Nigerian observer 04 06 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 NO. 005 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014 . N 100.00 NATURAL MEDICINE Page 19

When you don’t exercise

Diabetes Mgt: Edo Govt,

Pharmaceutical Firm sign MoU

BENIN CITY - Edo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NOVO Nordisk Pharmaceutical Gulf, Nigeria’s subsidiary in

the area of the treatment, support and control of Diabetes Mellitus in the State.

Speaking during the occasion, Edo State Commissioner for

Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie said the signing of the memorandum of understanding was a fulfillment of the State Governor, Comrade

Adams Oshiomhole’s led administration commitment’s to one of its cardinal Policies of Public Private Partnership (PPP),

Continues on page 2

Intellectual Laziness

NEW HORIZON Pages 20 & 24

Man, know thyself (1)

Oshiomhole lampoons Edo PDP

By ADAMS OYIBOKE

BENIN CITY - Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has accused the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state of intellectual laziness, saying the party’s Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, only offers comic relief to people of the state.

Speaking yesterday newspapers which when he received the new reveal the quality of leadership of the All leadership of the Progressives Congress opposition.

(APC) led by Mr. Anselm “For example, when Ojezua in his office, we took the N25 billion Oshiomhole said Edo State bond in 2010, I did government remains explain and I repeated it accountable and at several fora that we transparent and will not be are servicing the bond. deterred by the flimsy We spend about N520 accusations of the million every month to opposition party. service the bond. How He said: “I have read such servicing has some comments in the become an issue only an

illiterate will wonder that we took a bond and we are servicing it.

Somebody who is illiterate and so uninformed will see the issue of servicing a bond as something that is newsworthy. That is something that you don’t

need to deny. You only need to explain to the public that you took a facility and that facility is not even enough to meet our obligation in Edo South which is the Benin City Water Storm master plan project which is a N30 billion project.

The

benefits of that project is already being felt in many parts of the city.

“I think what will make news is if we became so insolvent that we are not capable of servicing the bond. It is somebody who is so illiterate, who is so

uninformed that will see the issue of debt servicing as news.”

The governor who also spoke on allegations by the PDP that he spends

about N40 million on trips said maybe the PDP Chairman, Chief Dan

Continues on page 2

Emefiele, new CBN Governor resumes, unveils agenda tocommended ABUJA - Mr Godwin morrow ceremony Alade and other deputy Emefiele, the new Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would tomorrow unveil the new strategies to be adopted by the bank under his leadership.

A statement, signed by Mr Isaac Okoroafor for the CBN Director, C o r p o r a t e Communications, and made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday said that the new governor officially assumed office yesterday.

Emefiele is the 10th indigenous CBN governor, the statement said.

It said that Emefiele arrived at the apex bank premises in Abuja at 7.30a.m. yesterday and was welcomed by the four deputy governors and staff, led by Dr Sarah Alade, whose tenure as Acting CBN Governor ended on Monday.

“The new CBN governor is expected to have a maiden World Press Conference on Thursday, June 5, where he will unveil his agenda for the Central Bank of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria,’’ it said.

The statement added that the governor at the formal handing over

TIT BIT “Even the situation that brings us so close as to be sleeping on the same bed would be meaningless when our thought are far apart.”

- Kinglsey Ogbeide-Ihama

governors as well as members of the media for gracing his formal assumption of office.

It will be recalled that Emeifele was appointed to replace the former CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was suspended from office by President Goodluck Jonathan in February.

Emeifele is the immediate past Group Continues on page 2

MEETING: L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, during the meeting of President Jonathan with Governors from Oil Producing States in Abuja.

Senate to vote on Constitution Review today

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Senate of the Federal Republic will today resume voting on the report of its Committee on Constitution Review, which passed second reading and was recommitted to the Committee for further legislative action about two months ago.

Also, in keeping with the promise of the

Senate to expedite action on the constitution review exercise, It is expected that the Upper Chamber will conclude voting, pass it and go for

harmonization with the House of Representatives before going on recess on Thursday this week.

Substantial part of the review centres on the

Electoral Act, which many Senators have sponsored bills to effect its amendment.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike

Ekweremadu had anchored one of the bills, seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2010 (SB, Continues on page 2

ABUJA - With the voters registration exercise ending yesterday according to the timetable of the

Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the House of Representatives yesterday directed the

the exercise by one more week.

INEC had extended the Continuous Voters

place in 10 states: Taraba, Gombe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Benue, Kogi, Abia, Enugu, Continues on page 2

Reps urge INEC to extend Voters

By EDITH IMOISILI Registration exercise electoral body to extend Registration (CVR) taking

News Oshiomhole lampoons Edo PDP

Continued from page 1

Orbih was speaking from the experience of former PDP Governors who misruled the state or that of other PDP Governors in other states.

He said: “when they go on to say I spend N45 million on every trip, maybe that is the kind of thing they used to do when they were in government or that is what they do in other states where the PDP is in power or at the federal level. Obviously Edo State does not have such money.

“If there is any complaint, it is by the security agents who

complain because when I’m travelling out of the country, I travel alone.”

While congratulating the new executives of the APC in the state led by Mr. Anselm Ojezua, Oshiomhole advised them on the need to ensure that internal democracy thrives and not to commercialise the process of choosing members for elective positions.

He said: “let me congratulate you for your well-deserved appointment. No matter what anybody says, this is the bestorganized election by any political party in recent history. We did not have to conduct the election with

armed policemen and soldiers.

It was an election that was peaceful and transparent.

Oshiomhole said “Issues of internal democracy have become major issues in political parties and decisions taken by political parties must not just be correct and how they are taken and who is involved in what decision has become an issue.

I believe as individuals and collectively you have what it takes to meet the challenge of democracy.”

He said: “You are coming to office on the eve of party primaries and everything must be done not to commercialize

to urbanization, changing dietary habits, sedentary life and overall poor life styles.

She said the disease is noncurable and is the sixth leading cause of death worldwide.

The Health Commissioner further stated that NOVO Nordisk’s intervention in the establishment

of Diabetes Centres in three health facilities in the State is a water-shed.

According to her, it comes with a package to create awareness, training of health care professionals, ensures the provision of subsidized quality insulin and full range of Diabetes Services to the people.

On her part, the Base of Pyramid (BOP) Project Manager of NOVO Nordisk Pharmaceutical, Dr. (Mrs.) Ameze Odia said that the company is partnering with the State government in establishing Diabetes Centres in three locations of the State including, Central Hospitals in Benin City, Auchi and Uromi.

Dr. Odia who said that Novo Nordisk has a responsibility to fight the diabetes pandemic disclosed that diabetes patients through the intervention would benefit through increased awareness of diabetes, screening and early diagnosis, preventing late complications as well as reliable and affordable supply of insulin.

Other advantages, she added were, access to health care professional training, diabetes management and as well learning effective management of diabetes.

The State Commissioner for Health, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Peter Ugbodaga, both signed on behalf of the state government while Dr. Ameze Odia and Mrs. Folashade Ajayi signed on behalf of NOVO Nordisk.

The Acting Director, Hospital Services Health Management Board, Ofure Eboreime and the representative of the Ministry of Justice, Barr. Michael Okojie witnessed the ceremony.

In another development, the Senate yesterday confirmed the reappointment of Prof. Chibuike Ugochukwu Uche; Dr. Adedoyin Salami, Dr. Shehu Yahaya, and Abdul Ganiyu Garba as members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

the process and to give recognition to experience, to have candidates that the electorate are happy with.

Everything must be done to remove extortion from our politics and ensure that those who fly the flag of our party are men and women of integrity.

“At a time when opposition in this state is so desperate spending huge sums of money to procure members, it’s the reason why we must scrutinize anyone who wants to fly the flag of this party in any future elections so that we avoid what we might call mercenary politicians.

“Let me say no matter what anybody says, Edo people have good memory. Our major opposition party the PDP, the last time they had their own congress, which they could not afford to conduct in the open, they had two parallel congresses. Thus they had two chairmen, two secretaries, two treasurers and two women leaders and indeed two complete exco.

“One was supervised by people nominated by the national secretary and the other was supervised under the tree.

The people were hurriedly appointed because they could not have what it takes for democracy to strive. If the story we read about are correct, the one that was not supervised by the national body that was not monitored by INEC was the one that became the winner and is the one that is functioning in this state today”, he said.

Responding, the Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressive Party, APC, Mr. Anselm Ojezua expressed the gratitude of the exco to members of the APC for the confidence reposed in them in giving them the opportunity to serve.

“I want to assure you that we will do all in our power to deliver this confidence. We hope that in the shortest possible time, we shall present to you a party that is grounded on efficiency and confidence. We want to see that our party is more proactive to deliver the services to our members in such a manner that we can organize effectively to mobilize our members and supporters.

“We are mindful of the events of the recent past which have led to the exit of some of our members and this throws up more challenges before us to ensure in the course of our service, we have to learn from the lessons of our own elections which you have rightly expressed to be one of the best and most transparent in Edo State. We want to draw from the lessons of that experience to ensure that the process we are going to undertake in the course of the primaries in Edo State, in terms of transparency, in terms of fairness, in terms of justice and in terms of service delivery”, he said.

a Benin High Court presided over by Justice J.I Acha over outstanding tax liability owed Edo State Government by ITV/Radio.

It would be recalled that the Appeal Court, before dismissing broadcasting House appeal invited amicus curiae-Paul Usoro (SAN), Dr. Oladapo Olanipekun (SAN), Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) and the Attoney General of Lagos State, Ade Ipaye, while the respective briefs of arguments by both parties were also considered with Ken Mozia (SAN) appearing for EIRS and

appearing for ITV/Radio.

The court however considered section 104 sub section 1 of the Personal Income Tax (PITA) which states that, “without prejudice to any other power conferred on the relevant tax authority for the enforcement of payment of tax due from a taxable person that has been properly served with an assessment which has become final and conclusive and demand notice has been served upon person in accordance with the provisions of this part of this Act,

Edo Govt, Pharmaceutical Firm sign MoU

Continued from page 1

where the best in the private sector is harnessed for the benefit of our people.

Dr. Eregie stated that Diabetes Mellitus is one of the non-communicable diseases that have assumed greater proportion in recent times due

Emefiele, new CBN Governor Continued from page 1 resumes

Managing Director of Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc with over 20 years of banking management experience.

He is a 1984 graduate of Banking and Finance from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and has an MBA

Degree in Finance in 1986 from the same University.

He is also an alumnus of Executive Education from Stanford University, California; Harvard University (2004) and Wharton Graduate School of Business (2005).

Registration exercise Continued from page 1 Akwa-Ibom and Bayelsa by two days.

This coming on the heels from a motion moved by Hassan Saleh ( PDP-Benue) which was unanimously adopted. Leading the debate, Saleh said that a total of 650 polling units in Benue state recorded zero voters’ registration disenfranchising close to 700,000 potential voters.

He further disclosed that a number of eligible voters who registered in 2010 could not find their names in the new register and could not have any temporary or permanent card.

According to him; “Over half of the polling units in my constituency were affected as my constituents could not find their names and were asked to come for re-registration from the 28th of May to 1st of June,” He noted that the extension period was grossly insufficient

for such an important exercise, while emphasizing that aside the insufficient time for the exercise, the machines deployed were not functioning optimally, since INEC staff could not operate them. On his part, Nkem Abonta ( PDP-Abia) in his contribution said that most eligible voters in Abia were not registered during the exercise.

In the same vein, Stella Dorgu ( PDP-Bayelsa) said that most of the machines deployed for the exercise were not reliable. In her contribution, Nnenna Ukeje ( PDP-Abia) noted that if the exercise ended this way, many eligible voters would be disenfranchise for no fault of theirs.

Micah Umoh ( PDP-Akwa Ibom) who supported the extension of the registration, said that the constant break down of the machines made voters to stay away from the registration centres.

Jerry Manwe ( PDP-Taraba), the Chairman, committee on Electoral Matters came to the defense of the electoral body when he attributed the shortcomings to insufficient fund for the commission to procure data capturing machines.

Senate to vote on Constitution Review harmonized with the House today version in good time.

Continued from page 1 455), to provide for tenure of office of Secretary, power

to issue duplicate voters card, determine voting procedure and for other related matters 2014, which was jointly sponsored by members of the Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution.

Senator Abu Ibrahim also sponsored another bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act No.6 of 2010 (as amended) to provide for the holding of elections on the same date, accreditation of voters by electronic means and confer on Independent National Electoral Commission power to cause a debate to be conducted for candidates contesting election for the office of the president.

Moreover, on the amendment of the Electoral Act, Senator Alkali Jajere sponsored a third bill, entitled, “a bill for an Act to amend the

Electoral Act, 2010 and for other matters connected thereto 2014.

Ekweremadu, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said that the Senate was doing everything to ensure that the amendment to the Constitution was completed and

BNCL GM assures publicity for Book on Marriage

By FAITH ISIKHUEMEN/ MARTIN ERHARUYI BENIN CITY- The Acting General Manager, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Publishers of the OBSERVER titles, Pastor Monday Aigbe, has assured of publicity for the book “A compendium of marriage rites and values in Nigeria.

The book is authored by a Cleric, Prophet Gideon Adodo.

Pastor Aigbe gave the assurance in Benin City yesterday when the author of the book and members of the state Arts Council who accompanied him, visited the management of BNCL at its corporate headquarters.

Pastor Aigbe who said that he is always happy seeing people write, also appreciated the need for writing as a means of documentation.

The BNCL Chief Executive assured that the review of the book would be published in one of the OBSERVER Titles before June 27, 2014 when it will be launched at the Oba of Benin Palace Ground, Benin City.

Author of the book, Prophet Gideon Adodo (a.k.a Izelogha), said that writing the book was borne out of

the need to curb the incessant rate of divorce, which is now very high in the society.

Prophet Adodo who is also the senior pastor of the God’s Divine Favour Out-reach Ministry world wide said that, the book points out the causes of divorce, and preventive measures, saying that the book would help strengthen some marriages, particularly because of the core values highlighted.

A former Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Osarenren expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the BNCL for their support towards the book launch, while encouraging them to keep up with their good works.

Director of the Edo State Arts Council, Mr. Mosis Obakpolor described The NIGERIAN OBSERVER titles as the oldest and one of the most reliable newspapers in Nigeria, while expressing gratitude to Pastor Aigbe for his good administrative works in the company.

Also present at the occasion was the Assistant Editor, NIGERIAN OBSERVER, Comrade Tunde Eigbiremolen.

Be focused, Forestry Boss tasks members

BENIN CITY- the newly appointed Executive Director and Chairman, Forestry Monitoring Committee in Edo State.

Hon. Samson Abu has officially assumed office with the charge to the workers and other members of the committee to remain focused and steadfast.

He gave the charge in his office in Benin City, while addressing workers, friends and well wishers who came to felicitate with him.

He stressed that he owed the governor and the APC leaders in the state gratitude for choosing him to man that exalted position just as he promised to discharge his responsibilities diligently towards the realisation of the transformation process of Governor Adams Aliyu

Oshiomhole.

Speaking further, he noted that he and other members of the committee are dedicated politicians who want to work in tandem with the transformation process of this present administration and assured them of his continuous support in achieving the set goals of the forestry department.

He said that the committee will work out modalities to address deforestation of the forest reserve and cub the excesses of illegal logs by sawmillers in the state and solicited their cooporation to function effectively.

He tasked APC members in the state not to be deterred by the challenges facing the party in the state and advised them to rally support around the governor.

EIRS boss hails Appeal Court Dismissal of ITV suit Alfred Eghobamien (SAN) or has been served upon the

By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY- The Executive Chairman of Edo State Internal Revenue Services (EIRS) Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah has applauded the recent judgement of the court of Appeal sitting in Benin City which dismissed the appeal filed before it by the Independent Television and Radio (ITV/Radio) in Benin City.

The appellant, (ITV/Radio) had filed an appeal before the court in respect of the distraining order carried out by the EIRS following the judgement earlier delivered by

person, then, it payment of tax is not made within the time pacified by the demand notice, the relevant tax authority may in the prescribed form, for the purpose of enforcing payment of tax due (1) distrain the taxpayer by his goods, other chattel, bond or other securities, or (11) distrain upon any land, premises or places in respect of which the taxpayer is the owner and subject to the provisions of this section, recover the amount of tax due by sale of anything so distrain.

Chief Elamah, during a press briefing in Benin City described the judgement as a landmark juegement, saying it has put to rest the controversy surrounding the sealing of the appellant (ITV/ Radio).

He pointed out that the judgement has further demonstrated the revenue agency’s commitment towards the collection of taxes within the ambit of the law, validation of section 104 of PITA as well as the processes employed by the EIRS, in regard to the ITV/Radio and the Federal Airports, Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Across The Nation Akoko-Edo LG Budgets N2.6bn

IGARRA (EDO) - The Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo has proposed a budget of N2.6 billion for the 2014 fiscal year, report states.

The Chairman of the council, Mr Joseph Akerejola, made the assertion while presenting the 2014 budget proposal before the council’s legislative arm on Monday.

The 2014 budget is N3 million less than the 2013 budget which was N2.9 billion.

A breakdown of the budget christened “Budget of Transformation”, showed that Capital Expenditure was allocated N1.5 billion, while Recurrent Expenditure got N1.1 billion.

According to Akerejola, the 2014 budget is capital oriented and designed to ensure the needed development of rural populace through provision of necessary amenities that would bring succour to them.

“The overall policy thrust of this administration is to ensure rapid development in our communities and to restore hope and happiness to

our people.

“The aim is to meet the mandate of the people and focus towards the transformation of the local government,’’ he said.

He said the major highlights of the budget included the provision of electricity, agricultural inputs, water, health and infrastructural development and prompt payment of salaries and pensions.

