary health care under the new Health Bill and he National Health Development and Strategic Plan. 5.2.5 Goal 4: Reduce child mortality Progress Between 2003 and 2008, the nfant mortality rate fell from 100 to 75 deaths per 1,000 live births. The under-5 mortality rate declined from 199 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1999 to 157 deaths per 1,000 live births n 2008. These gains would need to be accelerated and sustained to achieve the targets for 2015: infant mortality rate down to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality rate

using the Ward Minimum Health Package. Encouraging state governments to adopt the Community Health Insurance Scheme. Adopting and implementing measures to ensure that immunisation goes beyond ad hoc support for routine immunisation and becomes an integral part of the primary health care system. This involves proactively involving all political and opinion leaders across the three levels of government Securing the commitment of all stakeholders to Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, biannual integrated Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Weeks integrated Disease Surveillance and Response and the strategic framework and plan of action central to making progress on this Goal. Increasing advocacy for epidemiological database management including health system planning regulation licensing and legislation. Stepping up the campaign against religious and cultural

beliefs that have adverse effects on health, such as persistent refusal to immunise children and allow blood samples. Progress 5. 2.6 Goal 5: Improve maternal - health Between 1999 and 2007, national maternal mortality rates ranged between 800 and 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births, and over 1,500 deaths per 100,000 live births in the north east of Nigeria. In 2008, the national average maternal mortality rate was 545 deaths per 100,000 live births, again with striking regional differences. Furthermore, because the data are estimates from hospital studies and less than 50 per cent of pregnant women use hospital services in Nigeria, for every death in a hospital, there could be several unrecorded deaths. Overall, the maternal mortality rate falls far short of the MDG target of 136 deaths per 100,000 live births Strategies for accelerating progress Strategic interventions needed to accelerate progress on Goal 5 are: Effectively implementing the Safe Motherhood Programme and insisting that implementation is a precondition for states to access debt relief gains funds for health. Fully implementing universal access to reproductive health care across the three tiers of government. Fully integrating targeted environmental management into strategies to reduce disease and promote health, such as ensuring that family planning, combating HIV/AIDS, maternal, newborn and child health services, and sanitation, water and hygiene services are fully incorporated into all primary health care facilities Promoting strong health referral systems and strengthening coordination at the local level. Encouraging states to adopt and adapt an innovative law on compulsory reporting of maternal deaths (already passed by one state in Nigeria) Continuing support for staff training to improve life saving skills including emergency obstetric care and community-based care for newborns. 5.2.7 Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Progress The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the population dropped from 5.8 per cent in 2001 to 4.6 per cent in 2008, but varied significantly across states. Mother-to-child transmission fell from 10 per cent in 2004 to 4 per cent in 2010. The current adult prevalence rate translates to about 3 million infected persons, with women and girls bearing the brunt. The number of AIDS orphans is estimated at about 1.97 million. The prevalence of tuberculosis and malaria is on the decline. However, malaria still accounts for an average of 300,000 deaths a year and tuberculosis is still a public health problem (Nigeria ranks 4th out of 22 countries for tuberculosis prevalence): tuberculosis cases notified increased from 31,164 in 2002 to 94,114 in 2009. Strategies for accelerating progress. Strategic interventions needed to accelerate progress on Goal 6 are: Rapidly adopting and effectively implementing the National HIV Strategic Framework for Action 2010-2015 and the National HIV/ AIDS Strategic Plan to control HIV/AIDS and eliminate motherto-child transmission. Fast-tracking the production of condoms, antiretroviral drugs and other consumables to reduce the cost of procuring them from abroad. (Nigeria has invested N3 billion in the HIV test kit factory at Sheda, which will also produce test kits for malaria.) Fast-tracking implementation of the Strategic Framework for Action on Malaria 2009-2013 recently developed by the National Malaria Control Programme. Effectively coordinating institutions involved in managing the programme and enhancing transparency and accountability in the management of resources, particularly at state and local government levels. • Integrating malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis services in primary health care. • Enhancing directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) services coverage in all 36 states. Mapping zones where tuberculosis is prevalent and intensifying efforts in endemic areas. • Encouraging international development partners to take an integrated approach to addressing HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis to achieve better results. • Addressing the underlying socio-cultural and economic determinants of HIV/AIDS transmission, particularly among

For

women. Progress 5.2.8 Goal 7:.Ensure environmental sustainability Although the proportion of the population with sustainable access to an improved water source increased from 54.2 per cent in 1990 to 58 per cent in 2008, the proportion with access to improved sanitation declined from 37 per cent to 31.2 per cent. Nigeria is likely to be one of the countries worst hit by climate change. Desertification has spread. The area of forest fell from 14 per cent of the land area in 2000 to 12.6 per cent in 2007, against the target of 20 per cent by 2015. There is a growing risk of flooding and erosion along the highly populated southern coast, and the 2008 deadline for eliminating gas flaring has not been achieved. Strategies for accelerating progress * Implementing National Environmental Action Plans and the Niger Delta Development Plan of Action more vigorously (all stakeholders). Continuing to integrate sustainable development ideals into national, state and local development plans and strategies, and committing to implement such plans. * Adopting a more effective mechanism to control logging, deforestation and marine fishing and committing to implement afforestation, desert reclamation and erosion and flood control programmes. • Establishing sanitation inspection offices in local government areas to enforce sanitation laws and improve community cleanliness. • Raising investment in water and sanitation infrastructure and related services by not less than 10 per cent annually at federal, state and local government levels, and adopting a public private partnership approach to providing such infrastructure. * Scaling up federal and state government urban renewal projects and refocusing public and private housing financing and delivery systems to include the poor. • Establishing a National Housing Commission to regulate the housing sector. • Conferring secure, registrable and marketable title on land. • Establishing an efficient and transparent and. title transfer system. * Introducing private targeted subsidies to facilitate home ownership for lower income groups. * Establishing a mortgage and title insurance system that will mitigate credit risks. • Integrating development-partner technical and financial support for strengthening institutional and human capacities in environmental agencies to improve sourcing, maintaining, analysing and disseminating environmental statistics. 5.2.9 Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development Nigeria is a key player in regional and international initiatives, the African Union, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, the World Trade Organization, and the Economic Community of West African States among others. Even if Nigeria’s resources were managed effectively, there would still be significant funding gaps with respect to achieving MDG targets. Meanwhile, development assistance to Nigeria only amounts to 1 per cent of gross domestic product. Strategies for accelerating progress • Strengthening the global partnership for development by reinforcing existing partnerships and engaging in diplomatic relations to promote strategic engagement at the regional and international levels. • Integrating external and domestic debt management strategies to fund development projects at federal, state and local government levels. At the same time develop systems to analyse domestic and foreign debts, set benchmarks and provide early warning of unsustainable debt. * Attracting more foreign direct investments through guided capital account reform and foreign direct investment policy to optimise development projects at federal, state and local government levels. * Creating a political and economic environment conducive to attracting more development assistance, Implementing the Paris Declaration by promoting effective donor coordination and harmonisation and ensuring national institutions and development partners are mutually accountable. Enforcing local content policy in the extractive industries in a way that promotes local job and wealth creation in upstream and downstream subsectors of the oil industry.

Gender Issues

Gender: Some UN Definitions

GENDER refers to socially constructed roles of women and men ascribed to them on the basis of their sex, whereas the term sex refers to biological and physical characteristics. Gender roles depend on a particular socio-economic, political and cultural context, and are affected by other factors, including age, race, class and ethnicity. Gender roles are learned, and vary widely within and between cultures, Unlike a person’s sex, gender roles can change. Gender roles help to determine women’s access to rights, resources and opportunities. —Report of the Secretary General: Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth W Conference on Women, A/5 1/322, Gender is defined as the social meanings given to biological sex differences. It is an ideological and cultural construct but is also reproduced within the realm of material practices; in turn, it influences the outcomes of such practices. It affects the distribution of resources, wealth, work, decision-making and political power, and the enjoyment of rights and entitlements within the family as well as public life. Despite variations across cultures and overtime, gender relations throughout the world entail asymmetry of power between men and women as a pervasive trait. Thus, gender is a social stratifier, and in this sense it is similar to other stratifiers such as race, class, ethnicity, sexuality and age. It helps us understand the social construction of gender identities and the unequal structure of power that

For Basic Concepts underlies the relationship between the sexes. —1999 World Survey on the Role of Women in Development, paragraph 16. A154/22 United Nations, 1999b. Empowerment of Women The purpose of the Beijing Platform for Action is declared in the very first sentence of Mission Statement: “The Platform for Action is an agenda for women’s empowerment. Thus the BPFA launched firmly the concept of the empowerment of women, and defines it in the very first paragraph as follows: Women’s empowerment “arms at removing all the obstacles to women’s active participation in all spheres of public and private life through a full and equal share in economics, social, cultural and political decision-making. This means that the principle of shared power and responsibility should be established between women and men at home, in the workplace and in the wider national and international communities. Equality between women and men is a matter of human rights and a condition for social justice and also a necessary and fundamental prerequisite for equality, development and peace” (Beijing Platform for Action, paragraph I). The UN has also developed a Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM), an index that focuses on three variables

By HILKA PIETILA

that reflect women’s participation in political decision making, their access to professional opportunities and their earning power. A country may rank high in basic human capabilities

UN Development Programme. Using GEM, the ranking of countries may change dramatically and surprisingly, and some developing countries outperform much richer industrial countries.

according to the Human Development Index (HDI), or even gender-sensitive development index (GDI). but the GEM is concerned with the use of those capabilities to take advantage of the opportunities in life. This indicator was launched in the 1995 Human Development Report, published by the

“In no society today women enjoy the same opportunities as men,” says the Human Development Report. “Gender equality does not depend on the income level of the country. Equality is not a technocratic goal—it is a wholesale political commitment.” And finally, the report draws a conclusion: “Human development, if not

“Gender is defined as the social meanings given to biological sex differences. It is an ideological and cultural construct but is also reproduced within the realm of material practices; in turn, it influences the outcomes of such practices. It affects the distribution of resources, wealth, work, decision-making and political power, and the enjoyment of rights and entitlements within the family as well as public life.”

engendered, is endangered,” (For more information on the GEM index, see Human Development Report, 1995.) Gender Mainstreaming Mainstreaming a gender perspective is the process of

assessing the implications for Women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. It is a strategy for making women’s as well as men’s concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres so that women and men benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality to the constant hope and faith of women in the UN as the world organization for equality, development and

peace. Also the orientation of women’s organizations in the North is slowly changing. They are becoming more critical and putting the economies and policies of their own governments under more scrutiny. Development assistance is no longer enough—nor has it ever been. Solidarity and sisterhood are needed. Talk

about making change must also imply change in the North including changes in the policies and actions of rich countries vis-â-vis the rest of the world. The power structures are increasingly centralizing in the North due to globalizing trade and economies and there are growing threats against people and the living environment everywhere.

More importantly, the borderline between North and South is vanishing in women’s worlds, and the increasing inequalities and growing demands for competitiveness affect all in globalizing economies.

