THE NIGERIAN
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The Nigerian
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 • NO. 302 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 20 13 • N 100. 0 0
OPINION Page 21
Uduaghan
Now walking the talk?
HEALTH Page 23 Managing problem of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
FG set to revive oil palm industry
ABUJA - The Federal Government yesterday promised to work with stakeholders in the oil palm value chain to grow the sub-sector in line with its Industrial Revolution Plan. Mr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of
Industry, Trade and Investment, made the promise at a meeting with the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria in Abuja.
Other associations at the meeting were the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria and Vegetable and Edible Oil Processors
Association of Nigeria. Aganga said that the ministry would partner all the stakeholders in the industry to develop holistic and integrated policy that would fasttrack the growth of the Continues on page 2
“These groups and individuals deliberately and mindlessly, target our infrastructure for their own economic, political, or sadistic gains.
“In recent times, piracy, sabotage of oil and gas pipelines, maritime robbery in our coastal waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) have become major
Nigeria’s critical assets under threat - Jonathan ABUJA – Nigeria’s substantial investments and critical infrastructure are under threat of the actions of terrorists, vandals and saboteurs, President Goodluck Jonathan has said. Jonathan expressed greater protection of the concern yesterday in such national assets and Abuja while declaring critical infrastructure. open a 2-day He said the Stakeholders’ Forum on stakeholders’ forum was the protection of Critical necessary in order to National Assets and ensure synergy in the Infrastructure (CNAI). activities of the security The president, who agencies. was represented by Vice “The substantial President Namadi investments we have Sambo, therefore, made in maintaining ordered the nation’s existing infrastructure security agencies to and establishing new review existing strategies ones are under threat by for effective intelligence the actions of terrorists, sharing towards ensuring vandals and saboteurs.
threats to our economy and environment.“ Jonathan said that with the increase use of advanced weapons, technologies and methods by these
criminals, the security agencies must continue to review their strategies, to decrease response times, and increase
deterrent and combative
Continues on page 2
Deliver us from oil thieves, Shell begs FG By BETTY IDIALU
ASABA - Worried by the continued stealing of its petroleum products in various parts of the country, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has raised alarm, pleading with the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene and save the company from imminent collapse. The situation, according to the AngloDutch oil multinational, the situation has become worrisome as it loses over 1,000,000 barrels of crude oil daily to oil thieves in the Niger Delta, Lagos and other parts of the Western axis of the country. R e g i o n a l Communication Manager, SPDC, Mr. Philip Mshebilla, who bemoaned the ugly situation, while speaking with some journalists in Warri, lamented the situation of not only a
huge loss of revenue, but the trend of porous security, parlous livelihood and survival of the Niger Delta as well as the unquantifiable damage oil bunkering and its variants are doing to the environment. “At a point we were losing 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, but the stealing has increased in recent time that over one 100,000 barrels of oil are lost to thieves daily. We are really worried about this ugly situation that is now derailing the oil sector and the national economy,” said the Shell boss. One effort being made to detect the activities of
the thieves, Mshelilia said, is that, “We fly helicopter daily across the region to check the pipelines. “We can only fly during the day but stealing activities goes on in the Continues on page 2
FORUM: L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm Dele Ezeoba, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and Chief of Defence, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, at the Stakeholders Forum on Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in Abuja yesterday.
BENIN CITY - Edo State Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Economic Development, Hon Lawrence Aghedo says the public and private sector are only willing to identify and partner with government projects that have a track
record of success. He stated this while declaring open a two day workshop on Project Management for Key staff and Focal officers from the Activity
Edo SEEFOR: Commissioner sues for
successful implementation Executing Agencies under the Edo State Employment and Expenditure For Result, SEEFOR Project in Benin City. Hon Aghedo who
Planned Doctors Strike
Mixed reactions trail NMA ultimatum Medical spoke with the Nigerian beginning to trail the Nigerian By FRIDAY OBANOR
BENIN CITY – Mixed reactions are
proposed industrial announced
planned action by the
Association (NMA) at the weekend. Some respondents
OBSERVER on the 21 – day ultimatum the Continues on page 2
explained that the workshop became necessary to prepare all concerned with the implementation of the Project, stressed that the present administration needed all to work seriously for the success of its development plans for the State. He urged participants to pay attention to the lectures and learn lessons from the
facilitators that would be valuable in the implementation of the SEEFOR Project, adding that it was also an opportunity to develop themselves for the future. In his welcome address, the Project Coordinator of Edo SEEFOR Project, Mr. Taiwo Akerele commended all Key and Focal Officers who have Continues on page 2
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
News
FG set to revive oil palm industry
Continued from page 1
sector. “No nation has developed from being a poor to a rich nation by relying heavily on producing and exporting its raw materials without a vibrant and robust industrial base and services sector. “Our country is blessed with abundant human and natural resources to become a great nation especially given the ongoing transformation and reforms being carried out by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. “In order to diversify and grow our economy through industrialisation, we have already developed and begun the implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan”. Aganga said the plan had identified strategic areas where Nigeria had comparative advantage such as agribusiness. He said that that the NIRP placed high premium in converting raw materials into
finished products through value addition. The minister said the ministry was partnering the manufacturing sector to remove barriers to increased productivity in order to increase the capacity utilisation of the real sector for job and wealth creation. “We are committed to providing a conducive environment to support the growth and development of the industrial sector. “The meeting with the coalition of stakeholders in the oil palm industry value chain
afforded us the opportunity to appraise the problems militating against achieving the full potential of the sector. “We are ready to partner all the stakeholders to resolve the issues raised,” he assured. Mr. Fatai Afolabi, the Executive Secretary, Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, had earlier solicited for the assistance of the ministry in industrialising the sector. Afolabi said that stakeholders in the industry were ready to key into the Industrial Revolution Plan of the Federal Government in order to move the sector
Continued from page 1
been engaged as contract workers to keep watch on our facilities. We do not want to point accusing finger on anybody but all of us have a duty to protect oil facilities and pipeline in order to boost our economy,” stressed the Shell Communication boss. Commenting, Shell Assets
Deliver us from oil thieves
night. “Besides surveillance system, we have also engaged the services of stakeholders from various communities, Joint Task Force (JTF) and even from the media.” “Over 600 communities with nine thousand personnel have
Nigeria’s critical assets under threat protected.
Continued from page 1
capacity. He stressed the need for greater cooperation between the security agencies, adding that such cooperation would ensure timely identification of risks and potential threats to critical infrastructure and better coordination in the deployment of allied action. The president, who commended security agencies for their efforts in the protection of public facilities, called on the public to work together with security agencies in the protection of national assets. “The primary responsibility for the protection of our critical national assets rests on the shoulders of our security agencies. “It is their task to take all necessary measures to secure our vital facilities by minimizing their vulnerabilities and degrading the capability of terrorists, vandals and saboteurs. “I am happy to note that our security agencies have continued to discharge this responsibility creditably and have covered much ground against hitherto unfamiliar challenges, in so short a time. “I commend their professionalism and commitment, and enjoin them to keep up the good work.“ Jonathan, however, tasked the participants to formulate a holistic approach to the protection of Nigeria’s assets and infrastructure. According to him, the development of national infrastructure remains a core element of the federal government’s Transformation Agenda. He also called for stiffer penalties for those found culpable in the destruction or vandalism of public utilities. “There is need for heightened cooperation of other stakeholders, with the security agencies, to more effectively protect our critical national assets and infrastructure. “For instance, there is need for quicker resolution of court cases and the imposition of stiffer penalties on offenders. “We must send a clear message, that henceforth, there is a huge price to pay for the theft of resources, and the destruction of critical infrastructure.“
forward. “For the past 20 years, this is the first time for us to get the opportunity of meeting a sitting minister in charge of industry despite all our efforts. “We want to thank Mr. Olusegun Aganga for his passion and commitment toward industrialising the country. “We are confident that if the present momentum is sustained and improved upon, local production and processing of oil palm in Nigeria will experience the desirable turnaround within the next three to five years.”
The president called on the private sector and other stakeholders to update their internal security policies and systems and urged them to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the security of critical infrastructure under their management. In their respective remarks, Senate President David Mark and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, gave the assurance that the National Assembly would take adequate steps to ensure that the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure were
Mark was represented by Sen. Mohammed Magoro, while Hon. Umar Bature represented Tambuwal at the event. On his part, the Minister of interior, Comrade Abba Morro, urged the forum to come up with adequate sanctions against vandals and saboteurs to serve as deterrence to others. He also stressed the need for greater cooperation among security agencies. The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, who also spoke at the event, likened the activities of vandals to a moral equivalent of war.
Manager and Swamp Investment, West, Mr. Meshi Maichivi, disclosed that oil theft is most prevalent in Sagara/ Otumara area in Warri South/ West area of Delta State as well as Chainomi/Brass axis of Bayelsa State where thousands of crude oil have been stolen. “Federal Government had been trying to protect oil facilities with the help of the military. We see the media as partners in the struggle because we as operators cannot tackle the illegality alone. We want to sensitize the local communities about the extent of damage done so far,” laments Maichivi, regretting that a lot of revenue has been lost to oil thieves. “Sadly, the bulk of illegally refining oil kills fish, farmlands, and other source of livelihood of the people of the region, not only the economy.” “The damage caused through this system cannot be cured overnight,” the Shell boss noted.”
Mixed reactions trail NMA ultimatum Continued from page 1
association issued the federal government at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. They appealed to the federal government to as a matter of urgency address some of the issues raised by the medical workers in order to save the nation’s health sector before it becomes another ASUU strike. Dr. Pius Atafo, a Private Medical Practitioner based in Benin City urged President Goodluck Jonathan to be more concerned with the problems bedevilling the nation and stop spending the nation’s resources on his 2015 second term presidential ambition. Dr. Atafo while lamenting the Nigeria situation said it is an act of insensibility for a leader to abandon the issue of ASUU
strike in an Agreement reached with government in 2009 and starts spending lavishly in organizing kangaroo political gathering and convention. He however concluded by saying that if Nigeria must continue to remain one after 2015 general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan should be proactive in handling the problem of insurgence in the North, especially that of Boko Haram Sect, the lingering ASUU strike as well as nip in the bud, the proposed strike by NMA. Also speaking, Dr. Martins Osagie of God’s Divine Hospital disclosed that some of these industrial actions by workers union are politically motivated adding that there was no reason for ASUU to reject the N130
billion already offered by the federal government to boost University Education in Nigeria. Dr. Osagie further noted that “if you see the sequence at which these things are happening, one would began to have the feeling that the opposition has infiltrated the rank and files of labour movement in Nigeria,” while questioning the rational behind the NMA threat at this time of ASUU strike which is about two months old. He therefore hinted that in as much as he would love the federal government to fund both the nation’s Education and Health Sectors to meet with international Standard, “I will also want to advice Nigerians to be patient with President Goodluck Jonathan to successfully coast home his transformation agenda for the country.
Orhionmwon Chairman urges inhabitants to embrace peace
By ISEMHENBITA FAITH BENIN CITY – The Chairperson of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Mrs. Victoria Ibierutomwen has called on people in the locality to embrace peace, saying it is a prerequisite for genuine development. She made the call during the inauguration of a threeday deworming exercise for children in the area. According to her, living a
healthy life is as important as wealth, stressing that the local council administration takes children and women important. She expressed her preparedness to compliment the developmental strides of her husband. The local government coordinator of the Primary Health Care (PHC), Mr. Dangote Odekhina, commended the chairman for the huge financial assistance to the health sector which is
aimed at boosting health care delivery in the local government despite the council’s lean resources. He said the department is fully prepared to work with the chairman to ensure the administration’s desires for quality delivery services. He equally advised people in the are to avail themselves of the opportunity to benefit from the three – day deworming and free drugs exercise.
Association of Edo Professionals Express worry over ASUU strike, kidnap of Ozekhome BENIN CITY – The association of Edo Professionals has expressed utter dismay over the protracted strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The group in a statement signed by member, Board of Trustees, Hon. Victor Osarenren, also made a passionate appeal to the kidnappers of erudite lawyer, Mr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN to release him immediately and unconditionally. “Our heart goes out to the students and their parents who are the direct victims of this avoidable battle of wits between the Federal Government and ASUU,” the Association said.
It called on the Federal Government and ASUU to sheath their swords and resume dialogue immediately and resolve the matter that has become a national disgrace. In appealing for the release of Mr. Ozekhome, Association of Edo Professionals noted, “the issue of kidnapping has assumed very frightening and disturbing dimensions in Edo State and Nigeria in general.” They called on royal fathers, religious leaders, opinion leaders to intervene concertedly to pressurize duty bearers to tackle extreme poverty and high unemployment level with a view to dealing a decisive blow on social vices plaguing innocent law-abiding citizens.
By FUNMI BABATOPE
must brace up to intensify awareness campaign that could discourage the menace. Commending the vision and effort of MeCAHT towards eradicating the vices from the society, she disclosed that the state government is working in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in persons (NAPTIP) to ensure that the menace is totally eradicated from the society. The co-ordinator of MeCAHT, who is also the general overseer of Righteousness Preaching Mission, Rev. Shaip Okoto informed the commissioner that MeCAHT objectives is to rescue and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking as well as reduce the incidences of human trafficking among vulnerable groups, especially young girls in the state.
Edo re-assures on fight against Human trafficking
BENIN CITY – Edo State Government has restated its commitment to the fight against the twin vices of human trafficking and prostitution in the state. The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida made this known in Benin City, while playing host to a group, the Media Campaign Against Human Trafficking (MeCAHT) Benin City led by the co-ordinator, Rev. Sharp Okoro. Mrs. Maigiola who expressed displeasure over the vices of human trafficking and prostitution said that it is very disheartening that, young girls who are supposed to be responsible future mothers and nation builders are ignorantly deceived and lured into the illicit trade. She said all stakeholders
FG to construct Pedestrian bridge at Auchi Poly
AUCHI (Edo) - The Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Mrs. Philipa Idogho, said the Federal Government would construct two pedestrian bridges at the gate of the institution. Idogho said this in Auchi at the inauguration of newlyelected executives of the Students’ Union Government of the school. She said that the bridges would put an end to accidents being experienced by students while crossing the highway into the campus. “ The issue of pedestrian bridges across the BeninAuchi-Abuja Expressway is still on the front burner. “The Federal Government has now approved the construction of two bridges across the road. “Execution of the project will commence along with the dualisation of the Benin-Abuja
Expressway,’’ the rector said. Idogho said that the polytechnic had lost many students as they were hit by vehicles while trying to cross the highway into the school campus. The rector said that the bridge would effectively check fatal accidents at the school’s gate. She urged the student union officials to regard their election as a call to service and serve their fellow students, the polytechnic and the nation. Idogho urged the new executives to maintain the same cordial relationship the management had with the immediate past executives. She said that the cordial relationship had brought peace to the campus. The rector congratulated the new student union executives and urged them to be focused, dynamic and humble.
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Inside Edo Arrest Of Pipeline Vandals: AFUZE: The Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council, Hon. (Barr) Jimoh Ijegbai, has commended the Local Government Division of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, (NSCDC) for impounding a suspected petroleum tanker allegedly loaded with product believed to be crude oil. Barrister Ijegbai who gave this commendation while monitoring this months environmental sanitation exercise in the local government, remarked that the spate at which oil theft was being carried out, remains unacceptable to his administration. The council boss warned that the local government would not serve as exit route for pipeline
vandals and oil thieves promising to assist the local government division of the NSCDC in carrying out its assigned duties. Fielding questions from newsmen, the Divisional Officer of the NSCDC, Mr. Simeon Oni, superintendent of Corp, said they had an intelligence report as early as 5.30 am on Saturday that A petroleum tanker was being loaded with items suspected to be crude oil from a vandalized pipeline in Auchi axis of the Edo State. He said his men had to mount surveillance where the truck with registration No Plateau XC 399 BSA was impounded with three suspects at about 7.45am. The suspects, Lukeman Alade, Salawa Abefe and Adeunola
Government Council Chairman, Hon. (Barr) Jimoh Ijegbai, has urged the people of the Local Government Area to imbibe the spirit of cleanliness, which he noted is the responsibility of all. The council boss gave this charge at the end of last month’s environmental sanitation exercise held in the local government at the weekend. Barrister Ijegbai who commended the level of compliance with the restriction order, said there was however, room for improvement. He charged the environmental department of the council to put in more efforts in ensuring a clean and healthy environment. According to him the last
month exercise focused mainly on the Afuze and Ihievbe-Ogben markets where clearing of refuse were carried out. Meanwhile, no fewer than 15 persons were arraigned before a mobile sanitation court at Afuze presided over by Magistrate Andrew Aziegbemi. However, one Augustine Imoobe, a bike rider from Ake was sentenced to N7000 fine or two weeks imprisonment for assaulting the Secretary to the Local Government, Captain Abubakar Afege (rtd) and the Vice Chairman, Hon. Andy Osigwe during their monitoring of the sanitation exercise at Ake where the market was in session during the exercise.
Council Boss Commends NSCDC
Olawale who claimed they were hired by a baron whose name they refused to disclose said they
came in from Akure and Ibadan in Ondo and Oyo States respectively.
The truck and the three suspects who were detained at the office of the NSCDC have been taken to Benin as Press time.
Owan East LG Boss Urges Residents To Imbibe Cleanliness AFUZE – Owan East Local
L-R: Dr. Davia Mac Rae, outgoing representative of the delegation of European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS; President Goodluck Jonathan and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 1, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, during a farewell audience to Dr. Rae at the presidential villa in Abuja recently.
Engage In Profitable Activities, Chairperson Urges Women SABONGIDDA –ORA – The chairperson, Owan West Women Development Programme, Hon. Mrs. Aigbodion has urged women in the area to engage themselves in activities geared towards improving on themselves and their homes. Mrs. Aigbodion gave the advise in her address at the opening ceremony of the seminar and workshop on etiquette and women empowerment programme held in Sabongidda -Ora at the
weekend. She said the seminar and workshop, the first of its kind in the locality was organized so that the women and other stakeholders could avail themselves the opportunity to learn how to empower themselves and improved on the various skill acquired. The chairperson further said that it is also designed to educate the women in the locality on the ethics and how to adopt the habit, care practice,
R-L: Niger State Governor, Aliyu Babangida, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Adamawa State Governor, Muritala Nyako and Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatai Ahmed during a press briefing to announce the formation of new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.
behaviour and life styles that could positively impact on the women in particular and the society at large. Mrs. Aigbodion also used the occasion to advise the women to make use of the Skill Acquisition Centres in the locality which include the Women Function Literacy Centres, the Skill Acquisition Centre in the council secretariat and the National Directorate of Employment Centre at Uzebba, all of which have fully
developed and equipped by the council chairman, Hon. Barr. Godwin Aigbodion. At the seminar and workshop were women from the various towns and the eleven wards that make up Owan West Local Government Area and were lectured on etiquette, and talk on, “home accident” and making of power. Highpoint was the presentation of cash to the widow, two each from the eleven (11) wards by the chairperson.
Council Boss Inuagurates Construction Of Classrooms Blocks OKPELLA- The Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Suleiman Afebua, has inaugurated the construction of four classrooms block and Headmaster’s office at Imiagbse Primary School, Okpella. Represented by Hon. Sunday Igiefamhe Peter, Councillor representing the people of ward 5, the council boss said that the project is in fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people. The chairman, who said that his government is in hurry to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the locality also promised to focus on education, health, water and electricity, saying that the projects embarked upon would be completed earlier than expected. Special Assistant to the council boss on works, Prince Mahmuol
Afebua who highlighted the achievements of chairman maintained that similar projects are ongoing across the 10 wards in Etsako East Local Government Area. Chairman Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Pastor Peter Nasamu, describing the project as a dream come true, said that Hon. Afebua has proved to be a man of his words. Also specking a youth leader, Iriafe Pius Odio and the Village Head of Imiagbse, Chief Ahmed Dirisu expressed joy over the project which they described as the first of its kind in the school. They said that the building is the first cement block in the school, adding that their people at home and abroad are very happy with the Hon. Afebua led administration in Etsako East.
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Dermatologist Tasks Nigerians On Hygiene ABUJA- Dr Olanrewaju Falodun, a Dermatologist with the National Hospital Abuja, has advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene to prevent infections such as sypityriasis versicolor. Falodun gave the advice in Abuja in an interview with the newsmen. He said that sypityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on the skin. He said that if the yeast grows out of control, it becomes a skin disease which appears as a rash on the body. He said that the rash is commonly mistaken for eczema. Falodun said that signs of the infection include patches that could be white, pink, red, or brown. He added that the patches could be lighter or darker than the skin. The dermatologist said that though personal hygiene was key in preventing the infection, the organism was a “normal comer“ on the skin. “The organism is common among prisoners because any place that has poor hygiene can predispose one to skin diseases like Pityriasis versicolor. “People that engage in exercise especially athletes and people
that sweat a lot, need to take their bath regularly because hygiene is key,’’ he said. Falodun said that people with low immune system, those who live in hot climate and people with oily skin, were also predisposed to the infection. He said that cancer and diabetics patients and people passing through stress could also have the infection. The dermatologist advised such patients to observe their skin and take their medications properly. He urged people to avoid the use of steroid creams which he said, could alter the natural skin defence and predispose them to the infection. He advised people who noticed discolouration on their skin to seek medical help to prevent further spread. He said that the infection could be treated with creams, lotions or shampoo.
News
The Chairman, Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea (left), welcoming Mr. G.O. Okojie, the leader of the Ewatto Social club of Nigeria, Benin Branch, during a courtesy call on the Chairman in his office at Ubiaja. With them are other members of the club.
Don Canvasses Scholarships For Agric Students ABUJA- An economist at the University of Benin, Prof. Christiana Okojie, has canvassed
for scholarships for agriculture students to boost interest in agribusiness.
HRM Oba (Dr) Akinruntan Frederick Obateru (centre) flanked by Chief (Dr) Michael Olawale-Cole, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM (right) and Mr. F.M. Osifo, life member and Chairman, Merit and Award Committee after the conferment of fellow of the Institute on some members at a ceremony in Lagos recently. PHOTO: MOSES OBOH
Ewatto Social Club Visit Esan South East LG Boss EWATTO (Edo State) The Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea has played host to representatives of Ewatto Social Club of Nigeria, Benin Branch in his office at Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of the council. Mr. G.O. Okojie, the leader of the delegation told the Council Chairman that they were in his office to congratulate him on his victory during the April 20,
2013 Local Government Election in the State. Mr. Okojie also told the Chairman that since the creation of Esan South East Local Government Council, no Ewatto indigene has occupied the Chairmanship seat. According to him, Hon. Ikpea is the first Ewatto man to be voted in as Chairman of the Council, and therefore gave thanks to God Almighty for answering their prayers. Responding, Hon. Ikpea thanked the delegation for the
visit and promised not to let the people of Ewatto down. He said his doors are always open to them, even as he will make himself available at all times to attend to their needs. Hon. Ikpea also told the people to be grateful to God for answering their prayers by making him Chairman, considering the fact that since 2002 he has been vying for the office but because it is God’s appointed time, He (God) made him to occupy the position.