The council chairman said the focus of the budget was how to boost the council’s internally-generated revenue.

He also said the council in 2013 recorded great achievements by completing

39 development projects.

“In the 2014 fiscal year, we shall continue to improve and sustain this developmental stride by extending same gestures to areas that have yet to benefit,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the Acting Leader of the House, Mr. Gbenga Dania, said the councillors were prepared to do the needful by ensuring improved living standard for the indigenes of the area.

Dania also commended the chairman for his achievements in his first year in office and promised that the council’s legislative arm would ensure quick consideration and passage of the 2014 appropriation bill.

New CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele (right), receiving a hand over note from the Acting Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade in Abuja yesterday.

VAT Difficult To Measure

ABUJA - Alhaji Kabir Mashi, Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said it was technically difficult to measure Value Added Tax (VAT) in the financial service sector.

Mashi made the assertion at a seminar on VAT in Financial

Service Sector, organised by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) in Abuja.

Mashi, represented by Mr. Osy Chike, Coordinating Director, Modernisation Group, FIRS, said that tax treatment of financial services was the most debated both in

L-R: CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Mr. Adebayo Adelabo, Acting Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade, New Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Suleiman Barau and Deputy Governor, Operations, Dr. Kingly Moghalu, during the assumption of the new Governor in Abuja yesterday.

-FIRS Boss

economic theory and in applied tax policy.

According to him, it is not surprising that most countries exempt financial services from VAT due to the fact that it is technically difficult to measure the value added in financial services transactions.

Mashi said that the reason for the debate was the characteristics of financial services, which tended to allow the object of a financial transaction to undergo rapid changes over time.

Another reason, according to Mashi, is the strategic role that financial instruments play in facilitating the process of value delivery by counter parties in daily transactions.

“It is noteworthy to mention that the financial sector in most African countries is expanding rapidly and undergoing significant reforms.

“The reforms are improving service delivery and bringing on new financial products, services and intermediation architecture,” Mashi said.

Parents Identify Causes Of Security Challenges

KOSUBOSU (KWARA) Some parents in Kwara have cited negligence and improper upbringing of children as being responsible for the current security challenges facing the country.

A cross-section of parents, who spoke in separate interviews with newsman in Kosubosu, were reacting to the country’s security challenges, particularly the abduction of over 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno.

They expressed concern that the three parties involved in the upbringing of children were failing in their responsibilities.

The respondents accused

parents, teachers and government of dereliction of duty in the proper upbringing and protection of children.

A civil servant, Mrs. Olubunmi Noah, urged parents “ to bring up their children in the way of God so that when they grow up , they would not depart from it.’’

“Those people terrorising the country today were once children, but they have failed the country, perhaps due to improper upbringing,’’ she said.

Noah appealed to parents to be conscious of their character trait,

saying children learn and emulate them.

She urged the concerned parties in the up bringing of children to take up their responsibility seriously to curb the high rate of moral decadence in the country.

Noah also condemned teachers who engage in immoral acts with female students, saying such developments were worrisome. “”Government too should assist. During the Buhari/

Idiagbon regime, I was a student then and we knew what discipline was. “”Any student found wandering around would be sanctioned. They were taken to Abuja then to clear weeds,” she added.

Another parent, Mr Muritala Busari, urged government to work toward an urgent release of the abducted school girls.

According to him, every Nigerian needs to engage in prayer so that the country can surmount the challenges threatening its existence.

He also expressed the hope that the seminar would discuss and share country experiences as well as making mutually helpful recommendations on the application of VAT in financial services in Africa.

He identified lending, deposit-taking, electronic banking, agency services, advisory and consultancy services, trading in shares, bonds and foreign exchange as areas of concern of ATAF. Contributing, Mr Kennedy Onyonyi, Director, Institutional Development, ATAF, said that VAT was a very important aspect of tax.

He added that ATAF would give it due attention owing to its revenue generating potential.

Onyonyi said that was most

problematic to measure VAT in international trade owing to its potential for double taxation.

He said that the forum would ensure some element of uniformity among African countries on VAT to enable them align their statutes with global standards.

Onyonyi said that the seminar was organised based on needs assessment on areas to address the needs of members of VAT in financial services.

He said that ATAF was committed to capacity building through various activities such as seminar as well as technical events on tax treaties and excise duties in the continent.

“We are facilitating capacity building to help our members carry out tax administrative reforms that would be beneficial to them,” he said.

My Wife Is Fetish, Says Divorce Seeking Husband ILORIN -One Aminu Quadri has told an Ilorin Area Court that his wife, Barakat, was fetish and diabolical.

The 38-year-old resident of Gambari Area of Ilorin prayed the court to dissolve his fiveyear- old marriage to Barakat.

“My wife is too diabolical and always believes in black magic as the only solution to every problem, ” he said.

Aminu told the court that his wife was fond of spraying black soap and red oil in the corner of their house, claiming it was for protection.

“My Lord, I want an end to this marriage because my wife has turned our bedroom to a shrine and I cannot tolerate this anymore, ” he said.

Aminu said that their marriage was contracted in

2009 and had produced one female child, Saidat.

The defendant, however, objected to the divorce sought by her husband, saying she was still interested in the marriage. “ My husband knows my father is a herbalist and I am used to such sources of protection. “ I wonder why he is now complaining,’’ she said.

Barakat pleaded with the court for an adjournment to enable her make a reconciliatory move, promising to desist from fetish practices for the sake of her marriage.

The presiding judge, Mr. Yusuf Abdulkareem, adjourned the case till June 18 for a report of settlement or continuation of hearing.

Inside Edo Oshiomhole’s Aide Launches Health Foundation IGARRA - Media Aide to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Prince John Mayaki weekend, launched a health foundation in honour of his late Mother, the Mrs. Bosede Akpeji Health Foundation in Igarra, Akoko Edo Local Government Area during a grand reception to climax the week long burial rites.

The well attended event was not without a snag; the foundation could however not achieve it’s aim of donating some equipments and paying bills of patients at the General Hospital and Health Centre as scheduled due to administrative bottlenecks and bureaucracy.

The event has in attendance, the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Hon. Anselm Ojesua,

Representative of Senator Domingo Obende, Bar. Pendo Apologun, Representative of the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Stephen Idehenre; Dr. Tony Akande from United States of America, Comrade Peter Akpatason, Commissioner for Art and Culture, Aanena Jemitola, among others.

The planning committee chairman, Hon. Monday Oseh who is also a Supervisory Councilor for Education said, “we are unable to carry out the donation due to some administrative issues.

Prince Mayaki said, “This event today is not just all about reception for our Late Mother, but about reaching out to fellow Nigerians on a matter that transcends political, ethnic, religious and other differences.

It is about creating awareness about this silent

Forest Conservation UNIBEN, Ukhiri Community Sign MoU

By ROLAND OSAKUE BENIN CITY – The Department of Forestry and Wildlife of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Ukhiri Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) towards forest conservation.

Acting Head of the Department, Dr. O.T. Aremu signed for the department, while the Enogie of Ukhiri, His Royal Highness (Barrister), Godwin Aigbe signed for Ukhiri Community.

At a meeting in Benin City, it was resolved that the time was due for both parties to mobilize resources and build synergy to bring back dwindling forests and allied ecosystem.

It was also resolved that, it is imperative to drive forest regeneration and conservation as well as degraded ecosystem and rehabilitation from the grassroot.

Arising from discussions, at the meeting, it was agreed that the 2014 World Environment Day which comes up tomorrow would provide excellent platform to seedlings communities in Edo State on the need to conserve and rehabilitate the depleting forests and declining biodiversity.

As a fallout of the meeting, the Department of Forestry and Wildlife shall provide 2,000 seed brings of assorted tree

species and expertise while Ukhiri community shall be responsible for logistics, media coverage, site preparation and maintenance as well as light refreshment.

killers. High Blood Pressure or Hypertension and instituting a foundation to engage in public awareness campaigns, evidence-based data for action, prevention of this ailment, as well as screening, counseling, care and providing further treatment.

“The loss of our beloved Mother at a very tender age, as a result of this ailment, naturally aroused and sparked my interest and the idea to launch a foundation to institutionalize a robust response to this loss becomes quite obvious and needful.

“This foundation is not an accident of history but a very well thought-out action plan to immortalize my mother and to ensure that as it lies within my ability and with the support of my friends and associates, we will create the awareness and do all we can to eliminate this disease.

“I am convinced that we can change our society by every little show of kindness and mercy to those who need our love, care and support. It is the elevation and institutionalization of this passion of “care” that has resulted in the establishment of The Late Mrs. Bosede Akpeji Health Foundation, to

expand the frontiers of providing genuine support to those who are in need.

“The Foundation will also be used to train professionals

and undertake research on High Blood Pressure/ Hypertension. We will also seek ways to collaborate and synergise with like-minded

Prophet Gideon Adodoh presenting a copy of his book “a Compendum of Marriage Rites and Values in Nigeria” to Acting General Manager of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, (Publishers of the Observer titles) Pastor Monday Aigbe during a courtesy visit of the Author to the company yesterday. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

IGR: Owan East LG Generates AFUZE (EDO) - Mr. Jimoh Ijegbai, the Chairman, Owan East Local Government of Edo, said the council generates about N7 million monthly as its internally-

N7m Monthly

generated revenue (IGR).

Ijegbai, who spoke at Afuze, headquarters of the

A group photograph with the Acting General Manager of Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, (Publishers of the Observer titles) Pastor Monday Aigbe (3rd left) during a courtesy visit of the Author of “A Compendium of Marriage Rites and Values in Nigeria”, Prophet Gideon Adodoh (3rd right).

Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

NYSC Member Donates To Schools

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR OKHOKHUGBO – (EGOR) – As part of his Community Development Service (CDS), a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Sunday Ugwuchi, serving at Great Messiah International School, Okhokhugbo, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, recently facilitaited the distribution of 33 two seater-desks to Okhokhugbo Primary School,

Okhokhugbo, near Benin City.

Speaking at the occasion, the state co-ordinator of NYSC who was represented by Mr. Aderemi Awujoola commended the Corp member for his effort aimed at creating a conducive learning environment for the pupils.

He assured that NYSC would continue to send corps members to the community to enable them contribute their quota towards the development

organizations and individuals to help in the advocacy, treatment and alternative medical approach to put a permanent end to this scourge that is ravaging humanity.

of the community.

Headmaster of Okhokhugbe Primary School, Mr. John Aigbe appreciated the effort of the corps member, and appealed to relevant authorities to fence the school compound.

The chairman of Okhukhugbo Community, Mr. Godwin Igbinogun and the proprietress of Great Messiah International School, Mrs. Osaro Badru lauded the initiative of the corps member.

The corp member on his part said he decided to embark on the project to enable the pupils have a sense of belonging while learning.

In addition to the two seater desk, the corp member donated 50 kindergarten plastic chairs, 25 plastic tables, biros and note books to Okhukhugbo Primary School, while note books, biros, pencils and a ceiling fan were donated to Great Messiah International School.

local government area (LGA), said the council was committed to making the lives of people in the area better.

He said the amount generated monthly since he became chairman of the council in April 2013 was higher than the one million Naira generated by his predecessor.

“From our IGR, we are almost at the rooftop and we are hitting N7 million monthly.

“In a rural setting like ours, we are generating almost seven million Naira monthly, it shows that the local government is exploring other potential areas to boost its IGR,’’ Ijegbai told newsmen.

“We are the number one local government in Edo North and, apart from Oredo and one other local government, we are number three in the state today and sooner or later we will beat Oredo.’’

Ijegbai said boosting internally-generated revenue was the only way to address the problem of funding the local government, saying that the council was exploring other potential areas to boost its IGR. “‘Local government chairmen are determined to attract development projects, but lack of funds to execute these projects is one major challenge facing council chairmen.

“This is why, we in the Owan East local government are exploring other potential areas to boost our IGR,’’ he said.

Across The Nation Public Schools, Computer Literate - Commissioner CALABAR - More than 10,000 teachers in public schools in Cross River are computerliterate, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Offiong Offiong, said in Calabar.

Offiong, who disclosed this while giving the scorecard of Governor Liyel Imoke’s administration in the education sector from 2007 to date, said “all our teachers are computerliterate’’.

“If we are truly training our

children for the digital age, then their teachers should be empowered and be computerliterate to be able to impact the knowledge rightly.

“I can say that over 10,000 of our teachers have benefited from this and this is about 75 per cent of the teachers as we are talking now.

“There are other ongoing training programmes across the state right now.

“After that, we should have sufficiently trained almost all our teachers, both in the primary and secondary school system, on the use of computer.’’

The commissioner said the state government would soon complete the due process for the commencement of a comprehensive renovation of 40 additional schools.

“The governor ’s Special Adviser on Due Process is on top

of the issue of procurement and it is something we can accomplish under nine months if the funds are made available,’’ Offiong said.

He said the state government’s re-accreditation of schools was meant to phase out those that were sub-standard among the public and private schools.

“We inherited over 700 private schools, but we have been able to prune them down to about 600 now.

“We are commencing the process of re-accreditation, because a lot of them have been closed down,” Offiong said.

He said the components of the Cross River government’s expected standards in public and private schools include the classrooms, the laboratories, the library, the assembly halls and

recreation facilities.

The commissioner however said enrolment figures had gone up in the state’s NYSC Secondary School at Ikot Ansa in Calabar since the state government’s intervention.

“When we started the intervention, the population of this school was about 500, but between 2007 and now, the population has increased to more than 1,400.

“We anticipate that it will not come down, so what we need to do is to be proactive and continue to provide them with adequate classrooms.

“Every school subscribes to maintenance levy so that all the little breakdowns and damages are addressed before they culminate into major breakdowns in school property.

Osun Guber Poll

“We have also embarked on teachers’ computer skills acquisition programme.

“As regards the important component which has to do with recreation in NYSC schools, we have the challenge of space, which is also a challenge for schools in the urban areas.

“But this school also accommodates the NYSC State Office in Cross River.

“Every school must have a nearby football field and other facilities for recreation, and the essence is that where there is need for competition, the field will serve as a cluster of our schools.

“This is because it becomes very difficult for us to secure football fields and other games facilities for each of our schools.

“We also ensure that teachers are in a position to know what the students are doing,’’ he said.

NCP Holds Primaries L-R: Secretary to Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, Veteran journalists Barrister Ifeka Ukadike, Elder Iro Omorodion and Emma Egharevba at a ceremony in Benin City for the presentation of Award of Excellence to Macaulay by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Edo State Council. Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

OSOGBO - The National Conscience Party (NCP) in Osun conducted its congress to elect its flag-bearer for the August 9 governorship election in the state yesterday.

The Chairman of the party in the state, Mr. Gideon Fasorepo, told newsmen in Osogbo that 250 delegates from all the 30 local government areas were expected

C o m r a d e D e s m o n d A g b a m a , Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council (left) presenting an award plaque to Comrade Ovuozorie M a c a u l a y, Secretary to Delta State Government at the union’s secretariat in Benin City.

Photo: LUCKY AGIE.

to attend the congress.

He said the congress took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Osogbo, by 11 a.m.

The chairman said out of the 250 delegates, only 110 would be allowed to vote.

“Some 250 people are expected at the congress but only 110 delegates will be allowed to vote.

“And those who will vote are 20 state executive members and three delegates each from the local governments,” he said.

Fasorepo said out of the three aspirants that initially indicated

World Communication Day

Mimiko Tasks Journalists On Constructive Criticism AKURE - Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has advised media practitioners to be more constructive in their criticisms and should work toward nation building.

Mimiko made the call in Akure in an address to mark this year’s World Communication Day. Mimiko, who was represented by the state Information Commissioner, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said Nigeria was currently facing series of challenges that required public support.

Obasanjo Decries High Rate Of Blindness ABEOKUTA - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over the increasing level of blindness among Nigerians.

Obasanjo expressed his feelings when he addressed hundreds of eye patients who came for free eye test/surgery organised by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

The former president, who noted that there had been considerable technological advancement in the area of eye surgery, said that “Nigerians should no longer be living with blindness”.

“While such situation could be permissible 50 years back, no

justifiable reason can be adduced to it in the present day Nigeria,” he said.

“I was once a victim because I once suffered eye- related ailment and it was the experience that moved me to assist people who were presently going through similar experience.

“I will continue to assist the less-privileged who have eye problems because I myself was once a victim. I had to be operated on before my eyes were restored”.

The former president urged eye patients to abide by whatever instructions the doctors gave them.

Obasanjo’s wife, Bola, who was also at the programme, called

for concerted effort to assist the physically challenged in the society.

The Programme Coordinator, Dr Lekan Makinde, said that over 1, 000 people had been treated with over 150 cataracts infected.

He said that the lowest cost of the kind of eye surgery being performed for the people ranged between N150, 000 and N200, 000.

Makinde said that the former president insisted that the surgery must be free of charge, stressing that “eye surgery is like a magic or miracle”.

“Many people, who were carried here because they could not see, had walked home by themselves after the surgery,” he

said.

One of the beneficiaries from Delta, Mrs. Janet Ali, 70, thanked the organisers of the programme for their assistance.

Ali, who claimed to be the bread-winner of her family, said the misfortune befell her three years ago when she suddenly went blind.

“I was a strong woman in spite of my age and used to travel from one city to another to do business.

“My family has suffered a lot since this blindness started three years ago as I could not travel again to trade.

“I spent the little money I was given to buy drugs with little or no improvement.

“In fact, I have lost hope of

interest, only two obtained the nomination forms while one aspirant actually submitted the form for the primary election.

He said the party had notified the police and the State Security Services about the event.