Drumbeats

Billionaires Live For Legacy! SOMEONE may ask by saying Pastor, how can you say that Billionaires live for legacy? Friends, the fact that you have seen one or two percent of Billionaires who have not lived for legacy or seeing the need for living for legacy should not make you believe that no billionaire live for legacy. Have you made adequate research about the life and daily and yearly activities of Williams Bill Gates? Greater part of his money is being spent and used to finance charitable institutions around the world. What of Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha? Are you aware that thousands of students from the less privileged families across the country have benefited from his educational foundation? Have you been told or seen him feeding and eating with orphans and leprosy people? Do you know how passionate he is about God and towards his works? Agree that he has limitation. Everyone has, but how passionate are you towards assisting the poor and less privileged ones in our society? How much do you know about Donald Trump and his charitable work in the society? Before you start condemning people, first conduct a research about them and their daily activities. I am aware that many Billionaires live for self and are not concerned or see any reason or need

why they should live for others via legacy. To be sincere with you, it is basically in Africa

mercifully give to others to enjoy. “Someone said, Success without a successor is a complete failure”. But I say success without a successor is success in disguised form.

With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593

candidates to finance their elections. WHY DO BILLIONAIRES GIVE MONEY TO PEOPLE? Below are some major reasons why Billionaires give out money to people.

compliment or reciprocate his contribution. Just as the poor and less privileged

1. To gain favour- one of the reasons Billionaires give out money to people is to gain favour. The favour they desire varies. At time they give to major politicians or top government officials to get contract or oil allocation from them. For example every year a list of Billionaires that contributed immensely to the election that brought a President or Governor into office are presented to the table of President and Governors. The reason for this is to see how much the Billionaire contributed to the election so as to determine the level of contract or position that will

desire and seek for favour from Billionaires, Billionaires also seek for favour from those who are bigger, powerful and more famous than them. 2. To pacify the anger of God. Billionaires know that each day they constantly sin against God. In order to avert God’s early and harsh Judgment, you see them giving most of their resources to the poor and less privileged ones in the society. If you don’t know before, please know it now that each time we give generously to the poor, sick and less privileged, God’s anger is averted at that moment and period. Agree that

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State

continent that you find more Billionaires who don’t live for legacies. Most Billionaires in a civilized society see it as a responsibility to give back part of their major resources to the society that brought them wealth, power and fame. I urge everyone of us to see ourselves as a steward and a caretaker over any wealth or property we might have accumulated over the years. He who lives for self, lives for nothing, but he who lives for others, lives for everything and generation yet unborn will continue to benefit for his good legacies which he or she

People outside see you as being successful, but in the eyes of God and people who know the value of a well treasured life, will know that you are not successful, but an error in human Form and nature. They give to charitable organisations to enhance their wealth A good and great Billionaire give constantly to charitable homes, friends and government to enhance their wealth. I know of some Billionaires who give millions of their money to top Government Officials and their choice

God can use them as borrowed vessels. But the truth is that their giving to people that touch the heart of God and humanity make God to give them time to see if they will change from their evil ways and serve him faithfully. 3. To enhance their protection and guarantee longevity of life. Most Billionaires believe that the more they give to poor and sick people, the more they are protected and guaranteed long life by God or nature. To some extent, there is truth to this their belief and practice. Agree that we cannot use gift to bribe God and buy favor from God to guarantee our protection and enhance our longevity on earth. 4. To enhance their success. The law of getting lies greatly in our giving. “Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bossom. For with the same measured that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again “. Luke 6v38. Billionaires know very well that the more they give, whether to the to the poor, friends, God’s work, charitable home, the rich or to the government, the more they will get. The more they give, they more God opens door of financial treasures to them. It is not magic, it is the law of nature. What we sow, that is what we will reap.

Commerce Enterprise Development

Need For Cash Flow Information 1. FINANCIAL Statements usually provide information to help present and potential investors, creditors and other assets to assess the profitability, liquidity, financial flexibility and risk of an enterprise. 2. A statement of cash flows on its own will not provide all the information required by investors to assess the profitability, liquidity, financial flexibility and risk of a particular enterprise. Much of this information will be provided by a combination of the balance sheet, profit and loss account and the statement of cash flows, when taken together with related disclosure. 3. The profit and loss account will provide information on profitability. Cash flow information adjusted to eliminate the leads and lags created by the allocations associated with accrual accounting, gives an indication of the relationship between earnings and cash flows, and therefore, of the quality of earnings. 4. The balance sheet provides information on the structure of the assets, liabilities and equity of an enterprise at a point in time. When it is taken together with information on the pattern of cash inflows associated with these items, users of financial statements are better able to assess the liquidity and financial flexibility of the enterprise. 5. Investors and creditors are interested in the ability of an enterprise to generate sufficient cash flows to pay dividends and interest on its equity and debt respectively on a sustainable basis. 6. Other users of financial statements are also interested in how an enterprise generates and utilizes cash and whether the enterprise is generating sufficient cash to pay dividends and interest, repay its debts obligations, and finance asset replacement and expansion,, among other issues. Preparation and Format of a Statement of Cash Flows

The Statement of Cash Flows presents the cash inflows and outflows of an enterprise during a reporting period. However, it excludes inflows arising from changes in cash as result of the purchase and liquidation of cash equivalents. The Statement of Cash Flows also excludes transactions, which do not result in cash flows of the reporting entity. Generally, information on gross cash flows is more relevant and meaningful than information on the net amounts. The statement of Cash Flows should therefore report gross cash flows except in the instance where net cash flows would be more relevant and meaningful. THERE ARE TWO METHODS OF PREPARING A STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS: (a)Direct method; and (b) Indirect method. Direct Method The direct method describes the system of reporting operating cash flows where an enterprise reports gross cash and gross cash payments which, when aggregated make up the net operating cash flow. These gross cash flows may be either collected directly from the recording of the amounts paid or received in any transaction or calculated by adjusting appropriate the figures recorded on the accrual basis. Indirect Method The indirect method describes the system of reporting operating cash flows, where an enterprise reports the same net operating cash flows as under the direct method, but produces that figure by reporting the adjustments to net profit for the effects of any deferrals or accruals of operating cash receipts and payments and for any items whose cash effects relate to investing Or financing activities or which are items of a non-cash nature such as depreciation. The use of the direct method improves the quality

By ANI WILSON UCHENNA of financial reporting and enables users to appreciate cash flow information more readily. Classification of Cash

of these transactions. They include, but are not limited to: (1) Payments for the purchases of stock, other

the determination of net profit, they represent the cost using borrowings to finance the assets of the enterprise. Similarly, dividend represents the cost of equity financing. Interest and dividends are therefore the

Flows A Statement of Cash Flows presents cash flows according to the activities, which gave use to them. Most of the activities of an enterprise can be grouped under the following broad headings: (a) Operating activities; (b) Investing activities; and (c) Financial activities. Operating Activities

goods and services from suppliers for cash (2) Payment of salaries, wages and other staff cost; (3) Payment of rent, rates, levies, duties and taxes related to the normal operations of the enterprise; (4) Cash receipts from sale of goods and services; and (5) Dividends received from enterprises where the reporting entity exercises

outcome of financing decisions rather than normal operating costs and are not included in the r or operating profit. Interest and dividend payments should therefore not be classified as operating cash flows. Cash flows from operating activities may also include all other cash flows, which cannot be classified as investing or financing cash

held for processing or resale. Cash flows from investing activities include the following: 1. Payments to acquired fixed assets, investment properties, other investments and long term assets; 2. Payments relating to increases in fixed assets under construction 3. Payments for debt and equity instruments other than cash equivalents of a third

party; 4. Payments for the acquisition of the net assets of a subsidiary less any cash and cash equivalents acquired; 5. Cash receipts from sale of fixed assets, investment properties other investments and long term assets; 6. Cash receipts from sale or liquidation of debt and equity instruments of third

“The use of the direct method improves the quality of financial reporting and enables users to appreciate cash flow information more readily.” involves the normal trading activities of an enterprise — production, delivery of goods or services and other support activities. They consist of those transactions usually included in determining operating profit. Cash flows from operating activities are the cash effects

significant control, and holds at least 20 per cent of the investee enterprise’s equity. There is another school of thought, which believes that operating activities are those items normally included in the determination of net profit. Although interest costs are usually included in

flows. Investing Activities relate to the acquisition and disposal of fixed assets investment properties, investments and other productive its held for or used in producing the enterprise’s usual goods services other than stock

parties; 7. Receipts from sale of the net assets of a subsidiary less cash and cash equivalents; 8. Interest received; and 9. Dividend received where the reporting entity does not exercise significant control over the investee’s enterprise.

Agrosphere Agriculture:

Qualifications For Membership Of A Co-Operative Society

INTRODUCTION IN the first edition, the writer defined what is cooperative, meaning of international cooperative alliance (ICA). and what are the principles. How a co-operative is managed and what are Agric cooperatives? This second paper is focused on qualification for membership of a cooperative society in Nigeria. Qualifications for membership of a cooperative are: 1. Every member of the society must be ordinarily resided at the area of operation where the registered cooperative domiciled. 2. Every member must be of good character. 3. Every member must not be less than 18 years of age except in the case of the minor heir of a deceased member and where the Director grants exemption from this qualification. 4. Every member must not be a member of any other society the primary object of which is to grant loans to its members, except with the permission of the Director. HOW IS ADMISSION INTO A COOPERATIVE DONE? Application for membership shall be made in writing through the secretary and shall be disposed off the committee, who may grant or refuse admission. Any applicant refused shall be informed that he may appeal through a member of society to the next general meeting of members, which may take such decision as it thinks fit. 5. Every member shall on admission thumb-print the membership and attendance Register. 6. Every member shall on joining the society render to the committee a true and complete statement of his indebtedness outside the society. 7. The liability of members of the debts of the society is limited to 200 times the nominal value of one share. The value of a share is one naira. 8. Every member nominates in writing one person to whom should he die or become permanently insane, his or her shares or interest shall be transferred. The member may at any time change his one nominee. The name of the nominee shall be entered in register of members and any alternation shall be signed by the member, if not admitted to membership. The nominee shall, in case of the death or permanent insanity of the member, be paid the value of the share or interest, less any sum due to the society. HOW IS MEMBERSHIP TERMINATED FROM A COOPERATIVE SOCIETY 1. Death 2. Permanent insanity 3. Ceasing to reside in the area of operations as defined in Bye-Laws 6(1) 4. Ceasing to hold one full share 5. Withdrawal after 6 months’ notice conveyed in writing to the secretary, provided that the member withdrawing is neither in debt to the society nor surety for an unpaid debt,; and 6. Expulsion under Bye-Law. HOW IS A MEMBER EXPELLED FROM A COOPERATIVE? 1. Repeated failure to make thrift savings as laid down in Bye-law 47, 2. Repeated failure to pay the share installments or debts due from him to the society 3. Conviction on a criminal offence involving dishonesty; and 4. Misconduct or other acts contrary to the stated objects of the society or to the interests of the cooperative movement. WHAT IS LIABILITY OF PAST MEMBERS. (i) A past member shall be liable for the debts due by the society, as they existed at the date when he ceased to be a member. (ii) The estate of a deceased member shall be liable for

By OLUMESE MARK

the debts due by the society as they existed at the date of his decease, for a period of two years after his decease. 9. In conclusion, a quorum for any meeting of cooperative society is formed by the presence of at least one fourth of the members shall be necessary for the disposal of any business at a general meeting provided that, where the total number of members exceeds one hundred, twenty-five members shall suffice.