Okojie made the call at a Consultative Meeting on Developing a Policy Guideline to Engage Women and Youth in Agribusiness in Abuja. She said Nigeria needed to understand that investing in all processes of agriculture could yield better results for the country. “Nigeria should be aware that it is not only giving scholarships to the fields of engineering, medicine and other fields that development would be achieved. “We need to start focusing on investing in agriculture; giving scholarships to students in the field of agriculture will increase their interest.” She explained that agribusiness should be seen as agriculture beyond farming in which business opportunities were created to meet global industrialization processes. According to her, youths associate agriculture with farming because farming is tedious, time consuming and longer time in waiting to yield income. Okoije noted that high rate of illiteracy, poverty, high cost of labour and the lack of access to finance, constituted challenges to the growth of agriculture in the country. She said the burden of domestic care work for women stood as a challenge for women in the field of agriculture. The professor, however, said that efforts should be geared towards training of more women and youths to take agriculture to another level, as it was the only way to reduce unemployment. She called on governments at all levels to demonstrate political commitment and increase funding for agriculture to ensure that the sector yielded the desired results. In his remark, the representative of the Minister of Agriculture, Mrs Kareema
Babangida, said that the meeting was aimed at evolving strategies to reduce unemployment rate in the country. According to her, agriculture is the only sector that can provide employment for Nigerian youths, adding that access to improved form of agriculture would make it more attractive. Babangida noted that women were responsible for most agricultural activities in the country and as such their role in the secor could not be overemphasised. In her remark, Mrs. Bolajoko Dawudu, a director at the Ministry of Women Affairs, said that over 60 per cent of the countries’ population in agriculture were women and youths. Dawudu said that the ministry was training 400 youths in agribusiness in line with the transformation agenda of
President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration. She said the ministry was also partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development to train 8,000 youth annually to on agribusiness. The director also said that the ministry had established cottage industries in some selected states to enable women to process and preserve foods to improve their economic power. She said there was the need for a comprehensive intervention to improve agricultural development in Nigeria. “Managing resources for development cannot be complete without the involvement of women and youths.” The meeting was organised in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation(UNIDO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and UN Women.
Orhionmwon LG Boss Urges Farmers To Embrace Modern administration Techniques his determination to assist them By ISEMHENBITA FAITH
BENIN-The chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Rowland Ibierutomwen has called on farmers in the locality to embrace modern techniques of farming in order to boost food production in the area. He made the call in Abudu at a workshop for training farmers on the importance of fertilizers in farming. He assured the farmers of
boost their Agricultural product as well as provide employment to the populace. Also speaking at the workshop, the local Government Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Mathida Abuhe, commended the chairman for the assistance given to the department to carryout the workshop which said would enhance food production in the community.
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News Academy Showcases African Leadership Values
L - R: Lagos State Commissioner For Health, Dr Jide Idris; Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; Gov Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and WHO representative, Dr. Andrew Mbewe at the opening of 56th National Council on Health meeting in Lagos recently
Ebonyi: 48 Persons Arrested
For Violating Sanitation Law ABAKALIKIThe General Manager of Ebonyi State Environmental Protection Agency (EBSEPA), Dr. Oke Oke, said 48 persons were arrested in the state for violating the state’s environmental sanitation law. Oke disclosed this in Abakaliki at a news briefing at the end of the monthly environmental clean-up exercise in the state. He said all the 48 persons, who were arrested during the environmental sanitation exercise, were arraigned before the environmental mobile court to face trial. The general manager also said the state government introduced the cellophane bagging system of waste disposal for a cleaner environment. He said the measure became necessary in order to curb the indiscriminate littering of waste on the roads and streets of the state capital by residents. “It is a common sight to see refuse indiscriminately littering the roads and streets of the state capital. This indeed poses an ugly sight as well as environmental degradation. “The cellophane system of bagging the refuse before its disposal will help to stop this phenomenal abuse of the environment and further restore the beauty of the state capital,’’ Oke said. He said the agency had procured a good number of the cellophane bags to be sold to the public at subsidised prices.
Oke, however, explained that those who wished to procure theirs at other retail outlets were free to do so. “The agency has procured a number of cellophanes to sell to the public at a reduced cost. Residents are however free to buy the product at any shop or market of their choice. “What is important to us is that wastes to be disposed are bagged in cellophanes before they are taken to refuse dump sites,’’ he said. The EBSEPA general manager commended the level of compliance by the state’s residents to the monthly clean-up exercises. “With this, Ebonyi is now ranked among the cleanest states in the federation,’’ he said. Oke said the agency had mobilised men and equipment to ensure a proper and rapid evacuation of refuse at designated dump sites. He said the introduction of the cellophane bagging system was in line with new environmental law. “Our new environmental law is designed to ensure that we succeed in our efforts to ensure the cleanliness of the state capital. “One thing is that people turned out in their great numbers for the exercise and I am impressed. “Another thing we introduced to make the exercise effective is the idea of the refuse bagging system. “This is to stop people from dropping refuse as they go to the dump sites to dispose their wastes. “That is why our state,
because of our sustained efforts in ensuring that we maintain a cleaner environment, is now ranked among the cleanest states in the federation,’’ Oke said.
ABUJA- The Hope Africa Leadership Academy (HALA), a foundation, has expressed willingness to collaborate with top class organisations within and outside Nigeria to promote African leadership values. This is contained in a statement signed by Miss Ileen Maira, Director of Programme, Hope Africa Foundation, and made available to newsmen in Abuja. Maira said the collaboration would bring to many homes and countries in Africa, “a firsthand experience and entertainment via a TV reality show.” According to her, it will identify the missing link in the grooming of leaders. The director of programme added that it would project the choice of true leaders in sub Saharan Africa and drive the needed development in key sectors of their economy and political leadership. “The TV programme/Reality Shows promise to be a unique experience in the entertainment business as it focuses on core values, orientation and grooming of youths for
leadership anchored on service and development. “The programme outlay will comprise existing details involved in choosing candidates in an election or top position in organisations and the qualities needed for the position. “It will also showcase debates and programmes on issues, intrigues and lobbying and campaigns and other social yardsticks behind the scene.’’ She stated that past presidents, notable Africans, leaders from foreign countries and political
figures, would feature as motivators and resource persons. According to her, the show will enrich Africa and transform the thinking of its people as well as expand its world view in terms of leadership, values, among others. The foundation is a pan African organisation aimed at propagating quality leadership and projecting the needed quality for leadership with the view to engendering good governance in Africa.
Kogi Gov Appoints 4 New Perm Secs LOKOJA- Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has approved the appointment of four new permanent secretaries into the state civil service. This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in charge of the state Civil Service Commission, Mr Felix Ogbodo.
The statement, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Lokoja, named new permanent secretaries as Messrs James Adedoyin, Usman Odawn, Ibrahim Joshua and Mrs Iyabode Agbore. It said the appointments was with immediate effect.
Bayelsa Assures Prompt Repair Of Igbogene-Okoloibiri Bridge YENAGOA- The Bayelsa Commissioner for Works, Mr Lawrence Erujakpor, has assured that efforts were underway to immediately repair the Igbogene-Okoloibiri bridge which caved in earlier in the day. Erujakpor told newsmen in yenagoa that he had also ordered the bridge’s closure to traffic to pave way for emergency repairs while the second lane’s construction is in progress. The bridge, which links the Igbogene and Okoloibiri communities in Yenagoa, had been closed to traffic after its
collapse. “I ordered the closure of the road, while the police and FRSC officials have been drafted there to divert traffic. “But the contractors, Dantata and Sawoe, are presently on their month-end break, and will not be available until Monday. “However, we have advised them to redouble their efforts to stabilise the bridge in the next one or two weeks and re-open it to light traffic as work on the second lane progresses,’’ the commissioner said. He, however disclosed that
heavy duty vehicles would not be allowed to ply the bridge when it was reopened to the public, due to the weakness of the bridge. Erujakpor said engineers from the Ministry of Works were already evaluating the integrity and possible remedy to ensure that the bridge was re-opened to light vehicles. Our correspondent who visited the bridge site in Igbogene community reported that pedestrians were still crossing the bridge on foot while it remained closed to vehicular
L - R: Board member, International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Mr Patrick Chattad; National President, Association of Medical Laboratory Science of Nigeria, Dr Godwill Okara; representative of the Minister of Health, Mrs Nkechi Nwoke and representative of the Medical Laboratory Council, Dr Donald Ofili, at the Inauguration of the steering Board of the African Post Graduate College of Medical Sciences in Abuja recently.
traffic. Cracks were noticed at both ends of the bridge while construction activities had been stopped and unmanned heavy equipment littered the site. It was also observed that passengers were compelled to break their journeys between Igbogene and from Okoloibiri at the bridge site. Passengers from Yenagoa now cross the bridge on foot and boarded another vehicle to take them to Okoloibiri. Meanwhile, residents in the area told newsmen that the development had affected economic activities, as the closure of the bridge had disconnected the community from other parts of the state. Mrs Esther Esin, a petty trader by the bridge, urged the state government to hasten work on the project to reduce the effect of the closure on the socioeconomic life of the people. “It is really insensitive of the contractors to have left site while there is an emergency situation at site. We understand that they are on their end-of-the-month holiday, but the situation demands a round-the-clock work schedule. “The bridge’s closure is affecting everybody here and we want the contractors to do all that is necessary to make a change. Their speed of work is not encouraging at all,” Esin said.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Across The Nation Taraba: Don’t Whip Up Sentiments,
Chairman, Chartered Aluminum Company, Chief John Ajene; Chairman Chikason, Group of Companies, Chief Chika Okafor and Managing Director, Chikason Group of Companies, Mr. Linus Ilozue at the 4th Edition of Nnewi Economic Summit in Nnewi recently.
JALINGO - A joint meeting of Taraba chapters of the Muslim Council and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised politicians not to use religion to pursue their selfish agenda in the State. In a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Jalingo, CAN and the Muslim Council decried the manner politicians in the state were whipping up religious sentiments to achieve selfish political goals. The communiqué was
Fit Into FG’s Commercialisation Enterprise, Don Urges Youths NNEWI (ANAMBRA STATE - A university don, Dr Kingsley Nworgu, has advised youths to develop themselves educationally so as to be able to empower themselves economically. He said this in Nnewi, Anambra State while delivering a paper on “Youth Empowerment and Taking Advantage of Economic Situation’’ at the 4th edition of the Nnewi Economic Summit. Nworgu said this will enable them take advantage of the opening up of the economy by various levels of government in the country. “It is a good development that the Federal Government is now focusing on the private sectorled economy, which necessitated massive
privatisation and commercialisation,’’ the lecturer said. Nworgu, who is a lecturer in Business Administration at the Imo State University, said the development was a challenge to youths. “The development of youths to take up the opportunities which commercialisation and privatisation will throw up is a challenge for the youths and leaders in the country. “In Nigeria, in the last 10 years, the government has tried and is still trying to open up the economy to international competition through privatisation and, in some cases, the commercialisation of businesses that were hitherto government-owned enterprise.
Islamic Group calls For Youth Empowerment K A F A N C H A N (KADUNA STATE) Kaduna State Chapter of the Jamaatu Izalatul Bidia Waiqatusunnah (JIBW) has said that youth empowerment was key to the eradication of moral decadence and violence among them. Chairman of the GROUP, Sheik Tukur Isa said this when led other officials to pay a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. He said government at all levels should take the empowerment of young people as a cardinal point in
their programmes. Isa added that self-reliant youths remained one of the keys to addressing lots of the social vices facing the country. The cleric commended Jema’a local government council’s efforts at uniting the people of the area and pledged its support and prayers for unity among the people. Chairman of the council, Mr. Dan Amos, represented by the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Ladan, commended the leadership of JIBW saying their visit would motivate the council to do more for the people.
“This means that business, even in the country, is becoming highly competitive. “Hence, only well-prepared and well-trained youths will fit into the job or business environment in the country in a couple of years to come. “Therefore, youths should prepare themselves through education and training in order to fit into the opportunities which government’s economic and social reforms will throw up,’’ he said. The don, however, urged governments at all levels to strengthen the educational sector through proper funding. He said government should also put in place an educational curricula which involves managerial and entrepreneurial skills meant to prepare the youths. “The support we give our youths today is definitely an assurance for a greater and brighter tomorrow, because there cannot be any lasting success without a befitting successor,’’ Nworgu said.
The two-day Nnewi Economic Summit, with the theme “The Entrepreneur in the 21st Century’’, was organised by the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with The Sun Newspapers.
Cleric Urges Politicians signed by the State Chairman of the Muslim Council, Alhaji Inuwa Mafindi and the state Vice Chairman of CAN, Rev. Ben Ubeh. It observed that Taraba had been “unnecessarily thrown into a state of confusion by selfish politicians who did not mean well for it since the return of Gov. Danbaba Suntai on August 25. “We observe that some people/groups are trying to use religion for their personal interest, to cause division among Tarabans, and to deprive them of peaceful coexistence they have been enjoying.’’ The communiqué commended the State Government and the people for efforts aimed at maintaining peace and for their tolerance of one another. It urged the people to remain calm to ensure that the prevailing peace was
sustained. The communiqué called on the people to shun any move by any group of people to use them to achieve their personal/ selfish interests. It commended national and international media for upholding the truth and ensuring balanced reportage. The two religious groups urged the mass media, especially the local ones, to continue to discharge their responsibilities with a view to promoting peace and harmony in the society. The communiqué called on the citizens of Taraba to disregard information or rumour capable of inciting people or causing disaffection among the adherents of the two major religions. It urged the executive, the legislature and the judicial arms of government to continue to discharge their functions with the fear of God.
L-R: Rivers Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Owene Wonodi, Chairman, Port-Harcourt City Centenary Committee, Mr. George Feyii and Riverss Deputy Governor, Mr. Tele Ikuru, at the flagging off of Port Harcourt City Centenary open Marathon in Port-Harcourt recently.
Attakar Community Gets Relief Materials
KAFANCHAN (KADUNA STATE) - The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), has donated relief materials to victims of attack in Attakar community in May. Attakar community in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduana State was attacked by gunmen in May, killing scores of people. The union members who made the contributions at Fadan Attakar included: Bajju Development Association (BADA) Zaria branch and SOKAPU, Portharcort,
Zamfara and Sokoto state branches. The items donated included clothes, food stuffs and household utensils. SOKAPU President, Dr Ephraim Goje, appealed to corporate organisations, groups and well- meaning individuals to continue to assist the Attakar people to cushion the effects of the attack. Goje urged the Attakar and
Fulani communities to reconcile with one another. He also called on the government to provide security to Attakar community to forestall future attacks. President of Attakar Community Development Association (ACDA), Mr Ishaya Samaila, thanked the donors for the gesture, saying the materials would go a long way in alleviating the
hardship of the victims. He, however, said the community still faced security threat as Fulani herdsmen herded their cattle on crops at Zangan village. The Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Mr. Kumai Badu, who was represented by his the Vice Chairman, Mr. Daniel Anyip, said the council was consulting with its neighbours on how to forestall future attacks.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Lagos Software Developers Task FG a more robust and provide security, promote On Policy building successful Information, efficiency and national LAGOS-The President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Prof. Chris Uwaje, has urged the Federal Government to formulate a policy that would encourage local software development. Uwaje told newsmen in Lagos that putting favourable policy in place would enhance the growth of the sector. He said that presently, there was no policy that could encourage indigenous software developers to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts. The ISPON president said that it had become necessary to replicate the success of the telecommunication sector in the software industry. Uwaje said that the country needed to concentrate on data, the Internet and e-business, in
Communication and Technology (ICT) industry. “Software development is critical to the development and growth of the ICT industry. I have heard about Nigerians developing software that is being used offshore, and paid in foreign currency. “The country need to create that industry here, because it is critical to the success of the sector,” the don said. Uwaje said that more policies, programmes and plans should be embarked upon by the government, to move from a resource-dependent to knowledge-based economy. “Nigeria can be transformed into a major ICT hub where knowledge, technology and innovation are used as tools not to only drive wealth, but to empower the citizens. “It can be deployed to
competitiveness for sustainable socio-economic development. “Nigeria has had tremendous success in the telecommunications sector, as a result of the liberalisation of the sector. “Today, we have one of the fastest growing telecommunication markets in the world, as well as the largest mobile subscriber base in subSaharan Africa. “Unfortunately, the ICT sector, for a variety of reasons, has not been successful,” Uwaje said.
L-R:Lagos Commissioner for Works, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Commissioner for Information and strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba and Special Adviser To Lagos Governor on Media, Alhaji Hakeem Bello, at a briefing on the ruling by National Population Tribunal on Lagos population in Lagos recently.
Alleged Shortlist Of Likely Successors
Fashola Dismisses Report LAGOS - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has
L-R: Representative of Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, presenting the communique to the representative of Plateau Deputy Governor, Dr Paul Wai, while Director General, National Boundary Commission, Dr Mohammed Bose, Watch at the end of a joint meeting of officials of Bauchi/Plateau Inter-State Boundary Commssion in Bauchi recently.
described as ridiculous, the front page report in a newspaper which claimed he had drawn up a shortlist of five candidates who could possibly succeed him. The Governor who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Lagos said emphatically that he has neither compiled a “short” nor “long list”. “The first thing to say is that I did not compile any list whether a shortlist or a long list and I think the newspaper has acted, perhaps irresponsibly and I think they had an opportunity if indeed it is true they ever got such a story to have clarified with
us. “But to have gone on in detail to say that I have compiled a list, I would like them to present that list to members of the public”. Noting that he was already considering seeking legal redress on the blatant falsehood published by the newspaper on a list of potential Governorship Candidates said to have been compiled by him, Governor Fashola said it amounted to a deception of the reading public to have published such a fabricated story. “As I said, I deny such a list vehemently and I am already talking to my lawyers and it is very sad
Nigeria Can Generate N1.2trn From Tourism LAGOS- Former President of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr Samuel Nzekwe, says Nigeria can generate N1.2 trillion from tourism yearly if the required infrastructure are provided. Nzekwe told newsmen in Lagos that government should make substantial capital allocation to develop infrastructure like roads, power supply and adequate security. “All over the world, tourism is a big revenue earner to governments and infrastructure can create the enabling environment for this to happen. “Nigeria is capable of generating a quarter of its total annual revenue from tourism, if the sector is well managed,’’ he
said. Nzekwe said that apart from generating revenue, tourism could create employment opportunities for youths and reduce the crime rate. “Provision of basic infrastructure would bring about Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). “ When people are coming into a country, they are able to see the available business opportunities, ‘’ he added. The Accountant said that with its natural endowments, Nigeria could be a great tourists’ destination in the world. He stated that by promoting tourism, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation would improve because there
would be increased productivity. Nzekwe also advised the Federal government to start preparing the 2014 budget in earnest and make it as comprehensive as possible,
noting that the late passage of the budget could weaken its performance. Nzekwe further said that government should provide all the necessary schedules to back up the budget for easy passage
by the National Assembly. He said that apart from allocating substantial money to capital expenditures, the National Assembly should improve on its oversight functions.
that they do not show respect to the Nigerian populace. “People work very hard to earn money and the least that they deserve is that if they buy newspapers, what they expect to read in the newspapers should be true not stories fabricated and planted and put on the front page as if it was factual”, he explained. The Governor reiterated that such act of publishing deliberate falsehood, if not for anything, is the height of corruption and could be likened to obtaining people’s money by false pretence which is undeserving of any newspaper.
-Ex-ANAN Boss Nzekwe urged the National Assembly to ensure that funds meant for capital projects, were effectively utilised to improve the economy. The Accountant also advised government to reduce recurrent expenditures to check wastage.
Cleric Tasks Leaders On Humility LAGOS- A catholic cleric, Rev. Fr. Gasper Olanrewaju, has in Lagos called on leaders in the country to embrace the virtue of humility in order to ensure effective leadership. Olanrewaju, the parish priest of St. Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, said in Lagos during mass that “those in authority should not molest, victimise or degrade their followers,” noting that the
hallmark of a leader was humility. According to him, display of arrogance in leadership is due to lack of knowledge and wisdom adding that such a character is detested by God in most religious teachings. Olanrewaju recalled the story of Joseph in the Bible, pointing out that he was appointed from prison to high office in Egypt owing to his
humble disposition. Admonishing those in authority to tread softly realising that leadership was a call to service, he noted that “being a leader does not mean we should lord it over others but rather to use our position to enhance the progress of the community”. The cleric said those who fear God as advised by the
Bible, were not known to boast about their achievement, wealth or position, but “about God who promotes and demotes.” Olanrewaju said any achievement not used for the good of others was worthless and condemnable by God, adding that “only a humble man receives favour from God.”
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
News Northern Youths Appeal To ASUU IIORIN-The Youth Wing Strike:
of the Northern Union (NU) has in Ilorin, Kwara State called on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its strike in the interest of innocent students. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Kolo Majin Jerry and Publicity Secretary, Malam Mohammed Katun. The statement argued that the N30 billion released to the universities for the improvement of infrastructure was enough incentive for the lecturers to call off the strike. “ The Nigerian students, who represent the future leaders, bear the brunt of the strike. “Beyond this point, it will be believed that ASUU is only hiding under the agitation for improved educational infrastructure to pursue their personal welfare while endangering the students’ future.. “That ASUU abandoning classrooms for about two months in a fight against its employer on the pretence of
Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga (left), presenting a Trophy to the best allround winner of Kaduna State Cultural Festival (KADFEST) 2013, Alhaji Hassan Aliyu, of Giwa Local Government Council, during the closing ceremony of KADFEST in Kaduna recently.
infrastructure improvement will amount only to an act of insubordination and breach of work ethics. “We are conscious as youths that, even in a law court, a debtor has the privilege to reschedule payment when at a point it gets too difficult or at best pay in instalments. “The Nigerian students, as potential future leaders, are tired of sitting at home and want to return to their campuses.”
Jang Commends STF For Restoring Peace To Plateau
JOS-Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau has commended the efforts of the Special Task Foce (STF) for restoring peace to the state. Jang gave the commendation at a valedictory church service held at the “The Parliament’’, in honour of the STF’s Commander, Maj.-Gen. Hanry Ayoola, who has been redeployed from the state. The governor, who was represented by Prof. Shdrack Best, Secretary to the State
Government, said: “We thank God for the way He (God) used you in collaboration with other security agencies to give us peace. “The government and people of Plateau are profoundly grateful and wish you well in your future endeavours.’’ He said that Ayoola took over leadership of the STF when the
state was in crises but was leaving without crises and thanked him for steering STF “justly and without biases. ‘’The General is leaving the state better than he met it. The people of the state can now freely go about their normal businesses.’’ Jang, however, attributed a few incidences still being
Gbagyi women, from Chukun Local Government Council of Kaduna State, featuring their culture, to mark the closing ceremony of Kaduna State Cultural Festival (KADFEST) 2013 in Kaduna recently.