The chairman said that after the primaries, the party would visit all the nooks and crannies of the state to canvass for votes.

He promised that the campaign would be devoid of abusive language, violence or thuggery.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed August 9 for the governorship election in the state.

ever being able to see again, but thank God for this programme which has restored my sight,” she said.

The programme commenced on Wednesday, May 28 and has ended yesterday, June 3.

The theme of 2014 edition of the celebration is ‘Communication at the Service of an Authentic Culture of Encounter’.

“What is happening in the country is not palatable, especially among the comity of nations.

“As media practitioners, we have our role to play by putting social responsibility above sentiments,” Mimiko said.

He cautioned journalists against reporting sensitive issues that could lead to breach of security and endanger the peace and serenity of the society.

Speaking earlier, the Most Rev. Bishop Jude Arogundade of Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Akure, said that it was disheartening to hear stories of loss of lives and properties daily.

“It is shameful now that Nigeria is tagged terrorist state because of daily killings of people and loss of properties.

APC Wins Yobe Bye Election

NANGERE (YOBE) - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Alhaji Saidu Baba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the bye-election into the Yobe House of Assembly.

INEC had conducted a byeelection to fill the vacant Nangere constituency seat, following the death of Adamu Degubi.

Degubi was killed by unknown gunmen in June 2012.

The INEC Returning Officer for the election, Malam Idris Yusuf, announced that Baba polled 14,360 votes to beat Shuaibu Ibrahim of the PDP who scored 7,851 votes.

Lagos Drains: Waste Manager Warns Residents LAGOS -Mr. Olabode Coker, the Chairman, Association of Wastes Managers of Nigeria (AWAM), warned residents of Lagos State on the dangers of blocking the drains with refuse.

Coker told newsmen on phone that this might lead to heavy flooding, especially during the approaching rains.

He said that flash floods after heavy downpour in some areas in the state were mostly caused by blockage of the drains by refuse.

“It is disheartening that a day or two after gutters and the drainage are cleared, you discover refuse dumped again in them.

“The state government has gone a long way in trying to open up the drainage in some local government areas, but the efforts are thwarted by residents’ refusal to properly dispose their wastes,’’ he said.

The manager said that most of the refuse cleared from the gutters were heavy materials that were directly blocking water from flowing to the main drains and the canals.

According to him, the state

alone cannot tackle the issue of flooding caused by human beings without the assistance of residents.

Coker said that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the state government had set up a task force to arrest, prosecute and impose fines on anyone disposing refuse wrongly. “ People are yet to understand the damage that excessive flooding can cause.

“The state is determined to eradicate flooding and its effects on both human lives and property,’’ he said.

Reports state that heavy flooding were reported in some parts of Lagos due to the rainfall on Sunday.

The affected areas included Ogba, Ikeja, Surulere, Orile, and Mile 2.

Staff of Edo State Waste Management Board engaged in environment cleaning at Ikpoba Hill during last Saturday’s statewide monthly environmental sanitation in Benin City. Photo: SOLOMON ENAIGBE.

Transport: Institute Wants Expert Engaged LAGOS - The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transports (CILT) in Lagos has urged the three tiers of government to engage transport experts to head the transport sector.

The Executive Director of the institute, Mr. Francis Ehiguese, who made the call in an interview with newsmen said that such a step would facilitate the transformation of the sector for socio-economic

Collaborate On Security, Council chairman as saying that the Boss Urges Nigerians the abduction of the Chibok school LAGOS - The Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State advised Nigerians to serve as their own watchdogs against insecurity and terrorist acts.

Mr Jide Jimoh, the council Chairman, gave the advice in a statement in Lagos.

Jimoh emphasised the need for citizens to complement the efforts of security agencies to stop evil acts in the society.

“Security agencies cannot

handle the task alone, they need the assistance of the people to end this evil acts of insurgency,’’ he said.

“People should always be alert and work together to protect their neighbourhood from crimes.

“I call on residents to work out activities that can enhance relationships between members because the Federal Government alone cannot guarantee safety,’’ Jimoh said.

The statement further quoted

girls was the more reason why people must serve as their own watchdogs.

Reports state that over 230 girls of Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno, were abducted on April 14 by insurgents.

The abduction of the innocent school girls has attracted both national and international sympathy leading to pledges by developed countries to assist Nigeria to free the girls from their abductors.

development of the country.

Ehiguese said that the continued politicisation of the sector ’s leadership had negatively impacted on its growth.

“For the transport sector to develop and contribute towards boosting the economy of the nation, there is a need to engage experts as heads of the sector.

“We cannot continue to field in people with little or no knowledge about the transport sector and expect a change in

the result from what we have been getting.

“If our government truly understands the importance of the sector to the nation’s economic development, it will not leave such a key sector in the hands of novices.’’

According to him, transport is like a vein that supplies blood to the economy.

“If you freeze the transport sector, either the aviation , water or the road, for only one hour, you will see how the economy will be grounded,’’

he said.

The executive director also urged government to create a favourable environment for investors to thrive, adding that the sector had the potential to provide employment opportunities for many unemployed people.

He said that the nation’s tertiary institutions should begin to teach transportation studies, logistics and supply chain because of their relevance to national development.

Clearing Of Goods

Spain Tasks Customs LAGOS - The Spanish Government has told the Nigerian Customs Service to evolve measures that would

Representative of Edo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr. Aderemi Awujoola, cutting the tape to formally commission the two seater-desks and other school materials faciliated/donated to Okhokhugbo Primary School, near Benin City by a corp member, Sunday Ugwuchi, first from right.

ensure transparency and speedy clearing of Spanish goods at Nigerian ports.

Mr Pablo Segrelles, the Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He lamented that Spanish goods were being unduly delayed in Nigerian ports.

The envoy noted that the delays had always resulted to payment of high demurrage for Spanish goods coming into Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Customs should urgently begin to adopt flexibility and transparency in the clearing of Spanish products coming into Nigeria through the ports.

“Spanish exporters to Nigeria are complaining of delays in the clearing of their products at the ports by the customs.

“We, therefore, think that the Nigerian Customs and other relevant government agencies

should do something urgent about this problem.

“A lot of Spanish companies exporting their products to Nigeria are by the day getting discouraged with the present clearing system,’’ he said.

Segrelles said that the situation was gradually making Spanish exporters to begin to shift exporting expenses to their Nigerian importers.

The envoy said that the delay in the clearing process would continue to have negative impact on Nigerian importers if something urgent was not done.

Segrelles said that the situation had forced some Nigerian importers to be looking elsewhere for means of livelihood.

He said that many Spanish investors and companies were interested in doing business in Nigeria but were being discouraged with the problem of implementation of Nigerian government’s policies at the ports.

Across The Nation

Voter Registration: Prospective Voters Apprehensive ENUGU -As the continuous voter registration ended in Enugu, many eligible voters have expressed the fear that they might be disenfranchised in the 2015 general elections.

The correspondent who monitored the final day of the exercise which commenced on May 28, reports that many prospective voters had yet to register as of Sunday.

In some areas visited in Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Igbo-Etiti and Nsukka local government areas, people still trooped out on the last day of the exercise to be registered in the designated polling units.

Of the 2,945 polling units in the state, registration in 621 in the previous exercise was cancelled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and re-registration ordered.

Reacting to the situation, the Chief of Staff to Governor Sullivan Chime, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, expressed disappointment that in spite of the mobilisation of the people by the state government, the exercise was almost “a failure’’.

Nwobodo said that reports from all around the state showed that there was poor deployment of machines and staff by the national electoral body.

“INEC brought very old machines and deployed very few staff which was inadequate for the exercise. And the use of collation centres in some instances did not help the situation.

“We are appealing to INEC to extend the exercise and make

available more machines so that more people will be registered,’’ she said.

In his reaction, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Vita Abba, said there was no way INEC could conclude the registration of the potential voters

who came out.

“With the crowd I am seeing today at Nsukka, there is no way INEC can finish registering the voters today,’’ Abba said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Prince Cornelius Nnaji, said that more

Violence Free Politics

Kogi Restates Commitment

LOKOJA - Governor Idris Wada of Kogi has promised that his administration would ensure that politicking in the state would be devoid of rancour and violence ahead of 2015 general elections.

Wada gave the promise in a statement issued in Lokoja by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Michael Abu. Wada said that the administration would ensure peaceful coexistence among political parties in the state, which he said, had always been the cardinal focus of his administration.

He said that politicking should be development and people oriented and not destructive.

The governor said that the administration had worked within the recommendations of a think tank as enshrined in the blue print of the government.

He said that the state had been made attractive to investors, adding that over 15 reputable investors had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the state government.

Wada said that the MoU were signed for agricultural and industrial revolution in the state.

He said that in spite of some challenges of governance, his administration had met the

yearning and aspiration of the people by uplifting their living standard.

The governor said that he welcomed all forms of partnership that would improve the living standard of the people and commended the efforts of the state House of Assembly in this regard.

He commended the legislators for carrying out projects in line with his administration’s agenda.

Former Oyo State NURTW Chairman, Lamidi Mukaila (aka Auxiliary); arraigned at State High Court at Iyaganku in Ibadan on Monday

than 10,000 people in Abakpa Nike had yet to register.

Nnaji, who is the Chairman of Enugu East LGA, complained of insufficient machines, saying “we need more machines and more time’’.

“Abakpa Nike is the heart of Enugu with the highest population of people. It will be unfair and abuse of fundamental human rights if eligible voters are disenfranchised,’’ he said.

The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Mr Chukwuka Utazi, said that “if the INEC ends the registration today, many people will be left unregistered.

“Mobilisation was superb but computers were too slow in capturing data coupled with the incompetence of the ad hoc workers.

“Our prayer is for INEC to extend the time and provide more effective computers. If this is done, I promise you, within three days almost all prospective voters will be captured,’’ he said.

Some of the eligible voters narrated their experiences in the exercise with many saying that they spent three days to four days trying to get registered.

Mrs. Adline Iyioke told newsmen in Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti local government, that many indigenes of the area returned from their various places of abode for the exercise, raising the population of potential voters at the weekend.

Insurgency: Concerned Nigerian Calls For

Northern Stakeholders Summit

LAFIA - Mr. Joseph Kaura, Board member, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, has called for a northern stakeholders summit to discuss ways of ending insurgency in the region.

Kaura made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.

He appealed to the Northern Elders Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum and youths in the region to urgently convene a stakeholders meeting to discuss ways of ending the

insurgency.

“Instead of struggling for a power shift to the northern region, it is better to struggle for a lasting peace to return to the region.

“Power will come to the North at God’s appropriate time.

Peaceful coexistence of the region should be our priority for now.

“Time has come for the northern governors and the elders to create jobs for the jobless northern youths,” he said.

Kaura said that the situation in which the region found itself now did not make for apportioning blames on President Goodluck Jonathan over the insurgency in the North.

“Instead, they should appreciate the efforts of Mr. President and the northerner

governors in order to encourage them to work together and achieve the desired result.

“I will therefore appeal to Mr. President not to be deterred in his efforts to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok girls and the fight against insurgency.

“I also want to advise the northern governors to work in

conjunction with the traditional rulers in the region for the immediate return of peace”.

Kaura advised leaders, who were fond of establishing industries outside the shores of Nigeria, to desist and bring back such industries into the country, particularly in the North.

How I Spend Security Vote By would use the idea to deliver LAFIA - Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa has Al-Makura the dividends of democracy to people of the state who were said that his administration was using security vote to pay

L-R: Commandant FRSC Academy, Mr. Charles Aborchi; Head of FRSC Manpower Development, Mr. Samuel Obayemi; Represenative of Enugu State Government, Prof. Christopher Okoro and representative of FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr. Adei Abu, during an inspection tour of FRSC Academy in Udi, Enugu State on Monday.

over 1,400 youths engaged by the state government under the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES).

The Governor disclosed this in Lafia while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting some abandoned road projects initiated by the previous administration in Adudu, Keana and Agyaragu.

Al-Makura said that the gesture became necessary following the zero allocation to the scheme in the 2014 budget proposal approved by the PDP controlled Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

“I have decided to pay the money for NAYES from my own security vote and I have already converted them to my own Special Assistance, SA, let them do the work.

“It is not about nomenclature, but about service and about engaging them so that they don’t become liabilities on the streets”.

Al-Makura said that he

not within “the statutory and bureaucratic enclave of the government”.

“Let me extend and expand the scope of that distribution of the dividend of democracy.

I am going to do that for the youths, disabled, market women and the aged.

“Each of this category of people will get N20,000 monthly support called “seed money”, Al-Makura said.

Al-Makura assured the people of Nasarawa of conventional employment opportunities whenever the state revenue improved.

He said that the delay in offering conventional employment opportunities was due largely to the dwindling monthly revenue allocation of less than N3 billion to the state from the federation account.

He said that over N2.7 billion of the monthly allocation was going to civil servants as salaries and emoluments of political appointees.

South/South Oredo APC Opens Secretariat BENIN CITY - Oredo Local Government Area Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has opened it Secretariat at Uwa Street, off Muritala Muhammed Way, Benin City, Edo State.

The Secretariat which has been under lock and key since APC took over the State after the Ward Congress that saw some disgruntled element of the party decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party they dumped seven years ago for failing to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

The taking over of the secretariat ceremony which took place on Thursday, May 29, 2014, witnessed the taking of inventory of all property’s of the party at the Secretariat after proper examination by the new Executive of the APC in Oredo Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali (left), with the Secretary-General, local government area with Dr. Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Mr. Iyad Madani during his visit to G.I.P. Okoro as Chairman.

The ceremony which was the Ministry in Abuja on Monday.

attended by the party executives of the local government area and twelve wards in Oredo had Hon. Godwill Alabi, Vice Chairman who represented the Chairman presiding.

After taking over the properties of the party in the Secretariat, Hon. Alabi called on the party executives to maintain the confidence reposed in them by the members who voted them into position, while soliciting the support of all members of the party in the area to enable the party win the 2015 and 2016 general elections.

In the same vein, Comrade Frank Ogundeze, Youth Leader of the party in the area advised all youths to join the leaders, men and women of APC to deliver the party in subsequent elections.

The Oredo Youth Leader of the APC and Chairman of Uzebu Community in Benin City advised the youths of APC in Oredo and the State not to have a

Defection ’ll Not Affect APC Fortune - Ize Omoregie

By FAMOUS IGUISI

BENIN CITY –The Coordinator, Edo State Progressive Solidarity Forum, a socialpolitical pressure group, Mr. Odaro Ize- Omoregie said the defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) is no threat to the future of APC. Rather, he said it would make it stronger and better positioned to win subsequent elections in the state.

He made these known while speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER on the political situation in Edo State.

Mr. Ize-Omoregie said those

that left the party do so out of selfish reasons but however expressed optimism that the defectors would soon return to the APC. According to him, “APC is a party to beat in any future election; this party is founded on the premise of good governance, human capital and

Akwa Ibom: Immigration Bemoans

Inadequate Accommodation

UYO - The Akwa Ibom Command of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says inadequate office accommodation is hampering the smooth operation of its service in the state.

The Controller of NIS in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba, decried the situation in the command in an interview with newsmen in Uyo. “We are here in the federal secretariat sharing offices with other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“As a para-military service, we should have a place to keep illegal migrants undergoing screening and such is lacking here,” Abdullahi said.

The controller said that the service did not have enough patrol vehicles and boats for marine operations.

Abdullahi added that in spite of the challenges, the command had

carried out its mandate of regulating entry of aliens into the state satisfactorily.

He said that in the last five months, the command generated N60 million as revenue, through the issuance of passports, residence permits, alien cards and other operations.

He disclosed that the command had also admitted 1, 412 persons into the state and assisted 1, 664 emigrants out of the state between January and May 2014.

The controller said the command had issued 2, 390 fresh e-passports and processed 858 applications for passport renewal within the period.

He commended the Governor Godswill Akpabio for giving regular logistics support to the service for its daily operations.

Abdullahi said that the government assisted the command immensely when it

repatriated 612 illegal migrants.

He appealed to corporate organisations, especially those engaging the services of expatriates, to cooperate with the command in checking the influx of illegal migrants into the state.

The controller also thanked other security agencies for assisting the command during its mop-up exercise to rid the state of illegal migrants.

infrastructural development.

He said APC is changing the face of governance in the state through infrastructural development which has been beneficial to the people of the state.

While noting that the successful APC Congress has proved critics wrong, he said, those who raise false alarm and discredited the party’s ward and local government congresses

did so out of selfish interest.

“They discredited the exercise because they lost in the election, they failed to know that we all cannot be winners; in any contest, there will be winners and losers”, he said.

Ize-Omoregie commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his achievement so far, while urging him to begin the process of picking a successor who has taken time to study his leadership style over the years.

second thought as long as the governor of the day is doing what is right to the people,.

He stressed that they should have focus, stand firm and not to allow anything to distract them, advising them to shun violence and work according to the rules of the game.

The party executive from the various Ward pledged their loyalty to the Chairman and Youth Leader of the party in the area, stressing that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring victory for the party in the general elections.

In an interview, Hon. Godwill Alabi stated that it was a new change over and as such the party wants to know what is in the office and to know what they have done with the things that are not in the office.

According to Hon. Alabi, the ceremony was very successful, stating further that the APC remains the same, like the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) .

Hon. Alabi said that in Oredo, being the nucleus of Edo State politics, the party will be victorious over other parties in the Local Government Area and the State in general.

Those present at the ceremony include Hon. Dayo Foresythe, Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hon. Dickson Osawe, Assistant Financial Secretary; Hon. Bright Inneh, Organising Secretary, Hon. Martin Igbinigie, Publicity Secretary and Hon. Edosa Okpamen-Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor.