10. What are the duties of ordinary General Meeting when necessary a general meeting shall 1. Suspend or remove from office any officer or member of the committee in accordance with Bye-Laws:2. Confirm the admission or expulsion of members. 3. Amend or repeal any existing Bye-Laws or enacts new Bye-law in accordance with Bye-laws 86 4. Fix the rate of interest to be charged on loans to members; 5. Rating the appointment or dismissal of the secretary on the recommendation of the committee and 6. Dispose of any other business duly brought before it. and (11) SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

“Every member nominates in writing one person to whom should he die or become permanently insane, his or her shares or interest shall be transferred. The member may at any time change his one nominee. The name of the nominee shall be entered in register of members and any alternation shall be signed by the member, if not admitted to membership.”

AN extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time by a majority of the committee or on a request from the Director or from not less than one –fourth of the members of the society if there are less than one hundred members or by twenty –five members if there are more than hundred members. (12) VOTING All questions shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. Each members shall have one vote only. At all meetings, the chairman shall have a casting vote in addition to his ordinary vote.

(13) BETTER FARMING (a) Members in General Meeting shall decide what better methods of farming are to be adopted after seeking the advice of the office of the Ministry of Agriculture. They shall also undertake to increase cultivation whenever possible. (b) Members whom fail to adopt means approved by the General Meeting might be penalized or expelled from the society. (14) SUPPLY OF CONSUMER GOODS. (a) The society shall purchase form supply to members such equipment or improved seeds or fertilizers or other agricultural supplies as are necessary for the development of members’ farms. Where the member is not in position to pay cash for these requirements; the value of the supply may be treated as a loan under the Bye-law13. (b) The society shall also stock for sales to members domestic and other requirement, including food stuff. No such food may be supplied on credit if the member is indebted to the society or is standing surety for another member’s debt. If the credit is approved, it shall not exceed the amount of a member’s share and savings nor will the credit exceed or extend beyond one month. To be continued The writer is Ag. Director liaison office, Edo State Agricultural Development programme, Benin City –Nigeria

Law Appeals: WHERE it thinks it necessary or expedient in the interest of justice to do so, the Supreme Court, in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction, may order the production of any document or things connected with the proceedings; order any compellable witness to be examined before it or by any Judge or Court as it may direct and allow any deposition so taken to be evidence before it; receive the evidence of any competent but not compellable witness tendered; receive the evidence of the appellant’s spouse on his application; refer an issue in appropriate circumstances to a referee for enquiry and report; and generally exercise in relation to the proceedings any other powers as justice may require for determining the real controversy in the appeal. In relation to the appeal the Supreme Court has and can exercise the powers and duties of the Court of trial in such matters as amendment, drawing inferences from proved facts, making order for security, granting of injunctions, or the appointment of receivers and managers, impounding of documents, and making any order which the trial court could make in the matter as the circumstances may require (0.7 r. 26). The Supreme Court

General And Supplemental Powers Of The Court

may order a new trial either generally or on any issue only and it may make such order as could be made in pursuance of an application for a new trial. Where the court could make an order for a new trial for assessment of damages, it may in lieu thereof re-assess the damages itself. Unless the court is of the opinion that substantial wrong or miscarriage of justice has occurred, it is not bound to order a new trial on the ground of misdirection or for wrongful admission or rejection of evidence. A new trial is not ordered by reason of the ruling of the trial court that a document was sufficiently stamped or did not require stamping (0.7 r. 27). The ruling of the trial court that a document was sufficiently stamped or did not require to be stamped is also not enough to reverse the judgment (s. 23 of the Act). The Supreme Court regards the failure of a Counsel or his junior or other representative to be present when a reserved judgment is given, as an act of disrespect to the court (0.7 r. 28). (XXII) ORDERS AND REVIEW Every judgment of the Supreme Court shall been bodied in a formal order. A sealed or certified copy of the order is sent to the Federal Court of Appeal (0.7 r. 29). Except to correct any clerical

By A. OBI-OKOYE

mistake or error arising from any accidental slip or omission; or to vary the judgment or the order so as to give effect to its meaning or intention, the Supreme Court is without jurisdiction to review its

125. For principles see article 80. The Supreme Court may fix the costs at the time the judgment is given, or may order the costs to be taxed (0.7 r. 33). A party granted leave to participate in the appeal as a poor person may be

judgment once given (0.7 r. 30). The power to correct accidental error is in fact inherent. But the power to amend an order must be limited to where the order as drawn up does not correctly reflect the decision or the intention of the judgment. If a matter goes beyond the “slip rule” and raises issue of fact or law, the Supreme Court cannot amend the order. (XXIII) COSTS

condemned to pay costs (0.7 r. 36(1)), and he may be awarded costs (0.7 r. 36(3)). Fees payable by government or a poor person, though not collected, may be included in costs as if they were paid (0.7 r. 34(2 and 3)). (XXIV) FEES The scale of fees payable for various matters is continued in the third schedule to the rules (0.2 r. 6), and the fees are

“The power to correct accidental error is in fact inherent. But the power to amend an order must be limited to where the order as drawn up does not correctly reflect the decision or the intention of the judgment. If a matter goes beyond the “slip rule” and raises issue of fact or law, the Supreme Court cannot amend the order.”

payable to the Registrar of the Federal Court of Appeal or that of the Supreme Court, as the case may be (0.7 r. 34(1)). No fees are payable by the government (0.7 r. 34(1)). But a government officer sued personally shall pay the fees not withstanding that the

not charge him fees; but if he is awarded costs such costs may include fees of his solicitor (0.7 r. 36(2 and 3)). No party permitted to proceed as a poor person shall pay fees, and even his application for the waiver shall be filed free of charge (0.7 r. 35).

cause of action is apparently in the course of his duties and that he is being represented in the proceedings by a government law officer; unless the Supreme Court waives the payment of the fees. The Supreme Court may waive the fees on account of the poverty of the party or for other sufficient reasons (0.7 r. 34(3)). The court may order the waived fees to be the first charge on any costs recoverable in the proceedings by the party where payment of fees was waived (0.7 r. 34(3) - proviso). If a poor person is not awarded costs, his solicitor shall

(xxv) Appeal against Registrar’s Orders Anything done by or ordered to be done by the Registrar of the Supreme Court pursuant to the rules and the Act is subject to review at the instance of any aggrieved person, unless he acted on the direction of the Chief Justice. Such person shall file a motion on notice to those affected, supported by affidavit setting out the complaint and the relief sought. Any Judge of the Supreme Court may hear the application in chambers and he may set aside or vary the order, or give directions or any other order as he may deem fit (0.1 r. 18).

Health Attaining Overflowing Health: IN nutrition diet is the sum of food consumption by a person or other organisms. The word diet implies the use of specific intake of nutrition for health or weight management reasons. In Genesis chapter 2 God gave Adam an instruction on what to eat and what not to eat, the forbidden food according to God will cause death, today there are many of such forbidden food that we should avoid, in the course of reading this article you will know some of them. Here are some healthy food to include in our diet: 1. Fruits: example oranges, mangoes etc a. Apples: Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Free radicals are damaging substances generated in the body that cause undesirable changes and are involved in the aging process and some disease. Researches at the Florida state University said that apples are a “miracle fruit”. In their study, the investigators found that older women who starting a regime of eating apples daily experienced a 23 percent drop in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and a 4% increase in good cholesterol (HOL) after just six months. Other researches also found that consuming fruit with white edible portions such as pears and apples, can potentially reduce the risk of stroke by 52%. They reported their findings in the journal stroke” Journal of the America Heart Association. Mangoes, oranges offer vitamins C which help to fight diseases and boost our immunity 2. Oily fish: Examples of oily fish include mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines. These types of fish have oil in their tissues and around the gut. Their lean fillets contain up to 30% oil, specifically, Omega-3 fatty acids. These oils are known to provide

benefits for the heart as well as the nervous system. Oily fish are also known to provide benefits for patients with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. 3. Leafy green vegetables. Studies have shown that a high intake of dark-leafy vegetables, such as spinach or cabbage may significantly lowers a persons risk of developing diabetes type 2. Spinach, for example is very rich in antioxidants especially when uncooked, steamed or very lightly boiled. It is a good source of vitamins A, B C, E and K as well as selenium, zinc, phosphate, copper, folio acid, potassium, calcium, manganese and iron, 4. Edikang-Ikong. This is a traditional Nigeria soup (originating from the southsouth part of Nigeria) that is full of fresh vegetables with recipe which usually include pumpkin water leaf, green leaf, tomatoes, onions crayfish etc. as revealed by Harvard school of public health, regularly consuming fresh vegetables such as those found in Edikang Ikong can reduce the risk of certain cancers, stroke and digestive system problems. Note; pumpkin leaf is rich in iron, it is a good blood builder. Anaemic people (those whose blood volume are low, are encouraged to take fresh pumpkin leaf. To prepare it, fresh pumpkin leaves are washed, squeezed and the liquid from it is extracted, filtered and you drink 5. Crayfish are rich in Omega -3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fat offer important heart-hearth benefits such as increasing “good” highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and reducing triglycerides. 6.Bitter leaf. A typical Nigeria food that finds its way into a number of traditional dishes. The bitter leaf is abundant in antioxidants and according to “journal of

By A.K OJO

What To Do

Agricultural and food chemistry” antioxidants are compounds that combat harmful processes. Antioxidants was discussed before in Apples. 7. Eat more of whole grains. Choose healthy carbohydrates and fibre sources especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. Whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart

such as was discussed in oily fish. 10. Limit sugar and salt. Sugar causes energy ups and downs and can add to health and weight problems. Unfortunately, reducing the amount of candy, cakes are only part of the solution, often you may not be even aware of the amount of sugar you are consuming each day. Large amounts of added sugar can be hidden in foods such as

disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Examples are whole wheat, brown rice, millet. 9. Enjoy healthy fats. Good sources of healthy fat are needed to nourish your brain, heart, and cells, as well as your hair, skin and nail. Example of healthy fats: (a) Monounsaturated fats, from plant oils like canola oil, peanut oil, olive oils as well as avocados, (nuts like almond, hazelnuts) and seeds (such as pumpkin) (b) Polyunsaturated fats including Omegà-3 and Omega -6 fatty acids, found in fatty fish

bread, canned soups and vegetables, pasta sauce, margarine, fast foods. Here are some tips * Avoid sugary drinks: e.g soft drinks for instance have 8 cubes of sugar, more than the daily recommended limit. There was a case of someone who was exposed to high sugar intake that came down with diabetes mellitus, the person was drinking 6 bottles of soft drinks a day, he did it consistently for about three months. • Sweeten foods yourself, buy unsaturated iced tea, plain yogurt, or

“Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Free radicals are damaging substances generated in the body that cause undesirable changes and are involved in the aging process and some disease. Researches at the Florida state University said that apples are a “miracle fruit”. In their study, the investigators found that older women who starting a regime of eating apples daily experienced a 23 percent drop in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and a 4% increase in good cholesterol (HOL) after just six months”.

unflavoured oatmeal, for example and add sweetener (or fruit) yourself. You are likely to add far less sweetener than the manufacturer would have. * Eat naturally sweet food such as fruit or natural peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth. How sugar is hidden on food labels. Check food labels carefully. Sugar is often disguised using terms such as: * Cane sugar or maple syrup * Corn sweetener or corn

* Opt for fresh vegetables instead of canned vegetables * Cut back on salty snacks such as potato chip, nut, gala * Slowly reduce the salt in your diet to give your taste buds time to adjust. * Limit saturated fat and transfat commonly red meat, fried food, coconut oils, palm oil, margarine and packaged snack foods. * Chicken’s skin should b& removed while eating chicken (ie eat skinless chicken) BENEFITS OF

syrup * Honey Brown rice syrup Evaporated cane juice Fruit juice Maltodextrin (or dextrin) Dextrose, fructose Glucose, maltose or sucrose Salts Most of us consume too much salts in our diets. Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health problems. Try to limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,300mg per day, the equivalent, of one teaspoon of salt. * Avoid adding salt to cooked foods. * Avoid processed foods like canned soups or frozen dinners contain hidden sodium that quickly surpasses the recommended limit. * Be careful when eating out. Most restaurants and fast food meals are loaded with sodium. Some offer lowersodium choices or you can ask for your meal to be made without salt.