Imo: Rapists Risk 12 Years By RICHARD EWEKA
OWERRI The Programme Director of Development Dynamics, Dr. Jude Chimdi Ohanele has warned rapist in Imo state to either relocate, stop the act of rape or risk a minimum of 12 years jail term without option of fine. He gave the warning while delivering a lecture on the update on Imo state Violation Against Persons Prohibition
Jail Term
Bill (VAPPB) which was signed into law by the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. According to him, unlike the Criminal Code, the VAPPB law in Imo state has recommended a minimum sentence of 14 years imprisonment for whoever is found guilty of raping a victim below 14 years and 12 years for a victim above 14 years.
“Rapist in Imo state has no hiding place as they will get punished for every rape crime committed in the state. “The law has jurisdiction, it only protects those in Imo state, whether indigene or not; once the crime is committed in the state, the survivor is covered and will get justice”. Dr. Ohanele said the laws covers all the geographical location of the state, both the rural and urban, calling on
other four South- Eastern states to emulate Imo and make the entire geo-political zones safe for the women, he concluded.
Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo State
witnessed in the state to the activities of criminal elements which, he promised, to deal with. “If a criminal block road and kill people and steal cattle, we cannot call such crises, it is an act of criminality,’’ he said. He described the outgoing commander as paradox of a military general who effectively combined military work with service to God. Rev Emmanuel Kanous, the Senior Pastor of the church, said that Ayoola’s outstanding service was not based on his competence or intelligence but God who ruled over him. In his remark, Ayoola advised the people of the state to maintain the peace and cultivate the habit of helping one another. “Continue with the prayer groups that you have on the Plateau. You should persistently
continue with intercessions and do not allow little differences and worship patterns to divide you.’’ According to him, that is the only way the peace that returned to the state would be sustained, noting, however, that there are bound to be post crises challenges which must be tackled. Maj. Gen. Bonna Awala, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Amoured Division, Jos, described Ayoola as an outstanding soldier and lauded his contribution to the restoration of peace to the state. Awala assured the people that the military would continue to do its best until total peace was achieved in the country. Reports say that dignitaries at the service included retired Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro, Rev Dafes Nwalbish, state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), traditional rulers and top government officials.
IPAS Trains 230 Police Officers On Rape Info Mgt By RICHARD EWEKA
OWERRI - IPAS an NGO has trained a total of 230 Police offices in five states of the federation on how to manage information and relate well with rape survivor and other related violence perpetrated against fellow citizens. Dr. Orji, the Country Director of IPAS Nigeria listed the states as Ogun, Anambra, Rivers, Abia and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He said the public should commend the effort of the Police who put in their best despite the situation around them to address violation against fellow citizens. Speaking in Owerri, Imo
state while addressing participant at the South Zonal cluster meeting of Reproductive Health Journalist (RHJ) and other stakeholders, Dr. Orji commended the Nigerian Police across the five states for their cooperation and assistance in reducing rape cases professionally. “The Police need commendation rather than condemnation; they put in their best despite the unpleasant situation facing them. “They stand up to their responsibility even though they have their fault; there are improvements in responding to emergencies, especially in the five state IPAS has held training for the Police force” he concluded
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Across The Nation Obi Re-Appoints Obaze SSG AWKA - The Governor of Anambra, Mr. Peter Obi, has reappointed Mr. Oseloka Obaze as Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Obaze confirmed his reappointment in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Sunday. He said that he could still add value to governance and service to the people of Anambra. “I believe that we are entering the most critical phase of the Peter Obi administration, given the need to consolidate all political, economic and developmental gains. “There is also the need to ensure continuity and to also ensure that we finish strong by winning the forthcoming gubernatorial elections and facilitating a seamless transition to the next APGA-led government in the state.” Obaze said that his letter of reappointment was handed over to him on August 29. “Consequently, I will resume full duties as secretary to the State Government after a very brief vacation,” he stated. It will be recalled that Obaze had resigned his position as SSG on August 12, to seek the ticket of APGA for the November 6, gubernatorial election in the state. He was, however, disqualified from the race. The screening panel of the party, led by one Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi, disqualified Obaze
because he did not have a voter’s card. A former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was similarly disqualified. Obaze swiftly appealed against his disqualification, arguing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not conducted fresh voter registration exercise since his return from diplomatic service a year ago. He, subsequently, registered during the voter re-validation exercise conducted in Anambra by INEC but his disqualification was upheld by APGA.
L-R: Executive Director, Editorial Matters, Mr Alli Hakeem; Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Otunba Jide Adebayo; Registrar, Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), DR Markus Avong and Deputy Editor-in-Chief, NAN, Mrs Nkechi Okoronkwo, at a NAN forum with the Registrar of VCN at NAN Headquarters in Abuja recently
NUJ Insurance Scheme Now Compulsory For All Journalists
OWERRI - The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Mohammed Garba, has said that subscribing to the union’s insurance scheme is now compulsory for all journalists in the country. Garba said this while speaking at the lying-in-state and minichurch service organised for the late Mr Adolphus Okonkwo at the NUJ Press Centre at Owerri. The late Okonkwo, who was
the NUJ National Financial Secretary, died in a motor accident on August 2 alongside two other journalists. The dead journalists were returning to Lagos from Abuja after attending one of the union’s official functions in the FCT. The lying-in-state and minichurch service were held at the Holy Ghost Parish at Abuke, in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo.
Garba said the scheme became compulsory considering its exigency, adding that plans were underway to make it part of the conditions of being a full member of the union. “It is regrettable that out of the three journalists who died in the crash recently, only one had an insurance cover. I call on all practising journalists to embrace the scheme forthwith,’’ he said. The NUJ president also said the union would soon float an endowment fund to cater for the special needs of members. He said some notable former journalists such as Sen. Smart Adeyemi and Hon. Abike DabiriErewa would be members of the fund’s Board of Trustees. Garba described the late Okonkwo as an astute journalist
and an effective national executive council member and urged his family and colleagues to bear his loss with fortitude. Earlier during the service, the Parish Priest of Catholic Church of Transfiguration in Ogun, Rev. Fr. Charles Soyombo, had said the late Okonkwo would be remembered for his good works. “The late journalist left his footprints on the sands of time and I call on the rest of us to always realise the purpose of our living on the earth, pursue them and achieve them as well,’’ he said. Soyombo described the deceased as an organised, optimistic, lovely and lively person who prepared his way by the good life he lived. He advised all, especially members of his immediate
family, to see his death as a glorious exit. “When you leave good works on earth, people will never forget you. Those who do good works must never be afraid to die. “Okonkwo lived a life of integrity, knowing that his good works will speak for him,” the cleric said. Soyombo urged all journalists to continue to speak the truth and carry on their activities without fear or favour. Earlier, the Imo NUJ Chairman, Mr. Innocent Igwe, had thanked journalists for coming out en masse to honour the late Okonkwo. He expressed gratitude to the state governor, Mr Rochas Okorocha, for his moral and logistic support towards the burial of the journalist.
Lawmaker Calls For Devolution the country. BAUCHI - Rep. Aliyu Gebi, “The power at the centre is too Of Power instrong (Bauchi Federal Constituency) that the other tiers of L-R: Executive Director, Editorial matters, Mr Alli Hakeem; Registrar, Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Dr Markus Avong and deputy Editor-in-Chief, NAN, Mrs Nkechi Okoronkwo, at a NAN forum with the Registrar of VCN at NAN Headquarters in Abuja recently
APC:
has called for devolution of powers from the federal level to the state and local government councils. He said that it was only by doing so that the dividends of democracy could reach the grassroots. Gebi made the call in a paper
entitled: “Hindrances to Transformation Agenda. The Way Forward”, he delivered at the Annual National Alumni Lecture of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He said it would be difficult to deliver dividends of democracy with the current power structure
Ezeemo Can Challenge Ngige
AWKA - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has nullified the disqualification of Mr. Godwin Ezeemo from contesting for the party’s ticket to the November. 16 gubernatorial election in Anambra. The party’s National Secretary, Mr. Tijani Tunsah, confirmed this to newsmen in a telephone interview on Saturday in Awka. He said Ezeemo had therefore, by the decision, been cleared to contest the party’s gubernatorial primary election scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2 by the screening panel. “I can confirm that the decision to disqualify Ezeemo has been
reversed, and he has now been cleared to contest the primaries,’’ the official said. Reports say that Ezeemo was earlier disqualified by the party’s screening panel on the ground that he had dual citizenship. But protests had trailed his disqualification, with Ezeemo heading to the party’s primaries appeal panel. Meanwhile, Ezeemo, following his clearance, had on Saturday arrived in the state to the warm embrace of hundreds of APC supporters. The supporters had thronged Amanse, the border town between Enugu state and
Anambra, to receive him. They had carried palcards, some of which read “With Godwin Ezeemo, Next Level’’, “Here we come’’, “The hero of our time, Ezeemo, is a divine messenger’’. Addressing them, Ezeemo expressed deep appreciation for the support given to him by the party faithful who came out to receive him in such great numbers. “Because of this, I will not disappoint you,’’ he said. The governorship aspirant told the supporters that the reversal of his disqualification followed the petition he forwarded to the
- Appeal Panel
appeal panel via the internet. “In view of this, I pledge that our children will be part of the current internet technology,’’ he said. Ezeemo pointed out that the state had not developed to the level it ought to, promising to transform the state to its rightful socio-economic position if he became its governor. It would be recalled that the party’s national caucus, at a meeting in Abuja, had adopted Sen. Chris Ngige as a consensus candidate for the Anambra
gubernatorial election. This had followed the stepping down by one of the gubernatorial aspirants, Sen. Annie Okonkwo, for Ngige. Reports say that Ezeemo had gone on to contest the decision and called for fair primaries. “I called for a true internal democracy which the party stands for, and if at the end of a free and fair primary election today I lose, I will wholeheartedly give all my support for the party’s success in the state,’’ the aspirant said.
government were being made weaker and could not provide social amenities that are needed by the people”, the legislator said. He said it would be difficult to realise the aims of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda if power structure remained unchanged. Earlier, the National President of the alumni association, Malam Mohammed Wada, said the association would continue to uphold the aspirations of the founding fathers of the university. He said the association had donated 10 computers to the institution and 125 to other tertiary institutions in the state. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Hamisu, represented by an Assistant Registrar of the institution, Mr. Andee Eheme, said the institution had zero tolerance for cultism. He said the management of the institution was committed to discipline and hard work among the students.
THE NIGERIAN
10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Business + Economy Normalcy Returns To Seme Border
Pakistani Surgical investor (2nd R) discussing with some businessmen in Gombe during a trade and industry meeting in Gombe recently
FCTA Accesses N500bn
Infrastructure: ABUJA- Federal Capital Territory Minister, Bala Mohammed said the Administration has so far accessed about N500 billion investment for the development of infrastructure in the city and is set to access more in the years ahead. This is contained in a statement by the Minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Mohammed Sule. The statement, and made available to newsmen in Abuja said that the minister disclosed this when the Chairman of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Senator Ken Nnamani, paid him a visit. It said that the FCTA had the potential to access huge fund for investment from the PPP apart from the budgetary allocation for the provision of more infrastructure in the city. The statement said the FCT Administration had established the Abuja Infrastructure and Investment Centre (AIIC), a similar body to the ICRC, to achieve its dream of transforming the territory into a modern city. It commended the commission for the assistance being rendered to the FCTA, especially in the area of capacity building. “Out of the budgetary allocation from the Federal Government, we are only accessing about N30 billion, but through you and other private initiatives, we are accessing investments of about half a trillion naira. “The synergy exists because of your pro-activeness and dynamism as an organisation that has a lot of focus on professionalism, that has been opening new frontiers.” The statement further solicited the assistance of the commission in getting more genuine investors for the Abuja Mono-Rail project, which was another component of the rail transportation development in the territory. “Investors are also required for other Lots of the Abuja Light Rail project, we are currently working on only Lots 1A and 3; while the remaining 4 Lots are there and of
course, conceptual design has been done. “We have not even done the outline business scale because we require you (ICRC) to assist us.” it said that the administration had identified some new roads where investors could seek genuine collaboration and partnership. According to the statement, the roads include 105 and 106, Karshi-Apo- Gwagwalada (55 Kilometers) and Dutse AlhajiKuje-Gwargwada (73 Kilometers). “That will give us some lead way so that the city will have some reticulation that will be similar to what they have in the United Kingdom. “The end roads and the roads inter playing and making the city
free from unnecessary traffic congestion so that those coming from outside do not have to come to the city,” the statement added. Meanwhile, the statement quoted Nnamani as saying that the FCTA is one of the first government agencies to table a workable Public, Private Partnership on infrastructure development at the Federal Executive Council. It said that Nnamani also applauded the harmonious relationship existing between the FCTs and ICRC, adding: “We have many Ministers but I am particularly impressed with what you have done. “The Katamkpe District Infrastructure project is as important to Minister as it is to the ICRC and I think it is your
first project under the Public, Private Partnership arrangement.’’
BADAGRY (LAGOS STATE)-The Customs Area Controller of the Seme Border Command, Mr Saleh+ Othman, has advised members of the business community to go about their normal businesses without fear of attack. Othman gave the advice in a statement, signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Ernest Olottah, made available to newsmen in Badagry. He said that normalcy had returned to Seme community, following the recent attack on officers of the command by persons suspected to be smugglers, who allegedly killed a Superintendent of Customs, Mr. John Moto. Othman advised businessmen and travellers to disregard rumours of insecurity at the border. The area controller said that government security agencies
were on ground to ensure safety of lives and property at the Nigerian frontier with Republic of Benin. “All our law-abiding citizens, travellers and members of the border trading community have nothing to fear or worry about. “They should go about their normal businesses and disregard rumours of insecurity at the border as the security agencies are cooperating as usual to ensure the safety of lives and property. “Our colleague was lost but this had further strengthened our resolve to give in our best and we would not tolerate any form of smuggling into the country.’’ The controller condemned the destruction of government vehicles and arson, saying “it is time such acts are stopped’’. He urged officers and men of the command to keep up the fight against smuggling.
Dana Air To Partner NESG To Boost Agric Sector IKEJA- Dana Air has pledged to partner with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to boost the country’s agriculture sector. It’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jacky Hathiramani, made the pledge in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos by the Company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Tony Usidamen. The statement said that the company would provide complimentary air tickets to facilitate the transportation of special guests at the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit scheduled for between September 3 and September 5 in Abuja, with the theme: ‘’Growing Agriculture as a business to diversify Nigeria’s economy.’’. It described agriculture as a viable sector with the potential to generate employment and more revenue for the country, adding that the sector had contributed a lot to the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) and export earnings. “We are pleased to support this year’s Summit. “As we partner for the Summit, Dana Air is providing complimentary air tickets to facilitate the transportation of the organisers and special guests to the Summit,” Mr Frank Nweke, the Director-General of NESG, said the summit would discuss issues critical to the full exploitation of agriculture to ensure food security, employment generation and wealth creation. Nweke said that the summit was being planned by the NESG in collaboration with the National Planning Commission and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. He said that the airline’s partnership with NESG was a sign of its commitment towards the growth and development of the country.
Pakistani investor displaying his military wares in Gombe during a trade and industry business forum recently
Chanchangi Airline Begins Flight To Yola IKEJA- Chanchangi Airlines Nigeria Ltd., has commenced daily flight operations from Lagos to Yola International Airport, Adamawa, with an impressive turnout of passengers. Mr Olu Balogun, the Group Public Relations Manager of the airline, told newsmen in Lagos during the inaugural flight, that Yola route remained viable for the airline. He said that the operation became inevitable as a result of the acquisition of a Boeing 737500 aircraft. Balogun said the airline would start flight operations into Port Harcourt International Airport
before the end of September, adding that another aircraft of the airline would arrive in November. He said that a number of passenger-friendly services would be introduced as part of measures aimed at repositioning the airline to meet future challenges. Balogun thanked all the agencies and management team of the airline for their understanding during the its trying period. Mr Bashir Adamu, Acting Head of Operations, Yola International Airport, said that the airline had brought more revenue
to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). He said that the airline had also brought succour to air travellers in the region. Adamu urged the management of the airline to regularly schedule flights to Yola International Airport, so that passengers would have confidence in its operations. He also advised other airlines to schedule flights to Yola Airport as a result of the high passenger traffic on the route. Arik and Med-View airlines also operate scheduled flight operations into the Yola Airport.
THE NIGERIAN
11
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT FRIDAY(26/07/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MAYBAKER
2.7
2.7
0
8
87,356
226,806.36
7UP
69.5
75.9
6.4
30
167,713
12,343,576.15
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
1
10,000
5,000.00
ABCTRANS
0.9
0.9
0
12
2,816,798
2,535,118.20
MCNICHOLS
1.57
1.57
0
3
55,000
78,450.00
ACADEMY
1.62
1.62
0
1
22,400
36,288.00
MOBIL
116.95
116.95
0
25
62,761
7,324,519.00
2.01
2.01
0
1
12,105
24,331.05
ACCESS
10.7
10.86
0.16
180
4,162,121
44,988,869.67
MORISON
AFRIPRUD
1.82
1.82
0
21
65,289
118,377.39
MRS
36.14
36.14
0
46
100,431
3,537,296.79
AGLEVENT
1.58
1.43
-0.15
5
237,839
340,109.77
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
2
1,300
650
AIICO
0.9
0.9
0
35
2,127,553
1,920,853.71
NAHCO
6.82
6.83
0.01
49
737,066
5,020,739.63
AIRSERVICE
4.8
4.8
0
8
51,553
235,754.40
NASCON
12.45
12.45
0
23
81,624
1,017,199.76
170.01
169.32
-0.69
150
427,232
72,457,541.57
ALEX
10.5
10.5
0
1
100
1,000.00
NB
ASHAKACEM
25
25
0
56
265,379
6,704,794.25
NEIMETH
1.5
1.5
0
13
111,624
154,905.05
ASOSAVINGS
0.5
0.5
0
2
1,500,000
750,000.00
NEM
0.76
0.74
-0.02
22
2,166,891
1,635,255.36
BERGER
9.5
9.5
0
9
101,587
964,469.61
NESF
552.2
552.2
0
1
1,000
496,980.00
BETAGLAS
10.9
10.9
0
2
15,500
185,845.00
NESTLE
955.02
959
3.98
47
41,414
39,679,274.64
CADBURY
51.17
52.2
1.03
79
1,040,781
54,579,329.59
NIGERINS
0.5
0.5
0
18
2,530,000
1,265,000.00
26.5
27
0.5
4
130,951
3,570,837.18
CAP
46.95
47.81
0.86
37
301,184
13,992,598.25
NNFM
CCNN
9.05
9.03
-0.02
63
1,137,486
10,328,868.30
NPFMCRFBK
0.8
0.82
0.02
5
640,000
524,700.00
CHAMPION
11
12.1
1.1
5
160,050
1,936,605.00
OANDO
13.02
13
-0.02
239
4,210,905
54,760,126.64
CHAMS
0.5
0.5
0
2
241,600
120,800.00
OASISINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
180
90
CILEASING
0.5
0.5
0
1
100,000
50,000.00
OKOMUOIL
44.5
44.5
0
48
267,834
11,863,983.82
CONOIL
33.67
33.67
0
81
368,636
12,676,811.20
PAINTCOM
1.82
1.8
-0.02
1
50,000
90,000.00
2.05
1.85
-0.2
10
1,162,715
2,181,196.75
CONTINSURE
1.22
1.23
0.01
27
11,074,235
13,539,219.35
PHARMDEKO
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
11
4,993,793
2,496,898.20
PORTPAINT
6
6
0
4
55,000
298,500.00
COSTAIN
1.3
1.3
0
12
272,001
364,212.31
PRESCO
40
40
0
41
279,538
10,333,217.34
COURTVILLE
0.66
0.7
0.04
16
1,562,250
1,045,579.26
PRESTIGE
0.51
0.52
0.01
10
1,081,384
565,679.68
CUSTODYINS
1.57
1.59
0.02
12
295,560
463,248.34
PZ
44.05
44.05
0
54
217,831
9,046,653.21
CUTIX
1.83
1.83
0
2
15,300
28,315.00
REDSTAREX
4.85
4.85
0
6
74,200
352,358.00
DANGCEM
190
194.77
4.77
65
195,716
38,068,521.40
ROYALEX
0.55
0.52
-0.03
13
209,122
107,719.40
DANGFLOUR
9.5
9.5
0
57
1,434,764
13,630,647.40
RTBRISCOE
1.54
1.5
-0.04
14
265,368
402,444.60
DANGSUGAR
11.67
11.8
0.13
88
1,438,453
16,636,044.76
SKYEBANK
4.5
4.6
0.1
123
3,936,249
17,737,865.89
DIAMONDBNK
6.8
6.61
-0.19
65
1,344,543
8,928,404.70
SOVRENINS
0.5
0.5
0
2
47,188
23,594.00
DNMEYER
1.48
1.58
0.1
5
80,249
124,593.62
STANBIC
16
15.58
-0.42
13
97,774
1,523,770.32
2.63
2.63
0
71
11,341,621
29,655,746.03
EQUITYASUR
0.5
0.5
0
1
182
91
STERLNBANK
ETERNA
3.15
3.28
0.13
38
922,007
2,930,880.78
TOTAL
159
153.08
-5.92
26
59,386
9,193,822.78
ETI
14
14.46
0.46
57
898,841
12,922,201.03
TRANSCORP
1.4
1.4
0
135
8,410,361
11,760,484.00
EVANSMED
4.6
4.5
-0.1
23
780,370
3,541,310.36
TRANSEXPR
1.32
1.32
0
1
200
238
FBNH
17.12
17.17
0.05
672
11,460,268
196,439,863.21
UAC-PROP
15.9
16.09
0.19
72
1,287,271
20,631,076.79
FCMB
4.9
4.76
-0.14
37
4,606,673
21,875,913.16
UACN
63
63
0
65
243,770
15,255,278.85
7.83
7.81
-0.02
270
24,111,540
189,322,598.02
FIDELITYBK
3
3.05
0.05
93
2,710,685
8,240,637.28
UBA
FIDSON
2.03
2.09
0.06
37
1,799,844
3,750,386.41
UBCAP
1.1
1.11
0.01
46
1,004,589
1,116,656.19
FLOURMILL
86.3
86.3
0
54
75,163
6,374,400.56
UBN
12
12.05
0.05
93
906,308
10,873,315.71
FO
43.82
39.44
-4.38
111
739,330
29,594,423.65
UNIC
0.5
0.5
0
1
190
95
FTNCOCOA
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,000
500
UNILEVER
62.52
62.56
0.04
64
514,681
32,194,729.20
GLAXOSMITH
60
60
0
42
355,521
21,337,703.47
UNIONDAC
0.5
0.5
0
34
6,050,000
3,025,000.00
0.61
0.59
-0.02
41
16,176,936
9,740,214.90
GNI
0.5
0.5
0
3
113,000
56,500.00
UNITYBNK
GUARANTY
24.7
25
0.3
461
7,122,205
177,451,574.24
UPDCREIT
10.5
10.5
0
1
1,200
13,200.00
GUINNESS
230
241
11
60
76,001
18,328,012.40
UPL
4.38
4.38
0
7
143,511
631,083.20
HMARKINS
0.5
0.5
0
2
365
182.5
UTC
0.85
0.85
0
22
579,384
507,393.70
HONYFLOUR
3.15
3.19
0.04
54
1,836,431
5,841,659.56
VITAFOAM
4.55
4.55
0
12
99,213
435,466.60
99.5
99.5
0
44
878,979
87,310,918.12
IHS
3.05
2.75
-0.3
31
8,640,300
24,281,485.00
WAPCO
IKEJAHOTEL
0.9
0.9
0
6
367,646
330,768.48
WAPIC
0.9
0.87
-0.03
12
605,000
541,833.34
INTBREW
24.65
24.65
0
53
333,943
8,114,180.63
WEMABANK
1.07
1.17
0.1
74
7,615,598
8,827,644.71
IPWA
1.09
1.15
0.06
39
1,367,874
1,571,992.74
ZENITHBANK
19.45
20.05
0.6
348
10,495,366
210,093,251.13
JAPAULOIL
0.52
0.52
0
58
4,556,031
2,400,502.12
JBERGER
79.99
79.99
0
26
150,454
11,528,361.40
JOHNHOLT
1.35
1.35
0
6
99,300
126,035.40
Stock GUINNESS 7UP DANGCEM NESTLE CHAMPION CADBURY CAP ZENITHBANK NNFM ETI
JOSBREW
0.9
0.9
0
7
260,674
237,900.60
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
1
49,650
24,825.00
LEARNAFRCA
1.7
1.7
0
5
68,616
117,531.52
LIVESTOCK
4.67
4.9
0.23
47
819,142
3,848,303.72
MANSARD
2.15
2.2
0.05
15
268,245
591,166.35
TOP 10 GAINERS Close 241 75.9 194.77 959 12.1 52.2 47.81 20.05 27 14.46
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain 11 6.4 4.77 3.98 1.1 1.03 0.86 0.6 0.5 0.46
Stock TOTAL FO NB STANBIC IHS PHARMDEKO DIAMONDBNK AGLEVENT FCMB EVANSMED
Close 153.08 39.44 169.32 15.58 2.75 1.85 6.61 1.43 4.76 4.5
Loss -5.92 -4.38 -0.69 -0.42 -0.3 -0.2 -0.19 -0.15 -0.14 -0.1
THE NIGERIAN
12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
THE NIGERIAN
13
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Leadership
Leadership Reframe It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy of life lies in having no goal to reach... Benjamin E. Mays GOALS are the checkpoints that allow us to choose our direction and reach our destination. You may be wondering why I am bringing up this idea now. After all, isn’t the beginning of the year the traditional time when we set goals and make resolutions? Here are my reasons. First, there is plenty of data that demonstrates that the goals and resolutions that we create in January are often not met or even revisited. I wonder if setting goals is more of a tradition or year end obligation rather than a thoughtful integration of intention and planning. I am providing another opportunity to be intentional about our goals. Next, during December and January we are not at our best in terms of energy and focus. Revisiting goals now affords us more energy and clarity for the task. Finally, we might find ourselves not making progress on our goals. It’s not too late to adjust course if you’re feeling a bit off track. Acknowledge reality and adjust course before it’s too late. Whether you are thinking about your goals for the first time this year, or already have them in place, I invite you to seize this important opportunity right now. “What Is Not Started
Today Is Never Finished Tomorrow.” —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Here is a starting place for your goals using the following “checks”. You may find yourself moving around from check to check. That’s ok. The process doesn’t have to be consistently linear. Start Here, “Reframe”: Think of Goals as Checkpoints. In this context, I am “re-framing” goals just a little bit. Instead of using goals as the end point, I am suggesting that we use goals as “checkpoints” that allow you to “check” on progress. Think of these checkpoints not only as important achievements that must be met, but also as a time to review and refuel. Checkpoints are like key rest stops on a long road trip. What do you do at a rest stop?- check your time, stretch, refresh, refuel (you, others and your car), get rid of the garbage, adjust course if needed and review the destination and the next checkpoint. Use your goals as check points to keep you heading in the direction of your destination, your vision. Check 1: What’s the vision? Think about your overall vision for your business, team, career, a project, idea or your leadership. I ask leaders to start with the vision first or they can be setting goals that take them off the map, or even use the wrong map for what they are hoping to create. Not sure what your
vision is? That’s o.k. Take some time to create it or revisit it before you go into your goals. Your vision is not a business plan. Think of it as a future ideal state. If you work on your goals before your vision, then you run the risk of setting and achieving goals that do not serve you. Check 2: Break it down: What would success look like at the end of this year, in order for you to know that you are on the path of
checkpoints is merely a dream. Check 3: Check the goals. Once you have your goals, ask yourself these questions: 1. Do these goals align with my vision? 2. If I achieve these goals, will I be heading in the right direction? 3. Will I be closer to realizing my vision? Asking yourself these questions is a way of ensuring that these goals make sense for what you are trying to do.