APC Chieftain Appreciates Party continue to effectively pilot

BY CLIFFORD AGBAJOR Congress him the affairs of the state.

BENIN CITY – A Chieftain of the Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Dr. Wilson Ogieva has expressed delight over the successful conduct of the state Congress of the party.

Dr. Ogieva in a chat with The Nigerian OBSERVER in Benin City, noted that with the conduct of the state congress of APC, the

party will now refocuse its attention for the overall advancement of APC in Edo State.

The former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state advised members of the party in the state to be patient and work with the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to enable

On defection, Dr. Ogieva noted that APC will get itself back and make for the return of the defected members.

He stressed the need for the restructure of the “principle of Recall”, so that anyone who is not effectively representing his people or constituency could be recalled by the electorate when the need arises.

BTC Invites Community Heads To Prayer Session BENIN CITY - The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has invited all Chiefs, Enigie, Igiohen, Okao, Edionwere as well as men and women of 70years old and above to the palace of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba

Erediauwa for a prayer session for the wellbeing of Benin Kingdom and Edo State at large.

A statement by Secretary to BTC, Frank Irabor indicated that the session would hold tomorrow, Thursday July 5, 2014 at 11am.

L-R: The Director in FIQH Academy Dr. Ahamed Abdel Aleem, Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Aminu Wali, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Eyad Ameen Madani, President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo and the OIC Director African Affairs Amb. Yahya Lawal during the Solidarity visit of the Organisation to the State House Abuja on Monday.

Business + Economy Agriculture: NGO To

Development

Dangote To Partner North East Govs GOMBE- The President of the Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has pledged to partner with state governments in the North East to develop the area.

Speaking with journalists during a condolence visit to the palace of the late Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, the business mogul said he would invest in agriculture to ensure the development of the geo-political zone.

Dangote said he had spoken with the late emir about six months ago when they discussed the potentials of investments in the state.

He said he had promised the emir that he would come to the state to concretise the discussion but that he could not do so before he died.

He, however, assured the government and people of the state that he would redeem his promise to invest in the state.

“We will still come. We have to make sure that we empower our people mainly in the northern part of Nigeria where the need is there.

“We will definitely look at the best way to help and mobilise our people to at least get a daily income,” he said.

The billionaire said the easiest way to assist the people in the North East zone was by helping the farmers to access credits to boost agricultural production.

“Even when you have the farm, you have the will to go into farming, unless you are helped financially, there is nothing you can do about it.

“We will look into that. We will partner with the government because nobody can do it on his own; not even the government, not even the businessmen,” he said.

Dangote had earlier condoled with the Gombe emirate, the government and people of the state over the death of the emir.

He described the late emir as a great leader who was respected not only in the North East but across the country.

Tobacco: ILORIN- The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), in collaboration with the Nigerian Tobacco Control Research Group, has urged the Federal Government to increase tax on tobacco products.

Prof. Tanimola Akande, the National Chairman of the Association, made the call during a news conference organised to mark the “World No Tobacco Day’’ in Ilorin.

Akande also urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to “quickly do the needful” in harmonising and passing a comprehensive tobacco control bill.

According to him, the bill should slam higher taxes on all tobacco products as cost effective way of reducing demand for them.

He said that “worldwide, tobacco epidemic kills nearly six million people each year, while many more suffer poor quality of life from tobacco-related sickness.

“It is not only smokers that die

Design Mobile Application

L-R: President, Nigerian Economic Society, Prof. Akin Iwayemi; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Rep. Dakuku Peterside and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha at the third downstream stakeholders conference in Abuja on Monday.

ABUJA- The Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative, an NGO interested in youths in agriculture, is set to design a mobile application that would guide youths in crop and animal production.

The Programme Manager, Mr Lincoln Maife, made this known in Abuja while speaking with newsmen “We are developing a mobile application called Y-Farm education, which would guide young people on farming techniques in crop production and animal rearing.

“The application allow users

L-R: Director, Institutional Development, Africa Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), Mr. Kennedy Onyonyi; Representative of the Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Osy Chuke and a coordinating Director, FIRS, Hajiya Queensley Seghosime at the ATAF seminar on VAT in Financial Services in Abuja on Monday.

Union Urges FG To Increase Tax from smoking as evidence shows, but for every eight smokers who die from smoking, one non-smoker dies from second-hand smoke,” he said.

The chairman warned that the recent Global Adult Survey (GATS) done in Nigeria revealed that most people were exposed to second-hand smoking in restaurants, government buildings and healthcare facilities.

He added that about 18 million children were exposed to second-hand smoke in their

homes, while 27 million were exposed in public places.

He said tobacco use was the single most preventable cause of death globally and as such,

government and related agencies should implement a comprehensive tobacco policy that would protect the lives of people.

AWKA- The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Anambra chapter, has urged Governor Willie Obiano to construct a film village in Awka to serve as a tourist centre.

The Chairman of AGN in the state, Chief Samson Obidinma,

made the call during the guild’s Democracy Charity Carnival in Awka on Sunday.

Obidinma said the centre would serve as a rallying point for entertainers as well as boost the state government’s revenue generation.

The reports state that highlights of the event include visits by the association to some schools to sensitise youths on the harmful effects of smoking.

Actors Guild Seeks Film Village The chairman also appealed to the governor to assist the organisation to build a befitting secretariat as well to provide them with location buses.

He noted that the guild, also known as “Nollywood,” was raring to produce movies that

Ogun Spends N21.6bn On Tertiary Institutions ABEOKUTA- The Ogun Government has said that it had committed N21.6 billion subvention to its tertiary institutions in the last three years.

“We have given due attention to tertiary education. An average of N600 million is paid monthly to our tertiary institutions as subvention.

“This amounts to over N21.6

to ask questions and get answers as it will show in simple terms the step by step processes involved in any commodity production in agriculture.’’

The manager said that the organisation would take full advantage the social media and the proliferation of smart phones always in the hands of young persons to reach out to youths.

Maife noted many Nigerian youths would have loved to go into agriculture but did not have the initial capital and technical knowhow to continue.

He said that the organisation would commence the training of youths next month, adding that the youths would be assisted with starter packs that would be made available by partners at the end of their training.

Maife acknowledged that the government had done a lot in agriculture over the years, not withstanding obstacles that prevented its efforts from reaching the desired target.

He called on civil society organisations and the youths to partner with the government in embracing agriculture as it was the next hope to ensure a sustainable Nigeria.

He said the organisation had launched the ‘Y-Farm’ campaign which is aimed at mainstreaming youths into agriculture.

According to him, the objective of the campaign is to facilitate the establishment of 10,000 youth farms across Africa by 2020 and that progress had been made in Ghana, Liberia and Ethiopia.

“We want a re-orientation of the youths; we want them to see that there is hope in agriculture and they can develop a decent livelihood from the sector.’’

billion in the last three years,” Gov. Ibikunle Amosun disclosed at a stakeholders’ forum in Abeokuta.

He added that his administration had also drastically reduced the fees payable in the nine state-owned tertiary institutions thereby making higher education affordable to all.

Amosun said the government

had also purchased 54-seater TATA Buses, Hilux Patrol Vehicles, Ambulances and 18seater buses for the two state universities and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

“Our highly successful cashless collection policy has generated considerable additional revenue which is being re-invested directly by the institutions,” the governor said.

He added that the government had also spent N3.25 billion on the purchase of textbooks and instructional materials which were distributed freely to pupils in public primary and secondary schools.

He noted that the free education initiative of the government had resulted in a steady increase in student enrolment.

would change the attitude of the people from the negative to the positive.

“As partners in progress with the government at all levels in job creation, nation-building and employment, there is no gainsaying that many graduates who should have been roaming the streets in search of white collar jobs are now gainfully employed.

“As the third largest movie producer in the world after the United States Hollywood and Indian Bollywood, the Nollywood is equally a foreign exchange earner for the nation,” Obidinma said.

The Secretary of the chapter, Mr Eddiking Mbachu, appealed to non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to assist the guild by donating funds for movie production.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (03/06/2014) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

0

864,800

432,400.00

7UP

85.8

90

4.2

0

653,923

58,858,135.27

MOBIL

129.98

125

-4.98

0

360,067

45,118,767.98

ABBEYBDS

1.35

1.35

0

0

500

645

MRS

46.48

44.16

-2.32

0

338,685

15,032,530.91

ABCTRANS

0.85

0.85

0

0

40,700

34,439.00

NAHCO

4.9

4.75

-0.15

0

1,777,603

8,466,968.85

ACADEMY

1.71

1.71

0

0

45,000

73,350.00

NASCON

13.1

13

-0.1

0

1,271,906

16,480,799.60

ACCESS

10

9.86

-0.14

0

22,133,030

218,026,402.50

NB

181

182

1

0

2,178,417

394,984,069.50

AFRIPRUD

3.2

3.28

0.08

0

31,233,132

98,784,621.43

NCR

15.99

15.99

0

0

200

3,040.00

AGLEVENT

1.41

1.4

-0.01

0

317,857

444,792.46

NEIMETH

1.16

1.21

0.05

0

1,091,220

1,299,795.62

AIICO

0.83

0.82

-0.01

0

2,346,590

1,936,631.59

NEM

0.82

0.84

0.02

0

3,336,072

2,780,609.20

AIRSERVICE

2.26

2.37

0.11

0

148,017

350,769.89

NESTLE

1089.99

1083

-6.99

0

146,662

158,757,593.10

ASHAKACEM

24.76

25.99

1.23

0

3,306,866

85,501,638.74

NIG-GERMAN

7.36

7.36

0

0

5,000

35,000.00

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

0

3,165,000

1,582,500.00

NPFMCRFBK

1.12

1.12

0

0

24,245

25,942.15

AVONCROWN

1.61

1.61

0

0

5,000

7,713.30

NSE30

1901.37

1893.52

-7.85

0

224,630,624

4,758,414,907.00

BERGER

9.3

9.3

0

0

114,233

1,011,622.76

NSE50

2052.93

2044.39

-8.54

0

256,355,707

5,088,223,848.00

BETAGLAS

16.22

16.22

0

0

45,621

725,514.90

NSEASEM

950.94

950.94

0

0

1,000

1,280.00

CADBURY

77.99

77

-0.99

0

249,189

19,021,922.86

NSEASI

41501.39

41397.67

-103.72

0

334,421,390

5,628,340,748.00

CAP

39

39

0

0

189,520

7,427,242.25

NSEBNK

440.95

436.51

-4.44

0

122,431,450

1,852,702,576.00

CAPHOTEL

4.55

4.55

0

0

10,000

43,300.00

NSECNSMRGDS

1044.17

1045.74

1.57

0

14,214,522

1,105,183,027.00

CAVERTON

5.14

4.89

-0.25

0

287,941

1,409,306.49

NSEINDUSTR

2579.46

2587.62

8.16

0

5,626,086

220,109,648.70

CCNN

10

10

0

0

1,026,247

10,319,637.97

NSEINS

143.66

143.39

-0.27

0

21,496,406

24,277,205.46

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

0

5,126

2,563.00

NSELOTUSISLM

2756.67

2749.45

-7.22

0

12,185,003

585,937,104.60

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

0

64,000

32,000.00

NSEOILGAS

414.63

442.65

28.02

0

16,895,860

766,445,578.00

CONOIL

48.41

48.41

0

0

162,896

7,974,158.91

OANDO

20.94

21.98

1.04

0

13,329,149

292,475,472.10

CONTINSURE

1.05

1.05

0

0

644,430

677,411.50

OASISINS

0.52

0.5

-0.02

0

6,252,445

3,132,632.50

CORNERST

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,612,667

1,306,333.50

OKOMUOIL

33.1

33

-0.1

0

576,812

19,207,601.00

COSTAIN

1.3

1.29

-0.01

0

514,460

645,610.40

OMATEK

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

COURTVILLE

0.6

0.61

0.01

0

188,015

113,689.15

PAINTCOM

1.4

1.4

0

0

14,614

21,482.58

CUSTODYINS

3.26

3.32

0.06

0

6,929,617

23,374,399.80

PHARMDEKO

1.57

1.57

0

0

57,050

89,568.50

CUTIX

1.85

1.94

0.09

0

228,103

424,451.18

PORTPAINT

5

5

0

0

97,000

504,400.00

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,000

500

PRESCO

37

37

0

0

130,971

4,806,638.79

DANGCEM

229.5

228

-1.5

0

400,862

91,399,942.80

PRESTIGE

0.53

0.53

0

0

152,971

81,030.00

DANGFLOUR

7.99

8

0.01

0

377,916

3,017,345.71

PZ

36

36

0

0

443,101

15,953,080.86

4.5

4.41

-0.09

0

160,000

708,220.00

DANGSUGAR

10

9.69

-0.31

0

2,688,533

25,890,801.85

REDSTAREX

DIAMONDBNK

6.71

6.82

0.11

0

14,814,598

99,593,307.10

REGALINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

110,000

55,000.00

DNMEYER

1.06

1.06

0

0

4,600

5,106.00

ROYALEX

0.51

0.51

0

0

63,806

32,941.06

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

0

10,093

5,046.50

RTBRISCOE

1.09

1.04

-0.05

0

293,611

306,330.44

EKOCORP

3.72

3.72

0

0

10,000

35,400.00

SEPLAT

671

676.95

5.95

0

575,666

387,180,375.10

ETERNA

3.51

3.5

-0.01

0

1,097,945

3,891,418.32

SIMCAPVAL

98.33

98.33

0

0

50

4,900.00

ETI

17.99

17.2

-0.79

0

10,488,593

180,963,093.20

SKYEBANK

3.6

3.42

-0.18

0

6,671,586

22,982,755.81

ETRANZACT

2.32

2.21

-0.11

0

100,000

221,000.00

STANBIC

24.8

24.7

-0.1

0

236,656

5,866,520.60

160,228

373,803.48

STERLNBANK

2.36

2.34

-0.02

0

2,876,565

6,584,124.51

EVANSMED

2.45

2.33

-0.12

0

FBNH

15.98

15.21

-0.77

0

28,039,309

430,417,923.00

TOTAL

168.01

173

4.99

0

92,867

16,054,870.71

FCMB

4

4

0

0

10,277,842

41,206,190.26

TRANSCORP

3.88

4

0.12

0

32,758,592

130,488,721.50

FIDELITYBK

2.07

2.07

0

0

9,003,796

18,481,163.38

TRANSEXPR

2.2

2.31

0.11

0

282,950

640,534.50

FIDSON

2.9

2.84

-0.06

0

183,422

525,411.92

UAC-PROP

17.96

17.5

-0.46

0

294,437

5,178,719.21

FLOURMILL

77.5

77.5

0

0

2,737,734

212,244,911.40

UACN

65

61.83

-3.17

0

7,379,264

456,258,243.80

FO

247.57

257.01

9.44

0

1,514,251

385,898,359.10

UBA

7.86

7.47

-0.39

0

9,895,628

74,345,305.70

GLAXOSMITH

68

68

0

0

12,639

848,034.96

UBCAP

2.54

2.52

-0.02

0

2,832,076

7,037,785.82

GUARANTY

29.3

29.8

0.5

0

21,679,545

639,678,757.10

UBN

10.5

10.11

-0.39

0

767,398

7,838,461.21

GUINEAINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

500

250

UNILEVER

50

48.61

-1.39

0

2,279,710

113,702,665.50

GUINNESS

175

177.27

2.27

0

462,823

81,924,371.01

UNITYBNK

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,191,950

595,975.00

HONYFLOUR

3.99

3.93

-0.06

0

299,458

1,176,901.15

UNITYKAP

0.5

0.5

0

0

5,000

2,500.00

IKEJAHOTEL

0.9

0.9

0

0

21,000

18,280.00

UPDCREIT

10.47

10.47

0

0

22,000

218,900.00

INTBREW

26.01

26.01

0

0

62,943

1,644,592.70

UPL

4.04

4.14

0.1

0

132,960

550,471.20

INTENEGINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

160,130

80,065.00

UTC

0.54

0.54

0

0

13,842

7,514.68

INTERLINK

4.9

4.9

0

0

200

932

VITAFOAM

4.42

4.2

-0.22

0

362,207

1,525,836.40

IPWA

0.52

0.52

0

0

7,811

4,061.72

VONO

1.58

1.58

0

0

497

750.47

JAPAULOIL

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,581,250

790,625.00

WAPCO

112.5

112.5

0

0

203,020

22,773,715.55

JBERGER

66.76

66.52

-0.24

0

169,895

11,269,621.77

WAPIC

0.79

0.76

-0.03

0

2,033,046

1,545,609.96

JOHNHOLT

1.15

1.15

0

0

1,237

1,360.70

WEMABANK

1

0.98

-0.02

0

3,464,284

3,369,294.16

JOSBREW

3.08

2.93

-0.15

0

100,692

295,027.56

ZENITHBANK

25.2

24.55

-0.65

0

23,512,992

587,424,036.00

LASACO

0.5

0.5

0

0

3,910,343

1,955,171.50

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

0

9,287,100

4,643,550.00

LEARNAFRCA

1.75

1.75

0

0

62,000

109,800.00

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

153,873

76,936.50

LIVESTOCK

3.28

3.2

-0.08

0

527,329

1,672,232.73

MANDRID

5.35

5.35

0

0

425

2,163.25

MANSARD

2.48

2.46

-0.02

0

5,595,487

13,562,008.21

MAYBAKER

1.78

1.78

0

0

732,650

1,307,970.80

TOP 10 GAINERS

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS

Stock

Close

Loss

NSEOILGAS FO NSEINDUSTR SEPLAT TOTAL 7UP GUINNESS NSECNSMRGDS ASHAKACEM OANDO

442.65 257.01 2587.62 676.95 173 90 177.27 1045.74 25.99 21.98

28.02 9.44 8.16 5.95 4.99 4.2 2.27 1.57 1.23 1.04

Stock NSEASI 103.72 NSE50 8.54 NSE30 7.85 NSELOTUSISLM 7.22 NESTLE 6.99 MOBIL 4.98 NSEBNK 4.44 UACN 3.17 MRS 2.32 DANGCEM

Close 41397.67 2044.39 1893.52 2749.45 1083 125 436.51 61.83 44.16 228

Loss -1.5

IT is incontrovertible that the key that opens the door to the development of any society is research and this is basic to the success and growth of societies which have religiously formed the culture and tradition of unending research in all areas of development.