HEALTHY DIET Heart health: A diet low in fat (saturated and trans fat), cholesterol and sodium (salt) can lower your risk of heart disease. 2. Bone and teeth strength. A diet rich is calcium keeps your bone and teeth strong and helps prevents bone loss associated with Osteoporosis. Low fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, green vegetables are good sources of calcium. 3; Brain Health: Proper nutrition increases blood flow to your brain protecting brain cell and helping to prevent some brain disease for a brain healthy diet, avoid fried foods, and flavour baked, steamed and grilled food. Eat fruits and vegetables. Almond, walnuts and other nuts, are great sources of vitamin E, which along with other vitamins also helps fight disease.

International Thai Army Rulers Prepare Emergency Economic Measures

Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party waves to supporters after he was sworn-in in Blantyre recently.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas waves during a swearing-in ceremony of the unity government, in the West Bank City of Ramallah yesterday.

BANGKOK - The military junta running Thailand has drawn up a list of emergency measures such as price caps on fuel and loan guarantees for small firms to kick-start an economy threatened by recession after months of political turmoil. The plans, outlined by Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong late on Sunday after a meeting with officials at economic ministries, take in longer-term measures such as the development of special economic zones on the borders with Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia. The military toppled the remnants of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration on May 22 after months of protests that had forced government ministries to close, hurt business confidence and caused the economy to shrink. The coup was the latest convulsion in a decade-long conflict that pits the Bangkokbased royalist establishment, dominated by the military, oldmoney families and the bureaucracy, against supporters of Yingluck’s elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is adored by the poor in the north and northeast. Yingluck herself was ordered to step down two weeks before the coup when a court found her guilty of abuse of power. Considered the power behind Yingluck’s government, former telecommunications tycoon Thaksin was ousted as prime minister in a coup in 2006 and has lived in self-imposed exile since fleeing a 2008 conviction for abuse of power. Air Chief Marshal Prajin, who is overseeing economic matters for the junta, said 30 urgent proposals on the economy would be discussed with coup leader

Afghan President Fumes At Prisoner Deal KABUL - The Afghan president is angry at being kept in the dark over a deal to free five Taliban leaders in exchange for a captured U.S. soldier, and accuses Washington of failing to back a peace plan for the wartorn country, a senior source said yesterday. The five prisoners were flown to Qatar on Sunday as part of a secret agreement to release Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who left Afghanistan for Germany on the same day. The only known U.S. prisoner of war in Afghanistan, Bergdahl had been held captive for five years. “The president is now even more distrustful of U.S. intentions in the country,” said the source at President Hamid Karzai’s palace in Kabul, who declined to be identified. “He is asking: How come the prisoner exchange worked out so well, when the Afghan peace process failed to make any significant progress?” Karzai has backed peace talks with the hardline Islamist Taliban movement, which ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001 and has fought a bloody insurgency since then against U.S.-led forces in the country. But they have come to little so far, and the group has moved swiftly to dash hopes that the

prisoner swap would rekindle peace talks between it and the Afghan government. “It won’t help the peace process in any way, because we don’t believe in the peace process,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Sunday. The palace official also said Karzai was worried about further deals being cut without his knowledge. “It indicates that other deals could be negotiated behind the president’s back,” he said. Karzai has yet to comment publicly on a swap that is bound to deepen the mistrust of a leader who has been fiercely critical of the U.S. administration in recent years. He is due to step down as president later this year, but many Afghans believe Karzai will continue to wield considerable influence over policy from behind the scenes. Karzai’s press office said in a statement that the U.S. deal to transfer five Taliban militants from a Guantanamo Bay jail to Qatar violated international law. “No government can transfer citizens of a country to a third country as prisoners,” said the statement, issued on behalf of the foreign ministry. The prisoner swap has stoked widespread anger in Afghanistan,

where many view it as a sign of a U.S. desire to disengage from the country as quickly as possible. Washington has mapped out a plan to fully withdraw all of its troops by the end of 2016. Under the terms of the deal, cut by Qatari intermediaries, the five Taliban detainees were released from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they had been held since it opened in 2002, and flown to Qatar where they must stay for a year. Senior officials at the Afghan intelligence agency say they believed the men would return to the battlefield and bolster the insurgency just as most foreign combat troops prepare to exit by the end of this year. All five were classed as “highrisk” and “likely to pose a threat” by the Pentagon and held senior positions in the Taliban regime before it was toppled by a U.S.led coalition in 2001. At least two of them are suspected of committing warcrimes, including the murder of thousands of Afghan Shi’ites, according to leaked U.S. military cables. The swap has similarly drawn protest from U.S. Republican politicians who have called it negotiating with terrorists and warned the freed men will likely return to battle. While Bergdahl’s release on

Saturday was celebrated by his family and his hometown, and could be seen as a coup for President Barack Obama as he winds down America’s longest war, Senator John McCain and other Republicans questioned whether the administration had acted properly in releasing the militants.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha today and tomorrow. Among them, Prajin mentioned a form of price insurance for rice farmers. This would replace a costly buying scheme run under Yingluck that collapsed when her caretaker government was unable to find funding, leaving hundreds of thousands of farmers unpaid for months. The military rulers said they would also tackle the problem of loan sharks, made worse by the hardship suffered by farmers because of the rice fiasco, and are looking at low-cost home loans to be offered through the Government Housing Bank. Prajin said he had told the Finance Ministry to look at a complete overhaul of the tax structure and report to him next week. The Nation newspaper said state enterprises, including Thai Airways International Pcl and the State Railway of Thailand, would put investment plans to Prajin yesterday and these would also be discussed with Prayuth this week. TMB Bank said the economy should pick up under the new government and it expected its loan book to grow 10 percent this year rather than 6 to 8 percent. It used to be known as Thai Military Bank and the armed forces retain a small stake, with Prayuth sitting on its board. Moody’s Investors Service affirmed Thailand’s Baa1 credit rating on Monday with a stable outlook, based on the country’s manageable debt profile, its fiscal controls, the strength of economic bodies such as the Bank of Thailand and a likely

current account surplus this year. In a commentary on May 26, it had expressed concern about the repeated political disruption in Thailand, saying it had held back economic development over the longer term. Prayuth, in a televised address on Friday, said the military would need time to reconcile Thailand’s antagonistic political forces and push through reforms, indicating there would be no general election for about 15 months. The United States, European Union countries and others have called for the military to restore democracy quickly, release political detainees and end censorship. As well as working to revive the economy, the military council has moved to suppress criticism of the coup and nip protests in the bud. Yingluck, as well as prominent supporters of the Shinawatras, have been briefly detained and warned against any anti-military activities. On Sunday, the army council sent 5,700 troops and police into central Bangkok to stop anti-coup protests, which were mostly limited to small gatherings held around shopping malls. The military has banned political gatherings of five or more people and protests that have taken place in Bangkok since the May 22 putsch have been small and brief. On Saturday, as on the two previous days, the authorities closed normally busy roads around Victory Monument, which was becoming a focal point for opposition to the coup. The area was flooded with police and troops but no protesters turned up.

LUCKNOW, India - Police used water cannons to disperse hundreds of women who were protesting yesterday against a rise in violence against women in the northern Indian state where two teenagers were gang-raped last week and later found hanging from a tree. The protesters in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state, were demonstrating outside the

office of the top elected official, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, demanding that he crack down on an increasing number of rape and other attacks on women and girls. Hundreds of police officers, including female officers, pushed and shoved the protesters before deploying water cannons to disperse them. The protesters also demanded that the government curb police indifference, which they said was encouraging attacks on women. Police failed to take any action when the father of one of the girls reported to police that the two cousins were missing. Two police officers were fired for dereliction of duty after the girls were found gang-raped and killed. One of their fathers said police took more than 12 hours to respond to his report that the girls were missing. He said if the police had acted promptly, they could have been rescued. Yadav has recommended a federal inquiry, but his government has been widely accused of a lackadaisical approach toward women’s safety. India has a long history of tolerance of sexual violence, but the attack on the girls has caused outrage across the nation. Activists and ordinary people said it was as if nothing had changed since the December 2012 fatal gang rape of a 23-yearold woman aboard a moving bus in New Delhi, India’s capital.

Police Use Water Cannons On Indian Rape Protesters

Filipino Nabbed In Bombing That Killed 2 US Troops MANILA, Philippines Philippine police on Sunday captured a suspected Muslim rebel bomber who allegedly was involved in a 2009 land mine attack that killed two U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and a Filipino marine in a restive southern province. Miraji Bairulla did not resist when policemen, backed by Philippine marines, served a warrant for his arrest in the town of Indanan in Sulu province, police Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita said. Bairullah, who uses the rebel name “Mahang,” is a bomb expert for the Moro National Liberation Front rebel group, he said. Bairullah was among militants who placed a powerful land mine that hit and caused a passing Humvee to flip over, killing two U.S. soldiers and a Filipino marine on Sept. 29, 2009, in an

isolated stretch of a coconut treeline dirt road in Indanan, Orbita said. Two other Filipino marines were wounded in the attack. No gunbattle ensued after the land mine blast. The American and Filipino troops came under attack while en route to deliver food and other supplies to U.S. Seabees helping construct a school building and dig a water well for poor villagers of Kagay village in Indanan, a hilly farming town where militants belonging to the Moro National Liberation Front and the smaller but more violent Abu Sayyaf have had an active presence. U.S. and Filipino forces appeared to have been lured to pass through the land mineridden hinterland at the time by the militants, who resented the construction of school building and other projects by outsiders.