your vision? What goals need to be achieved in order to realize my vision for this year? If your vision is the destination, then goals are the roads, vehicles and checkpoints along the way to get you there. A vision without planned goals and
Without clear goals and a vision, it doesn’t matter what road you take or in what direction it’s heading. Check 4: How will you know when you’ve met the goal? It’s not enough to set goals; you must know when you have achieved them. When I work with
“What would success look like at the end of this year, in order for you to know that you are on the path of your vision? What goals need to be achieved in order to realize my vision for this year? If your vision is the destination, then goals are the roads, vehicles and checkpoints along the way to get you there.”
With Bamidele Michael
08064496136
“Taking time to celebrate is inspiring. It gives you and others energy that you will need to keep working through the next challenge. It gives you hope and perhaps most of all, it allows people to feel appreciated. Whether it is at work or at home, people want to know that they and their contributions are valued.” leaders I ask them, “If this is your goal, then how would you know if you’ve reached it? How will you know if things are ‘better’? What are the clues?” Often we know that we need things to be better, but we have trouble defining
done by you, your colleagues, team or organization. Taking time to celebrate is inspiring. It gives you and others energy that you will need to keep working through the next challenge. It gives you hope and perhaps most
specifics. As the leader, you must define these goals and check points so that you can be clear on the behaviors that contribute to the goals. Once you have those behaviors, then you can coach and demonstrate those behaviors and then recognize when you and others are reaching the goal. Check 5: Celebrate! If you took the time and effort to set some meaningful and challenging goals, then there was probably some hard work put in as well as adversity that had to be overcome to achieve them. Celebrate! It is important to take time to acknowledge the hard work that has been
of all, it allows people to feel appreciated. Whether it is at work or at home, people want to know that they and their contributions are valued. Celebration and acknowledgement provide you high impact opportunities to let people know that they are valued. There is always an opportunity to lead yourself and your team. Start here, right now, with this moment, with this step. What are 3 check points that you’d like to reach for 2013 that will indicate to you, that you’ve had a great year? I wish you courage and success as you work through your vision and goals.
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Nutritional Health And Dietetics
Stay Young And Live Young DELAY won’t work well, you must form good habits and give your body the best hygienic care during early maturity, if you wish to retain your youth and good health to an extreme old age and not appear and feel old at the early age of 50 or 60. There is no short cut to long life. Transplantation of monkey glands when your own glands are degenerated by infectious disease, alcohol and tobacco will be of no avail. Gland transplantation is an illusion and is often fatal. Feeding or injecting animals gland extracts and hormones is useful only after the removal of diseased ovaries by operation or in cases of hypothyroidism etc, but not when all the ductless glands have become deteriorated from alcohol, tobacco, syphilis and premature old age. Fifty is not middle age And seventy is not old age Considering the human life span from the physiologic and futuristic points of view, I may confidently assert that it is a misnomer to call the age of 50 the critical period of human life or late, middle age” and equally incorrect to call the age of 60 or 70 “old age” medical men continue to frighten people with the disease dangers of the approaching “fifties”. This is a fallacy and bugaboo of the past, from which medical writers find it hard to part. From the scientifically supported and proved claim that the normal life span for the human species should be 185 years and the average life expectancy 120 years, it follows that the age 75, not 50 should be considered middle age and 90, the beginning of the aging period and of decline. The fact that at the present time and even under the more unfavourable
conditions of the recent past, a good number of men and women have retained their vigor and their physical and mental capacities at the age of 80 and above, proves conclusively that the human body possesses the power to retain its normal faculties and functions and its youthfulness to a much later age than is now conceded. Disease of The Fifties And Even of Extreme Old Age The diseases of the later periods of life so-called, as: cancer, rheumatism, arteriosclerosis, liver and gall bladder disease, diabetes and kidney disease, pyorrhea and loss of the teeth, no more belong to these periods than measles and other diseases are necessary and belong to childhood. People of fifty and over are not particularly, susceptible to nor are they exclusively privileged to be the victims of these diseases. Cancer and other tumours are frequent in early life and even in childhood. The most virulent and acute forms of rheumatism occur during childhood and adolescence. Heart disease, which is the result of rheumatism and other infectious diseases, is common in the young as well as diabetes and kidney disease. Infected gums and abscessed teeth and decay and loss of almost all the teeth are unfortunately, still seen in many young people very often Proper personal hygiene, sanitary surroundings and proper diet, which will prevent most of these diseases in early life, will prevent the same diseases in later life. While cancer in very early life is usually due to some congenital condition in tissues, as the retention of
islands of embryonal cells (cells from the early stages of fetal development), cancer in later life is mostly due to continuous irritations can be prevented or their causes removed and thus, cancer in old age prevented. Cancer of the skin is often caused by overexposure to sunlight and by occupational exposure to poisons like arsenic, radium, petroleum and tar, which can, of course, be avoided. Cancer of the mouth and lips is due chiefly to prolonged irritation by the
and clean food and drink, which will reduce the introduction of germs into the digestive tract to a minimum. Alcoholism causes a loss of the desire for food consequently, malnutrition and cirrhosis of the liver, all of which lead to ulcers and cancer of the stomach. Cancer of the rectum which results from chronic irritation of fissures, fistulas or ulcerating hemorrhoids, can be prevented by thorough cleanliness and good diet and cancer excluded.
smoker’s pipe or to ill-fitting and irritating dental work and be prevented and eliminated. Cancer of the stomach and intestines usually develops on top of untreated and uncured ulcers, which always start during early life ‘Ulcers of the stomach and intestine can be prevented by proper diet, which will prevent anemia and malnutrition of the tissues and by clean hands
Cancer of the womb, especially, of its lower and (cervix) is caused by lacerations sustained at childbirth and by irritations from ulcerations and discharges due to infections. Cancer of the womb can be prevented by a good and honest doctor who will try to prevent lacerations at delivery and repair them when unavoidable and by constant and scrupulous
“Even extreme old age should not be marred by diseases and infirmities, if one has been raised up and continued to live in accordance with the principles of modern hygienic knowledge and avoid bad habit.”
With
O.C. Madu GSM: 08056379608 cleanliness of the genitals and prompt medical attention to any noticeable abnormality. Cancer of the penis can be prevented by thorough cleanliness of the foreskin or by circumcision. Cancer of the breast in women usually follows abscesses or small benign tumours of the breast in the early life. Abscesses can be prevented by hygienic care of
during infancy, childhood and adolescence and to poor hygiene and improper care of the mouth throughout life. Diseases of the prostate gland in men and of ovaries in women occurring in later life are due to sexual over excitement without satisfaction, gonorrheal infection and poor hygienic of the genitals and bowels all of which can be prevented by
the nipples during pregnancy and small benign tumours can be promptly removed and thus, cancer of the breast prevented. Rheumatism, liver and gallbladder disease and kidney diseases are due to focal infections of the teeth and tonsils and to such general infections as scarlet fever and typhoid in early life. Arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure, which are spurred on by worry and excitement are really caused by circulatory disease in early life, resulting from contagious disease. Diabetes in later life is caused by overeating, Obesity, great nervous strain and focal infections existing for many years precious to its appearance. Pyorrhea and loss of teeth are due to poor diet
hygienic care and right living. Degeneration of the ductless glands, such as the thyroids, pancreas, adrenals and sex glands, late in life is due to infections, sustained in early life and to indulgence in alcohol and tobacco over many years. The conclusion is obvious that all the diseases affecting men and women of fifty and beyond are not the result of age but of a defective diet during childhood and later, bad habits, exposure to infections and poor hygiene generally and therefore, can be averted and prevented. Even extreme old age should not be marred by diseases and infirmities, if one has been raised up and continued to live in accordance with the principles of modern hygienic knowledge and avoided bad habit.
THE NIGERIAN
15
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Environment
Climate Change: Need
For Tree Planting
NO doubt, the sun now shines hotter, the rains fall heavier and more, the breeze and storms blow more devastatingly. These are now resulting to flooding, famine, health problems and so on. Its no longer news that all these are the effects of the much talked about climate change. Tree planting has long been a suggestion to better the earth, possibly even preceding the outcry and warning of global warning, water crisis etc. It was always one of those quaint ideas opted for to mark a special occasion, or to simply make one’s landscape a little prettier. Nowadays, with the new focus clearly pointing to the desperate need for action against the ongoing destruction of our natural resources, it is more common to hear the simple comment that part of what you can actually do to help is to plant a tree. It seems like a simple and menial task. But the truth is; every tree makes a difference. A tree is a woody plant that can grow to be 15 feet or higher and usually has a single stem and crown (branched-out area) at the top. Better still, it’s a woody perennial plant, typically having a single trunk growing to a considerable height and bearing lateral branches at some distance. One of the great function each tree offers, besides its aesthetic is the sequestering of Co 2, carbon dioxide. To elaborate its importance it is fair to paint the big picture. Heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere due to high levels of carbon dioxide (Co2) and other heat trapping gases which ultimately prohibit the heat from being released into space. This is what has caused the virulent phenomenon call “Greenhouse Effect.” Trees naturally remove Co2 from the atmosphere during the state of photosynthesis and use the gas to form carbohydrates utilized in plants structure function and in turn releases the pertinent gas, oxygen O2) as a byproduct, it is considered the trees act as what some call a
and are ground troops making up and environmental frontline. Our existing forests and the trees we plant work in tandem to make a better world. At the beginning of our human experience, trees were considered sacred and honourable, the Europeans worshipped the Oaks, American Indians used it for
till today if there were no trees. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year. What many people don’t realize is the forest also act as a giant filter that cleans the air we breath. Trees clean the soil: The term phytoremediation is a fancy word for the absorption of dangerous chemicals and other pollutants that have entered the soil.
rituals, Africans made the baobabs as part of their tribal life. The modern human community has other, more practical reasons to admire and honor trees. The followings are some distinct reasons we need trees around us. Trees produce oxygen: lets face it, we could not have exist
Trees can either store harmful pollutants or actually change the pollutant into less harmful forms. Trees filter sewage, cleans roadside spills and clean water runoff into streams. Also, trees control noise pollution. Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Trees planted at strategic points in a
By EDEKO A. MICHAEL
carbon sink, storing the gas in its branches, trunk, leaves etc instead of leaving the gas to become free floating and further polluting the atmosphere. In this natural function alone, trees directly reduce the growth of Greenhouse Effect and counteract Global warning. In addition, trees offer shade in the hot season and act as windbreakers during cooler seasons. This inadvertently reduces the greenhouse effects, by eliminating, or at least minimizing the need for air conditioners and heaters; respectively reducing the amount of fissile fuels burned as energy. Studiers show that a single tree can soak up as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year and produce enough oxygen to sustain two human beings. Figuratively, a single human produces approximately 2.3 tons of Co 2 per year. Considering a healthy tree stores about 13 pounds per year, it would take nearly an acre (an acre of 2.6 tons annually) of trees to entirely counter the effects of just one human. In another sense, an acre of tree cover the Co2 emission of approximately 26,000 miles driven by one vehicle. There are clearly not enough acres available in the world to be filled with trees to create an enormous dent; however in an ideal life time, if every Nigerian family plated just one tree, that effort would positively effect the world by reducing 4 to 5% of the Co 2 released into the atmosphere each year, but in a perfect world. Every tree around us extremely important and have always been necessary for improving the human condition and their very existence. Its not too hard to believe that without trees we humans would not exist on this beautiful planet. In fact, some claims can be made that our mother’s and father’s ancestors climbed. So trees are essential to life as we know it
“Erosion control has always started with tree and grass planting projects. Tree roots bind the soil and their leaves break the force of wind and rain on soil. Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater and reduce water runoff and sediment deposit after storms. In addition, real estate values increase when trees beautify a property or neighborhood. trees can increase the property value of your home by 10% or more.”
neighborhood or around your house can abate major noises from main roads and airports. Trees Slow Storm Water Runoff: flash flooding can be dramatically reduced by a forest or by planning trees. One mango tree, either planted or growing wild, an intercept hundred of gallons of water annually when fully grown. Again, trees are carbon sinks to produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide in the wood, roots and leaves carbon dioxide is a global warning suspect. A good forest is a good carbon storage area or a “sink” that can lock up as much carbon as it produces. This locking-up process
“stores” carbon as wood and not as an available “greenhouse” gas. Trees can cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur. Dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Trees remove this air pollutions by lowering air temperature through respiration, and by retaining particulates. They also act as shades. Shade resulting in cooling is what a tree is best known for shade from trees reduces the need for air conditioning in hammattan. In rainy season, tree break the force of rain storm studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from
trees can literally be “heat island” with temperatures as high as 35 o c higher than surrounding areas. Trees also act as wind breakers” during windy and cold seasons, trees located on the windward side act as windbreaks. A windbreak can lower the risk of rain storm destruction. A reduction in wind can also reduce the drying effect on soil and vegetation behind the windbreaker and help keep precious topsoil in place. Erosion control has always started with tree and grass planting projects. Tree roots bind the soil and their leaves break the force of wind and rain on soil. Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater and reduce
water runoff and sediment deposit after storms. In addition, real estate values increase when trees beautify a property or neighborhood. trees can increase the property value of your home by 10% or more. What more need to be said about the importance of trees to our environment? The Federal Government, states government, local government and indeed every family that knows the benefits of trees to all Eco system should therefore see it as a matter of urgency to plant trees. As my friend would say, the best time to plant a tree is two years ago or today. Lets catch in on this rainy season to combat global warming by planting trees today.
THE NIGERIAN
16
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Perspective ON Friday, August 23, 2013, the world celebrated the international day for the remembrance of the slave Trade and its abolition. According to the UNESCO Director General, Ms Irina Bokova, “through their struggles, their desire for dignity and freedom, slaves contributed to the universality of human rights. We must teach the names of Heroes of this story, because the are the heroes of mankind. In paying tribute on 23 August each year, to the women and men who fought this oppression, UNESCO wishes to foster reflection and debate on a tragedy that has left its mark on the world as it is today. Economy around proceeds from slavery speaking further, she said that “the slave trade is not merely a thing of the past: it is our history and it has shaped the face of many modern societies, creating indissoluble ties between peoples and continents, and irreversibly transforming the destiny, economy and culture of nations”. In late August, 17, 1791, an uprising began in Santo Domingo (now Haiti and Dominican Republic). The slave rebellion in the area weakened the Carribbean colonial system, giving rise to an uprising that eventually lead to the abolition of slave trade. The international day was first celebrated in some countries as Haiti (August 23, 1998) and Goree in Senegal (August 23 1999). This year, a UNESCO Artist for peace, Mr. Marcus Miller, undertook the mission of promoting the UNESCO slave Route Project and conveyed its message of respect through music. According to historians, slavery had long existed in Africa (when Portugal had a monopoly from 1440-
1640) before the Europeans came into the game statistics reveal that Portugal transported 4.5 million slave. Frequent inter-tribal wars were fought with the spoils- including captives, sold into slavery when Leo Africans visited West Africa in 1500s, he recorded that “slaves are the next highest commodity in the marketplace”. From the 16th until the 19th centuries, when European merchants entered into slave trade, “over 12 million Africans were brought from Africa to the New World, against their will, and forced to perform back-breaking labor under terrible conditions”. The slaves in the New World, worked in American plantations where products as sugar or tobacco were produced for local consumption in Europe. One of the arguments put in support of slave trade is that it made immense contributions to the economic growth of European nations. In the their expanding European empires in the New World, there was a dearth of work force. This was due to the tropical diseases that killed European making Africans, who were used to the tropical climate, resistant to tropical diseases and has experience of agriculture, an alternative. Again, the local chiefs/ kings in the African continent was also a major contributor to the growth of slave trade. Most chiefs/ kings had come to believe their European slave merchants were bringing items as gunpowder, spint, tobacco, beads, guns, metal goods cloths etc in exchange fro slaves. In what is famously referred to as THE TRIANGULAR TRADE, these slaves exchanged for European products were shipped to the Americas from where their produce as
Remembering Slave Tra
cotton, sugar, tobacco, molasses and rum, are returned to European countries. Slaves were initially sourced from Senegambia and the Windward coast until it moved to WestCentral Africa (the kingdom of Kongo and neighbouring Angola). There were also several distinct regions where slaves were sourced, especially along coastal areas. The Atlantic Ocean was a major route for these slave raiders. It was a tipsy-turvy situation for those slaves that were sold. Right from the ships in the Atlantic Ocean, the slaves were subjected to harsh conditions. Records have it that the death rate of slaves was 13%. That was not all. According to Alistair Boddy-Evans (2013), “slaves were introduced to new diseases and suffered from malnutrition long before they reached the new world. It is suggested that the majority of deaths on the voyage across the Atlantic – the middle passage – occurred during the first couple of weeks and were a result of malnutrition and disease encountered during the forced marches and subsequent interment at slave camps on the coast. According to the British online Library, “once full, the European trader’s ship would depart for America or the Caribbean on the notorious ‘middle passage’. During the voyage, the slaves would be kept in the ship’s hold, crammed close together with little or no space to move. Conditions were squalid and many people did not survive the voyage”. As time wore on, there was a great deal of resistance to slave trade. The early
abolitionists were inspired by religious beliefs. For other abolitions as Granville sharp, the trans-Atlantic slave trade was another form of injustice and inhuman in native. Granville sharp even went as far as treating injured runaway slave, James Somerset. Sharp also utilized legal means just as James Ramsey, another abolitionist, utilized his writing skills. Similarly, the African abolitionist Olaudah Eqviano, made contact with sharp when his friend, john Annis while was kidnapped by his former owner he also made contact with the Quakers which is revealed in his famous 1783 letter. Also, William Wilberforce was to later be an advocate for the abolition of slavery in the British parliament. He was to be joined later by a number of other African campaigners. Who set up their association to checkmate slavery. However, a major breakthrough was made in July 1833, when a Bill to abolish slavery in the entire British empire, was passed in the House of commons. The House of Lords, were to follow suit on 1st August of that same year. Before then, Lord Mansfield had given his famous judgment in the case which involved former salve James Somerset. In that 1772 judgment, Mansfield declared slavery and slave trade illegal in Britain. Subsequently, William Wilberforce’s activism in the British parliament, helped in the enactment of the British Act of 1807, which made slavery, “obnoxious”, mounted more pressure on the
“Again, the local chiefs/kings in the African continent was also a major contributor to the growth of slave trade. Most chiefs/kings had come to believe their European slave merchants were bringing items as gunpowder, spint, tobacco, beads, guns, metal goods cloths etc in exchange fro slaves.”