ESSENTIALLY, research governs all areas of human endeavour as well as all fields of life. Any innovation that ignores the need for research and lays claim to new discoveries could at best be a fraud and is therefore bound to fail.

THAT there is a tendency to confine research to institutions of learning is a measure of how well the output from such academic institutions, particularly the universities is reliable and dependable in the processes leading to new discoveries.

INTERESTINGLY, however, these days, most large firms now have their research and development departments in order to remain relevant in a scientifically competitive environment where efficiency and precision are now the hallmarks to survive new trends and modern devices that outpace existing ones surpassing them in all respects. The field of information technology where the pace and speed of research have led to astounding breakthroughs putting such firms as Apple, Nokia and Microsoft on top of the industry.

IT is sad to note that in the last two or three decades, there has been a gradual erosion of research culture from our universities, basically due to lack of funding and government’s indifference or fears that research grants are improperly utilized. This has also largely contributed to the worsening conditions which face genuine academics interested in engaging in profitable research work.

AGAINST this backdrop therefore, it is an admittance of fact that poor funding, disinterest by government, lack, of commitment and sometimes fraud are

THE NIGERIAN

Encouraging Research And Development inevitable drawbacks to research which is a sine qua non and an essential ingredient of the success story of any nation.

LEADING nations in the world today, such as the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Russia, China and new emerging Asian powers, including South-Korea, India, North-Korea and many more are changing the face of their societies through research where its end product, technology and scientific discoveries are the inevitable consequences.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is worried that Nigeria appears not to have the interest to nurture the culture and tradition of research by granting assistance to universities in the country to embark on research in any area of interest, particularly in science and technology.

WE are of the firm belief that many intellectuals in our ivory towers are not bereft of ideas that can help develop extensive research work in their fields of study.

WE have for so long taken the Nigerian university system for granted and it is a system that holds much promise for the future if Nigerian political leaders will allow it to take its leading place in providing some level of guidance by way of research works that could propel the nation forward.

THERE are instances of many Nigerian intellectuals and egg heads who when they leave the shores of this country go to foreign institutions to make remarkable feats and achievements in science and technology and

thus contributing to the growth of their adopted society, while at home such opportunity was never given room to thrive so that they could prove the depth of their knowledge and learning.

WE implore the Federal Government to improve the capacity and ability of the Nigerian university system to deliver in the area of research and development by working through the National Universities Commission (NUC) to challenge institutes, departments and colleges of these universities to come forward with research projects that will better the Nigerian society. The government must not see any amount devoted to research and development as money poured down the drain.

At any rate, if just a quarter of the several billions of dollars embezzled and squandered by past leaders have been devoted to research, certainly, Nigeria would have been better for it.

THERE is no doubt that the neglect in this area of research contributed to the problem of brain drain and the exodus of many promising minds from our universities to that of foreign nations, hence the need to reinvigorate the research system and put it to better use for the nation’s gains and the benefit.

THEREFORE, apart from government funding and assistance, we recommend that to make funds freely available for all kinds of research, the CBN should consider the setting up of a Bank which aims and objectives should be strictly to fund research.

WITH proper guidelines and regulations, we believe that this is possible, where there should be an interface between the banking institutions and research institutions. If banks could finance businesses that are colossal failures, then there will be greater benefits to fund researches that could change the course of mankind, particularly in the Nigerian setting and the world at large.

Issues

Repacking FCT’s Park And Pay Scheme

ON April 17, a High Court in Abuja declared as illegal, the Park and Pay scheme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in which motorists paid for parking cars on selected streets.

Justice Peter Affen in his judgment said that although the scheme might be seen as an excellent policy, it was not backed by law.

Sun Trust Savings and Loans Ltd. had sued the Minister of the FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed and two others, challenging the legality of the scheme.

The plaintiff sought an order, declaring the scheme illegal as it was not backed by any Act of the National Assembly.

The plaintiff further averred that the defendants were not constitutionally empowered to collect fees in the FCT without an Act of the National Assembly.

Justice Affen in his judgment said that although the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) could make laws to collect taxes, fees and rates, the 2005 byelaw of the FCT did not THE just concluded World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between May 7 and 9, 2014 made history because it was the first in West Africa since twenty-four (24) years. Happily, it came up to be successful and was well attended by world and business moguls from all over the places.

From records available, WEFA had earlier taken place in South Africa, Zimbabwe (1997), Namibia (1998), Mozambique (2004), Tanzania (2010) and Ethiopia. However, the security situation was perfectly okay during the period. Many thanks to President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR popularly known as “GEJ” and his security operatives during the period. Interestingly, our Nigerian law makers at the upper chamber suspended its plenary to enable senators participate actively in the summit. This was a welcomed development.

Participants were of the view that Africa was on track to achieve the 5.5 percent economic growth this year, predicted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but need to create jobs, improve infrastructure, foster intraAfrica trade, fund the agribusiness revolution and find the new pockets of industrialisation.

No doubt, the World

By FRANCISCA OLUYOLE

contemplate the park and pay scheme.

“I was not fortunate enough to find the park and pay scheme in the 2005 FCT byelaw; what it provided for under Section 118 and Section 119 is the park and ride scheme.

The court therefore restrained the FCTA from collecting any taxes, rates and fees from motorists on the platform of the scheme.

The FCT minister after the judgment called for the suspension of the scheme in the city with immediate effect and enjoined all the operators licenced by the administration to abide by the order.

The minister said that the Secretary, FCT Transportation Secretariat, Mr Jonathan Ivoke, had dispatched letters to the operators of the scheme informing them of the development.

He, however, said the Economic Forum is an international institution committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation in the spirit of global citizenship. With an expected annual growth rate of 5 percent in 2012-2013, subSaharan African continues its transformation journey from a developing continent to a hub of global growth. In the words of the World Bank, almost half of Africa’s countries have attained middle-income status.

However, the continent’s positive outlook is threatened by fluctuating commodity prices, rising inequality and youth unemployment, restiveness and aggressiveness. There is the need therefore for African leaders to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness, bring growth and development.

It is a truism to say that WEFA is an unprecedented occasion for Nigeria to show-case its vast economic opportunities to the world generally and dialogue effectively on economic reforms between the international and Nigerian private sector on one hand and the Nigerian government, international and domestic investors on the other.

Nigeria remains the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, but ensures the investments are broad based.

Whatever the case may be,

scheme was inaugurated to ensure effective traffic management and control in FCT. Mohammed observed that while some residents applauded the scheme for ensuring orderliness, sanity, beauty and reduction in auto crashes on FCT roads, many did not want it.

For the benefit of hindsight, in 2004, the FCTA called for competent companies to bid for the on-street parking on the platform of Park and Pay scheme.

Out of 36 companies that bided for licences, Integrated Parking Services (IPS) and Platinum Management Parking Services Ltd. were licenced.

The two operators were concessioned and licenced in 2010 to begin operation but did not start until 2012, while the numbers of operators subsequently rose to four.

Some motorists in FCT

lauded the decision of the court, while others said it was a good policy but “not properly executed.’’

Mrs Agnes Okoronkwo, a banker, whose car was clamped during the operation of the scheme, said the suspension was a good development.

“My car was clamped on two occasions and I was compelled to pay N2, 000 to the marshals of the scheme before my car was released.

“Secondly, my car was towed to a Park and Pay office where I paid N21, 000 into the company’s account for the release of the car,’’ she said.

Mr Kayode Abubakar, a civil servant, also supported the suspension of the scheme, saying: “I know there is more

to it than just controlling the parking system; they clamped cars to make money.’’

Mr Illiasu Abdul, the Managing Director of IPS, said the suspension of the scheme would allow the FCTA to plan for an effective parking system.

“Though it is not easy that we are not working, but the suspension is for the interest of everybody and it will ensure sanity in the scheme,’’ he said.

But Ivoke, in a news conference in Abuja recently, said the scheme would be repackaged, adding that before the judgment, the administration had begun comprehensive review of the on-street parking scheme.

He said that the report of the review had been produced and contains some guidelines that will enhance the operations of the scheme when it begins again.

“The issue of staffing, fine, violation by the operators,

ticketing and auditing of their account, among others, were captured in the report.

“We have started reviewing the bye-law; we accepted the court judgment, the public will be informed of the development arising from the review soon.

“Some people refused to pay because we did not have the provision in the bye-law that could be used to prosecute them, and the court said the bye-law must capture the scheme to make it effective, so be it,’’ he said.

In the absence of the scheme for now, he advised motorists to park orderly in the city, advising that any vehicle that develops fault should be removed from the street immediately.

According to him, the court decision is necessary to ensure the legality of the scheme and strengthen its mandate to achieve the desired results of making FCT free from indiscriminate parking. (NAN).

“The two operators were concessioned and licenced in 2010 to begin operation but did not start until 2012, while the numbers of operators subsequently rose to four.”

WEFA: Matters Arising

By CHARLES I. SOEZE

policies and strategies of FDI are shaped by two principal objectives, economic dependence and the demand for economic development.

Multinational corporations are expected to bring into Nigeria, foreign capital in the form of technical skills, entrepreneurship, technology and investment fund to boost economic activities, thereby raising the standard of Nigeria.

Available related research and studies showed at a glance that multinational corporations are highly adaptive social agents and therefore, the degree to which they can help in improving economic activities through FDI will be heavily influenced by the policy choice of the host country.

In order to improve further on the economic climate for FDI in Nigeria, the government must appreciate the fact that the basic element in any successful development strategy should be the encouragement of domestic investors first before going after foreign investors. One can categorically say that harsh economic policies have affected immensely many of our domestic outfits and

consequently increase the level of poverty, unemployment, health challenges and irresponsible behaviour from the youths.

It seems to me that in order to seek the highest return for capital, economists and other scholars tend to favour the free flow of capital across national borders. It is against this backdrop that multinational companies seek for investment in foreign countries with reasonable skills. However, Nigeria looks like a high risk market for investment because of factors such as bad governance, inefficient and ineffective leadership of some past administrations, unstable macroeconomic policies, investment as a way out of Nigeria’s economic state of underdevelopment. Frankly speaking, youths restiveness and aggressiveness are also contributing against foreign investment.

It is a truism to say that since the enthronement of the current democratic structure on the 29th of May 1999, the government of Nigeria has taken a number of measures necessary to woo foreign investors into Nigeria.

“Whatever the case may be, policies and strategies of FDI are shaped by two principal objectives, economic dependence and the demand for economic development.”

Some of these measures taken include the repeal of laws that does not encourage foreign investment growth, promulgation of investment law, various overseas trips for image laundry by the President and his aides.

Obviously, the need for foreign direct investment is born out of the underdeveloped nature of Nigeria’s economy that eventually hindered the pace of her economic development. In other words, policies and strategies of the Nigerian government towards foreign investors are shaped by two principal objectives, for economic dependence and the demand for economic development. These could be further stated as investment capital, technical skills, enterprise and natural resources.

It is most appropriate to say that FDI is therefore supposed to serve as means of augmenting Nigeria’s domestic resources in order to carry out efficiently and effectively, her development programmes and raise the living standard of the people.

Truly, Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts and growth require major private sector investments, in other words, organised private sector (OPS) in modern items of equipment that can industrialise the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole, then the Nigeria’s foreign investment policy should move towards attracting and encouraging more inflows of foreign capital by moving ahead with economic programme that include

measures earlier set-up and expansion of business.

Importantly, we should encourage domestic investors before seeking for foreign investors.

Again, for Nigeria to generate more and reliable foreign direct investments, efforts should be made at solving the problems of government participation in business, relative closed economy; corruption in high places, weak public institutions and poor external image this is where professional public relations practitioners and communication experts should be contacted for assistance.

I think and believe the government should continue with its privatisation programme, external image laundry (using professionals), seriousness and openness in the fight against corruption, wrong postings and deployments of incompetent hands in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as signing of more trade agreements. This is absolutely necessary because Nigeria needs assistance from within and outside.

Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, is a mass communication scholar from first degree to doctoral level, public relations expert and a retired Assistant Director (Administration)/Head, Academic and Physical Planning (A&PP} at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.

08036724193 (charlessoeze@yahoo.ca)

View Point

Examining Contending Issues On Existence Of Local Governments IN recent times, there have been lots of debates on whether or not local governments-the third tier of government in Nigeria - should be abolished.

Some hold the opinion that the local governments have not been effective and should be scrapped, while others insist that local governments, which are closer to people at the grassroots, should rather be restructured and strengthened.

The number of local governments in the country increased from 299 in 1976 to 774 in 1999 with the same structure and similar revenue sources.

Under the 1999 constitution, some of the functions of the local governments are; collection of rates, and radio and television licences; establishment and maintenance of cemeteries; burial grounds and homes for the destitute or infirm; - Licencing of bicycles, trucks, canoes, wheel barrows and carts; establishment, maintenance and regulation of markets, motor parks and public conveniences; Construction and maintenance of roads, streets, drains and other public highways, parks, open spaces, or such public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time by the House of Assembly of a state; - Naming of roads and streets and numbering of houses; provision and maintenance of public conveniences and refuse disposal; registration of births, deaths and marriages; Assessment of privatelyowned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of a state.’’

Just recently, the committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government in the ongoing National conference recommended the removal of local governments as the third tier of government from the nation’s constitution. - The committee insisted that local government affairs should be a residual function of the state governments, in a tacit way to

introduce two tiers of government in the country.

Naturally, the committee’s recommendation elicited some reactions, as the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) staged a demonstration at the venue of the conference to protest against the decision.

Mr Lucky Ewa, the National Deputy president of NULGE, who led the protest, argued that the constitution, and in fact most Nigerians, recognised the local government as the third tier of government.

“Between May 1999 and May 2003, N750 billion was said to have been released to the local governments but in actual fact, only N69.9 billion got to the local government councils.

“Through the state/Local Government Joint Allocation Account committee (JAAC), state governors hijacked the remaining balance.

“At this point of our national life, Nigeria needs local councils that will act as a catalyst for the development and strengthening of our democracy”, he added.

Ewa stressed that instead of mulling over the idea of abolishing local governments, the local government system should be strengthened as a way of addressing the problems of poverty, unemployment and insecurity at the grassroots level.

Sharing similar sentiments, Malam Ibrahim Khaleel, the National President of NULGE, frowned at the notion that local governments should be abolished, while their functions were transferred to state governments.

He reiterated that the local government system in the country had contributed immensely to grassroots development, insisting that any plan to transfer the roles of local government councils to state governments would be counterproductive. Khaleel said that the national confab’s committee which proposed the abolition of local government should rather be concerned with how to facilitate full local government autonomy.

“The recommendation of the

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

National Conference committee on Devolution of Power to expunge local government system from the 1999 constitution cannot stand.

“We have decided at the National Executive council meeting of the union that we would resist plans that are

“There is a need for the two labour unions to remain focused and look into the needs of the Nigerian people in particular.

“The issue of relegating local governments to an appendage in administrative units under the states should not be accepted by

against the people.

“The issue of local government autonomy is what we should be talking about, as it has been concluded by Nigerians who made decisions on it.

“It is a unanimous decision of all Nigerians and 1 don’t think the conference can change the decision of the people,’’ he added.

Nevertheless, Khaleel bemoaned the inability of NULGE’s umbrella bodies, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, to react to the committee’s proposal appropriately.

the labour movement in Nigeria because it is anti-people.

“It is an exclusive policy that will exclude many Nigerians from participating in the democratic activities of our nation.

“So, it should be at the front burner of the struggle of the labour movement.

“We, in the NEC of NULGE, have observed with dismay the attitude of our labour centre, the NLC, towards the issue of local government autonomy.

“We are not too happy with the way and manner they are handling the issue,’’ he added.

Besides, Khaleel frowned at

“Everybody cannot come to the federal capital to air their views; so, they should be able to ventilate their views through their chairmen or councillors in the local government councils.”

the committee’s recommendation that labour matters should be removed from the Exclusive Legislative List and placed on the concurrent List.

He said that such decision could spell doom for local government administration in the country.

Moreover, the NULGE boss

noted that in spite of the fact that Nigeria had 774 local governments; only six local government delegates were participating in the national conference, which meant the union was grossly underrepresented.

On his part, Mr Leo Nkah, the President of the Ebonyi chapter of NULGE, said that the major expectation of the union and most Nigerians was that the national conference would propose full autonomy for local governments so as to enhance their service delivery.

He underscored the need to make local governments autonomous, saying that this would strengthen local government administration in a more pragmatic way.

He stressed that the emphasis should be on how to restructure and strengthen local governments, instead of scrapping them, as they were closer to the people. Besides, Nkah said that tangible efforts

should also be made to initiate structured human capacity building programmes for local governments in order to enhance the workers’ output.

“True autonomy for the local government will go a long way in restructuring the already distorted landscape of the local government system.

“Training and retraining of the workforce via seminars and workshops, though trickling in, still need to be ushered properly to enhance workers’ productivity,’’ he said.