International Fierce Fighting Kills 16 In BENGHAZI (Libya) - Fierce rebels eight months after the 2011 fighting between Islamists and a Benghazi uprising. rogue Libyan general killed 16 people in Benghazi yesterday, triggering fears of an all-out war as hospitals urged citizens to donate blood. Officials at two hospitals in the eastern city, the birthplace of the NATO-backed uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, said at least 11 soldiers and five civilians were killed, and 26 people wounded. An air force commander said the clashes erupted when three Islamist groups, including Ansar al-Sharia, attacked a base of elite forces who support the renegade general, Khalifa Haftar. The fighting was the bloodiest since 76 people were killed in mid-May when Haftar unleashed an offensive dubbed “Operation Dignity” to purge Libya of Islamists he brands “terrorists”. It triggered panic in Benghazi, Libya’s second city where hospitals appealed to people to donate blood and doctors called on the combatants to spare the lives of civilians. “Benghazi is suffering, people are fed up, spare them,” the head of the Benghazi Medical Centre, Doctor Leila Buigiguis, said in remarks broadcast on television. The education ministry closed schools, forcing the postponement of scheduled final exams. Residents cowered indoors and many shops and businesses were closed as gunfire rang out and explosions shook Benghazi, witnesses said. They said some families were trapped in the western neighbourhood of Sidi Freij, a stronghold of Ansar al-Sharia. Haftar spokesman Mohamed al-Hijazi called on residents in combat zones across Benghazi to evacuate, in an apparent warning that the fighting could escalate. Colonel Saad al-Werfelli, who commands the Benghazi air force base, said the jihadists “bombarded base 21 early yesterday, killing and wounding soldiers (from the elite unit) who were trapped inside”. The air force retaliated by launching strikes on the assailants, added Werfelli, who along with the elite forces backs Haftar ’s campaign against Islamists accused of repeated violence in Benghazi. The latest bloodshed comes a day after Haftar ’s forces launched fresh air raids on Islamists in Benghazi, with one strike targeting a meeting of Ansar al-Sharia, one of his aides said. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has urged Libyans to fight Haftar and his so-called National Army, labelling the exarmy general an “enemy of Islam”. Authorities have denounced Haftar as an outlaw, but after thousands of Libya rallied for his support he said he has a mandate from the people to pursue his offensive to crush “terrorism”. Since the 2011, Libya has been rocked by lawlessness with neardaily attacks blamed on radical Islamists targeting security forces in Benghazi. The interim authorities, caught

in their own power struggle, have been unable to stamp out the violence in the absence of a strong army and police force. Ansar al-Sharia, classified as a terrorist group by the United States, was backed by the February 17 Brigades of ex-rebel leader Rafallah al-Sahati and the Libya Shield Force Islamist groups, said Werfelli. The powerful February 17 group of ex-rebels denied any involvement in Monday’s fighting, in a statement posted on Facebook. The group of ex-rebels is suspected of having strong ties with Ansar al-Sharia, which has threatened Haftar that he could end up like Kadhafi, killed by

Haftar, 71, lived in exile in the United States before returning home to command ground forces in the uprising. Last week he said in a statement read on a private television that he would not rest until he has purged Libya of Islamists. “No steps backwards until the country is liberated, security and stability restored and freedom and democracy established,” he said. But many in Libya doubt that he will have any impact on the Islamists and question his real intentions, which his detractors claiming on social media forums that he “speaks more than he shoots”

Irregular forces loyal to former army general Khalifa Haftar stand by an armed vehicle during clashes with Islamist militants in the Eastern City of Benghazi yesterday.

Israel Hits Back After Fire From Gaza, Syria

JERUSALEM - Rocket fire from Gaza and Syria hit Israel early yesterday in two separate incidents that prompted the Israeli military to hit back, just hours before the swearing in of a new Palestinian government. The exchanges of fire took place as Palestinian president

Mahmud Abbas was to unveil a new government pieced together as part of a surprise April reconciliation agreement between leaders in the West Bank and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip that has been fiercely opposed by Israel. Early yesterday, Israeli

warplanes staged two bombing raids on targets in central and southern Gaza following rocket fire on southern Israel, a spokesman said. “After two rockets were fired at Israeli territory over the last two days, the Israeli airforce attacked two terrorist

Iraqi firemen examine the wreckage of a car following an explosion in the city of Nasiriyah, South of the capital Baghdad yesterday.

sites in central and southern Gaza,” he said, noting the raids were successful. Since the start of the year, about 150 rockets have struck Israeli territory, but the border has been relatively calm for the past few weeks. Meanwhile in the north, Israeli troops fired across the Syrian ceasefire line in the occupied Golan Heights after a projectile struck Israeli territory, the military said. “Earlier this morning, a projectile fired from Syria exploded near an Israeli position on Mount Hermon,” a military spokesman told journalists saying troops had responded with artillery fire towards the area from which it came. Army radio said three mortar shells had been fired from Syria, although only one had struck inside Israeli-held territory. Israel, which is technically at war with Syria, seized 1,200-square-kilometre (460 square miles) of the Golan Heights plateau during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community. Since the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, the plateau

has been tense, with a growing number of projectiles, mostly stray, hitting the Israeli side, prompting an occasional armed response. The tension spiked just hours before the formal unveiling of the new Palestinian government at a ceremony at Abbas’ Muqataa headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The new government, which will be headed by Rami Hamdallah — the current prime minister in the West Bank — will count a total of 17 ministers. Five of them, including Hamdallah, hail from Gaza. Although the formal line-up has not yet been made public, it has been pieced together by Abbas’s mainstream Fatah movement and the Islamist Hamas movement. Technocratic in nature, it will not have a political mandate but will be tasked with organising elections within six months. Israel has vowed to boycott the new government, with officials reportedly warning that after it is sworn in, they would hold Abbas directly responsible for any rocket fire emanating from Gaza.

9 Dead In Iraq Attacks

BAGHDAD - Attacks across Iraq, including in the normally peaceful south, killed nine people yesterday after unrest a day earlier left 40 dead, the latest in a protracted surge in nationwide bloodshed. The violence comes as political leaders jostle to build alliances amid what is expected to be a months-long period of government formation following April elections, with bloodletting at its worst since Iraq emerged from a brutal Sunni-Shiite sectarian war. A spate of bombs went off around Baghdad and in restive Sunni-majority Salaheddin province Monday, as well as in Najaf and Dhi Qar in the typically quiet Shiite-dominated south, officials said. In the deadliest attack, three

soldiers were killed by a suicide attacker who detonated an explosives-rigged vehicle in Tarmiyah, just north of the capital. South of Baghdad, a roadside bomb near a secondary school in Mahmudiyah killed a male pupil, and a car bomb near a Shiite mosque in Iskandiriyah killed two people. Mahmudiyah and Iskandiriyah lie in the confessionally-mixed “Triangle of Death”, so called for the brutal violence that plagued the area in 2006 and 2007. Three separate bomb blasts in Salaheddin province left two soldiers dead and three people wounded, and rare bombings in Najaf and Dhi Qar provinces, in Shiite-majority south Iraq, left one person dead and 36 wounded overall, security and medical

officials said. The latest violence came a day after 40 people were killed in nationwide unrest, including 22 who died as a result of clashes and shelling in and around the conflict-hit city of Fallujah, which lies just a short drive from Baghdad. Security forces have shelled Fallujah for months and repeatedly tried to storm the city in a bid to re-take it, but antigovernment fighters have held sway over it. Human Rights Watch said last month that Iraqi authorities have likely violated the laws of war by targeting Fallujah hospital. The crisis in the desert province of Anbar, which borders Syria and of which Fallujah is a part, began in late December

when security forces dismantled a longstanding protest camp maintained by the province’s mainly Sunni Arab population to vent grievances against the government. Militants subsequently seized parts of the provincial capital Ramadi and all of Fallujah, the first time anti-government forces have exercised such open control in major cities since the peak of the deadly violence that followed the US-led invasion of 2003. They have held all of Fallujah since, and protracted battles have continued for Ramadi. The unrest in Fallujah is part of a year-long surge in nationwide violence that has left more than 4,000 people dead so far this year, according to an AFP tally.

Figures separately compiled by the United Nations and the government in Baghdad showed more than 900 people were killed last month alone, with bloodletting at its worst since 2008, when Iraq was emerging from a brutal Sunni-Shiite sectarian war. Officials blame external factors for the rise in bloodshed, particularly the civil war in neighbouring Syria, and insist wide-ranging operations against militants, especially in Anbar, are having an impact. But the violence has continued unabated, while analysts and diplomats insist the Shiite-led government must do more to reach out to the disaffected Sunni minority in order to undermine support for militancy.

Viewpoint Democracy In Nigeria: DEMOCRACY is a principle of rule based on freedom and equality among people, it entails beyond mere independence with diverse attributes of freedom of citizens to associate with one another, the realization of their ideals, defence and promotion of their interests, and the freedom of these citizens to choose between different political platforms and various political parties and candidates; it also concerns the wellbeing of such citizens, including the protection of their lives and properties. In Nigeria, democracy began partially in 19791983, but more of its independent history, Nigeria was ruled by a series of military juntas. The final military ruler, Gen Sani Abacha, died suddenly in 1998. His successor, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar promised a transition from military to civilian government, and accordingly a new constitution was adopted on May 5,1999.Elections were held and Rtd Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, who had previously governed Nigeria as a military ruler, was elected the new president. He assumed office on the 29th of May 1999. From that time, Nigeria as a nation has been celebrating her year

Need For Change

By NASIMAH ADO HALILU

of democracy on every 29th May. On 29th May 2014, Nigeria celebrated her 15 years of democracy; the minister of information, Mr Labaran Maku recently

manifested until the government at all tiers will showcase their positive achievements to the people, keeping aside their

instead the country is surrounded with series of foreboding events, to mention some for instance; where youth who are

disclosed that, the event of this year’s democracy day will not be different from the previous ones as it will showcase the g o v e r n m e n t ’s achievement’s to the people, by providing evidence in pictures and videos. The contention however is the meaning of democracy is not well

failures in hidden lines. The attributes of democracy in political science are said to be; independence, justice, equality, free and fair election, fundamental human right, peace and unity. Unfortunately, for Nigeria none of the attributes of democracy is being executed well,

regarded as the back bone of development in any society, are being used as agents of destruction, either sponsored or engaged in illegal acts of election thuggery, drugs, robbery, cultism, human trafficking, suicide bombings and apparently daily killings of innocents especially in northern part of the country by Boko

Unfortunately, for Nigeria none of the attributes of democracy is being executed well, instead the country is surrounded with series of foreboding events, to mention some for instance; where youth who are regarded as the back bone of development in any society, are being used as agents of destruction, either sponsored or engaged in illegal acts of election thuggery, drugs, robbery, cultism.

Haram insurgents since July 2009. Where children were abducted from schools and schools closed, unprepared for the fear of terror attacks, where weapons of mass

destructions were being transported successfully into the country, where elders, stake holders and traditional rulers were silence and being afraid of saying the truth, where religious leaders who considered as faith of the community being fade of the community, where journalists whom seem as objective servers of information to the public manipulated to being tools of government propaganda and owners sentiments, where law makers being money makers. When Nigeria witnessed more than 100 years of amalgamation, yet, some were agitating for division, When Nigeria government also despite its military

strength for peace keeping in the world over, is now appealing to other countries to intervene into its national security. When appointment, promotion and resignation of public service and arm forces was not based on merit, but sentiment, ethnicity and tribalism and religious difference and where government engaged in corruption, injustice and failing to fulfill its promises to the populace. While all these are facts about Nigeria… then the need for change is necessary if we are really proud of our democracy. The better solution is transformation in our negative attitudes. It is palpable that the accusing fingers were always being pointed to the leaders, particularly the president who is the Head of state and commander- in- chief of the armed forces, but the logic behind this is because for any good governance, there must be better nation, but the fact remains indispensable because the leaders alone could not determine the absolute success or failure of the nation without supporting hands from its advisers, law makers and the electorates. Therefore everyone is a contributor but the leaders have the lion shares. However, it is not too late…we can change using patriotism as a weapon. Let us learn from the activities of our forefathers, let the Mandela’s and the likes be our role model. Our problems are not with Nigeria as a country but associated to the attitude and behaviours of Nigerians.