By EMMAN
government to join the fight against slavery which was finally tagged illegal in British soil in 1833. Similarly with the independence of America in 1776, British colonies as Jamaica, and Barbados, declined “as America could trade directly with the French and Dutch in the West Indies” there was also the industrial revolution of
1832 among others. The implication was that tension soaked British land/empire as they were now willing to accept abolition rather than an outbreak of war. (East of England Broadband Network, 2009). The British government was to also sign treaties
A Wa sla Af pa tru A Ro Gh Ma 15
the 18th century. This made the demand for slaves, die a natural death. What a thousand men could do in an hour a machine, brought by industrial revolution, did it in seconds. And thus rendering the need for slaves of no effect. There were also pockets of resistance by enslaved people. As the French revolution brought new wave of liberty and equality, those crusading for an end to slavery, were given wings to fly higher. It was recorded that Toussaint L’ouverture, led a successful slave revolt in Haiti. Slave revolts also took place in 1816 in Barbados; Jamaica in 1831-
with local chiefs/kings and similarly stationed war/ships along the coast in their quest to halt the trade in humans. Britain signed treatises with Bonny and chief Eyamba of Duke town in 1839 and 1842 respectively (As historians have noted overtime, the centuries-lasting slave trade, left a big hole in the pocket of the African. “the forced migration of millions of Africans to diverse areas of the Americas has widereaching implications that are still being felt to this day. Demographically economically and culturally, the legacy was felt from Africa to Europe to the New World”.
esti Afr Eur tak Two Brit abo are vill inde Afr mig you hist Abd los stro dur rea und “T
THE NIGERIAN
17
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Perspective
ade And Its Abolition
NUEL EGOBIAMBU
As Trinidadian historian, alter Rodney noted, the ave trade had drawn frica down a dangerous ath which is now well and uly undevelopment. According to what will oss wrote on BBC News hana on Thursday, 29 arch 2007, “ Between the th and 19th centuries, it is
imated that up to 12m ricans were forced onto ropean slave ships and en across the Atlantic. o hundred years after the tish parliament voted to olish the trade, the effects still being felt. Head to a age in Northern Ghana or eed many villages in West rica and at times you ght wonder what century u are in”. The Ghanaian torian, Mohamed Shaibu dulai explained that the s of millions of the ongest men and women ing the slave trade is one son for this development. The slave trade actually
prevented the coming into being of an agranan revolution in Ghana, and likewise an industrial revolution. Because before you can industrialize you need to have stable agricultural production. So slavery has a very long effect. During slavery many of the able bodied people, between 18 and 40, were taken out so society’s ability
to reproduce itself economically, socially and culturally was impaired”, another historian, Zagba Oyortey, noted. Watter Rodney also corroborated the above assertion in his book “How Europe undeveloped Africa”. “Most of those areas were relatively highly developed within the African context. They were leading forces inside Africa whose energies would otherwise have gone towards their own selfimprovement and the betterment of the continent as a whole”. However the European nations and merchants,
benefited immensely from slavery. In his work, “the effects of the Atlantic slave Trade on West African societies”, Abayomi Azikiwe said “the capital occurred in the export of African slaves were phenomenal; it is again impossible to calculate the approximate figures of capital accumulated by European commercial interests by way of their involvement in chatted slavery”. However, it is safe to state that the accumulation of wealth, as a result of the free African labour utilized in the slave trade, provided the basis for the rise of industrial revolution, capitalist production and the export of capital to colonial territories by Europe (imperialism)’, he said. Slavery was carried out for the economic enrichment of Europe and its descendents, if the exploitation of African labour that led to the expansion of industry across Great Britain, the United States and other parts of the worlds. Similarly, Karl. Marx in his economic history of DAS KAPITAL, asserted that “the turning of Africa into a warren for the commercial hunting of black-skins, signaled the rosy dawn of the era of capitalist production”. He went further to argue that it was the “primitive accumulation” of European capital, the “non-capitalist” accumulation of wealth that preceded and created the financial conditions for Britain’s industrialization. Moreover, Dr. William Hardy of the History Department, the Open University London said “politically, as African rulers organized the capture
of slaves, traditions were created of brutal and arbitrary intervention by the powerful in people’s lives. Meanwhile, as rival African ruler completed over the control of slavecapture and trading, wars could result. On both counts, the Atlantic trade badly affected the political landscape of Africa, and set disturbing precedents for the future”. Will Ross, (2007) also wrote that “another legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade was the fuelling of conflicts and long lasting rifts between communities which in some cases remain”. This was because European demand for slave was a lucrative business for African slave raiders in the interior. Most slaves were prisoners of war sold by their abductors. According to, Bosman “Wars make gold scare but Negroes plenty”. The head of History Department, Ghana Legon University, Dr. Akosua Adoma Perbi, explained that “European traders found it hard to get slaves during times of peace. However, when there was war, gold was scarce and slaves were widely available”. She continued as “one traveler wrote in his memoirs that in 1681, he had got only eight slaves after combing the whole of Ghana’s coast from west to east. But when he asked why that was, he was told the people were at peace. So warfare was a major source of slaves”. Perbi further noted that the greater demand for slaves for the external market resulted in an increased tapping of the indigenous sources of slave supply. This period of great
demand for slaves also coincided with the introduction of guns and gunpowder into Ghana. Incessant wars of conquest, expansion, aggression and retaliation became a feature of the Ghanaian experience”. As will Hardy puts it, “the long-term economic exploitation millions of black slaves was to have profound effect on the New World’s history. Most fundamentally, it produced deep social divides between the rich white and poor black communities, the consequences of which still haunt American societies now, many years after emancipation the divide was reinforced by the determination to segregate and discourage intermarriage and by reluctance to liberate black people from slavery from one generation to the next”. To Elikia M’bokolo, the racism rooted in the slavetrade era blossomed anew in these propitious circumstances. He said, “European discourse on Africa centred on the ‘backwardness’ and savagery of the continent. On the basis of such value judgments, the West was postulated as a model. Emergent colonialism and imperialism cloaked themselves in humanitarian garb and invoked ‘racial superiority’ and the “white man’s burden” Elizabeth Ama Asare who teaches history at Labone Secondary school, Accra, Ghana, explained that the racial and class inequality generated by slave trade, is still felt till today. “Even today, black people feel a bit suppressed when we come into contact with the whites and that is an effect of slave trade. It has put us in a second-class position which shouldn’t be so’, she concluded.
During the slave trade era, the continent’s people were kept in conditions only fit for animals, not humans. They were shipped to the New World in appalling and degrading conditions. Some died on the way to the New World just as others laboured themselves to death to develop those areas (New World/Europe) without due payment. A former slave, Olaudar Equiano, who also worked and bought his freedom, captured the horrifying scenes when he was on board a slave ship for the first time. “Indeed, such were the horrors of my views and fears at the moment, that, if ten thousand worlds had been my own, I would have freely parted with them all to have. Exchanged my condition with that of the meanest slave in my own country. When I looked round the ship too, and saw large furnace of copper boiling, and a multitude of black people of every description chained. Together, everyone of the their countenances expressing dejection and sorrow, I no longer doubted of my fate; and quite overpowered with horror and anguish, I fell motionless on the deck and fainted”. As the world mark this special day (international day for the remembrance of slave Trade and its abolition), it is pertinent that “the history of slavery should be taught in order for people to understand the effect it has had and continues to have” because if a ma n cannot tell where the rain began to beat him, he will not tell where his body was dried. Indeed, slave trade has ended, but its relics are still around as it has irreversibly transformed the destiny, economy and culture of nations.
“A former slave, Olaudar Equiano, who also worked and bought his freedom, captured the horrifying scenes when he was on board a slave ship for the first time. “Indeed, such were the horrors of my views and fears at the moment, that, if ten thousand worlds had been my own, I would have freely parted with them all to have. Exchanged my condition with that of the meanest slave in my own country.”
THE NIGERIAN
18
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
International Features
How Much Europe Is Too Much Europe?
IN the dark days of Europe’s debt crisis in 2012, when it seemed Greece might be forced out of the euro and the single currency could implode, leaders believed “more Europe” was the only answer. Only deeper integration can bolster the region to withstand future crises, they said. A more united Europe will punch its weight in the world, not collapse on the ropes. Among the more fervent voices in support was German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose declaration that “we need more Europe; we need more cooperation” prompted policymakers to draft plans for a banking union, closer fiscal ties and, in time, a more complete political integration of the union’s 28 countries. How times have changed. A year on, banking union the idea of providing a single backstop for all the region’s banks - stumbles ahead but only as a shadow of its original self. Fiscal union is barely mentioned, while the steps that would have come after are long forgotten. Instead of “more Europe”, the more common phrase in Brussels these days might be “EU-lite”. Rather than the relentless logic of “ever closer union” - the guiding principle of Europe’s federalists for 60 years - the attitude among some member states is better described as “only as much Europe as we really need”. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most determined advocate of “EU-lite” is Britain. Prime Minister David Cameron, with his promise to voters of a referendum on Britain’s EU membership by 2017, has made it abundantly clear that Britain wants a looser association with Brussels after four decades in the club. In its review of “the balance of EU competences” Britain’s phrase for totting up the pros and cons of membership - the findings so
far have suggested that while Europe may not be as bad as some think, there are areas where EU legislation is too burdensome or the influence of Brussels is too stifling. Instead, Britain’s vision for the EU - which Cameron wants to remain part of - is a union focused on its strengths as a trading bloc, the world’s largest, and as a single market of 500 million developedworld consumers. Rather than Brussels determining how many hours someone should work a week or how baby formula should be labeled, Britain wants it to act on a higher level, dealing with international trade, investment, commerce and security policy. “LEANER AND MEANER” When Britain first raised the possibility of a renegotiation of its ties earlier this year, it was a lonely voice. Opponents, including France and the European Commission, said nobody should be allowed to “pick and choose” the terms of their membership. But the Netherlands, one of the six founder members of the EU, has conducted its own review of its relationship with Brussels and also sees room for improvement. A commerce-minded trading nation like Britain, it also wants EU policy to sweat less of the small stuff and focus on the bigger picture. “The time for an ‘ever closer union’ in every possible policy areas is behind us,” Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans wrote in a letter to the Dutch parliament in June. His prime minister, Mark Rutte, was even more succinct, saying Europe needed to become “smaller, leaner and meaner”. No less a European stateswoman than Merkel invited Cameron for private talks in April and said afterwards she agreed with
“Instead, Britain’s vision for the EU - which Cameron wants to remain part of - is a union focused on its strengths as a trading bloc, the world’s largest, and as a single market of 500 million developed-world consumers.” many of his ideas for reforming the union. In a radio interview last month, she said that if she was re-elected as chancellor
said, a line the EU-skeptic British press took as support for Cameron. “ E V E RY T H I N G COLLAPSES”
matter. If it does take place, it would also come shortly after elections to the European Parliament, set for next May, when there is likely to be a
David Cameron, British Prime Minister.
following elections on September 22, she would look at whether some powers should be repatriated from the European Commission to member states. “We don’t have to do everything in Brussels... We can also consider whether we can give something back,” she
All that has raised expectations that at some point soon, probably in 2015, there could be an agreement among member states to revise the EU’s governing treaty, with everyone getting a chance to negotiate a new deal with Brussels. That would be no small
rise in the anti-EU vote across the continent, reflecting growing disquiet about the direction Europe is going in. The problem, of course, is that one country’s vision for a better, less burdensome EU is not everyone else’s. Britain’s taste for “EU-lite” is not France’s cup of tea. Far
from it. “It’s like playing Jenga,” said Hugo Brady, a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, referring to a game that involves carefully removing wooden blocks from a tower and stacking them on top. “Eventually someone pulls out the wrong block and the whole thing collapses.” While Brady agrees the federalist dream of a “country called Europe” may have vanished, the European project remains alive and its momentum is still towards deeper integration. Membership of the euro, the biggest symbol of unity, is growing. The factor that will determine whether “more Europe” or “EU-lite” wins the day will be the economic crisis, says Brady. For the moment, the financial and economic chaos that has stalked the EU for the past three years is in abeyance, removing much of the immediate pressure for closer union. But if the debt crisis returns - and very serious problems remain in Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal that could blow up at any time - the “more Europe” and “closer union” mantra will quickly resound again, whether Britain likes it or not. Courtesy: REUTERS.
“While Brady agrees the federalist dream of a “country called Europe” may have vanished, the European project remains alive and its momentum is still towards deeper integration. Membership of the euro, the biggest symbol of unity, is growing.”
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Drumbeats
Ingredient For Living A Successful Life Continued from last week
GOD’S guidance in the life of a business man, politician, pastor, banker, scientist, farmer and a medical doctor will help him or her to live a successful life here on earth. God owns success, and is the creator of heaven and earth, and the maker of mankind. And He only has the power and ability to effect positive changes in our lives and make our lives meaningful Any man or woman who lives in God’s guidance and direction will never lack food to eat, cloth to wear, place to work, wife to marry, husband to marry and he or she will never lack the blessing of God. The guidance of God is far greater than man’s guidance and direction. Mans guidance can lead you to destruction, danger, lack and confusion, but God’s guidance will always lead you to safety, peace of mind and a place of abundance. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go; and I will guide thee with mine eye. By ye not as the horse, or as the mule which have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee” psalm 32v8-9 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and learn not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” proverbs 3v5-6 God once directed one of his servants to go and buy a plot of land which the owner rejected for failure to see gold in the land after much tilling of the ground. The man of God, in obedience to God’s guidance and direction went and bought the land and in the process of tilling it for development for his seed, he discovered gold in abundance in that land which was rejected and sold in frustration by the owner. You have nothing to loose if you follow God’s guidance and direction. “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of
Gilead, said into Ahab, as the Lord God of Israel Liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be clew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying. Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith that is before Jordan. And it shall be that thou shall drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord, for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank of the brook. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying. Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Sidon, and dwell there, behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks, and he called to her, and said, fetch me, I pray thee a little water in a vessel, that 1 may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, as the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but a handful of meal in barrel, and a little oil in a cruse, and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress for me and my son that we may eat and die. And Elijah said unto her, fear not go and do as thou hast said but make me thereof a little cake first and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the
With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593
day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah” 1st King I7: I-6. Friends, from the above passage of the scripture you
went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab. Killed Sheep and Oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah with thou go with me to Ramoth- Gilead? And he answered him, lam as thou art, and my people as thy people, and we will be with thee in the
saith, that will I speak, then he said I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd, and the lord said, these have no master, let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but
return in peace and Micah said, if thou certainly return in peace, then, hath not the Lord spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people. And a certain man draw a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel, between the joint of the harness, therefore lie said to his Chariot man, turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the
can see that Elijah enjoyed and had ingredient for living a successful life because he followed God’s guidance and directions in his life. The fact that Elijah caused the famine and made king Ahab and the children of Israel to suffer lack and want for the space for three and half years did not make him to suffer famine. His ability to follow God’s guidance made him and the widow woman and her son to enjoy and live in abundance in the midst of lack and want. Many business men, bankers, politicians and government workers are suffering because of lack of God’s guidance and directions in their life. “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and. Joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he
war. And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the lord today. Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, go up, for God will deliver it into the king’s hand. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, there is yet one man, by whom we. may inquire of the lord, but I hate him, for he never prophesied good unto me but always evil, the same is Micah the son of Imal. And Jehoshaphat said, let not the king say so. And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, fetch quickly Micab the son Of lmai. And the messenger that went to call Micah spake to him, saying behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assents, let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good. And Micah said, as the lord liveth even what my God
evil? Again he said, therefore hear the word of the lord; I saw the lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. And the lord said, who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth gilead? And one spake after this manner, and another saying after that manner. Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the lord, and said, I will entice him. And the lord said unto him, wherewith? And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the lord said, thou shall entice him, and thou shall also prevail, go out, and do even so. Now behold, the lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the lord hath spoken evil against thee. Then the king of Israel said, take ye Micah, and carry him back of Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son. And say, thus saith the king, put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with the bread of affliction and with the water of affliction, until I
host, for I am wounded. And the battle increased that day, howbeit the king of Israel stayed himself up in his Chariot against the Syrians until the even, and about the time of the sun going down he died.” 2 Chronicles 18:1-8, l2vsl3vs.16 22vs. 2627. vs. 33:34 (KJV) One of the things that interest me mostly about the life of King Jehoshaphat is his ability to seek for God’s guidance and directions in every areas of his life. And this great attribute prevented him from dying in the battle that killed King Ahab against the Syrians Majority of us are like King Ahab. We surround ourselves with false friends and false prophets who specialize in deceiving us and giving wrong counsel. Ahab got himself killed in the battle because of failure to listen to Gods genuine counsel and guidance. May God heal us from every wrong full association and guidance in Jesus Name.
“Majority of us are like King Ahab. We surround ourselves with false friends and false prophets who specialize in deceiving us and giving wrong counsel. Ahab got himself killed in the battle because of failure to listen to Gods genuine counsel and guidance.”
To be continued
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Education “The students are willing to learn but the teachers are very reluctant to teach, and this has made some of us to withdraw to private centres where we pay huge sums of money.”
Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, Education Minister.
Achieving Education For All Via Adult Literacy AT the World Education Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, in April 2000 Nigeria alongside other 164 countries pledged to achieve Education for All (EFA) by 2015. The countries demonstrated their commitment by signing the EFA initiative. The framework for attaining the EFA objectives, also listed education as a fundamental human right. The EFA initiative was seen as a prime vehicle to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of universal basic education by 2015. UNESCO was mandated to coordinate the roles of governments,
By EMMANUEL ACHA
development agencies and other stakeholders that are partners in the project. To underscore the importance attached to this initiative, the G-8 finance ministers agreed in June 2005 to cancel some debts owed by poor countries to enable them re-channel resources saved from the forgiven debts to social programmes for improving education and alleviating poverty. They also approved the provision of funds to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) for education programmes in poor countries.
Alhaji Jibrin Paiko, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Education, said that EFA’s adult and youth literacy programmes had received support from the Federal Government through the provision of $6.43 million. The executive secretary who spoke in Umuahia at a workshop on “Revitalising Adult and Youth Education in Nigeria,’’ decried the high number of illiterates in Nigeria. He said that Nigeria has an estimated 40 million illiterates, adding that a large percentage of this horde of illiterates were mainly girls and young
women Paiko said that the success of Nigeria’s literacy programmes and the attainment of the EFA goals depended to a very large extent on the effective discharge of the roles and responsibilities of state and local government administrations. He said that adult literacy programmes of the commission “focuses on the promotion of access, equity, quality and innovations in non-formal education through the integration of functional, vocational and entrepreneurial skills into basic literacy”. A UNESCO 2012 Education for All Global Monitoring Report “shows
“He said that Nigeria has an estimated 40 million illiterates, adding that a large percentage of this horde of illiterates were mainly girls and young women.”
that about 61 million children worldwide are denied the opportunity to receive basic education, and one out of six of those children are Nigerians’’. Prof. Hassan Alidou, UNESCO Country Director, during the launch of the 2012 EFA Global Monitoring Report, said that Nigeria had some of the worst education indicators globally. The report indicates that Nigeria has the largest population of out-of-school children as well as high level of gender inequality, due to cultural beliefs, high cost of education, among others. Mrs Victoria Chigbu, Permanent Secretary, Abia Ministry of Education, said that the indicators were a wake-up call for the country to make frantic effort to exit the group of educationally backward nations, adding that adult literacy was key to achieving that. ‘This workshop has come at such an auspicious time when Nigeria is making frantic efforts to exit the E-9 Group made up of nine countries considered most backward in education and harbouring 70 per cent of the world’s illiterate adults. “It has become even more imperative in this global village and digitalised era where the frustration resulting from the limitation posed by illiteracy is growing by the day,” she said. Chigbu, however, said that the good news was that the country with its abundant human resources has the capacity to achieve
any set goal in the education sector. Mr. Sunday Iro, a student in one of the adult education centres in Umuahia, commended the government for its adult education programme. He stressed the need for adult education teachers employed by the government to be committed, adding that adult students in some of the centres were not getting the desired value. “The students are willing to learn but the teachers are very reluctant to teach, and this has made some of us to withdraw to private centres where we pay huge sums of money,” Iro said. Mr. Anyanwu Joseph, Executive Director, Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and NonFormal Education, said that the state government had done enough to improve literacy level of school drop-outs. Anyanwu said that more literacy centres had been established, while more literacy facilitators had been recruited and deployed, adding that they were regularly paid the unified and improved stipends. Paiko is hopeful that Nigeria will get to the desired destination, as the commission had trained 4,107 adult education facilitators across the country. The executive secretary said that beefing up of manpower “will enable Nigeria to respond comprehensively to the poor literacy indices reported in the recent 2012 EFA Global Monitoring Report”.
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Issues Opinion
Uduaghan: The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose O f government………..” 1 9 9 9 CONSTITUTION OF THE FED. REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (SECTION 14) “With malice toward none, with charity for all; with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in” Abraham Lincoln- 18091865) Second Inaugural Address. By Jeffersonian, Aristotelian, Benthamist Principles and normative standards, “The pursuit of the greatest good for the largest number remains the cardinal plinth and matrix upon which visionary leadership, good governments and altruistic governance fulcrumises”. This is glaringly corroborated and explicitly articulated in the Book of Books ‘THE HOLY BIBLE’ that, “When a great and righteous King rules the people jubilate”. Are Deltans jubilating? How has it been with Deltans ever since his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan came on board in 2007 vis – a- vis his three – point agenda and palpably tangible strides. Has the lot of Delta State and Deltans improved on the educational, economic, socio-political front. Do we have pragmatic structural evidences on ground to realistically, not hypocritical propandistic hype show that Governor Uduaghan is now walking the talk?
Now Walking The Talk?
By CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE
There are and will always be multidimensionality of opinions on these issues. But it must be laid bare from the beginning that Uduaghan’s electoral victory over Chief Great Ogboru was a pyrrhic victory, some say fraudulent and others called it a stolen mandate. He was not therefore given a place to stand, “damihi locus standi etare et mowebo”(give me a place to stand and I will move the world Archimedes). Uduaghan’s electoral victory made him an infrangible legalis homo and a litigant. This scenario affected his settling down to the rudiments of governance. Delta State gravitated and cascaded down the slop and labyrinth of dilapidated roads, hospitals without drugs, rickety school buildings, teachers without salaries as and when due, no light, no water, no good roads, kidnappings, sea piracy, armed robbery, ethnic schisms, extra judicial killings and assassinations, etc. Indeed, there was total structural decay and lethal insecurity. Delta State like a failed state became cocooned in the toga of momentum without movement. A failed state according to ‘The Crisis States Research Centre of the United States’ is “a state that can no longer perform its basic security and developmental functions and has no effective control over its territory and borders.” Delta State became the quintessential epitomisation of a failed state, broken promise, fraudulent agenda and
dashed hopes. Indeed, Uduaghan became enshrined in the throes of the Goliathic Complex and the Alice in wonder land syndrome. In visionary lapses and tantrums, he started organizing and sponsoring all sorts of conferences, talk shows, seminars, colloquiums, gala nights, award shows, carnivals and symposiums,
behemoth economic advisory team, kidnappings, assassinations and wanton payment of pension and gratuities to an ex-convict former governor who is in jail – Chief James Onanefe Ibori. What a socioeconomic and financial rascality? But, recently and like thunder out of celestial realm Uduaghan has started walking the talk of
school structures. WHAT A GREAT BEAUTY TO BEHOLD! He has started macadamising, patching, tarring, filling, constructing many roads including the Airport road round about, the Enerhen junction round about and the Delta Estate culverts and many others in Asaba and creating culverts in some towns and cities. There are think–tanks, syndicated institutions to drive the developmental
Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan
etc, spending billions of tax payers money as if the use of money was going out of fashion. And like Emperor Nero who slept whilst Rome burnt, Uduaghan luxuriated in Barmecidal- Dish projects, whilst millions of Deltans suffered under the strangle hold and aspluxiating cliffhangers of scorching poverty, bad roads, massive unemployment, hunger, half-baked Micro- Credit schemes, instituting
development. A drive through Warri, Sapele, Koko, Ugbuwangue, Orerokpe, Effurun, Eku, Abraka and some other towns in Delta State will reveal that Governor Uduagha has just woken up from a lethally deep somnambulistic slumber and has partially started walking the talk of his three- point agenda. On the education front most Delta towns and cities are littered with Model
“Delta State gravitated and cascaded down the slop and labyrinth of dilapidated roads, hospitals without drugs, rickety school buildings, teachers without salaries as and when due, no light, no water, no good roads, kidnappings, sea piracy, armed robbery, ethnic schisms, extra judicial killings and assassinations, etc. Indeed, there was total structural decay and lethal insecurity.”
agenda of Delta State to deemphasize our over dependence on oil revenues through partnership with the private sector as well as to improve access to education, water, shelter and health as a conduit to dovetailing into the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The flagging –off the construction of the 12 kilometer road project that runs through Oginibo- ObiAyagha, ErhuwarenAgbowhiame communities, in ughievwen kingdom, Ughelli south LG A, Delta State must be commended. Delta State has budgeted N398.31 billion for the 2013 fiscal year with N145.94 or 36.64% for recurrent Expenditure and 252.3% billion or 63.36% capital Expenditure.
These achievements are indeed a minuscule microcosm in the macrocosm of real development, a tip of the iceberg and a molehill in a mountain. Deltans want to see all-embracing and palpably tangible development in the provision of real total free Medicare, free education at all levels, construction of 2,000 Blocks each of Low Cost Buildings in the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State, building of hospital annexes in every 3 Miles Radius, massive construction and repairs of roads to 65% of villages and farm locations in Delta State. Attack the menace of sea piracy, kidnapping and assassinations by the creation of Marine and Land Farm Locations to employee all jobless artisans, unemployed graduates and artisans, pay monthly stipends to the sick and senile old people above 70 years. Endeavour to create the tourism socioeconomic, political template and environmentally conducive auibience to make Delta State the investor’s Mecca. Let us make use of the carbon black from the Warri Refinery as industry stimulants. The dead industries should be brought back to life. The Asaba Textile Mills, Ughelli Glass Factory, AT&P Sapele, Bendel Steel Structures etc. The Laodicean attitudinal orientation of Deltans has been the major catalyst to our undevelopment in the past and present. Hence, Senator Williams E. Borah (1865 – 1940) observed that “the marvel of history is the patience with which men and women submit to the burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their Governments”. Our suffering in Delta State did not start today, from Air Commodore Luke Ochulor – 1991- 1992, Olorugun Felix Ibru- 1992- 1993, Col. Continues on page 22
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Continued from page 21
Bassey Asuquo- 19931994, Col. Ibrahim Kefas1994-1996, Col. John Dungs – 1996- 1998, Navy Capt. Walter Feghabo1998- 1999, Chief James Onanefe Ibori 1999-2007 and now Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan 200720… Our story and struggles continues to remain the same, reminiscent of the comrades of Ulysses who loved their servitude, brutish and slavish conditions. Delta State receives over N400 Billion Federally Generated Revenues and over N50 Billion from Internally Generated Revenues every year, exclusive of the 13% derivation earnings. Yet we have little or nothing to show for it. It is against this scorched background that the respected Itsekiri woman, Chief Rita Lori, the Igba of Warri Kingdom, whilst rejecting Uduaghan’s Xmas gifts said “By now you already know my stands on the way you run the administration of Delta State. I feel unhappy and
depressed to see the State, and Itsekiri land particularly declining from the time you have been in government. Severally, I have spoken to you as a brother and son, stressing that the Itsekiri Riverine Areas are declining educationally and economically. The way our land is today shows no planning or foresight. There is no creation of jobs, neither is there adequate security of lives and property. For many years, there has been fighting and bloodletting in Escravos. In fact, things have gotten worse since you became Governor. Yet, you have not used your position to bring peace to this very important Itsekiri town. Indeed, what we have are cases of Itsekiri sons killing one another. Also, it is sad to know that when people are saying we have a Governor as a son of place like Ugborodo, which people know as the terminal for Nigerian oil, can boast of nothing but mud and water. There is no infrastructure, no houses, no roads, schools or hospitals…………..” Chief Rita Lori has with
Issues Opinion ...Now Walking The Talk? laconic brevity spoken the minds of 90% of Deltans. She is a formidable Itsekiri opinion leader, highly venerated Itsekiri Nationalist and Mother – like person to Governor Uduaghan. If she could
speak like this, notwithstanding the principles of familiar piety and ethnocentric sensibilities, what will other Deltans who truly really feel the lacerating and scorching hell of economic hades and
Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan
social doldrums talk about. If wet leaves should burn, what will dry leaves do and if gold should rust what will iron do? The time has come and it is now for Governor Uduaghan to consign propagandisticskullduggery and Goebbelian narcissism to the incinerator and start charting the course of true palpable development for Deltans and Delta State. He must start by making his Assets public, because what we read about him and the EFCC is not palatable at all and he should treat sagaciously because of the “Ibori Saga.” He should reconstitute all Delta State Agencies across the gossamer of integrity trajectory, provide jobs, all– embracingly engage in massive construction of roads across the state, pay teachers 27 % minimum wages and stop clandestine and furtive subtraction from their salaries, declare true and pragmatic free
Self-Confidence As A Key To Success SELF-CONFIDENCE is a key to success in our everyday life. To achieve any goal in life, you must believe that you are going to be successful. Believing in yourself is the beginning of self motivation and achieving your dreams. Without strong belief in yourself, you are doomed to failure and mediocrity. This belief has to do with the belief in our own abilities, strength, capabilities, knowledge and intelligence. Albert Bandura (1994) described these beliefs as determinants of how people think, behave, and feel. Self belief has two components self esteem and self confidence. Selfesteem as to do with the way you think and feel about yourself. The amount of self esteem you have depends on many factors –
By UTI A. UDOH
how you are brought up, parental altitudes, life experiences e.t.c. self confidence on the other hand is an altitude which allows you to have positive yet realistic views of yourself and your situations. Having self confidence does not mean that an individual will be able to do everything. But a self – confident people trust their own abilities, strength, capabilities, knowledge, have a general sense of control in their lives, and believe that within reason, they will be able to do what they wish, plan and expect. Sometimes, people who have self-confidence many doubt themselves or their abilities. They sometimes have this feeling of apprehension. For instance, in a football
match, when it gets to penalty shootout, you find out that the first penalty taker/shooter is always apprehensive because he knows that the first penalty which he/she is about to take, is the stepping stone. However, people should learn to believe in themselves, and in their dream. Though impossible things may seem sometimes, you should believe that you’ll get to the goal you have in view. Believe in yourself, your dreams, your plan, say not to yourself; cannot, but I can. Never doubt the power within. Having self-belief is the first step towards achieving success. If you have great talent, knowledge and intelligence but you are not sure about yourself, it would be difficult for you
to achieve great success. One must cultivate the habit of having self-belief in one’s abilities and capabilities. Those who don’t believe in themselves cannot attain any accolades in life. You have to understand your strength, weaknesses, and work upon them. You must have this self-belief that you can do anything, achieve success, do great and mighty things. As Norman Vincent Peale advised, “Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.” Most times, people see self-belief as arrogance and boastfulness. But the fact is, self-belief doesn’t reflect arrogance or boastfulness. It’s the knowledge that you can overcome obstacles and
keep the momentum going until you have completed a task or achieve a goal. As humans, we must cultivate the habit of believing in ourselves. Words like cannot, unachievable, undoable, and impossible should not exist in your world. Though, people may laugh and discourage you when you try to get more out of your life, but that should never stop you from believing in yourself. Never allow yourself be defined by someone. Believe in yourself, define yourself. As C. JoyBell. C. puts it, “Life is too short to waste any amount of time on wondering what other people think about you. In the first place, if they had better things going on in their lives, they wouldn’t have the time to sit around and talk about you. What’s important to
education and free Medicare of all levels and let the Warri industrial park and the tourism projects etc work. Finally, we passionately appeal to Governor Uduaghan to find work for idle hands and our cries about kidnappings, sea piracy assassinations, terrorism, armed robbery and thuggry will reduce to its barest minimums. The essayist Thomas Carlyle posited that “A man willing to work, and unable to find work, is perhaps the saddest sight that fortunes inequality exhibits under the sun, blessed is he who has found his work, let him ask no other blessedness” and that “work is the grand cure of all the maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind.” This is substantiated by the great poet Voltaire, he sad “work keeps us from three evils. Boredom, vice and need” and Virgil said “labour omri vincit” (work conquers all).
me is not other’s opinions of me, but what’s important to me is my opinion of myself.” As humans, we need to surround ourselves with possibilities, we need to embrace our unique qualities and talents. We need to believe in ourselves and our paths. Once we start believing in ourselves, the world will automatically believe in us. Finally, self-belief is nothing but a thing of the mind. Your perceptions of yourself, of the world around you and your expectations about what might come to pass is a thing of the mind. People with self belief feel good about themselves, they feel a sense of belonging and security. They tend to be successful in life because they are never afraid to take on challenges and risk failure to achieve what they want.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Health
Managing Problem Of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
IF this is your first urinary tract infection (UTI), you can take solace in the fact that you’re not alone. According to Best Health Magazine, more than 10 percent of women suffer from a UTI at least once a year. Treatment may now be only a phone call away, and you could feel better in a single day. What is a Urinary tract infection (UTI)? Most urinary tract infections are called “lower UTIs”, meaning the germs have taken hold in your urethra (a condition called urethritis) or in your bladder (a condition called cystitis) if the germs travel further, an “upper UTI” can develop, affecting the narrow tubes (ureters) leading to the kidneys or even the kidneys themselves. This potentially serious infection is known as pyelonephritis. Between 80 and 90 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), a bacterium usually confined to the colon and rectum that can spread from the anus to the urethra. Because a woman’s urethra is relatively short, women are more prone to UTIs than men (whose much longer urethra in the penis makes it harder for the bacteria to travel to the bladder). After menopause, some women are increasingly
By ISEMHENBITA FAITH
susceptible to infection because of a lack of estrogen. Treatment For Urinary Tract Infections. The good news for uncomplicated bacterial urinary tract infections, including cystitis, is that doctors will now often prescribe antibiotics over the phone, skipping the need for an in-office urine culture. The bad news is that so many strains of bacteria have become antibiotic- resistant, your initial drug may not work. A recent study of 75, 000 UTI patients ages 15 to 44, for example, found that roughly 14 percent needed a second course of treatment within 28 days regardless of which antibiotic they took initially. So-called “complicated UTIs”, which strike men and women equally, are a different story. These infections are more likely to occur if you have kidney involvement, if pregnant, have had a catheter put in or have an abnormally structured urinary tract. Your doctor will want to carefully monitor you and aggressively treat any problem to prevent permanent damage or a system-wide infection. While uncommon, surgery for UTIs is extremely effective if anatomical problems are
obstructing urine flow. Medications For Urinary Tract Infections Although some doctors prescribe a one –day dose of an antibiotic for a routine
urinary tract infection, you’ll probably be given a minimum of three days on the combination drug TMPSMX (trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole), best known by its brand names: Bactrim and septra. If your symptoms warrant it, your doctor may instead choose a class of potent antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (quinolones), which
includes ciprofloxacin (cipro) as well as norfloxacin (Noroxin), oflaxacin (floxin), and gatifloxacin (Tequin), the newest member of the group. A recent study showed that a single dose of Tequin worked just as
infective drugs, such as nitrofurantoin (macrodantin) or methenamine (prosed). Whichever medication you take and however tedious it becomes, make sure you complete the entire course. If you don’t,
urethra. Be sure to cleanse your genitals before and after sexual intercourse. If your vaginal tissues are sensitive, avoid potential irritants. Feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches can aggravate the urethra, making it more susceptible to infection. If you’re postmenopausal
well for an uncomplicated UTI as a regular dose taken over three days. PREGNANCY If these standard treatments are ineffective for your urinary tract infection, you may have to move on to the antibiotic cephalexin (keflex) or, depending on the organism involved to anti-
germ can fight back and find a way to resist the drugs, making future UTIs harder to treat. Life Style Changes You can do a member of thing on your own to make urinary tract infections less overwhelming. At the first sign of an infection, start drinking plenty of fluids. An eight-ounce glass of water once an ‘hour during the day is a great way to flush germs from your urinary tract. Never try to “hold it” when you have to urinate. Delayed urination is a major cause of UTIs. Also keep your genital and anal areas clean. Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering your
and have been experiencing vaginal dryness, consider using a water-based, never a petroleum-based vaginal lubricant (Astroglide, Lubifax, K-Y Jelly) during sex. Alternative Therapies For UTIs Lab studies have discovered that cranberry juice prevent E.COLI from adhering to the bladder walls. A 2001 finish study found that women prone to UTIs were half as likely to suffer a recurrence within six months if they drank an eight-ounce glass of cranberry juice every day. If possible, always purchase the unsweetened juice, available at health food stores.
“The good news for uncomplicated bacterial urinary tract infections, including cystitis, is that doctors will now often prescribe antibiotics over the phone, skipping the need for an in-office urine culture. The bad news is that so many strains of bacteria have become antibiotic- resistant, your initial drug may not work.”
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
International Features
Israel’s Bedouin Battle Displacement BEDOUIN in the Negev desert are fighting a government plan that could spell dispossession for thousands. Negev Desert, Israel Holding Palestinian flags and chanting, “The people want to bring down the plan”, hundreds of Palestinians and Palestinian bedouin gathered at a major road junction north of Be’er Sheva earlier this month, for a “Day of Rage”. The lively protest brought together Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of Jerusalem in denouncing an Israeli government plan that is expected to forcibly displace between 30,00040,000 bedouins living in Israel. “The issue is not only displacement and uprooting tens of thousands of bedouins from their land … the government is not [telling] the people where to go. Just leave, that’s it,” said Thabet Abu Ras, head of the Naqab office at Adalah, a legal centre for Palestinian rights in Israel, during the demonstration. The Israeli government’s Prawer-Begin plan - officially known as the “Bill on the Arrangement of Bedouin Settlement in the Negev” aims to evict bedouin residents of so-called “unrecognised” villages in the Naqab (Negev) desert region of southern Israel, and relocate them into government-planned townships. There are some 200,000 bedouin citizens of Israel in the Negev. About half of them live in government-planned townships - which were first built in the late-1960s and annually sit at the bottom of all socioeconomic indicators in Israel - and in 11 newlyrecognised villages. The idea is to … better integrate Jews and bedouins; to bring many more bedouins to our work force ... and to build new communities; and to expand some of the current communities and make them modern. - Major-General Doron Almog, Israeli army, The other half-lives in 35 so-called “unrecognised” villages, which the state deems illegal, and denies them water, electricity, paved roads, schools and other services. An estimated
50,000-60,000 structures in these villages are under threat of demolition. “The Israeli government is trying through [the] Prawer Plan to squeeze the bedouin …. It’s not acceptable. It’s not moral even,” Abu Ras told Al Jazeera. Modernizing the bedouin Israel first passed the Prawer Plan to solve the issue of bedouin settlement in the Negev in 2011. After local and international groups, including the United Nations, criticized the plan as discriminatory and in violation of international law, former Israeli parliament member Benny Begin held meetings with bedouin citizens and leaders in the Negev to hear their concerns. Begin made minor changes to the plan, which included softening the language, and providing limited monetary compensation for some bedouin tribes that agree to move from their lands. With these modifications, an updated bill - now known as the PrawerBegin plan - passed a first reading in the Israeli parliament on June 24. The bill is expected to come up for second and third readings in the next Knesset session this fall. The plan is based on decades of Israeli government policies aiming to “modernise” the country’s bedouin population by “urbanising” them. In 2011, Israeli army Major-General Doron Almog was appointed by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office to head the issues of resettlement and economic development for the Negev bedouin. “The idea is to … better integrate Jews and bedouins; to bring many more bedouins to our work force; to employ and educate many more women for employment; and to build new communities; and to expand some of the current communities and make them modern,” Almog told Al Jazeera. While Almog said that the government would try to allow as many bedouin as possible to remain in their current locations, he confirmed that 15,000 bedouin residents of Wadi AlNa’am - an unrecognised
bedouin village close to Be’er Sheva - will be moved under the plan, and that most of the unrecognised villages will be reorganised into new townships. Alternative ‘indigenous’ plan Between 1971-73, the bedouin filed 3,220 tribal and individual land claims with the government. These claims represented approximately ten percent of the Negev. Decades later, in 2004, Israel began submitting counter-claims against bedouin-claimed land. Israel
government resettlement, an alternative to the PrawerBegin plan was unveiled in 2011: an “indigenous” plan created by the Regional Council of Unrecognised Villages in the Negev (RCUV) and Bimkom, a group of Israeli urban planners, and supported by the majority of the bedouin. “If that’s put on the table, it will change the game,” said Oren Yiftachel, an Israeli geographer, urban planner and professor, who headed the research team that wrote the indigenous plan.
development. - Navi Pillay,UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Almog told Al Jazeera that the state took into account the indigenous plan, and incorporated as many of its suggestions as possible. Once the Prawer-Begin plan is passed in the Israeli parliament, Almog explained, the government also plans to meet with the bedouin to decide what types of new communities will be built. Limited options But according to Nili
Benjamin Nethanyabu, Israeli Prime Minister.
maintains that the bedouin didn’t properly register their lands - either in 1858, under Ottoman land laws, or in 1921, during the British mandate of Palestine - and that it therefore belongs to the state. Israeli courts have ruled in favor of the Israeli government in 100 percent of bedouin land ownership cases to date, according to the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality. Despite making up 30 percent of the Negev population today, the bedouin currently live on two percent of the area’s land. The entirety of current bedouin land claims cover five percent of the Negev; under the PrawerBegin plan, they would be forced onto less than one percent. Facing this aggressive
“We figured out that you can recognise all the villages, with the vast majority of them in their own location, and start a process of bringing them services, modernising them, in their place …. It does not necessitate any removal, let alone forced removal as the government is planning now,” Yiftachel explained. The indigenous plan, Yiftachel added, would save the Israeli government between 60-70 percent of what they currently intend to spend on implementing the Prawer-Begin plan. If this bill becomes law, it will accelerate the demolition of entire bedouin communities, forcing them to give up their homes, denying them their rights to land ownership, and decimating their traditional cultural and social life in the name of
Baruch, head of the Negev bedouin department at Bimkom, a group of Israeli urban planners and architects, the localities the bedouin will be moved into, “are going to be very [dense], more like townships. [There will be] no more agriculture inside the locality, just outside the area.” “[The bedouin] absolutely don’t have the same opportunity [as JewishIsraelis]. You’re blind if you don’t see it. It’s very obvious.” Indeed, a clear example of state-sponsored discrimination is the creation of individual farms. Promoted in the late 1990s by then-Israeli Minister of Agriculture Ariel Sharon as a way to “preserve state lands”, individual farms provide a single JewishIsraeli family with hundreds of hectares of land for
agricultural use in the Negev. These farms are equipped with basic infrastructure, including vast reserves of water and electricity. Their stated purpose is to keep land away from Palestinian citizens of the state. According to Adalah, the earliest individual farms were built “without tenders, without clear criteria for distributing the land, without building permits or approvals as required by law, and without examining development and policy needs.” In 2005, the Israeli government approved the “Wine Route” Plan, which retroactively legalized 20 individual farms, and approved construction of ten new ones, in the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council. Stopping the plan This month, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay criticised the Israeli government for pushing forward a plan that would legitimise bedouin displacement and dispossession. “If this bill becomes law, it will accelerate the demolition of entire bedouin communities, forcing them to give up their homes, denying them their rights to land ownership, and decimating their traditional cultural and social life in the name of development,” Pillay said. According to Adalah’s Abu Ras, as it stands, the Prawer-Begin plan can’t be implemented because it does not provide the bedouin with viable housing alternatives. In some instances, it goes against tribal laws that forbid the bedouin from living on land belonging to other tribes. “We are suggesting that the state of Israel stop Prawer for six months and open a meaningful dialogue to discuss our alternative plan. We are willing to show, professionally, how the government can recognise the [bedouin] villages without harming all the Israeli projects, all of the national projects, here. The Negev is vast enough,” Abu Ras said. Yiftachel agreed, telling Al Jazeera that while the government has slightly improved its stance towards the bedouin, the Prawer law must be stopped. “You cannot accept a plan that is based on making people invisible.”
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
International Features
Syria: Obama’s History-Defying Decision PRESIDENT Barack Obama, according to background briefings by his aides, reached a fateful decision as he strolled along the White House lawn with his chief of staff Denis McDonough. Contrary to every expectation by his national security team, Obama concluded that he should ask Congress for authorization to bomb Syria. The full reasoning behind the president’s turnabout remains murky. He may have wanted to share responsibility for a risky strategy to punish the barbarous regime of Syrian strongman Bashir alAssad for using chemical weapons against his own people. Obama may have recognized the political dangers of attacking another Middle Eastern country without popular support at home. And the president, a former part-time constitutional law professor, may have also belatedly recalled the wording of Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution that grants Congress the sole power “to declare war.” But whatever Obama’s underlying motivations and however the Syrian vote plays out on Capitol Hill, the president’s decision to go to Congress represents an historic turning point. It may well be the most important presidential act on the Constitution and war-making powers since Harry Truman decided to sidestep Congress and not seek their backing to launch the Korean war. Just a few days ago, before Obama’s decision was known, legal scholars from both the right and the left were in agreement that waging war over Syria – no matter how briefly – without congressional approval would bend the Constitution beyond recognition.