“Nkah pledged that NULGE would always advocate good governance with features such as equity, justice, rule of law as well as transparency and commitment.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Anayo Arinze, the National Publicity secretary of the African Democratic congress (ADC), appealed to the national confab delegates to drum up support for local government autonomy.

He argued that local government autonomy would bring governance and development closer to the people.

According to him, the local government administration is a people-oriented form of government which should be strengthened and not scrapped.

Everybody cannot come to the federal capital to air their views; so, they should be able to ventilate their views through their chairmen or councillors in the local government councils.

“What the government should do is to give the councils autonomy; the national conference should also ensure the achievement of local government autonomy,’’ he said.

Arinze said that the current practice where state governments controlled the local governments had somewhat frustrated efforts to promote grassroots development in the country.

He stressed that local governments should be responsible for the provision of infrastructure and other amenities at the grassroots level since they were conversant with the people’s needs in the neighbourhoods.

In a nutshell, the general consensus of opinion is that the country’s local governments should be restructured, revitalised and strengthened so as to engender grassroots development.

(NAN).

Environment MRS. Martha Ogwe, 52, fled by boat from her Odogwu village in Lokoja to Idah, 10 kilometres away following the August 2012 floods that submerged many communities in Kogi.

Ogwe, who is a widow, remained in Idah with her children and depended on food hand-outs by goodspirited individuals until the floods receded.

“When I returned to Odogwu in November, I saw that my house had been severely damaged and all my property swept away.

“The mud walls had collapsed and I lost virtually everything including my children’s certificates,’’ she said.

Many communities in the country experienced similar flood disasters in 2012 in which livestock, farmlands and crops were destroyed, leaving thousands of people displaced.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) announced that 148 people were killed by the floods in 21 states.

A coordinated response was provided by some humanitarian organisations including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Red Cross Society, governments, and civil society organisations to establish camps for the affected persons.

The NRCS also assisted in the provision of meaningful post flooddisaster settlements for the victims in their different localities.

Mr. Umar Mairigi, the NRCS Programme Coordinator, said that 3,795 households received emergency shelter support in Edo, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Benue, Taraba and Adamawa.

The society resettled the returnee flood victims, particularly in Kogi, in their areas by constructing 100 units of flood-resilient houses, comprising 40 units in Ozahi community, and 30 each in Odogwu and Ose. According to Mairigi, the society built the houses to a certain level, leaving the victims to complete them through the help of volunteer groups of their societies.

He said that the Red Cross ensured that wooden frames were set in cement foundations, lined with

polythene; a cost-effective means of making the houses more resilient to floods.

Noting that resettlement camps are global, Mairigi said: “A perfect world would have no refugees.’’

“There are 27.1 million Internally Displaced Persons and 10.4 million refugees globally; onefourth of these populations live in camps.

“Camps are often the only location where displaced persons and refugees can be protected and assisted,’’ he said.

Mairigi recommended the use of quality materials for durable shelter as effective settlement in response to persons affected by disasters.

Mr. Musa Salihu, a flood victim and father of six in Mozum Ose in Kogi, said that floods swept through his village and destroyed his house and property.

“I moved my family by canoe to a village five kilometres away from the river where they remained for more than two months.

Salihu, a teacher in his village school, said he joined the NRCS volunteer group to offer assistance to other flood victims.

“I could see that my people were suffering, and I did the best I could to help them with the little resources I had; but when these were exhausted I could do no more.

“The Red Cross helped the community in so many ways, and since I became a volunteer I have learned so much,’’ Salihu said.

Observers, however, noted that volunteers like Salihu, played invaluable roles in supporting victims of the disaster by helping in the distribution of basic relief items, sanitation activities and construction of shelters.

Coping With Flood Disaster Management

“Before the Red Cross came, I did not even know how to use a trowel, but now I can build a wall to house myself.

“I have also been trained as a hygiene promoter, visiting other communities on the river banks to provide people with health and hygiene awareness information.

“Helping others without being a volunteer in NRCS has not been easy because people are suspicious of my intentions, and my family also found it difficult to understand why I am helping others.

“But when I became a volunteer, I was able to explain to them what I was doing and why; then the community members

By ABIEMWENSE MORU

understood and many of them joined as volunteers,’’ Salihu said.

Recalling her experience, Ogwe said that local carpenters and masons were recruited and provided with roofing sheets, timber, cement and other tools to repair or rebuild some damaged houses.

“If the NRCS had not helped me, I would have been living as a beggar, looking for a place to sleep; I am very happy with my new home,’’ she said.

The NRCS’ Acting Deputy Head of Disaster Management, Mrs Altilina Simon, said the organisation trained 36

disaster management coordinators on emergency and first aid services.

According to her, the training which took place recently in Benin was conducted in conjunction with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company to sharpen the skills of the participants in humanitarian services during emergencies.

“Disaster management is the backbone of the Nigerian Red Cross Society; every other thing is by the way.

“The NRCS aims at preventing and alleviating human suffering; it promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace among nations.

“Observers, however, noted that volunteers like Salihu, played invaluable roles in supporting victims of the disaster by helping in the distribution of basic relief items, sanitation activities and construction of shelters. Before the Red Cross came, I did not even know how to use a trowel, but now I can build a wall to house myself.”

“The society is guided solely by the need to give priority services to most needful areas of distress,’’ she explained.

Mr. Abdulkadir Bello, the NRCS Shelter Focal Point Officer, said that shelter was essential in emergency situations when providing humanitarian services to people affected by disasters.

“In providing shelter, the centre of attraction must be on providing adequate shelter for the duration of its expected use, adapted to the needs of the populations affected,’’ he said.

According to him, access to health services, education and local resources, fuel for cooking, lighting and heating, food storage and protection of goods are necessary in providing shelter.

Analysts have suggested that there are a lot to be learned in disaster management given the experiences from the 2012 floods that affected many states of Nigeria.

They noted that besides the use of early warning systems, evacuation of persons from flood proneareas, effort must be made to adequately care for the victims, especially in resettlement and provision of p o s t - f l o o d s accommodation.

Midweek Magazine I am writing this piece because I am not tired of Nigeria. Nigeria is my country and will continue to be my home. I may travel to other parts of the world and even stay there for a while but that does not stop me from seeing Nigeria as my first home. There is no place like home and situations have proved this saying “there is no place like home” true over and over again, so I stand by Nigeria because Nigeria is my home.

Therefore, since Nigeria is my country and home and I have no other, it is pertinent that when critical issues arise, I should meditate, think deeply and propose solutions whether right or wrong. To hold my peace and say after all Nigeria is not my father’s property like some people say is most ungodly and unpatriotic.

I therefore enjoin the readers of this piece and other articles I wish to churn out before and perhaps after the confab to meditate on the issues raised and possibly counter my propositions or improve on them by way of suggestions or adding new angles to it. Let’s keep discussing our country and make her the greatest nation on earth. This dream is possible for with God all things are possible. I love Nigeria and I hope you love Nigeria too. Nigeria is our only country, so we must love her, cherish her and build her up to favourably compete with the greatest nations on planet earth. God Bless Nigeria!!!

Firstly, l want to share my views on some critical areas that may be discussed, or I feel should be sorted out at the national confab being put together by the federal government. And one of the sensitive areas which I believe every Nigerian should be concerned about is how Nigeria should run her kind of federalism. I have read about different positions taken by Nigerians from far and wide in the National Newspapers and have also listened to divergent views on Radio and Television stations on this subject, however, after careful dissection of the issues at stake, here are my

submissions.

To begin with, in response to the proposition by some people and ethnic nationalities calling for regional autonomy or a federal or a form of confederation to engender competition and in turn enhance development in Nigeria, my submission is that regionalism or any form of federal structure that recognizes regions as the federating units will divide Nigeria the more so should not be adopted. In fact the problem of Nigeria started from when it was divided into three regions. The regions produced three different characters that rarely had meeting points.

Although there was a limited form of development in the Northern, Western and Eastern region then, there was no proper national integration of the different ethnic groups in Nigeria. The making of a nation is not just by driving the infrastructural development of different regions, but there must be a harmonious meeting point for all stakeholders. This can be achieved by effectively integrating the people together in love, in order for them to believe strongly in the ideals of the country and also to have a common national vision and goal. The regional structure could not integrate Nigeria into a nation but instead succeeded in bringing out three visions and goals without strong ideological convergence to make a Nigeria nation.

Yes, the United States of America brand of federalism may be working for them and even uniting the people to be more committed to nation building, but that same model will not work in the Nigeria of today. Why? Unlike the United States which is a land of migrants except for the minority Red Indians who are the real natives, Nigeria is a country of native inhabitants, therefore have already different established cultures, traditions and beliefs that make it almost impossible for migrants from other ethnic groups within the state or from other states within Nigeria to be accorded the same recognition and acceptance like the native

National Confab: people.

On the other hand, in the United States of America ethnic groups are so integrated and detached from traditional cultures, beliefs and primitive values that they voted Barrack Obama, the son of an African who sojourned in the country some years back as President.

The question I want to ask here is , “in the present state of Nigeria, can an Isoko man from Delta State become the Governor of Taraba State even if the Isoko man was born in Taraba State and lived all his life there?” No, he cannot in the present state of Nigeria because most of us still cling to the primitive values of not considering the content of the character of individuals but consider ethnic, religious and selfish interests in taking decisions like electing leaders.

This is the present state of Nigeria, so separating the people further through regional federalism should not be encouraged as it will divide the people the more and cause more chaos in the future.

In fact, there is the urgent need to break down the thick walls of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria in order to pave the way for the building of a Nigerian nation. Currently, the bitter truth is that Nigeria is a country of many nations (ethnic groups) having mutual suspicion among each other because of the colonial structures left behind and the lack of a strong and patriotic national leadership immediately after independence to chart a visionary national course.

The military coups, counter coups and civil war did not help matters. But all that should make us stronger because there are countries that had worse setbacks yet are very great nations today.

The past is past so let us chart a brighter future for ourselves. For Nigeria to become a developed country like other developed countries of the world, we must build Nigeria into a

nation where Nigerians will truly share common goals and aspirations without ethnic sentiments, as well as motivate and support citizens to greater heights.

In essence, we have to achieve the Nigeria nation first in the sense of the word before real development and patriotism can be achieved.

Then, should we fold our hands and wait for Nigeria to become a true nation first before we practice federalism and engage in infrastructural development? No! We can still practice federalism while the country is metamorphosing into a nation, but let it be a brand of federalism that will integrate the ethnic groups into the Nigeria nation and not the form that will further strengthen ethnic groups against the country Nigeria.

We must get to a level where Nigerians will see Nigeria first before their ethnic groups.

Irrespective of any level of infrastructural development we may achieve? If we don’t get to this level of citizens taking Nigeria first, the soul of Nigeria will be weak and once the soul is weak Nigerians will not bond with the Nigerian dream, and hence will not be willing to sacrifice for Nigeria the way the average citizen of the United states will sacrifice for his or her country.

Therefore, instead of bringing the Ibos, Yorubas, Hausas, Fulanis and other ethnic groups together in different clusters to form different regions, let people from the same ethnic groups be divided on ideological grounds and also be in different states for the Nigeria nation to survive. Also, let the state of residence as being proposed by the constitutional reform at the National Assembly be adopted and let there be a strong law against discrimination against Nigerian citizens on ethnic basis and let the law be implemented without fear or favour. Let Nigerians feel free to contest elections anywhere

“In fact, there is the urgent need to break down the thick walls of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria in order to pave the way for the building of a Nigerian nation. Currently, the bitter truth is that Nigeria is a country of many nations (ethnic groups.”

Before N

By ESANEROVO AGBODO

in the country without succumbing to intimidation.

Let objectivity and national interest drive our decision making processes and let us play down on ethnic divide.

After all, we are all from the same ethnic group of Adam and Eve our first parents, so nobody should deceive people to tow selfish lines in the name of supporting one ethnic group against the other.

If Nigeria must be called a developed nation one day,let us take a cue from how the developed nations of today

it or not, the welfare of every Nigerian is important and affects the entire country, so every proposition for fiscal federalism in Nigeria should have a human face and should not be done abruptly. Fiscal federalism is good for national development but the model to adopt should be well crafted not to compromise national unity.

Also, I suggest that every state of the Nigeria federation should look inward and increase internal generated

and f intern Proce resou Niger the ri secto than unwa every SC CHA AD chara states is sup the co count prom

President Goodluck Jonathan (3rd left), Vice President Namadi during the opening ceremony.

got to where they are. Acting otherwise will mean we are not still serious with achieving a first world Nigeria from its present distant third world position.

The message is “Nigerians should say no the regional federalism” at the confab. It is better to strengthen States as federating units.

FISCAL FEDERALISM AND USE OF CRUDE OIL PROCEEDS It is my conviction that before any form of resource control is adopted for States, let there be a defined transitional period (may be 5 to 10 years) for States to adjust and create revenues for themselves. Whether we like

revenue to pay workers’ salaries at the state and local government levels while allocations from crude oil sales and sales of solid minerals in the future be used by the federal government solely for infrastructural development, national security,implement social security for the jobless and the elderly, and fund research and development as well as save for future generations.

The dependence of states and local governments on crude oil revenue to pay salaries and meet basic needs is making them lazy. Even the federal government should pay workers’ salaries

excell The is sup and h peopl whilin qualit gover of per for go career the na charac with t must a recour promo If th civil s countr an un

Midweek Magazine

Nigeria Tears Apart

fund most of its activities with nally generated revenues alone. eeds from crude oil or any natural urces will dry up some day, so ria should focus more on building ight environment for the private r to thrive with this money rather spending majority of it on arranted recurrent expenditures y year.

RAPPING THE FEDERAL ARACTER PRINCIPLE DOPTING the principle of federal acter in employment at federal and s’ institutions, by my understanding pposed to strengthen the unity of ountry by carrying every part of the try along, but in the real sense, it is moting mediocrity and down playing

elements, but we must realize that the vision should be how Nigeria can be the best nation in the world and not limiting ourselves to playing the second fiddle in world affairs.

However, there should be in place a strong anti-racial or anti-tribal law just like antiracism law in developed countries.

Everybody cannot work with the civil service or government institution. What we need to achieve is to make the government service system efficient while the citizens become more innovative to develop themselves privately or

Sambo (2nd left) and Delegates to the National Conference

lence in Nigeria. business of managing government pposed to be reserved for excellent hard working citizens and not just le who see it as an avenue for ng away their time. The level and ty of policies emanating from nment is a function of the quality rsonnel in government, so working overnment should not be seen as a r for unserious and lazy people in ame of implementing the federal cter principle. Nigeria is competing the best nations in the world so we always field our first eleven and not rse to mediocrity in the name of oting national unity. he best people suited to work in the service are from one section of the ry, so be it. Well, this may be termed realistic proposal by conservative

otherwise.

A situation where people or companies who are not qualified for a position or contract are helped to get such by unfair means will also be promoting mediocrity, and if we continue with such practice, we should not even think of leveling with other serious developing nations or even developed ones. What is helping nations to develop today is adopting global best practices and not promoting mediocrity because when citizens are not allowed to compete in a free and fair environment, talents will be wasted and nobody will be

patriotic to the nation.

My proposal is that the Federal Character Commission should be scrapped and replace by another commission that will have the mandate of ensuring even spread of infrastructural and development projects across the country. In this way, the clamour of different ethnic groups to produce the President at the federal level as well as produce the Governor at the state level will be reduce because what the people are basically clamouring for when asking for the zoning of political offices in the Nigeria of today is that apart from fair representation, development should also go to their zones, because the trend most times is that development projects are concentrated more in the zones where the heads of different strata of government originated from, and this to a large extent is true.

So, to settle the issue of uneven development at the federal and the state levels, we should adopt another form of federal character principle that will accommodate every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

The way the federal character principle is being implemented today does not promote excellence therefore counterproductive. The oil wealth Nigeria has today should be used to develop the right infrastructures to sustain national growth in the future and not just shared in form of overloading the civil service and promoting mediocrity.

We must encourage the spirit of healthy competition to bring out the best in our youths and not recourse to undue quota system which is denying the nation of best services and even killing the potentials and loyalty of citizens to the nation.

But remember, all this will not work if we don’t get our political system right.

HUGE ELECTIONS’ SPENDING: A MAJOR FUEL FOR CORRUPTION A situation were politicians spend so much and even borrow to win elections must be stopped, because it is just

logical and human for those who have spent so much to recoup their expenses when elected, and that of course will be the beginning of corruption.

This is what has happened in the Nigerian democracy.

Until we support a system where politicians spend minimally to be elected, the clamour to fight corruption will just be a waste. Nobody will borrow money to give electorates to support him for an election and come back to work 100% for those electorate. Even if this happens in USA or England, the politicians will find a way to recoup.

That is not to say that there is no element of corruption in every system, even in developed countries. This proposal however, is on how to minimize corruption to the barest minimum so that true development can take place.

With the current system where politicians spend heavily to win elections, juicy contracts will continue to be influenced by politicians to themselves and their cronies because this is the only way they can recoup after spending heavily to get elected.

Then how can we solve this issue of heavy election spending? I do not think there is a full proof solution, but first and foremost, there should be a law that no politician should give anybody including traditional rulers gifts during campaigns.

In fact, anybody (Politician or recipient) caught should be disqualified and genuinely prosecuted to deter others.

Security forces and underground agents should be mobilized to ensure that this law if already existing in our electoral act is strictly obeyed, or if the law is not clearly stated, a bill should be sent to the National Assembly immediately to enact it.

Yes politicians must visit people to sell their programmes and manifestoe so let it remain just selling programmes and manifestoes and not giving any form of

gift or money, because this is creating serious problems for us.

Any politician that loves his or her people so much should wait till when he is elected and can even donate their salaries and all their allowances to the people to show that love and not before the election.