Man City Not After Cesc Fabregas

Paraguay’s midfielder Victor Caceres (hidden) celebrates after scoring a goal against France

Arsenal Ladies Lift FA Cup ARSENAL Ladies gave coach Shelley Kerr a triumphant send-off by beating Everton 2-0 in the Women’s FA Cup final at stadium. Kelly Smith’s free-kick put Yankey’s 20-yard drive crash Arsenal in front in the first half back off a post after Smith teed and the experienced England up her fellow international star set up Japan international veteran. The opener came when Yukari Kinga for the second Carter was brought down on shortly after the hour mark. It was a second successive the edge of the D by full-back FA Cup title for Arsenal and Alex Greenwood and Smith Kerr, who also guided the club curled home an excellent freeto Continental Cup success last kick, though Brown-Finnis’ season but recently decided to positioning behind her wall resign after a poor start to the was suspect. Brooke Chaplen and Millie Women’s Super League Turner headed over from season. Everton had an early sight of Everton corners but Carter goal when Nikita Parris fired almost doubled the Gunners’ over, but the lone striker was lead when she tackled brilliantly to become an isolated figure as Greenwood, nutmegged her as she got to her Arsenal quickly took charge. Everton goalkeeper Rachel feet and ran from halfway Brown-Finnis had to be before hitting a post from 18 sharply off her line to prevent yards out. The first half ended with Danielle Carter reaching Smith’s through-ball - and Brown-Finnis saving on the Brown-Finnis was then line at full stretch after Carter relieved to see Rachel bundled the ball goalwards,

Kelly Smith, far left, scored Arsenal’s first goal

though the winger clearly handled the ball in the process. Smith became the third Arsenal player to hit the frame of the goal early in the second half, with Brown-Finnis beaten again. Parris’ shot was blocked at the other end before Arsenal scored their second. Smith cut into the box from the right and was blatantly blocked off by Gabrielle George, but referee Martin Atkinson played the advantage and she teed up Kinga to sweep home from 15 yards. Kinga’s compatriot Shinobu Ohno was denied by BrownFinnis before Everton’s Parris headed just wide. Carter failed to control a dangerous Smith cross, and also saw a header flash wide, while substitute Leah

Williamson shot wide from distance. Emma Mitchell hit the crossbar in stoppage time and though Arsenal could not find further goals to reflect their dominance, it was a comfortable win and a fitting end to Kerr’s 16-month reign.

MANCHESTER City are not interested in Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas and are adamant that Sergio Aguero is not for sale, a source has told ESPN FC. Aguero, 26, has been linked with a move to Barca, with his father Lionel del Castillo Aguero saying the striker would “love” to go to the Camp Nou. Reports have also suggested that Fabregas, 27, could head to the Etihad Stadium in a part-exchange deal for the Argentina international. However, City are insistent that Aguero will not be going anywhere, while they have no intention of bidding for Fabregas, regardless of whether the deal involves the former Atletico Madrid player. Fabregas is reportedly set to leave Barcelona this summer after three seasons at the Camp Nou, with suggestions he is available for 30 million pounds. The midfielder, who was a target for Manchester United last year, has scored 42 goals in 151 games since leaving Arsenal for 35 million pounds in 2011. Fabregas established a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders during his time at Arsenal, scoring 57 goals in 303 games. However, Yaya Toure has been prolific in a similar role

for City, scoring 24 times last season, and the Premier League champions remain determined to keep hold of the Ivory Coast international, despite a bizarre stand-off that began when the player’s agent claimed the club did not do enough to celebrate his client’s birthday. Aguero, who turned 26 on June 2, has been consistently linked with a return to Spain since joining City from Atletico in 2011. Like Toure, he signed a four-year contract in 2013, committing himself to City until 2017, and manager Manuel Pellegrini has always maintained the striker is happy and that he does not want to sell him. Aguero, who scored 28 goals last season, has struck 75 times in his three years in England, and Aguero Snr said he thought City would make it “impossible” for his son to leave the club.

Fabregas

Mourinho Backs France For JOSE Mourinho believes I think he’s a real great. France have a squad World Cup Sometimes, we only look at a possessing both the “quality centre-forward as a and experience” needed to win the World Cup. The Chelsea manager told Yahoo! that he will have ample opportunity to size up Didier Deschamps’ men, while he feels Les Bleus could well have the measure of

every other team in the competition. “I think it’s possible [France could win the World Cup]. The players play in the best teams in Europe,” he said. “They have quality and experience. Didier Deschamps also has a lot of experience as a coach of toplevel clubs. And the national team has won some big competitions.” Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will be central to France’s bid to win their second World Cup. Benzema, 27, has been struggling to overcome an adductor injury sustained late in the La Liga season, and played no part as Les Bleus drew 1-1 with Paraguay in Nice on Sunday in their second warm-up friendly ahead of the tournament in Brazil. Mourinho, who coached the former Lyon man during his three-year tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu, acknowledged he will be missed if he is not at 100 percent come the start of France’s Group E campaign, when they face Honduras on June 15.

goalscorer,” he said. “But I think it’s more than that. It’s also a player who can bring other qualities. Benzema has scored a number of important goals. He plays very, very well, even in other positions. He also provides a lot of assists, which is very important. He’s a great player.” Mourinho also lavished similar praise on Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri, who was left out of the France squad by Deschamps. Reportedly a consequence of a poor attitude when not playing regularly, Nasri’s omission raised eyebrows in England, where he helped his club to the Premier League title this season. “Only Didier can explain the reasons for that decision,” said Mourinho when asked to give his thoughts on the former Arsenal and Marseille man’s absence. “I think Nasri is a great player, but Didier is a great coach. If he took that decision, it’s because there were reasons. It’s up to him to explain his decision, or not. I’m a coach, and you have to respect the decisions of other coaches.”

Tax Evasion 2014 Confed Cup NFA Holds German Football Boss Draw Today Hoeness Begins Jail Term FORMER Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness began a three and half years jail sentence on Monday after being convicted in March of evading $40 million in taxes, German media reported yesterday. The state prosecutor in Munich declined to comment on the Hoeness, who has mostly kept a report and said there would be no low profile since his conviction, official confirmation. would start his jail term in late Daily Bild reported Hoeness May. was set to enter the Landsberg Hoeness, who played in the prison, a jail with some 420 West German team that won the inmates that houses murderers, 1974 World Cup, resigned as drug-dealers, and sex offenders. chairman of the supervisory It is also where Adolf Hitler board and president of Bayern dictated his book “Mein Kampf” Munich after his conviction in to Rudolf Hess while serving out a sentence for his failed 1923 beer hall putsch. “Hoeness goes to jail today,” read the headline on Bild’s online edition. “Exactly 81 days after his conviction.” Once Germany’s most famous soccer boss, Hoeness was convicted of evading 28.5 million euros in taxes on income earned in a secret Swiss bank account. He hoped in vain his voluntary disclosure would lead to a suspended sentence and has spent the last three months waiting to begin his term. State prosecutor Ken Heidenreich declined to comment on the Bild report that Hoeness was about to begin serving his sentence on Monday at the 114-year-old prison. “We will not make any public statement on that,” Heidenreich said. “It’s not something we would make public anyhow and there will not be any press release at any point. Herr Hoeness himself would be the person who could confirm that.” Munich-based magazine Focus said in mid-May that Uli Hoeness

one of the most spectacular tax evasion cases in post-war Germany. His tax evasion shocked the nation and prompted thousands of tax dodgers to turn themselves in. During his 35 years at Bayern Munich, Hoeness turned the club into a perennial powerhouse that dominates the German Bundesliga and won the 2013 Champions League. He also owns a Bavarian sausage factory. Landsberg prison is about 70

that means that you are all golden athletes. ‘’But, I promise you that those of you that won gold at the AYG will be at the YOG later in the year. Even if your federations are not going, we will get you there,’’ Elegbeleye said. The NSC director-general said all the athletes should see the AYG as a stepping stone to greater heights. ‘’As from today, you are all preparing for something greater than what you have achieved. ‘’Nigeria will be going for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil and I believe that you all are not too young to be Olympic medalists. ‘’Even those who did not win gold in Botswana, I am sure that after this, you will perform better than you did now. ‘’So, I believe that your best is yet to come,’’ he said. Elegbeleye however commended the national under15 football team for winning gold in spite of having a little time for preparation. ‘’I want to particularly commend the football team because we nearly disbanded them.

United of Kebbi. Binani FC of Adamawa beat Jalingo FC of Taraba, Sky Academy of Kano State defeated Police Machine of Nasarawa State, while Tornadoes Feeders eliminated Indigenes of Ondo State. Also, Bobbies FC of Delta pipped JKF Boys of Ekiti, Bright Stars of Ebonyi beat Okagbue FC of Anambra after penalty kicks. On their part, Baton FC of Imo overcame Atlantic Warriors of Cross River. The Grand Finale of this year’s Men and Women Federation Cup competitions has been scheduled for August 3.

More Talents Emerge From Aliko Dangote Gymnastics Championships

2014 AYG: Gold Medal Winners

ABUJA- The National Sports Commission (NSC) says all the athletes who won gold medals for Nigeria at the just-concluded African Youth Games (AYG) would be at the forthcoming Youth Olympics Games (YOG). Director General of the commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, stated this after receiving the athletes at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday. Elegbeleye said the athletes’ presence at the YOG was guaranteed, even if their sport’s national federations would not be at the Games slated to hold in China on August. The Team Nigeria to the second edition of the AYG, held in Gaborone, Botswana, won 41 medals. This had comprised 19 gold, eight silver and 13 bronze medals. ‘’Every Nigerian is proud of you, starting from President Goodluck Jonathan, because you went there, conquered and came back. ‘’At the last outing in Morocco in 2010, we had 10 medals. But we have surpassed that feat with this outing, and

km (45 miles) west of Munich. Prison officials took 160 journalists on a controversial tour inside the prison in March. [ID:nL5N0MS3KQ} That triggered a political dispute in Bavaria about whether Hoeness’s privacy had been violated. His lawyers then sought to have Hoeness serve his time in a more modern prison due to concerns that other inmates or guards could peddle information or pictures of Hoeness to the media, Focus magazine also reported. Hoeness said last month he hoping to return to the helm of Bayern Munich after serving his term. With good behaviour he could be released well before the end of his term. The maximum sentence for tax evasion is 10 years and the prosecutors, citing Hoeness’s cooperation, had sought a 5-1/2 year sentence.

THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) will today hold the Draw Ceremony for the 2014 Federation Cup competition in the men and women categories at the FIFA Technical Centre in Abuja. A statement by NFA’s Assistant Director (Communications), Ademola Olajire, said the association’s Head of Federation Cup Unit, Ruth David, disclosed this. It said the Draw would involve all the clubs which qualified from the 36 states and the FCT, except those clubs which have been eliminated in the competition’s national preliminaries. The national preliminaries took place across the country on May 14. Results from this stage showed that Liverpool FC of Sokoto State were eliminated by Dan Buran of Katsina State, while Mafara United of Zamfara walked over Jege

For YOG ‘’They had little time to prepare, but the Director of Competitions at the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Mohammed Sanusi, said they have a team that can win gold and they did. ‘’For those that did not win any medal at all, I believe it was probably because of the situation at hand or you were not psychologically prepared. ‘’But, I urge you to prepare yourself for the next edition and we will encourage you,’’ Elegbeleye said. He however promised the athletes that they would be hosted to a presidential reception at a later date, subject to President Jonathan’s approval. Nigeria placed third on the medals table at the AYG, after South Africa and Egypt who were first and second respectively. The 2014 AYG was held from May 22 to May 31. Team Nigeria participated in 16 sporting events with 115 athletes.