To Seek Congressional Approval
Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard law professor who served as a Bush administration lawyer during the run-up to the 2003 Iraq war, wrote in the legal blog Lawfare, “The planned use of military force in Syria is a constitutional stretch that will push presidential war unilateralism beyond where it has gone before.” And liberal constitutional scholar Garrett Epps, writing for the Atlantic , concluded, “It’s pretty clear that an American attack would violate the Constitution.” Virtually no one in politics, the press or the academic community expected Obama to go to Congress for approval. That isn’t the way the presidential power works in the modern era. It is a sad truth that whomever occupies the Oval Office invariably expands rather than trims back the Imperial Presidency. Obama himself has reflected this pattern with his aggressive enhancement of the National Security Agency’s efforts to monitor electronic communications. For more than six decades, the war-making powers of Congress have been eviscerated by presidents of both parties. Which brings us back to Truman, who in 1950 balked at asking a Congress weary after World War Two for approval to militarily respond to the Communist attack on South Korea. Dean Acheson, Truman’s secretary of state, claimed in his memoirs that a congressional debate over the Korean War “would hardly be calculated to support the shaken morale of the troops or the unity that, for the moment, prevailed at home.” Acheson may not have remembered that military morale and national unity are not mentioned in the
Constitution. But the warmarking powers of Congress are at the heart of the nation’s founding document. It was as if the sign on Truman’s desk read, “The Buck Stops Here – And This is Also Where the Constitution Is Twisted.” The plain-spoken Truman
Commander in Chief set a template for future presidents. Even when presidents have gone to Congress for approval of major military engagements, these blankcheck authorizations have often been based on deceptive arguments.
hyperbolic were George W. Bush’s claims about Saddam Hussein’s non-existent arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. Even more legally dubious were all the times a president sent troops and planes into
President Barack Obama of USA.
resorted to weaselly words to claim that Korea was a United Nations-sponsored “police action” rather than a war. No other American “police action” has ever led to 54,246 wartime deaths. Truman’s assertion of vast executive power as
Lyndon Johnson premised the entire Vietnam war on the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which was designed to permit a limited response to two minor and maybe mythical naval skirmishes with North Vietnam. Similarly
“But Obama’s decision to seek congressional approval may prove to be an even more important precedent. Future presidents – as they consider unilateral military action without American security hanging in the balance – will have to answer, “Why didn’t you go to Congress like Obama did over Syria?”
combat without anything more than desultory briefings of the congressional leadership. Ronald Reagan dispatched the Marines into Grenada in 1983 under the preposterous rationale that he was only protecting endangered American medial students. Bill Clinton skirted congressional approval for the 1999 airborne attacks to halt Serbia’s ethnic cleansing of Kosovo on the shaky grounds that this was a NATO operation. And Obama himself was even on flimsier footing when he justified America’s participation in the 2011 bombing campaign over Libya based on a United
Nations resolution. But Syria did not provide Obama with any of these figleaf justifications. No American lives are in danger and the national security threat is hard to identify. Not only is NATO not participating, but also neither are the Brits, the United State’s closest diplomatic ally. With Russia serving as Assad’s enabler, there will be no Security Council resolution or UN mandate. Every time a president employs questionable legal arguments to wage war, it becomes a valuable tool for the next Commander in Chief impatient with the constitutional requirement to work through Congress. That’s why it would have been so dangerous for Obama to go forward in Syria without a congressional vote or the support of the UN or NATO. It is as much of a slippery slope argument as the contention that Iran, say, would be emboldened with its nuclear program if America did not punish Assad’s chemical attacks. Assuming Obama wins congressional approval, America’s coming attack on Syria is designed to set a lasting precedent: No government can ever again use chemical, biological – let alone nuclear – weapons without facing devastating consequences. As Obama asked rhetorically in his Saturday Rose Garden statement, “What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price?” But Obama’s decision to seek congressional approval may prove to be an even more important precedent. Future presidents – as they consider unilateral military action without American security hanging in the balance – will have to answer, “Why didn’t you go to Congress like Obama did over Syria?” Confronted with a series of wrenching choices over Syria, Obama chose the course that best reflects fidelity to the Constitution as written. Hopefully, in the days ahead, taking that less traveled road by presidents will make all the difference.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Issues Rape:
A Societal Scourge
RAPE is a type of sexual abuse or conduct usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more person’s against another person without his/ her consents. These act can be carried out by physical force, coercion, above of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. According to the American Medical Association (AMA) sexual violence and rape in particular is considered the most under-reported violent crime in Nigeria. The rate or reporting, prosecution and convictions for rape varies considerably in different jurisdiction. The US Bureau of Justice statistics estimated that 91% of US rape victims are female and 9% are male with 99% of the offenders being male. Rape by strangers are usually less common than rape by persons victim knows. Several studies argue that male-male and femalefemale persons rape are quite common and may be the least reported forms of rape recorded. Rape has to do with assault on the sexual right either physically or emotionally of a person against his/her wish. The United Nations Office On Drugs and crimes defines it as “sexual intercourse without valid consent”, while the world Health organization (W.H.O) define it as “physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration-even if slight of the vulva or anus, using a penis, other body parts or an object”. In 2012, FBI changed their definition from “The carnal knowledge of a female and against her will” to “The penetration no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex
By ANGELA OJOR PAUL organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. The consent of a rape victims is usually not needed to be expressed and may be implied from the context and from the relationship of the parties, but the absence of objection does not of itself constitute consent. Lack of consent result to forcible compulsion by the perpetrator or an incapacity to consent on the part of the victim (such as persons who are asleep, intoxicated or otherwise mentally helpless). A rape victim can be severely traumatized, abuse, stigmatized and may suffer from post – traumatic stress disorder (A psychiatric condition characterized with anxiety, fear, resulting from depression, feelings of self harm grit, insomnia, mutism and remembrance of past experience within the space of 6 months) in addition to psychological harm resulting from the act. Rape can cause physical injury or have additional effect on the victim, such as acquiring viral diseases such as HIV, Aids, Sexual Tramitted Disease (STD) or the worst of all becoming pregnant and eventual a single mother. An innocent girl who has never had sex can get rape probably by a relation (brother cousin, father, uncle etc) or even to a guy she claims to love and this can make her emotionally depressed for the rest of her life. A young girl who lives in my neighbourhood about the age of 11 was being violated by her home lesson teacher and he told her that if she tells anyone or her parent, he will throw her down from upstairs and worms will eat her body, she being naïve didn’t tell anyone, until one
faithful day she refused going to meet him for lesson when her mum shouted at her for being disobedient she said, “mum I man tired of taking ice-cream from uncle”, her mum asked her what she meant, then she told her mum that the lesson uncle, always sleep with her and put his sperm (icecream) in her mouth and if she refuse, the uncle will
company, anger, a desire for power, and sexual gratification. Most times, innocent girls between the ages of 8-20 are victim of rape. They become victims because they stay with someone, naïve or have not being oriented about sex education. Rape have different types which includes: Date rape, gang rape, marital rape, ancestral, child, sexual abuse, prison rape, acquaintance, war and
threaten her. The mum started crying and shouting for help and the lesson teacher was arrested but being connected to an influential person the man was released. We have such happenings around us on a daily bases and nothing is done about it. Although sometimes, rape can be caused by things like drugs (influence), alcohol, idle mind, pornography, evil communication and bad
statutory rape. The above types of rape are quiet explanatory, but the one I found quite interesting is spouse rape. It reminds me of a family a neighbour, who will always beat up his wife for refusal for sex. Marital rape is also called spousal rape and its nonconsensual sex in which the perpetrators is the victim’s spouse. And as such, it is a form of partner rape, of domestic violence and of
“In general, rape and sexual assault are among the most causes of PTSD in women. It hurts a lady when raped and it’s an incident she might never forget or forgive the perpetrator except for the grace of God.”
sexual abuse. Once widely condoned or ignored by law, spousal rape is now repudiated by international conventions and increasingly criminalized and in many countries, spousal rape remains legal or illegal but widely tolerated and accepted as a husband’s prerogative. In the United State (US), spousal rape is illegal in all 50 states. In many countries, it is not clear if marital rape may or may not be prosecuted under ordinary rape laws. However, in the
absence of a spousal rape law, it may be possible to bring prosecution for what is effectively rape by characterizing it as an assault. The marriage pre-supposes sexual union between both sexes, it is no way illegal for a husband to demand sexual intercourse from a wife, nor does a wife have any rights to deny such a request, because the wife complete refusal of a sexual relationship for no reason, the defended (husband) become sexually frustrated could not tolerate it and forced sexual intercourse upon his wife. Although it involved a certain degree or violent acts. It is with the range of the degree of force used in fights among
ordinary married couples and thus, it does not warrant a special consideration by court. In culture influenced by Christianity, the religious concept of marriage debt as seen in the bible at I Corinthians 7 vs 3-5, that is a duty to have marital sex with one’s spouse (in sharp opposition with the prohibition of premarital/ extra marital sex) has played a role in precluding husbands from being prosecuted with rape. The verse thus, explains that the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does and like wise the husband does not have authority over his own body but the wife does, do not depend one another sex …. W.H.O. states that the principal factor that lead to the perpetration of sexual violence are. Belief in family honour and sexual purity. Ideology or male sexual entitlement. Rape victims can also experience acute stress disorder (i.e within one week) depersonalization or dissociation feeling numb and detached like being in a daze or a dream, or feeling that the wond is strange and unreal). Difficulty in remembering important parts of the assault. Reliving the assault through repeated thoughts, memories night mare. Avoidance of things, places, thought and feelings that remind the victim of the assault. Anxiety or increased alertness (difficulty sleeping concentrating etc). Alliance of social life or place of rape. For one third of the victims, these symptoms continue beyond the first few months and meet the conditions for the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In general, rape and sexual assault are among the most causes of PTSD in women. It hurts a lady when raped and it’s an incident she might never forget or forgive the perpetrator except for the grace of God. Parents should build a sound relationship with their kids especially the females during their teen age and start teaching them sex education until they have a mind of their own.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Ramsey Heartened By Derby Success
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey believes Arsenal’s players went some way to repaying the faith of manager Arsene Wenger with a battling 1-0 win over bigspending Tottenham in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium. Wenger’s only signings ahead of Sunday’s match were the free transfers of Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini, while Spurs had shelled out a reported B£100million on new talent with £26million man Erik Lamela among their substitutes following his transfer from Roma. Ramsey, 22, believes Arsenal proved their worth as they got the better of Spurs with a firsthalf goal from Olivier Giroud and after soaking up plenty of late pressure. “Spurs spent a lot of money this summer, and were expecting to win, so I think that
Aaron Ramsey
gave us an extra bit of determination to go out there and win the game, which we did,” the Wales midfielder said. “This shows we have a lot of quality in the team, that the manager believes in us, it shows that we believe in what we are capable of doing, to produce great performances. “We know we have the quality in this team to do well and play, and beat anybody on our day - which we showed again against Tottenham. “We had to dig in for large periods of the second half, but it was a good team performance and we deserved the win in the end.” Full-back Carl Jenkinson was drafted into the starting XI at short notice following illness to Bacary Sagna, who was only fit
Wenger Eyeing Quality Additions Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains confident of adding quality to his squad ahead of Monday night’s transfer deadline - with a £40million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil reportedly lodged following a 1-0 win over bigspending Tottenham. Wenger’s only purchases so far have been the free transfers of Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini, the latter making his second Arsenal debut when coming on as a substitute for Jack
Wilshere, who was forced off with a stomach problem which is not expected to rule him out of England’s World Cup qualifiers. However, after making unsuccessful bids for Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Yohan Cabaye earlier this summer, Wenger believes the 100million euro (£86.3million) switch of Gareth Bale to Madrid could now set in place a “domino” effect which would allow the likes of 24-year-old German international Ozil - who is also on Paris St-
Germain’s wanted list - to come onto the market at the 11th hour. Arsenal have also been linked with his Real Madrid team-mates Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria and Palermo goalkeeper
Emiliano Viviano. Following the 1-0 north London derby win over Tottenham, secured by a first-half goal from France striker Olivier Giroud, Wenger again addressed
Stoke Table £4m For Swansea City. Osaze However, now according to the Stoke City could well make a £4million bid for Osaze Odemwingie as Everton have rejected an offer for compatriot Victor Anichebe. A flurry of transactions was expected before the transfer window closed on Monday night and already Everton have turned down West Brom’s £3.5million bid for Nigeria international Anichebe. The Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medallist was linked with a move to Hull City this summer and he is valued at £5 million. He had scored 18 goals in 131 games for the toffees. Fellow Nigeria international Osaze, on the other hand, has been frozen out by ‘The Baggies’ since he tried to force a move to Queens Park Rangers in January and was subsequently punished for his indiscipline. The 32-year-old is still highly rated in the Premier League though, and newly-promoted sides Hull City and Crystal Palace have been keen to sign him this summer, as well as
Daily Mail it seems that Stoke are ready to step up their interest in him, as new manager Mark Hughes seeks to add more quality to his side upfront, with Peter Crouch currently on a poor run of goal scoring form. Hughes is cautious about Osaze’s recent disciplinary problems, but has decided to push this late move through.
Mesul Ozil
Glen Hoddle believes Tottenham still lack a bit of magic up front despite their £100million spending spree. Five new signings were on the pitch on Sunday, but Tottenham could not find a way past Arsenal’s defence in the absence of Gareth Bale. Hoddle, who played for Spurs for 12 years before going on to manage the club, thinks the 1-0 defeat showed that Andre VillasBoas is still missing something special in his squad despite signing seven new players this summer.
“Much as I was impressed by the strength and power that manager Andre Villas Boas and his director of football Franco Baldini has injected into the squad this summer, an orchestrator, a creator...someone to produce that spell of magic or the key skill to unlock a defence is not there,” Hoddle told zapsportz.com. “Bale is not a playmaking creator but he did make things happen. He was able to unlock teams with his power, pace, shooting ability and sheer force of will.
the issue of getting in extra bodies - a problem highlighted by the inclusion of youngsters Serge Gnabry and Gedion Zelalem, only 16, on the bench. Spurs, meanwhile, had £26million man Erik Lamela among their substitutes following his transfer from Roma. ‘’Tottenham got a lot of money for Bale, they have to invest it - I understand that,” Wenger said. “The need is different for us, we need one or two super players and we will try to add that. ‘’It is a little bit like a domino game. Maybe something will happen in the last 24 hours, maybe not. It is very difficult to predict, but maybe we can surprise you.” Arsenal may be sitting on a £70million war chest, but Wenger insists the club will not be held to ransom as the last-gasp shopping dash begins. ‘’I am not against spending. I am ready to pay what we can afford, even if it is a bit over the market (value) and as long as it is not crazy,’’ he said.
Spurs Need Some Magic “Spurs need someone to pick the pockets of opposing teams. Having seen them against Swansea last week and with the team now boasting a record of just two goals - both penalties in their first three league games, that is a definite concern, even if Villas Boas and Baldini have spent £108million on summer team building so far.” Hoddle believes that Christian Eriksen, a versatile midfielder signed from Ajax last Friday, could provide the answer. “Christian Eriksen has just arrived from Ajax for £11million,
that is nowhere near the sums splashed on some of the other buys, but I see he was regarded by Martin Jol as a “traditional number 10” when he was manager of Ajax and this boy from Denmark may be the answer, especially as he matures. “He has been compared to Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and even fellow countryman Michael Laudrup. Those are big shoes for Eriksen to step into. “Tottenham - post Gareth Bale - still need to find a sprinkling of stardust.”
enough for the bench. The 21-year-old feels Arsenal’s display showed they have the character needed to get a result when it matters. “In the last five minutes, they were going to chuck everyone forward, it was more of a war than a football match. We really showed the grit and determination in this squad to succeed,” said Jenkinson, a lifelong Arsenal fan. “They have spent a lot of money, we know that, but at the end of the day, we did the job that we needed to do and came out on top. Long may that continue. “I think (we did prove a point). Of course there has been a lot of talk around Spurs and the money they have spent, the players they have brought in. “But we just needed to focus on ourselves, to go out and show what good players we have, how we can play when we are on top of our game. I think we did that.”
Signings Not A Must -Moyes
Manchester United manager David Moyes insists that new signings are not necessary despite the 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. United suffered a 1-0 defeat at Anfield as Daniel Sturridge’s early goal proved to be the difference between the sides. Despite losing his unbeaten record as United manager, Moyes insisted after the final whistle that it was the best he had seen his side play since taking charge. And while he will attempt to strengthen his squad before the transfer window slams shut on Monday, Moyes is happy with the options already at his disposal. “I thought we played really well,” Moyes told Sky Sports. “Liverpool were resolute and made it hard for us to score. We maybe didn’t quite create the best with the crossing. We got two or three opportunities in the second half and were just a little bit unfortunate that we didn’t take them.” The transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday and Moyes added: “We will try and do it, but from what I saw of the players, I’m more than happy with the players I’ve got. “I thought they played really well, probably the best we’ve played this season.” Phil Jones had to be replaced in the first half at Liverpool after landing awkwardly, but the extent of the damage has yet to be confirmed. Moyes said: “He went over on his ankle when he fell and we will assess how bad it is.”
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Muntari Will Miss KevinBoateng At AC Milan AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari says he will miss his compatriot Kevin-Prince Boateng after the utility player left the Italian club to join Schalke. Boateng sealed a shock return to the Bundesliga on Friday when he unexpectedly completed the move to the German top-flight. Muntari and Boateng are good friends following the wonderful time they shared since the latter moved to the Serie A giants. Muntari says he will miss
Kevin Boateng
Inter Make It Two From Two
Inter Milan made it two wins from two with an impressive 3-0 victory over Catania at the Stadio Angelo Massimino on Sunday evening. Rodrigo Palacio, Yuto Nagatomo and Ricky Alvarez found the back of the net for the visitors on the night as they continued their impressive start to the campaign. A host of new faces have been brought into the Nerazzuri over the course of the summer as new manager Walter Mazzarri aims to improve on last season ninthplace finish. Mazzarri’s appointment seems to already been paying off as Inter were excellent in their win over Catania in Sicily.
Inter made one change to the squad that beat Genoa 2-0 last week while Catania coach Rolando Maran made two changes to his starting 11. Palacio opened the scoring in the 19th minute of the encounter before setting up Nagatomo 11 minutes into the second stanza. Alvarez sealed all three points for Inter 10 minutes from time in spectacular fashion as he skipped through a number of players before slotting the ball into the back of the net. The win moves Inter into fourth spot on the log, level on points with four other teams at the top of the table while the Rossazzurri are yet to register a point after two rounds of fixtures.
SEVILLA have confirmed that they have picked up Real Madrid youngster Denis Cheryshev for the season on a loan deal. The attacking winger spent preseason with Los Blancos’ first team and was reportedly in line to be used by Carlo Ancelotti as a provisional left-
back for the new term. However, on from the Italian confirming Fabio Coentrao’s decision to stay with the team and increasing speculation that Cheryshev was after regular first team action in an attacking role, Sevilla has swooped. Los Nervionenses report
Boateng who has already played his first match for Schalke helping them to a victory Leverkusen over the weekend. “He called me last night and said there was a chance he might be leaving.That’s life, these things happen. “I hope he’ll be happy and play as he can. I’ll miss him a great deal.” The two players will meet again in the Black Stars as they are both available to play for their country again.
BARCELONA coach Gerardo Martino has hailed their 3-2 win over Valencia as their best performance so far this season. The Catalans raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening 40 minutes courtesy of a Lionel Messi hattrick, but allowed Valencia back into the game before the break as Helder Postiga netted a brace. Nonetheless, they were able to hold on to their lead in the second half to maintain their perfect record in La Liga and their place at the top of the standings. “That sometimes happens in football, one bad minute at the end of the first half. This is a difficult away game,” Martino said. “This has been the best Barca this season, because of the stadium where we played, the
Martino Hails Barca Performance opponent we faced, and the way we played. “What worries me most is that we gave Valencia the chance to get back into the game, we relaxed when we were three goals up.” Martino was also impressed with the combination between Messi and Neymar, with the Brazilian providing an assist for the Argentines’ third goal. “Yesterday there were doubts about the MessiNeymar connection after their first game together,” he added. “Things have been solved in 24 hours.”
Juve, Napoli Shine As Serie A Enjoys Goals Blitz
CHAMPIONS Juventus and leaders Napoli underlined their scudetto credentials with convincing wins but this season’s title favourites were not alone as potential rivals took part in a Serie A goals blitz. Juventus, who routed Lazio second-half minutes. Fiorentina also turned on 4-0 to win the Italian Super Cup two weeks ago, the class, Giuseppe Rossi outclassed Vladimir scoring a brace and Mario Petkovic’s men 4-1 on Gomez claiming his maiden Saturday when Napoli Serie A goals, his second emerged from Chievo with a from the penalty spot in 4-2 win thanks notably to a injury time, in an second successive Marek entertaining 5-2 win away to Genoa that began with Hamsik brace. From the remaining eight Alberto Aquilani’s 10th games on Sunday a total of 32 minute opener. AC Milan got the chance goals were scored. Not bad for a league once known for it’s to test new striker Alessandro overly-defensive ‘catenaccio’ Matri, signed from Juventus in midweek, after Mario system of play. In Sunday’s early match Balotelli had scored the Serbian Adem Ljajic scored Rossoneri’s third in a oneon his debut for Roma as Rudi sided 3-1 win at home to Garcia’s side hit three Cagliari. Robinho, starting in place unanswered goals past Verona, who had stunned AC of Stephan El Shaarawy, Milan last week, inside 10 opened the scoring on eight minutes and although Marco Sau scored a screamer two minutes after Philippe Mexes on their website that the 22- had given Milan a 2-1 lead, year-old Russian has passed a Balotelli settled nerves with medical on Monday morning a fine solo effort just after the and will be presented at hour. midday UK time. City rivals Inter, Cheryshev, who was part of meanwhile, emerged from the Real Madrid Castilla side the potential banana skin of last term, joins for the season a trip to Catania with all three on loan, but there is no points to remain second. purchase option included. Inter had Rodrigo Palacio Read the original article on to thank for a 20th minute FootballEspana
Sevilla Confirm Cheryshev Loan
opener after the Argentinian striker tapped home Jonathan’s bullet pass across goal. The Nerazzurri, looking to improve after a disastrous ninth place finish under Andrea Stramaccioni, saw Japan international Yuto Nagatomo score a first-time bullet header from Palacio’s cross on 56 minutes for his second goal in as many games. Inter secured all three points 10 minutes from time thanks to Riccardo Alvarez. Elsewhere Atalanta secured a 2-0 win over visitors Torino, visitors Sampdoria held Bologna to a 2-2 draw remain second, on the same points as Napoli, third-placed Roma, Fiorentina and Juve. On Saturday Carlos Tevez scored his second Serie A goal in as many weeks as Juve thumped 10-man Lazio 4-1. Having scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Sampdoria last week, the Argentine striker capped a dominant display by the hosts - marked notably by a brace from Chilean Arturo Vidal - with a fine individual effort in the 80th minute. Juve coach Antonio Conte said: “Putting four goals past
Lazio again is a sign that our form is getting better, both on a collective and individual level. “We were spectacular in the first 25 minutes in terms of intensity and execution of our gameplan. Then, after Lazio scored we lost our rhythm and some of our aggression. “We gave Lazio a few goalscoring opportunities and I’ve warned the lads, but they were all superb on the night.” Napoli remained top thanks to the man who has stepped admirably into the shoes of Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani. Gonzalo Higuain was signed from Real Madrid barely two weeks ago as a direct replacement for Cavani, who led Serie A with 29 goals last season before his big money move to Paris Saint Germain. By the time the Argentine had grabbed Napoli’s fourth, and his first for the club, Hamsik had already signalled his improved scoring potential by scoring his fourth in two games to leave Napoli top on goals difference.