Once we get our political system right, there will be a full proof service delivery system devoid of nepotism or undue favouritism. In this system, contracts will be given to the best companies and employment will be given to the right candidate in the civil service.

THE NEED FOR A COMMON NIGERIAN LANGUAGE LANGUAGE unifies, this is a truth that has been established over the years, so I am not the one propounding it. The English speaking country will naturally align with another English Speaking country than aligning with a French speaking country if there is a choice to make.

So, Nigeria as a multiethnic society where we have about 250 or more ethnic groups and about 500 languages, it will be suicidal not to have a common Nigerian Language.

The Nigerian Language, not English will first and foremost create an identity for citizens of the nation in a distinct manner from other citizens of the world. This is important because Nigeria is our primary constituency even though we love the whole world and all of us are siblings from the same parents, Adam and Eve according to the history of creation.

In fact, most developed nations and even serious developing nations of the world today have a national language they rally around.

Even when English is a lingua franca, there is still a local language that creates a different identity for the nation.

In India, Hindi and English are the national languages. In Phillipines, it is Tagalo and English. Even in Ghana, they have national local languages that unite the citizens of Ghana. Even the brand of

English the United States of America speaks is carefully branded as a distinct national language from the traditional English Language.

There is the need for a child in Owerri to learn and speak a language that a child in Maiduguri learnt and grew up with. This will foster unity and make us to understand that we have a common destiny.

A situation where some Nigerian citizens speak Arabic only as a foreign language and imbibe Arabic culture while others speak English and imbibe English culture is creating two different and opposing identities for our citizens and this is dangerous for national cohesion. We must device a new national language that our children will speak and see themselves as one people.

There should be a scientific approach to indoctrinate Nigerians that this country and its economy have to survive first before individual survival.

Even religion should play the back role, because when a highly religious person is highly deprived of basic economic benefits, there is the tendency for him or her to deviate from the tenets of the faith he or she proclaims just to survive.

Nigerian citizens should know that Nigeria must survive first before individuals and this ideology must not only be said but engraved into the personalities and subconscious of the citizens.

Why will a soldier move forward to fight in a war even when he just saw his colleagues gunned down, it is because of the ideology that he has been fed with. Any soldier that does not have not imbibed a strong ideology to defend the nation, will drop his weapon and go (awol) run away when the chips are down.

E n g r. E S A N E R O V O A G B O D O (eagbodo@gmail.com) is Publisher of International Opportunities Magazine and N a t i o n a l C o o r d i n a t o r, G o o d l u c k Voters Forum.

Mobile Telephone No: 07036893533

“In fact, most developed nations and even serious developing nations of the world today have a national language they rally around. Even when English is a lingua franca, there is still a local language that creates a different identity for the nation.”

Opinion Solving The Problem Of Insecurity In Nigeria R E C E N T L Y , Muhammadu Aliyu Barkindo Mustapha, the Lamido of Adamawa and member of the National Conference, made a controversial statement that “His emirate could join Cameroon or Niger Republic if Nigeria breaks up”. He made this statement because of the Boko Haram insurgency, coupled with the fact that his traditional jurisdiction spans three countries, that is, Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger, with large population of Adamawa people who regard the Lamido as their royal father.

Therefore, in the search for cross boarder cooperation to end Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, the Lamido of Adamawa becomes a powerful influence to use in achieving it.

According to a retired Colonel in the Nigeria Army, Retired Colonel Paul Ogbebor, the Boko Haram problem in Nigeria is not insurgence perse, but an invasion by some Nigerians aided by foreigners and made possible by the porous land boarders, especially in the North-East. In the opinion of Retired Colonel Ogbebor, the Federal government should change its current tactics of handling Boko Haram as insurgents, and use the military method for handling invasion or invaders.

He advised the federal government and the military authority to take over the entire land in the North, by recalling all retired military officers to beef up the strength of the Army in the ground operations. He equally advised the federal government to enter into boarder security cooperation with its neighbouring countries like Niger, Chad, Sudan and Cameroon in order to prevent any external invasion. This is necessary because it has been reported on various media that the Boko Haram sect get foreign support from its allied outside Nigeria and it usually comes in through the land boarder in the North-East. It is

the opinion of the retired colonel that the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states should be relaxed, while more task should be assigned to the state governors, state legislators, local government chairmen as well as religious and traditional rulers in the Northern states to work with the military to help checkmate further invasion Boko Haram.

Be that as it may, Boko Haram invasion or insurgency in Nigeria has become a very serious social problem. With its continuing attacks on innocent Nigerians and organizations, it may metamorphose into political and social problems if not handled with the seriousness it deserves. For President Goodluck to admit that he has been handling the Boko Haram issue with kid gloves is quite unfortunate.

As President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, such acceptance is the height of neglect or lack of concern for the protection and preservation of lives and properties of Nigerians, which ought to be the primary objective of any responsible government or leader.

Nevertheless, the recent bomb blast in Yanyan motor park in Abuja in which over One hundred Nigerians were killed coupled with the abduction of over 100 girls at Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State have given everyone cause to be worried and it has also cast serious doubt on the ability of the Nigeria government and its military to checkmate the Boko Haram. Looking at the modus of operandi of Boko Haram and the way they carry out their operations successfully, it would seem as if there is no security anywhere in Nigeria, let alone state of emergency and military operation in the North-East.

A School of thought has described the Boko Haram as a social and political reformer, trying to bring a change in the existing social order. This could be seen in

By DESMOND AGBAMA its members rejection of Western Education which is practiced in Nigeria, their call for President Jonathan to resign and relinquish power, their call for Islamic state and their vow to make the country ungovernable if the social order should remain.

Another school of thought

the oil rich Niger-Delta, Kidnappers, hostage takers, abductors and Boko Haram terrorists, you will see the need for the Federal, State and Local government leaders as welt as traditional rulers to close ranks and fashion out ways to address the inequalities that create

society that is creating inequalities in the system, which of course the reformists in the name of Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta MEND and Boko Haram are agitated about and trying to revolutionize or change through arm struggle, because it has persisted for so long without

regarded the Boko Haram as mere religious radical group that want to revolutionize the system to suit their desires.

They are Marxist-Oriented and they are concerned with consciencetizing their people about the perceived inequalities inherent in their socio-cultural and political order. After that, they go ahead to give them the tools to bring about the radical change, which in the Nigeria’s case is bombing.

If you situate this against the background of security challenges in Nigeria occasioned by the militants in

wide gap between the leaders and the led, between the government and the govern, and between the rich and the poor in this country. The culture of impunity among the nation’s leaders is adversity affecting Nigeria’s social, economic and political lives. It should be curtailed, while corruption, deprivation and theft of the nation’s crude oil and other resources being perpetrated by the rich and influential members of the society should be tackled. These are some of the ills in the

any hope in sight for solution from the nation’s leaders.

Therefore, to reduce criminality and terrorism in Nigeria means that our leaders must provide those things that would improve the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians. This include good infrastructure like road, railways, industries, quality and functional schools and health care services, employment opportunities, constant and uninterrupted power supply, abundant and affordable food among others.

To effectively check

criminality, insurgency, invasion and militancy in Nigeria, it is suggested that basic military training and defense skills should be incorporated into the curriculum of secondary schools and Universities in order to create the desired awareness and inculcate national consciousness, patriotism, and discipline and right values in the

youths, whom of course are leaders of tomorrow.

It is true that the ceaseless attacks on Nigeria and Nigerians by Boko Haram does not guarantee the corporate existence, unity and progress of this country, which explains why the security of the nation should be regarded as the responsibility of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion.

Desmond Agbama, Chairman Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists

“Be that as it may, Boko Haram invasion or insurgency in Nigeria has become a very serious social problem. With its continuing attacks on innocent Nigerians and organizations, it may metamorphose into political and social problems if not handled with the seriousness it deserves.”

Natural Medicine

With Dr Mao 0803071734

When You Don’t Exercise EXERCISE is a form of physical activity that involes the movement of our bodies within a space or over a distance. There are two major forms of exercise: aerobic and anaerobic.

Running, cycling, jogging, swimming, dancing, games and walking are aerobic exercises while weight lifting is an example of anaerobic exercise.

Exercise confers several benefits on us. So, when you don’t exercise you lose them. To start with, you won’t be able to have a general massage of your body; neither will you have an accessable natural, drugless way to good health as long as you don’t exercise.

Secondly, by refusing to exercise you end up not regularly stimulating your muscles, blood, lungs, nerves, glands, brain, mind and soul. Therefore these parts of your body suffer health deficits because of a habit of not exercising.

Thirdly, your body is unable to adequately circulate lymph fluid that is critical to combating infectious diseases. This is because lack of exercise impairs the flow of lymph fluid which is required for it to function well.

Let me explain this issue further. Physiologically, the heart was created by God to pump blood round the body. When the heart stops beating, the blood also ceases flowing. A person dies. But the contraction and relaxation of the muscles during exercise enhances the lymph fluid’s

flow. Hence, absence of exercise inhibits the flow considerably and reduces its potential role in combating infectious diseases.

Fourthly, lack of exercise restricts the natural cleansing process of the body. The reason for this is simple. Exercise increases lung function. Therefore, it facilitates the expulsion of toxic, gaseous wastes like carbon dioxide, a byproduct of respiration.

Also, exercise leads either perspiration or sweating both of which are ways of eliminating wastes from the body through the skin.

Fifthly, exercise helps to set your day’s metabolic clock. This means that exercise determines the rate at which you burn up calories that may end up as accumulated fats in your body.

For instance, studies have shown that brisk walking of 5. 5kms -7kms an hour in the morning assists in keeping the metabolic rate at a level that burns off fats, cholesterol from your body throughout the day. In addition, this form of exercise set the satge for empowering you with the energy you require for a productive day’s work.

Essentially, people who don’t exercise lack physical energy.

What is the flipside of all this? You lose all these health benefits if you don’t routinely undertake this morning brisk walking to start your day. Too true, what most of us do nowadays to hop from our beds to the bathroom…. To

our wardrobe to dress up…. To our dining room to take our breakfast … into our cars for a drive to our office … and then settle down for an all-day work.

exercise.

Furthermore, because exercise leads to the proper alignment of our nerves, bones and muscles, we develop better physical

No exercise. Nothing!!

This explains why, sixthly, our muscles lack tone. It is only through exercise that more oxygenated blood is circulated to our muscles enabling them to develop, become stronger, have better tone as well as possess improved endurance. In other words, exercise gives more physical fitness, elevated stamina and enhances suppleness. Our internal organs can be well supported, also, by

posture, poise and balance.

Pot belly disappears Flabbiness of the body is lost. Our inner thighs, buttocks, waist, legs, neck and arms are firmer. Put simply, therefore, if you are a woman, an exercise routine is one of the beauty aids you require. Of course, I guess you now know why Blessing Okagbare our current female athletic super star is so ravingly beautiful.

Seventhly, when you don’t exercise you endanger your cardio-

“Similarly, exercise promotes enhanced elasticity of our blood vessels without which blood circulation round the body is impaired.

Also, exercise reduces the amount of fats, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.”

vascular system made up of your heart and blood vessels. The reasons for this damage are simple.

Exercise strengthens the heart muscles, thus,

enabling the heart to work at a higher level of mechanical efficiency.

Similarly, exercise promotes enhanced elasticity of our blood vessels without which blood circulation round the body is impaired. Also, exercise reduces the amount of fats, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Thus exercise is an acceptable way of minimizing the clogging up our hearts and blood vessels by these substances.

Eighthly exercise is a tool you need if you want to prolong your life. It is a life elixir. When undertaken properly, it doesn’t have side effects and adverse reactions like drugs. Of course, exercise is free.

You don’t pay for it as you do for drugs which anyway are no replacement for exercise when needed as a therapy. Ninthly most

pregnant women who complains of a mouthful of illness-real or imagined – can be traced to the rich, GRA zones. They sit all day at home doing nothing in the name of pregnancy.

Meanwhile the struggling survivalist low-income woman is out there in the

market, on the street and on the farm ekeing out a living with the signs of pregnancy all over her. Unlike her GRA counter part, she complains less of ill-health.

When it is delivery time our GRA Madam spends more time in the labour room or opts for a caesarean section. But the low-income working active woman walks gingerly into the room. Within minutes, her baby is born. Her work life of daily exercise in the natural, outdoor gym helped the gravitational descent of the baby. Now hear this. Dr. James Calpp and his colleagues at Metro health Medical Centre, (Cleveland) in a study showed that women who are physically active during pregnancy give birth to children who are more alert, less fussy, more interested in their environment, less cranky and less demanding of their mother’s attention.

New Horizon WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF KRISHNA (GOD) CONSCIOUSNESS? KRISHNA Consciousness is not a question of belief, it is a science. And the first step is to know the difference between a living body and a dead body. The difference is that when someone dies, the spirit soul or the living force leaves the body. And therefore the body is called “dead”, so there are two things: One is this body and the other, the Living force within the body. That is the difference between the science of Krishna Consciousness, which is Spiritual than ordinary material science. As such, in the beginning it is very difficult for an ordinary man to appreciate the movement.

One must first understand that he is a soul or something other than this body. For one to understand this at any moment, requires a higher intelligence. For example, as a child grows, he becomes a boy, an adult and the adult becomes an old man.

Throughout all this time, although his body is changing from a child to an old man he still feels himself to be the same person, with the same identity. Just see how the body is changing, but the occupier of the body, the soul, is remaining the same. So we should logically conclude that when our present body dies, we get another body. This is called transmigration of the soul. So when people die, is it the physical body, that dies? Of course Yes. That is clearly explained in the Bagavad.

Gita 2:20 states: “For the Soul, there is never birth nor death, nor having once being, nor does he ever ceases to be.

He is unborn, eternal, ever existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain”.

Krishna Consciousness is a serious education, not an ordinary religion. If the Soul is undying, does everybody’s Soul go to be with God when they die? Not necessarily. If he qualifies himself in this life to go back home, back to Godhead — there and then, he can go there, if he does not qualify, he gets another body.

There is qualification to go the Kingdom of God and you

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

Man, Know Thyself (1) cannot access yourself, no matter your present status materially, religiously or otherwise. The assessment is done by higher beings not stationed within this earth planet. Also note that there are 8,400,000 different bodily forms.

According to ones desires and karma, the Laws of nature gives one a suitable body. It is like when a man contacts a disease and then develops that disease, it’s that difficult to understand. For example, suppose somebody has contacted small pox. So after seven days he develops the symptoms. What is that period called- Incubation. So you cannot avoid it. if you have contacted disease, you must develop it by nature’s law. Similarly, during this life, you associate with various modes of material nature and such association will decide what kind of body you are going to get in the next life. That is strictly under the law of naturewhether you know it or not.

Everybody is controlled by the stringent Laws of nature, and dependent on nature laws but people always think they are completely free.

They are not free, but they are imagining that they are free, but they are completely under the Laws of Nature. So your next life will be decided according to your activities on earth-sinful or pious, as the case may be.

Is it true that we are free to choose what we believe to be important which may be good or bad? Here it is not a question of believe. It is a Law. For instance, there is a government. You may believe or not, but if you break the Law, the government will punish you.

Ignorance of the Law is no excuse. Similarly whether

you believe or you don’t believe, there is God. If you don’t believe in God and you independently do what you like, you will be punished by the Laws of Nature. There is no devil in between. Man is the devil.

Does it matter what

is natural law. It is not that because you are a Christian, you are becoming old or because I am a Hindu I am not becoming old. Everyone is just becoming old. So, similarly, all the laws of nature are applicable to everyone. Whether you

Moment?

religion one believes in? It is not a question of religion. It is the question of science.

You are a spiritual being, but because you are materially conditioned, you are under the Laws of material nature..

You may believe in the Christian religion and I may believe in the Hindu religion, but that does not mean that you are going to become an old man and 1 am not going to be. We are talking of the science of growing old. This

believe in this religion or that religion, it does not in any way matter in this connection. You are saying that there is one God- How? Definitely there is one God and one Nature’s Law, and we are all under that natures law, made and controlled by God. And so if we think that we are free or that we can do any thing we like, that is our foolishness. What difference does it make to be a member of the Krishna Conscious

pastor or man of God is there to finish up. No, science of God requires every man nor women to carry his or her own cross, because its based on past and present Karma.

There is no question of being sectarian.

Students, Christians, Moslems, Hindus are part and parcel of this science of God. Even an atheist can be reformed by being a member of this detailed science of God. What difference would it

The Krishna Consciousness movement is meant for those who are serious about understanding this science of knowing God in detail. Generally people want to know God briefly and sharp-sharp because the

“This is the ABC of spiritual understanding. So, when your body is finished, or annihilated, you are not finished. You get another body, just as you may change your coat and shirt. If you come to see me tomorrow wearing a different shirt and a different coat, does that mean that I am a different person, No.”

make to someone being taught how to be a Hare Krishna person? Infact that person’s real education begins. The first aphorism is to understand that you are a spirit soul, and because you are a spirit soul, you are changing your body. This is the ABC of spiritual understanding.

So, when your body is finished, or annihilated, you are not finished. You get another body, just as you may change your coat and shirt.

If you come to see me tomorrow wearing a different shirt and a different coat, does that mean that I am a different person, No. similarly, each time you die you change bodies, but you the spirit soul within the body remain the same. This point has to be understood, then one can make further progress in this science of God consciousness in details.

About Hare Krishna movement literatures, what is the significance? These literatures are meant to draw you closer to whom you are, and also to convince you about the great need for spiritual life. Is it necessary that everyone must join? It doesn’t matter. The mission is to educate everyone with equal opportunity. Frankly, people are grossly in ignorance, and just living in a fool’s paradise, thinking that when their body is finished, every thing is finished also. That is foolishness in the first order.