RITA Akande, the Secretary-General of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), on Sunday in Abuja gave high ratings to the 5th Alhaji Aliko Dangote Gymnastics Championships. The teams from nine states, the FCT and four clubs participated in this year ’s edition of the championships at the Abuja National Stadium’s Gymnasium. Akande said that the 2014 edition of the championships have helped in discovering a lot of talents. She said the championships had grown to become a platform for discovering talents for the country since its inception in 2009. “Today, we are witnessing

Aliko Dangote

the fifth edition of the championships that has helped in discovering a lot of talents for Nigeria. “It has continued to do just that, with what we have seen this time around in this fifth edition,’’ the GFN secretary said. She however praised the championships’sponsor, Mr Foluso Adefemi, for providing the enabling environment for things to happen in the sport in Nigeria. “I will like to greatly appreciate the sponsor of this wonderful championship, Mr Foluso Adefemi who has created this opportunity and platform for discovering talents,” Akande said. She said Adefemi, who is the President of GFN and also the Chief Executive Officer of

Union Maritime Agency, had been the sole sponsor of the championships. Akande then solicited for more sponsorship from both corporate bodies and individuals to help in the development of the country’s gymnasts. “I can assure you that, with the crop of talents we have been able to discover in this championships, the future of our great country in the sport is bright. ‘But, there is the need to harness and nurture these talents in order to put Nigeria on the map of the best gymnastics nations,” she said. The GFN secretary said Nigerians needed to realise that sports has been used as a tool for curbing social vices all over the world, and therefore needed to invest in it. She said this helps in channeling the excess energy of the youths into positive use. “Government cannot do it alone, especially when there are other pressing issues that needed to be attended to,” Akande said. The championships, which began on Thursday, came to an end on Sunday.

2014 FIFA World Cup Count-Down The Six Best Defences In World Cup History

THERE are now just 10 days to go before the start of the World Cup finals! from a World Cup without losing 1. Switzerland 2006 a game and, on a more sour note, Zero goals in four matches the first team not to score at least It’s a great quiz question: which once in a penalty shoot-out. team played at least four matches Defensive heroes: at the same World Cup without Zuberbuhler; P. Degen, P. Muller, conceding a single goal, the only Senderos, Magnin. time that has happened since the Results: 0-0 against France, 2inception of the World Cup in 0 against Togo, 2-0 against South 1930? Switzerland is perhaps a Korea, 0-0 (0-3 on penalties) surprising answer, but against Ukraine. nevertheless that’s exactly what Switzerland’s Philippe Kobi Kuhn’s solid and well- Senderos vies with Togo’s organised, indeed impenetrable, Mohamed Kader Coubadja at the side achieved in Germany in 2006 World Cup (Reuters) 2006. That Swiss team also 2. Brazil 1986 became the first to be eliminated One goal in five matches (0.20

goals per match) History can be unforgiving at times. The Brazil team at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico is mostly remembered for their incredible attacking prowess, with the likes of Socrates, Falcao, Careca and Zico in their squad. But the Selecao’s back line should be equally feted after they conceded just one solitary goal throughout their entire campaign. That one goal, an equaliser scored by Michel Platini of France in the quarter-finals, proved crucial; France went on to win the game on penalties and Brazil bowed out. But not before

Portugal’s Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho and Raul Meireles swarm around Brazil striker Nilmar at the 2010 World Cup .

their immense defence had left a lasting impression on the world game. Defensive heroes: Carlos; Josimar, Julio Cesar, Edinho, Branco. Results: 1-0 against Spain, 1-0 against Algeria, 3-0 against Northern Ireland, 4-0 against Poland, 1-1 (3-4 on penalties) against France. The Brazilian team at the 1986 World Cup (AFP) 3. Portugal 2010 One goal in four matches (0.25 goals per match) The only goal conceded by Eduardo, the Sporting Braga keeper and Portugal in 2010, was one too many. After a remarkable first round of group matches, in which the Portuguese scored seven against North Korea and had goalless draws against Brazil and Ivory Coast, Carlos Queiroz’s side came up against eventual winners Spain in the last 16. David Villa was the only man to breach the Portuguese defence that tournament, firing past Eduardo just after the hour mark to dash the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo et al. Defensive heroes: Eduardo; Ricardo Costa, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, Fabio Coentrao. Results: 0-0 against Ivory Coast, 7-0 against North Korea, 0-0 against Brazil, 0-1 against Spain. Portugal’s Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho and Raul Meireles swarm around Brazil striker Nilmar at the 2010 World … 4. England 1982 One goal in five matches (0.20 goals per match)

It’s not often that an England side get a mention in a ‘best of’ list, but Ron Greenwood’s classic Admiral-wearing team deserved plaudits for their defensive performance in 1982. Peter Shilton led from the back in Spain and the Nottingham Forest keeper only had to pick the ball out of his net once - against France in the opening group match, won by England 3-1. And considering the Three Lions also faced opponents of the quality of Spain and West Germany, that feat is not to be sniffed at. Defensive heroes: Shilton; Butcher, Mills, Thompson, Sansom. Results: 3-1 against France, 20 against Czechoslovakia, 1-0 against Kuwait, 0-0 against Spain, 0-0 against West Germany. England stopper Terry Butcher crunches into a tackle on France’s Michel Platini at the 1982 World Cup (AFP) 5. Italy 1990 Two goals in seven matches (0.29 goals per match) It wouldn’t be a proper list of top defensive units without Italy featuring somewhere, and so we come to the great Azzurri backline of 1990. The inventors of catenaccio and traditional masters of defending, Italy lived up to their reputation at their home tournament as they reached the semi-finals without having conceded a single goal. In Naples, they came up against Argentina and Claudio Caniggia, who it was who finally broke Italian resistance. His goal cancelled out Toto Schillaci’s opener and ensured the match went all the way to penalties,

where a certain Diego Maradona scored the decisive spot kick to deliver a knockout blow to Italy’s chances. Defensive heroes: Zenga; Baresi, Bergomi, Ferri, Maldini. Results: 1-0 against Austria, 10 against the US, 2-0 against Czechoslovakia, 2-0 against Uruguay, 1-0 against Republic of Ireland, 1-1 against Argentina (34 on penalties), 2-1 against England. Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga is beaten to the ball by Argentina forward Claudio Caniggia in the 1990 World Cup … 6. France 1998 Two goals in seven matches (0.29 goals per match) There are those who believe that the success of the French defence in 1998 was solely down to a curious and ritual meeting of Laurent Blanc’s lips on Fabian Barthez’s bald pate before every match. While that cannot be disproven, the supreme talent of this French defence might also have had something to do with it. Disciplined, physical, experienced, skilful and slightly wacky (in the case of Barthez), Aime Jacquet’s back line had everything. And when paired with the attacking talent on offer at the time, it came as no surprise when Les Bleus went all the way and won the tournament. Defensive heroes: Barthez; Thuram, Blanc, Desailly, Lizarazu. Results: 3-0 against South Africa, 4-0 against Saudi Arabia, 2-1 against Denmark, 1-0 (golden goal) against Paraguay, 0-0 (4-3 on penalties) against Italy, 2-1 against Croatia, 3-0 against Brazil.

FABIAN Johnson and Clint Dempsey scored as the United States beat Turkey 21 in their second of three friendlies before the World Cup on Sunday in Harrison, New Jersey. Johnson gave the U.S. a lead in the 26th minute after completing a one-two with Michael Bradley, who passed over the top of Turkey’s back line for Johnson to slot into the lower-left corner. Dempsey, who missed the U.S.’ win over Azerbaijan with a sore groin, doubled the lead with a tap-in after 52 minutes following Turkey defender Hakan Balta’s botched clearance. Turkey had their share of chances at the U.S. goal, but keepers Tim Howard and Brad Guzan, who came in at haltime, kept them off the score sheet until the 90th minute, when Selcuk Inan converted a penalty. Germany had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Cameroon in their last match before coach Joachim Loew names his final squad for the World Cup in Brazil. Samual Eto’o put Cameroon ahead in the 62nd minute, before Thomas Mueller and Andre Schuerrle

gave Germany the lead. But Maxim Choupo-Moting clinched the draw in the 78th minute after a breathless period in the second half. Romelu Lukaku set Belgium on their way to victory vs. Sweden. Romelu Lukaku set Belgium on their way to victory vs. Sweden. Goals by Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard gave Belgium a 2-0 win over Sweden in a World Cup warm-up game. After a slow start, the Belgians took advantage of a Swedish defensive mistake that allowed Axel Witsel to set up Lukaku in the 34th minute. Hazard easily rolled in the second goal in the 78th minute from a pass by Kevin De Bruyne. France were denied victory over Paraguay in their World Cup warm-up match in Nice as Victor Caceres scored his first international goal late on tp secure a 1-1 draw. Antoine Griezmann scored in the 82nd minute to give France a deserved lead after they had dominated the match in both chances and possession, but Caceres, who

has played more than 50 games for his country without finding the net, headed the equaliser in the last minute. Omer Damari and Gil Vermouth scored in the second half to help Israel beat World Cup-bound Honduras 4-2 in Houston, Texas. Honduras also dropped a 20 decision to Turkey on Thursday night in Washington. Israel were coming off a 3-0 loss to Mexico on Wednesday night in Mexico City. After Eran Zahavi put Israel ahead in the 33rd minute, Honduras tied it on Roger Espinoza’s goal, but Israel regained the lead in the 52nd minute on an own goal as Tal Ben Haim’s shot from the left box went in off Honduras’ Maynor Figueroa. Damari added to the lead in the 60th minute, and Vermouth made it 4-1 in the 75th minute, taking a pass in the upper right box, gathering it and sending a shot off the near post and into the goal. Carlo Costly scored in the 83rd minute for Honduras, heading in a cross from Espinoza.

US Victorious As Germany, France Held

Cameroon’s forward Samuel Eto’o (right) celebrates next to teammates scoring the first goal for Cameroon during the friendly football match against Germany

Germany Held By Stubborn scoring from 12 yards before INTERNATIONAL demonstrating his now Cameroon friendly, Borussia-Park half and missed a number of trademark ‘old man’ Germany 2 (Mueller 66, Schuerrle 71) Cameroon 2 (Eto’o 62, Choupo-Moting 78) Cameroon’s forward Samuel Eto’o (R) celebrates next to teammates scoring the first goal for Cameroon during the friendly football match against Germany (AFP) Hamburg’s Maxim ChoupoMoting scored a fine equaliser for Cameroon as the African side held Germany 2-2 in their final World Cup warm-up match on home soil. Germany controlled the first

clear chances to open the scoring, with Mesut Oezil putting the ball wide with only the goalkeeper to beat from 12 yards inside a minute. Mario Goetze struck the post after being sent clean through and Sami Khedira headed wide as Germany looked to clinch the goal their dominance deserved. Cameroon grew in confidence as the game went on and shocked Germany with the opener, with Samuel Eto’o

celebration. Germany levelled quickly through Thomas Mueller ’s excellent header before Andre Schuerrle made it 2-1 with a tap-in after Lukas Podolksi’s powerful run and cross - despite the Arsenal forward being clearly offside when he received the ball. The game ended with a moment of great quality by Choupo-Moting, who capped a fine individual display with an impressive run and finish into the bottom corner.