Bayern Hit Back In Mourinho Row
Denis Cheryshev
BAYERN Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has criticised Jose Mourinho and Ramires for the tackle which left Mario Gotze injured during the Super Cup on Friday. Gotze is set to spend another three weeks sidelined following a late challenge by Chelsea midfielder Ramires, which saw the Brazilian receive a second yellow card. After the game, Mourinho
contested the decision to send his player off, saying: “The referee must have passion for the game and the game 11 v 11 was much better. “It was not a situation where Ramires hurt the opponent, was not a situation where the opponent was in a dangerous counter-attack, was not a situation where you needed to show that second yellow card.”
Rummenigge has continued the row and accused Mourinho of impertinence, telling Bild: “In this foul, Mario [Gotze], you have to admit, is rather a lucky fellow. I think Mourinho’s statement was impertinent. “If Mario still had his leg on the ground it probably would have been completely wrecked. That was the clearest red card ever. If a prominent coach like Mourinho then talks about a
referring error, I ask myself if I attend the wrong game.” Gotze was relieved that he only suffered swelling, believing originally that he may have been spending a longer spell out of action. “Of course it bothers me that I am ruled out for a few more weeks again,” he said. “But if you look at the pictures, you can only be delighted that nothing worse happened.”
THE NIGERIAN
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Sergio Busquets Doubt For Spain
Rooney To Miss England Qualifiers
MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes says Wayne Rooney will miss England’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine with a head injury. The striker was unable to take part in Manchester United’s Barclays Premier League clash at Liverpool on Sunday as a result of a head wound suffered in training. “He got a cut down the middle of his forehead, completely accidental, but it was quite a bad cut,” Moyes told Sky Sports. “It will probably keep him out for a few weeks.” Asked about Rooney playing for England, Moyes added: “I would think no chance.” Moyes had intended to start Rooney at Anfield too. “He was in our team to start and he would have started had he been fit,” the Scot said. If Moyes is correct and Rooney does withdraw from England duty, national team boss Roy Hodgson is left with Jermain Defoe, Rickie Lambert, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck as out-and-out strikers. England face Moldova at Wembley on Friday and then travel to Ukraine for a vital clash a week on Tuesday.
Hellas Verona Bus Attacked
PLAYERS and staff of Hellas Verona were forced to spend an extra night in the Italian capital after their team bus came under attack from Roma fans following their 30 defeat on Sunday. To add insult to injury after their first defeat in Serie A this season, the Gialloblu were unable to return home to the north of Italy as planned after a “premeditated” attack on their coach by a group of hooligans as they left Rome. “It is a terribly grave incident and it is disappointing to have to comment on certain things,” Hellas president Maurizio Setti told the club’s official website. “Miraculously, nobody has been hurt and I express my solidarity with our manager, our coaching staff and all of our players who were present on the coach and who have suffered a great shock. “Bats and rocks do not belong in football. A terrible incident already happened to our fans in Palermo and it has been repeated again today, this time to the team. We must find remedies and we need exemplary punishments for whoever adopts such delinquent behaviour.” The attack left the bus in no fit state to continue its journey as the windscreen and several of the lateral windows were smashed, albeit without any of the people on board being harmed. Police took all the occupants to a hotel, and remained with them there on watch overnight.
Neymer,Bale and Ronaldo
Bale To Be Measured Against Ronaldo And Neymar
GARETH Bale will have to find his place within a starstudded Madrid line-up quickly because the world’s most expensive player is sure to be compared constantly with his new team mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Neymar. As if that were not enough, Germany playmaker Mesut the name of David Beckham Ozil, Real’s exciting new will also be thrown into the attacking midfielder Isco and mix as the 24-year-old former Spurs team mate Luka Welshman arrives 10 years Modric. after the former England Bale excelled at Spurs with captain and marketing machine his surging runs into space but left the Premier League for La he will need to adapt to La Liga. Liga’s slower, more tactical Bale lands at the Bernabeu games, against teams who with a hefty 100 million euro typically defend in numbers (£85m) price tag and the need against Real. to impress one of the most Handling a partisan local demanding audiences in the media that regards a couple of world every time he steps out games without a goal as a on to the pitch. ‘crisis’ is another new concept Ronaldo sets the standard Bale will need to assimilate, and is seen to have justified his and the intensity of the fervour £85m transfer fee from 2009, will be doubled if Neymar and scoring 202 goals in 202 Barca are overshadowing his matches. and Real’s progress. Despite a few run-ins with Bale would appear to hold Madrid fans, no one has ever the upper hand in this contest doubted Ronaldo’s voracious appetite for goals and his commitment to win every single game. Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona have splashed 57 million euros to sign Brazil forward Neymar FROM “alice band-wearing and just as Ronaldo has had to softie” to Real Madrid galactico get used to constant is how the press on Monday comparisons with Lionel summed up the stunning rise of Messi, Bale will be expected Gareth Bale after his transfer for to outperform the Catalans’ an unconfirmed world-record fee. new boy. Widespread reports in England Bale, whose versatility is a have suggested Bale’s move mixed blessing, is likely to from Tottenham Hotspur to form a formidable front three Madrid, announced late Sunday, with Ronaldo and France will make the Welshman the striker Karim Benzema. world’s most expensive player Bale can play down either with Real set to pay 101 million flank, centrally behind the euros ($133.5 million, £86 striker, in a deeper midfield million) for his services. But the Guardian’s David role or even at full back but new boss Carlo Ancelotti has Hytner recalled that Bale’s yet to settle on a fixed journey to the top had not always been smooth, highlighting a formation. He will be tussling for a place training ground clash during his early, barren days at Spurs which with the likes of Argentina prompted then boss Harry winger Angel Di Maria, Redknapp to demand an
as the 21-year-old Neymar has a steeper learning curve in adapting to European football, and although he is outrageously talented, there are doubts over his slight physique. Neymar is, however, an established international certain to feature in next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil, in which Wales will not feature, and it is this global piece of the jigsaw which Real are particularly keen to exploit with Bale. The astronomical fee paid for the winger can only begin to be understood when the player’s marketing impact is brought into the equation, and that is where comparisons with Beckham enter the frame. Real are the richest club by income in the world ahead of Spanish champions Barca,
according to the annual survey by accounting firm Deloitte, and Bale’s capture is essential for them to continue to develop their income streams around the globe. Beckham’s reach, which transcended football, helped fire Real’s brand growth internationally between 2003 and 2007. They will be hoping for more of the same with Bale, whose image has been used by BT to promote their new sports television service in Britain, and by NBC in their advert for coverage of the Premier League in the United States. His ability to attract international supporters and new sponsors, especially in the English-speaking world, is one thing, but he will be judged by the Bernabeu for his performances on the pitch, particularly in the Champions League and against Barca.
SERGIO Busquets is a serious doubt for Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Finland after injuring a thigh in Sunday night’s 3-2 win at Valencia. Busquets finished the game in discomfort, with Barca having already earlier made all three substitutions, and is to undergo further examination at the Camp Nou on Monday. His absence would give Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque a headache, given that other deep midfield options Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez have all been left out of the initial squad for the game due to injury. Barca’s club statement suggested Busquets may still be able to join up with the La Roja squad this week. “Sergio Busquets finished the match against Valencia in pain,” it said. “The Catalan player sustained a knock to his right thigh and he’ll undergo additional tests on Monday to determine the exact extent of his possible injury.” Should the World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 winner not make it, then Del Bosque may be forced to field either one or both of Atletico Madrid’s inexperienced duo Mario Suarez and Koke in his starting XI. Another option could be a recall for Javi Martinez, who returned from injury to score for Bayern Munich against Chelsea in Friday’s European Super Cup, however initial reports suggested he was not yet ready to be called up for international duty. Spain currently lead World Cup 2014 qualifying Group I, a point ahead of France, with four games left to play. They have only one qualifier during the upcoming break, so play Chile in a friendly in Geneva on Tuesday September 10.
Ungainly Bad-Luck Omen Bale Becomes ‘Phenomenon’ improvement in his attitude. “Bale went down but, as he had treatment, he could be seen feeling about for the band that upholstered his long hair,” Hytner said of incident. “Redknapp was unimpressed, the pair had a chat.” Bale, who the Guardian called the “100-million euro man”, later admitted that he “definitely needed to toughen up”. “Look at Bale now,” wrote Hytner. “The Premier League’s best player from last season has become a Real Madrid galactico”. The Times headline hailed the “world’s least flamboyant football star.” “Now that the Spanish club has just paid a fee worth more than the GDP of the Polynesian island of Tuvalu, will Bale be unable to
resist the lure of the celebrity life?” asked its report. “He does drive a Porsche and has posed for photographs with fans at a Nando’s restaurant ... and was pictured last week in a pink shirt and baseball cap. “However, Real Madrid fans will be more than happy for Bale to be as reclusive as he likes — as long as he recreates the form that brought 21 goals in 33 Premier League games last year.” The Daily Telegraph’s Kristian Walsh also marvelled at the shy star’s transformation from “an awkward left back that cursed his Tottenham team” to “phenomenon”. “Bale was an ungainly teenager who failed to win his first 24 league games with Tottenham Hotspur,” he wrote. “How and when this happened
is up for debate, such was the speed of the transformation. It was as if he was struck by an ethereal object from the skies, like the origin story of a lycraclad superhero,” he added. The Daily Mail’s Neil Ashton mulled what effect the transfer, which was announced straight after Tottenham’s defeat to their arch North London rivals Arsenal, would have on Spurs. “He is still developing, but Spurs are a team in a hurry after spending £110 million to guarantee a top-four finish in the Premier League,” he wrote. “They must do it without Bale, on his way to the Bernabeu to join up with the galacticos for the first time. “For Tottenham, that must feel like another defeat.”
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Fwayo, Chamanga Jet Into Jo’Burg ROMANIAN-based striker Fwayo Tembo and James Chamanga from China have arrived at Zambia’s training camp in Johannesburg. Fwayo of Astra Giurgiu in Romania was the first European-based player to join while Jacob Mulenga from FC Utrecht in Holland, Rodgers Kola from Belgium club KAA Gent and Southampton striker Emmanuel Mayuka are all due in over the next 24 hours. The duo brings to six players the number of Sunday arrivals in camp. Mamelodi Sundown’s goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, SuperSport United defender Davies Nkausu and Joseph Musonda from Golden Arrows also joined campon Sunday. Defender Emmanuel Mbola who recently attended trials in Israel has also arrived in camp. The six bring to 14 players in camp who include seven home-based call-ups, defender Kampamba Chintu of NFD side Roses United, new Sundown’s signing Mukuka Mulenga. Zambia are expected to head to Ghana on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s 2014 World Cup Group D qualifier against The Black Stars in Kumasi.
Essien Loses Dad Ahead Of Zambia Clash
CHELSEA midfielder Michael Essien has confirmed the death of his father moments after arriving in Ghana for this week’s decisive 2014 World Cup qualifier against Zambia. The Chelsea ace arrived in Accra on Sunday night to play for his country after a twoyear absence and was welcomed to the sad news of his father’s passing. Essien travelled to his country to join the national team for Friday’s deciding 2014 World Cup qualifier against Zambia. The 30-year-old was returning to the side after an over two-year absence to help him recover fully from injury and to regain a regular first team place at his club. The former Lyon man however touched down in Accra after watching Chelsea lose the UEFA Super Cup match against Bayern Munich from the bench last Friday night to the sad news of his dad James Essien’s death. “It’s hard to take but God
Michael Essien
Coach Tenge Attributes Victory To Adequate Funding
COACH Justine Tenge of Akwa United FC has attributed his team’s 4-0 victory over the Sunshine FC of Ondo to the release of fund to run the club by the state government. Dauda Ebo, scored the Tenge told newsmen on Sunday, shortly after the fourth goal at the 90th minutes match, that the players were of the game. “We are happy that the motivated as such had no option but to impress their Governor has released 100 per cent funding for the payment motivator. Nfon Udo scored two goals of last season sign-on-fees and at the 22nd and 52nd minutes payment of other allowances. “The Governor should of the game while the third and see the goal was scored by Emmanuel watch Ariwa at 69th minutes of the performance of my boys. I have always said that a hungry game.
Kevin Boateng Due Accra Monday GHANA midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is expected to arrive in Accra on Monday night to rejoin the Black Stars ahead of their deciding World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Friday. The 26-year-old made his
Kevin Boateng
debut for Schalke in their 2-0 win over Bayern Leverkusen on Saturday following his move from AC Milan a day earlier. The versatile midfielder is now expected to get a huge reception on his return to join
the Black Stars haven rescinded his decision to quit international football. Boateng shocked the world over two years ago when he announced his premature retirement from the Black Stars. He however wrote to the Ghana FA last month to declare he was available for national team selection after several consultations. Boateng will however miss Ghana’s opening training session which begins on Monday evening at the Accra Sports Stadium at 4pm local time. Captain Asamoah Gyan has already arrived to lead the team in the opening training session on Monday. He will be joined in training by Kwadwo Asamoah, Christian Atsu, Fatau Dauda and Mahatma Otoo. Others to train on Monday include Razak Braimah, Rashid Sumaila, Awal Mohammed, Mubarak Wakaso and Albert Adomah.
player cannot give you victory and today you can see the result. “We scored four goals in the first match we played with our new kits, this is a sign that our previous poor performances were due delay in release of fund.’’ The coach assured fans that that their midweek match with Kano Pillars would be interesting as the least they would come back with would be a point. Coach Fatai Amoo of Sunshine FC said that his
team lost to a good side, adding that the technical crew would carry out a surgical operation on the team. Amoo said that he was not among coaches that attributed their failures to flimsy excuses, noting that the officiating was excellent. “My boys didn’t play well and that is why they lost the game with such number of goals. “We will look into the causes of the poor performance.”
THE management of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Football Club of Ilorin has rescinded its the decision to slash salaries of its players and officials by half. The General Manager of the club, Alloy Chukwuemeka, made disclosure in an interview with NEWSMEN in ilorin on Sunday. He was reacting to the team’s 1-1 away draw to 3SC of Ibadan in a week-29 encounter. He commended the players and officials for raising their game, especially after picking a draw against 3SC in Ibadan. Chukwuemeka said that the players and officials
showed enough commitment, having picked four points from the last three matches against Bayelsa United, Akwa United and 3SC. According to him, the team has shown improvement and enough commitment especially following the management’s decision to sanction the team. ‘’We have reversed our decision to slash players’ salaries by half, the coaches too have been left off the hook of the three matches ultimatum given to them,’’ Chukwuemeka said. He, however, said that they must sustain the performance, as the team struggles to escape relegation.
Club Reverses Decision To Slash Salaries Of Players, Officials
knows best. Thanks a lot for the support and well wishes. R.I.P Father!!!!,” Essien tweeted to confirm the sad news that has already gone viral on social media. It is now unclear whether the powerful midfielder will carry on with his duties with the national team that begins training on Monday evening. A decision on Essien’s status with the Black Stars following the news of his dad passing is expected to be made on Monday. The Chelsea ace becomes the latest Black Stars player to lose a parent in recent times – following the likes of Anthony Annan, Asamoah Gyan and Isaac Vorsah.
Zambia’s Euro Stars Depart On Low Note
ZAMBIA’S Europeanbased stars head for their World Cup qualifier in Kumasi looking to erase a disappointing weekend at their respective clubs. On Sunday in Russia, midfielder Chisamba Lungu came off the bench in the 74th minute for FC Ural who tumbled to a 3-0 home loss against Rubin Kazan. And on the same date in Holland, striker Jacob Mulenga did not make FC Utrecht’s team in their 1-1 away draw at leaders PEC Zwolle. It was the same situation on Saturday in England where striker Emmanuel Mayuka did not make the travelling party for Southampton’s 1-0 away defeat to Norwich. The disappointment comes after Mayuka impressed in mid-week after he scoring his debut competitive goal in Tuesday’s 5-1 League Cup away win over Barnsley. In Belgium, striker Rodgers Kola was on the bench in ninth placed KAA Gent’s 1-0 home win over Mons. Meanwhile away from Europe and in China, Zambia captain Christopher Katongo played the full 90 minutes for promotion leaders Henan Jianye who returned to winning ways after a 2-1 home win over Youngchang Junhao. However, the striker did not find the target with seven games to go before Henan can confirm their promotion.
THE NIGERIAN
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T
HE ailing Taraba state governor, Danbaba Suntai, returned a week ago from the United states where he had been undergoing treatment for injuries he sustained during a near fatal air crash. Ten months of contradictory reports on his state of health were finally settled as he attempted to step out of the airplane, supported on all sides by hands that were obviously desperate to sell the narrative of a man fit enough to run a state. Sadly, the whole fiasco was so poorly coordinated. The man was obviously frail, with an exagerrated smirk, as his aides and attendants struggled to hold him upright. One would have thought that the Yar A’dua experience would inspire new strategies in such a contrivance but obviously not. Those who plotted this obvious charade left no doubt in the minds of most that this was a desperate scheme to remain relevant in the state’s political equation. Better an unstable man suffer the torment of constant physical and mental pressures imposed by the rigours of Nigeria’s political shenanigans than they lose face in this battle. They may have succeeded in getting the man, who now merely represents no more than a mascot for their intrigues, back to base as their ace in upturning the present structure but they have done more to expose the desperation that defines our politics and, in the process, defeated their own aims. From the minute the aircraft opened its doors for him to step
CMYK
out, Suntai’s frail frame and his over indulgent grin revealed the extent of the vapid plot by his cronies to sieze power in the state by all means. Sadly, it was also obvious that, in their own inane perception of what would pass as an improvement on the Yar
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 executive officer of the state. If this had gone smoothly, Taraba state would have secured its place as the only state to share the unique reputation with the federal government of being run by a leader who had no clue he was in charge.
Taraba State And Nigeria’s Politics Of Desperation
A’dua fiasco, they contrived a “more you look, less you see” scheme that would attempt to sell a banana as a pear. To them, probably, the failure of the Yar A’dua plot was in the inability of those puppeteers who handled that act to work the strings well enough for the puppet to dance in public. So, they chose to take out the ambulance, the night time arrival, the heavy security presence that would keep the teeming crowd of journalists from seeing the aircraft and the disembarking leader: instead, there would be direct contact with the man, but he would not speak; they would do the talking but the photo ops would go a long way to sell their scam of a healthy governor. As any sane mind would expect, it did not take long for this plot to fall flat on its face. After the media frenzy at the airport lounge where the man maintained his vacuous grin without uttering a single word, and his puppetiers maintained their firm hold on his arms as if to keep him from running wild at the airport, the drama moved to the state where the final act would be played out more easily, believing that the usually scrutinizing press had been fooled. By the next day, the plot had reached its crescendo with a purpoted letter by the absent Suntai asking parliament to reinstate him as the substantive
brief but very revealing. the first puppet act. The failure of the whole The reports say that the members walked in and met the governor ’s languid stare. He hardly spoke and could not recognise any of them. He turns to one of the legislatures and calls him his “big deputy”. The report adds that “Mr. Suntai was made to seat on one of the chairs and at a point given a paper to read. A witness said it was unclear what he tried to do with the paper, at a point he spoke a few words in Hausa but for the rest of the event his voice was inaudible...” His handlers must count themselves lucky that he did not do something more bizzare, Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State like letting out a loud fart; infirmity have delved into plot started with the that would probably have such serious political demands of a rival thought them a stronger strategizing less than faction that also wanted lesson. forty eight hours after to secure its hard earned There is a serious arriving, even relevance in the state. problem with our political reschuffling a cabibet he The acting governor had system. When a country had not met for over ten obviously built his own has reached a stage months without so much team and they would not where a clique of as holding meetings with let the mantle of desperate hangers on them? The plot had leadership change can sieze state power progressively become a without a fight: they had through asinine flagrant display of puerile constitutional backing, schemes, it has political skills, and sadly and their grouse with obviously scaled the endorsed by supposedly those who seemed to limits of ethical one of Nigeria’s assume total authority in governance. This is what celebrated professors the state’s affairs without we have seen in the two and respected politician, recourse to instances where several members of the constitutional demands attempts have been federal legislature and, seems to have won made to govern by proxy. again, an over indulgent public support. At the What we describe as spouse who felt no insistence of the governance today is the qualms ignoring members of the state detritus of Nigeria’s constitutional restrictions House of Assembly, a gradual political on her participation in visit to the governor, implosion and speaks state politics; obviously whom no one had been volumes of the vapid learning from her big allowed to see since he system that has madams at the top; both arrived the state, was constantly been run by the current one and the arranged. According to mediocres. one who masterminded reports, the meeting was The whole drama takes How could a man with an all too conspicuous
a more frightful twist with the allusion that the conflict of interests is stirred by the need to sustain an ethnoreligious balance in government. This was the same reason used to justify the imposition of a comatose president on Nigerians in 2010. What this confirms is that the failure of governance is not only the fault of the politicians but also the consequence of our misplaced priorities. I have listened to arguments in which supposedly enlightened young men speak in impassioned tones about the paramount role ethno-religious considerations must play in the choice of Nigeria’s leaders. In this feat of an inane passion, Nigerians seem to easily lose sight of the fact that the avarice of this politicians supercedes whatever reason they may give as justification for ethnic or religious considerations. In the end, we all become the puppets on their strings, constantly dancing to discordant tunes. I find this a sad shift from the real issues that should dictate our choices. we submit to such sentiments at the peril of accountable and innovative leadership because our choices are constrained by such demands. This is what we have seen in Taraba state; in the race to preserve this equation, a state is about to be run by a mentally incapacitated man.
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