Alleged Payoffs Bolstered Qatar WC Bid A former member of FIFA’s executive committee was accused on Sunday of making payments totalling $5 million to senior football officials in return for support for Qatar’s successful bid for the 2022 World Cup. British newspaper The Sunday Times claims that it has obtained millions of secret documents proving that Mohamed Bin Hammam, a Qatari national and former FIFA vice president, was lobbying on his country’s behalf ahead of the vote in December 2010. Under a front-page headline of “Plot to buy the World Cup,” the newspaper alleges that Bin Hammam made dozens of payments to top football officials in Africa as well as Reynald Temarii and Jack Warner, the former FIFA executive committee members for Oceania and CONCACAF. The allegations come less than two weeks before the start of the World Cup in Brazil and bring fresh scrutiny on the 2010 vote, which awarded football’s biggest tournament to the tiny desert state and currently is under investigation by FIFA’s independent ethics prosecutor. The Sunday Times said that Bin Hamman declined to respond to the allegations and that members of Qatar’s bid committee denied any link to the former FIFA official, saying he played no secret role in their campaign. Qatari organisers did not immediately respond to requests from Associated Press for comment. Bin Hammam, one of the most controversial figures in FIFA’s recent history, is no longer a committee member of world football’s governing body after being caught up in a corruption scandal surrounding his failed campaign for its presidency in 2011. The Sunday Times is alleging, however, that he exploited his position at the heart of FIFA when he was an executive committee member to help to secure votes from key members of its 24-man ruling committee that helped Qatar win the right to host the World Cup. Qatar defeated bids from the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia. According to the newspaper, Bin Hammam used 10 slush funds controlled by his private company and cash handouts to make dozens of payments of up to $200,000 into accounts controlled by the presidents of 30 African football associations who influenced how the continent’s four executive members would vote. He also allegedly hosted lavish junkets for these African officials at

which he handed out almost $400,000 in cash. The newspaper says the documents show that Bin Hammam paid out at least 305,000 euros ($415,000) in legal and private detective fees for Temarii after he was suspended for telling undercover reporters that he had been offered $12 million for his vote. Bin Hammam’s help allowed him to appeal the suspension and prevent his planned replacement from voting for Australia in the vote, the Sunday Times claimed. Bin Hammam is also accused of funneling more than $1.6 million directly into bank

accounts controlled by Warner, including $450,000 before the vote. Warner resigned from football duties, including his 28year membership of FIFA’s committee, in June 2011 to avoid investigation in a bribery scandal linked to Bin Hammam’s campaign for FIFA president. The Sunday Times also said Bin Hammam paid $800,000 to the Ivory Coast FA, whose executive committee member Jacques Anouma agreed to “push very hard the bid of Qatar,” and signed off on two payments of $400,000 each to the federations of two other voters.

Jack Warner and Mohamed Bin Hammam

Boyce Open To 2022 World Cup Re-Vote

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce would be in favour of recommittee members at the time running the vote for the 2022 World Cup if allegations that of the 2022 vote had since left widespread corruption was involved in the Qatar bid were the governing body. proven. The Northern Irishman also The Sunday Times has payments into accounts insisted FIFA president Sepp claimed that it had received controlled by the presidents of 30 Blatter’s position should not be “hundreds of millions” of documents that allegedly revealed that disgraced former FIFA executive committee member Mohamed Bin Hammam had made payments to football officials in return for votes for Qatar. Boyce, who was not on the executive committee on the world governing body at the time of the vote, said FIFA’s chief investigator Michael Garcia, who is already looking into allegations of corruption, would have to widen his investigation. Boyce told Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme: “As a member currently of the FIFA executive committee, we feel that any evidence whatsoever that people involved were bribed to do a certain vote, all that evidence should go to Michael Garcia, whom FIFA have given full authority to, and let’s await the report that comes back from Garcia. Jim Boyce “If Garcia’s report comes up and his recommendations are African football associations and called into question by the that wrongdoing happened for accounts controlled by the allegations. that vote for the 2022 World Trinidadian Jack Warner, a He said: “From the day that Cup, I certainly as a member of former vice-president of FIFA. I became a member of the the executive co would have Boyce, who said he had not executive committee and from absolutely no problem had the chance to read the the day that Sepp Blatter whatsoever if the Sunday Times report, feels announced that he wanted to see recommendation was for a re- Garcia’s investigation should not complete and utter reforms vote. carried out by FIFA, he has led be hurried. “If Garcia comes up with He said: “The man has got these investigations and he has concrete evidence and concrete to be given full control to do that led a lot of the reforms that were evidence is given to the investigation thoroughly and if badly needed at FIFA that are executive committee and to it takes more time to do that now being carried out. FIFA then it has to be looked at investigation thoroughly so be it. “There is no suggestion very seriously at that time, I have not met Garcia, but I’m whatsoever that he was involved there’s no doubt about that.” told he’s a man of the very, very in any wrongdoing. When The Sunday Times alleged highest calibre and I’m told he’s Garcia’s report comes back to Bin Hammam — also the former someone who will not shirk the him, as president of FIFA he has Asian Football Confederation responsibilities that he has been to give leadership. (AFC) president, who was given. I certainly hope that’s “There are people in banned for life from football going to be the situation.” authority who are not aware of administration by the FIFA Boyce pointed out that 50 things that go on regarding other ethics committee — had made percent of the executive individuals and if he personally

wasn’t involved in this I don’t think there’s any reason whatsoever for him to resign. He is still the president of FIFA and I’m sure he, like the rest of the decent people and the people

who are involved in FIFA, are awaiting with great interest Mr. Garcia’s report.” The Sunday Times said the official Qatar bid committee had always insisted Bin Hammam was an entirely separate individual who had nothing to do with the campaign to bring the World Cup to Doha, but a senior UK politician has called for a full and transparent investigation into how the 2022 World Cup was awarded to Qatar. John Whittingdale, chairman of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said on Sunday: “My committee examined allegations two years ago that there had been corrupt payments involved in the decision, and we called for a full,

transparent investigation. However, since then, FIFA have attempted to brush off the allegations and not taken them anything like sufficiently seriously. “If these revelations in the Sunday Times prove to be correct they are obviously extremely serious. There does need to be an urgent and full transparent investigation to establish the facts.” Whittingdale argued Blatter’s position was “almost untenable” as he had been very dismissive of the allegations over the past couple of years and did not appear to have taken them seriously. He added: “There have already been serious doubts raised about the capability of Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup on football grounds. If the choice of Qatar was as a result of improper payments being made, then that strengthens an already strong case for rerunning the whole 2022 contest.” Gerry Sutcliffe was UK sports minister during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded simultaneously. England bid for the 2018 tournament, but lost out to Russia. Sutcliffe cast doubt on whether a re-run of the 2022 bid would be possible, but said urgent action was required to show potential bidders for future tournaments it was still worthwhile funding a bid. “It’s called into question the whole integrity of FIFA,” he said on Radio 5 Live. “I think it would be difficult to re-run 2018 and 2022 now because the commitments have been made. “What I think should happen is the FA, through UEFA, should make strong representations to FIFA, because what’s going to happen is people are not going to bid in the future if it’s not a fair and transparent process.”

CMYK

A Promise Fulfilled

ON June 11, 2013, Edo state government formally announced the proscription of commercial motor cycle, better known as Okada. It gave sundry reasons (with security concerns as the major issue) for the action. The state government was also specific on the areas, mostly within the Benin City metropolis where the ban order would be enforced. The reaction that followed was not unexpected. While a large number of residents hailed the move as long overdue, others saw it as totally uncalled for. More than that, many of those that opposed the ban, bike riders and or owners in particular, felt betrayed because it came into effect despite assurances by the governor that no such action was in the plan. All said and done, the ban was put into effect with a promise by the governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, that the state will introduce palliative measures to cushion its effects. On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, the governor fulfilled the promise when he commissioned 300 cabs to members of the Okada riders association. The delivery of the cabs, which is the first phase, effectively brings to an end the politicization of a strictly security issue. The action of the state government which is receiving plaudits from a very large segment of the public is also drawing considerable ire from some sectors backed

by the opposition. While the first group is commending the government for living upto its promises the latter group is dismissing it on the ground that it came a little too late without giving a thought to the reasons given for the delay. Indeed while commissioning the taxi cabs, the governor pointed out that it took so long to concretise the promise to the former Okada riders because of the intricacies involved in negotiating the details of the palliative measure. As it were, it turned out positive as the state government was able to shelve off about 15 per cent of the total cost in favour of the beneficiaries. The balance will be paid by the government. “Government gave 15 per cent subsidy on the price of each vehicle and the subsidy is a grant that we are giving to each of the beneficiary. We are not expecting you to pay back to the government of Edo state.” Besides the subsidy, the beneficiaries also had reasons to be grateful to the government as it negotiated with the facilitating bank to reduce the interest rate charged on each of the vehicles. From the prevailing 21 per cent chargeable interest rate, the bank accepted 18 per cent for each vehicle. The government also provided comprehensive insurance cover for all the vehicles. There are other reasons members of the defunct Okada riders’ s Association will be grateful to the state

government for redeeming the promise to provide palliative measures. For instance, each beneficiary is expected to pay only forty eight thousand (N48, 000) Naira as first installment to be given one of the cars. Thereafter, beneficiaries are expected to produce same amount as monthly payment till the

to pay back two thousand (N2,000) Naira daily. Another reason why beneficiaries are very happy with the development is that each of them has three years to offset the debt. What it translates to is that for an average new car which requires at least four years before developing any fault, the

MATTERS IN FOCUS With Ernest Omoarelojie life. That however, depends on whether or not they are serious about self improvement. In any case, if the words of Comrade Peter Adoroh, leader of Okada riders is anything to go by, there is no doubt that the beneficiaries, at

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor

debt is completely written off. What it translates to is that on the average, each beneficiary is expected

lucky owners have enough time not only to repay the debt but also make enough investment for a better

least majority of them, are ready to take advantage of the opportunity to reach greater economic

heights. “We are with you, come rain or shine,” an apparent expression of gratitude to the governor over the gesture. The governor used the ocassion to explain circumstances that made the ban inevitable even after repeatedly assuring the riders that there was no plan to ban commercial motor bikes. According to him, the decision became imperative as evolving security concern could no longer be ignored. “I found myself taking a tough decision after repeatedly assuring the Okada riders that Okada would not be banned in the state. When I said that, I meant it. Indeed, after my second tenure election, I renewed that assurance and I know you were really shocked that after reassuring you repeatedly, you woke up one day to hear that the same governor had decided to prohibit Okada and to give you a very short notice that was less than one week. That was a tough decision for me.”

“There are other reasons members of the defunct Okada riders’ s Association will be grateful to the state government for redeeming the promise to provide palliative measures. For instance, each beneficiary is expected to pay only forty eight thousand (N48, 000) Naira as first installment to be given one of the cars. Thereafter, beneficiaries are expected to produce same amount as monthly payment till the debt is completely written off. What it translates to is that on the average, each beneficiary is expected to pay back two thousand (N2,000) Naira daily.”

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