Why are you interested in telling people about the first dimension of spiritual life?

Yes, our first concern is to tell everyone about this first dimension — that you are not this body, that this body is a covering (your shirt or coat) and that within the body you are a living force. If one fails to understand this first dimension, one cannot make any meaningful spiritual progress. In relation to our next life, how does the process of transmigration work? The process is very subtle. Note that the spirit soul is invisible to our material eyes. It is atomic in size. After the demise of this body, which is made of the senses, blood, bone, fat and so forth, the subtle body of mind, intelligence and ego goes on working. So at the Continues on Pg 24

Place Of Prayer

Coming Out Of The Wilderness (2) I wrote last week that a wilderness is an uncomfortable situation: a place, situation, or multitude of people or things that makes somebody feel confused, overwhelmed or desolate. When Christians go through a phase in life characterised by experiences that are not pleasant, it can be likened to being in the wilderness: a place of dryness, desolation and emptiness. A place where the desires of the heart are not readily available.

A place of slow movement, setbacks, loss and pain.

In Deuteronomy 8:2, the bible says:- And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

The scripture above reveals that the Lord purposely led the Children of Israel through the wilderness for two reasons: (1) To humble them and (2) To prove them to know what was in their heart.

A wilderness experience is where God tests you to see if you truly believe the prophecy that you were given. It is your attitude during your wilderness experience that determines how long you will stay in it. The length of your wilderness is not determined by the devil or by God; it is determined by your reaction to the wilderness situation. The Children of Israel had to spend 40 years in the wilderness instead of 40 days because of their negative attitude; See Numbers 14:34-35.

The first step to coming out of the wilderness is to announce that the situation is working out for your good.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 You have to know and believe that the situation you are experiencing is a good thing as the ultimate end of it is promotion to the next level. You have to make up your mind to believe God no matter the ugliness or severity of the wilderness experience.

In Genesis 2:19, the bible says: And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam

called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

Whatsoever Adam called the situation, that was the name thereof. What do you call your wilderness experience? You were created as a creator. Your spoken word is necessary for your creation. In our Kingdom, we do not call situations; we call expectations. That you are calling it good does not necessarily mean that you are saying the situation is good, but you are prophetically declaring that the destination is good. I don’t know what is confronting you; it may not be pleasant by observation, but I tell you that it is good by revelation of the destination. Are you sick? Have you lost your job? Have you been abandoned by those you counted on? If you can call the situation good, then it will answer to the name you have called it.

God spoke the following words in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”. It does not matter the gallops a child of God experiences in life, as long as he retains a positive attitude through it all, his end will definitely be celebration. Your experience may look ugly right now, but if you have a positive attitude to the whole situation, God will turn it around for your good.

I read a story of a tribal king who loved hunting. He occasionally went hunting with his childhood friend. This childhood friend had a positive philosophy in life which was, “This is good”. Whenever anything happened to him or around him, no matter how terrible the situation was adjudged by others, he always saw the good side of the situation. And so he was known for always saying, ‘This is good’. This was his guiding principle in life.

On one of their hunting

With Pastor Samuel O. Osaghae SMS Only 08030809339

expedition, the king’s hunting gun had a mechanical problem that he was not aware of. As he shot at an animal, there was strong recoil which cutoff the King’s finger. The King shouted in pain and his friend and guards rushed to meet him. As the king

unguarded comments to the king.

The king went hunting without his friend this time around. However, without the presence and guidance of his dear friend who was more experienced in hunting and more familiar with the forest terrain, he soon got lost in the forest. While roaming the forest, searching for the way back to his village, he fell into a cannibal

and found that the king had only four fingers in one hand. As sad as it was, the cannibals had no option but to let the king go.

They led him out of the forest and he was able to find his way back to his village.

a power drunk king be good?

The friend then explained to the King that if he were not in prison, he would certainly have gone on that expedition with the king. They would have fallen into the hands of the cannibals

cried in pain and his guards tried to console him on the loss of his finger, his friend told him, “This is good”. The king was outraged by the seeming callousness of his friend. He felt his friend was mocking at him and taking their friendship for granted. He could not see any goodness in the loss of his finger and in anger ordered the arrest of his friend.

His dear friend was arrested by the guards and on arrival at the village was thrown into the prison.

The King’s doctors attended to his wound and after sometime, the king was ready to go hunting again. All the while, the king’s friend remained in prison as punishment for his

tribe. He was caught and tied up by the cannibals who were very happy to have received a robust meal. The cannibals made preparation for a feast. The king was saddened at the embarrassing and undignified way he was going to die. As the cannibals celebrated and the king prepared himself to embrace death, one of the cannibals made a discovery.

Now, this particular cannibal tribe had a custom of not killing or eating any human whose body parts are not complete. The cannibal discovered that the King had a missing finger. He drew the attention of his tribes’ men to his discovery. They all inspected

As he journeyed home, he realized that he had punished his friend unjustly: His friend’s principle was correct after all. If he had not lost a finger in that last hunting expedition, he would have been eaten up by the cannibals. On arrival at his village, He rushed to the prison to see his friend. He ordered the immediate release of his friend and begged him for forgiveness, narrating his ordeal to him.

After hearing all the king had to say, the friend smiled and told the king, “This is good. It is good you arrested me and put me in prison”.

The king would not have any of that. How could being unjustly thrown into prison by

together. Since he had no blemish on his body, the cannibals would have had no qualms feasting on his flesh.

And so he would have been killed while the king was set free. Indeed, all that had happened to the king and the friend eventually worked out for their good.

You may be bleeding now, but this is good. Your finger might have been cutoff, but this is good. You may have lost your most valuable instrument, but this is good. You might have lost what you cherish most, but this is good. I don’t know what you have lost or what you are currently passing through. You may not understand right now, but you must know and believe that it is working out for your good. I tell you, God knows the number of your hair. No strand can fall off your head without His knowledge. It fell off only because He permitted it. All things work together for good to them that love God. God may not have been the one that orchestrated it, but if He allowed it, then it will work out for your good.

“Whatsoever Adam called the situation, that was the name thereof. What do you call your wilderness experience? You were created as a creator. Your spoken word is necessary for your creation. In our Kingdom, we do not call situations; we call expectations.”

International Ukraine Launches Offensive Against SLOVYANSK, Ukraine — and saw plumes of black smoke Rebels Ukrainian troops yesterday rising over the city. launched an offensive against pro-Russian insurgents in the eastern city of Slovyansk and advanced through the city’s outskirts, the nation’s interior minister said.

Arsen Avakov said that government troops broke through rebel positions around the village of Semenovka on the eastern fringe of Slovyansk. “An active

offensive stage of the counterterrorist operation is underway in Slovyansk,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Local residents said that several Ukrainian combat jets and helicopter gunships attacked rebel positions on the eastern outskirts of Slovyansk, and heavy artillery barrages have continued throughout the day.

An AP journalist heard sustained gun and artillery fire

Attacks Kill 3 Turks, 3 KABUL — A motorcycle Afghans bomb targeted a minibus with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday.

workers from a Turkish construction company in eastern Afghanistan killing three Turkish engineers and wounding a fourth, officials said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the attack

Netanyahu, ‘Troubled’ By US Decision JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister said yesterday he is “deeply troubled” by the United States’ decision to maintain relations with the new Palestinian unity government, urging Washington to tell the Palestinian president that his alliance with the Hamas militant group is unacceptable.

The blunt language used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflected the Israeli government’s disappointment and frustration over the international community’s embrace of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ new unity government.

Netanyahu has urged the world to shun the government because it is backed by Hamas, an Islamic group that has killed hundreds of Israelis in attacks over the past two decades. But late yesterday both the U.S. and European Union said they would give Abbas a chance.

“I’m deeply troubled by the announcement that the United States will work with the Palestinian government backed

by Hamas,” Netanyahu told The Associated Press, saying the group has murdered “countless innocent civilians.”

“All those who genuinely seek peace must reject President Abbas’ embrace of Hamas, and most especially, I think the United States must make it absolutely clear to the Palestinian president that his pact with Hamas, a terrorist organization that seeks Israel’s liquidation, is simply unacceptable,” he said.

Israel and the West have branded Hamas a terrorist group.

But Israel’s allies in Washington and Europe have said they will maintain ties to the new government — and continue sending hundreds of millions of dollars in aid — as long as it renounces violence and recognizes Israel’s right to exist.

Abbas says the new Cabinet is committed to these principles. It is made up of apolitical technocrats who have no ties to Hamas.

Hamas, which remains sworn to Israel’s destruction, has agreed to support the government from the outside.

Abbas’ Fatah movement and Hamas formed the new government Monday in a major step toward ending a seven-year rift that left the Palestinians

divided between two governments. Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip from Abbas’ forces in June 2007, leaving him only in control of autonomous areas of the West Bank. The division is considered a major obstacle to any future peace agreement.

Netanyahu’s comments were the latest salvo in a competition between Israel and the Palestinians to win

over international opinion following the collapse of Mideast peace talks in late April. Each side has been eager to portray the other as the intransigent party that led to the failure.

Abbas’ prime minister, Rami Hamdallah, told reporters yesterday that the government is committed to all agreements previously reached with Israel and would continue the president’s “programs of peace,” aimed at establishing an independent

Palestinian state alongside Israel.

“We call on the international community to immediately recognize the government and continue to support the Palestinian political leadership efforts to enable the government to face all political challenges, especially the Israeli policies that hinder the political and economic stability in the region,” Hamdallah said.

Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish Parliament in Ankara yesterday.

Turkey Accuses Int’l Media Of Watson a “lackey” who had ANKARA - Turkey’s been “caught red-handed” embattled prime minister Spying trying to bring chaos to Turkey. lashed out at international media yesterday, accusing news outlets of stirring unrest during the one-year anniversary of mass antigovernment protests.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan singled out CNN International, whose reporter was arrested live on air last Saturday while covering street clashes, accusing the network of spying.

“International media organisations who came to Istanbul for provocative and exaggerated broadcasts were left empty-handed,” Erdogan told members of his ruling AKP party in an apparent reference to the incident.

On Saturday, police

violently dispersed demonstrators in Istanbul and Ankara as they marked a year since the start of nationwide protests denouncing Erdogan’s authoritarian rule.

Riot police fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters on Istanbul’s side streets to prevent them reaching the city’s iconic Taksim Square, the epicentre of last year’s uprising.

News outlets were also targeted, with Turkish police briefly detaining a CNN team in the middle of a live broadcast from the square.

“Turkish police released CNN team after half an hour. Officer apologised for another officer who kneed me while I was being detained,” CNN’s Ivan Watson said on Twitter.

On Tuesday, Erdogan called

“[CNN] doesn’t care about a free, impartial and independent press. They are assigned to work like spies,” Erdogan said.

Last year’s wave of protests was sparked by government plans to uproot trees at Istanbul’s central Gezi Park and erect a shopping mall on the site.

At least eight people were killed and thousands were left injured during three weeks of unrest that followed.

Erdogan has branded demonstrators “extremists” and “looters” and accuses them of seeking to derail his government’s economic achievements over the last decade.

and called on Afghan authorities to bring the assailants to justice while reiterating Ankara’s commitment to helping Afghanistan.

Also on Monday, a group of Taliban suicide bombers attacked a government compound in southern Helmand province, killing three Afghans — two police officers and a civilian.

The attacks came as the Taliban intensify their spring offensive in a bid to undermine the Western-backed government as foreign combat troops prepare to withdraw from the country by the end of the year.

Avakov warned residents in Slovyansk and nearby cities of Kramatorsk and Krasny Liman to stay at home.

A Ukrainian military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to the media, said one serviceman was killed and 13 others were wounded when their vehicle came under rebel fire near Slovyansk.

Journalists quoted Vyacheslav Ponomarev, the leader of insurgents in Slovyansk, as saying that his men downed a Ukrainian jet and a helicopter gunship. His claim couldn’t be independently confirmed.

Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly announced an escalation in armed operations, only to eventually back down.

Government forces have in recent days been noticeably reinforced to the north of Slovyansk, however, and deployment of air power over the past week has signalled increased determination.

Slovyansk, which sits on a strategic highway, has seen daily fighting between government forces and the rebels, who have seized government buildings and set up checkpoints around the eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk that form Ukraine’s industrial heartland.

Syrians Vote In Wartime Election

DAMASCUS - Syrians voted yesterday in an election expected to deliver an overwhelming victory for President Bashar alAssad but which his opponents have dismissed as a charade in the midst of Syria’s devastating civil war.

Rebel fighters, the political opposition in exile, Western powers and Gulf Arabs say no credible vote can be held in a country where swathes of territory are outside state control and millions have been displaced by conflict.

State television showed long queues of people waiting to vote at polling stations in areas under state control, as well as crowds waving flags and portraits of the president. Assad, looking relaxed and wearing a dark blue suit and light blue tie, voted at a central Damascus polling station with his wife Asma.

For many Syrians politics took second place to the overriding yearning for stability after three years of war which have killed more than 160,000 people.

“We hope for security and stability,” said Hussam al-Din al Aws, an Arabic teacher who was the first person to vote at a polling station at a Damascus secondary school. Asked who would win, he responded: “God willing, President Bashar alAssad.”

Islamist insurgents battling to overthrow the 48-year-old president, who has ruled Syria since succeeding his father 14 years ago, dismissed the vote as “illegitimate”.

But the Islamic Front pledged not to target polling stations “because we decided not to

involve civilians in the conflict”.

It urged other rebels to do the same.

Damascus residents said mortar shells struck residential areas in the capital yesterday most likely fired from rebel suburbs. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Assad is running against two relatively unknown challengers who were approved by a parliament packed with his supporters, the first time in half a century that Syrians have been offered a choice of candidates.

But neither of Assad’s rivals, former minister Hassan al-Nouri or parliamentarian Maher Hajjar, enjoys much support.

“It’s a tragic farce,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said. “The Syrians in a zone controlled by the Syrian government have a choice of Bashar or Bashar. This man has been described by the U.N. Secretary General as a criminal,” he told France 2 television.

But for many Syrians exhausted by war, particularly the minority Alawite, Christian and Druze communities, the Alawite president offers a bulwark against radical Sunni Muslim insurgents and the promise - however remote - of some form of stability.

At the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, thousands of people stood in the sun in a tightly packed queue to vote at a polling station set up for Syrians inside Lebanon - despite warnings from the government in Beirut that any refugee who crossed back into Syria would lose their refugee status.

All those who spoke with journalists said they planned to vote for Assad, giving him a third seven-year term.

International

US To Boost Military Presence In Europe

US President Barack Obama, left, looks on as Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski gestures during a meeting with Polish and US Soldiers at the Military Airport in Warsaw, Poland yesterday.

WARSAW, Poland - The United States is preparing to boost its military presence in Europe and at a cost of up to $1 billion, President Barack Obama said yesterday, as tensions in the region simmer over Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Standing with Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, Obama said the U.S. plans to send more military equipment and rotate additional American troops into the region. He called on lawmakers back in Washington to provide the funding to sustain the effort.

“Today, I’m announcing a new initiative to bolster the support of our NATO allies here in Europe,” Obama said at Warsaw’s Belweder Palace. “Under this effort, and with the support of Congress, the United

States will preposition more equipment in Europe.”

If approved, the funding will be used to increase military exercises and training missions on the continent, as well as rotations of air and ground forces, the White House said. Officials said Obama was also seeking to ramp up U.S. Navy participation in NATO deployments in the Black and Baltic Seas, plus working to boost the military capacity of non-NATO countries that in Russia’s neighborhood, including Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

Obama’s announcement came at the start of a three-country swing

Cameroon Sends Troops North To Take On Boko Haram

DABANGA (Cameroon) “Everyone out! Hold onto your belongings, we’re going to conduct a search,” yells a Cameroonian soldier as he inspects bus passengers already wearied by dusty hours on a bumpy northern road.

“We’re everywhere in the area,” said the soldier in Dabanga, in Cameroon’s far north, the border region where a French family was kidnapped last year by Islamic extremists of the deadly Boko Haram movement.

The incursion of Boko Haram fighters into Cameroon, from their stronghold over the border in Nigeria, has led to regular vehicle searches and identity checks by the army.

With his helmet tightly strapped on and wearing a bullet-proof vest, the soldier systematically stops traffic on the road between Maroua, the regional capital, and Kousseri, to the north, a machinegun mounted on a pick-up truck nearby.

“We are looking for weapons, ammunition, drugs,” the soldier told AFP, asking not to be named.

In the past few days, Cameroonian authorities say they have deployed an impressive military force to the Far North

CHANGE OF NAME

EGUAVOEN – I, formerly known and addressed as Kelvin Eguavoen now wish to be known and addressed as Kelvin Eboh. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UANIKHEHI - I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uanikhehi Evangeline Oghuansuan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbai Oghuansuan Evangeline. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities, Post Primary Education Board (PPEB) and the general public should please take note.

region in the wake of bloody raids and a series of kidnappings of foreigners.

Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden”, has killed thousands of people since 2009 in its fight to establish an Islamic state in the north of Nigeria.

As well as causing an international outcry by kidnapping more than 200 schoolgirls, it has burnt down whole villages and carried out deadly bomb attacks, while taking its fight over the porous border into Cameroon.

Cameroonian authorities plan to deploy almost 3,000 troops and paramilitary police in the coming weeks.

Already, small units of soldiers riding armoured cars patrol the main roads and smaller secondary routes, while fighter planes and combat helicopters keep watch from the skies.

The mobilisation comes two weeks after a summit in Paris that brought together the heads of state of several countries bordering Nigeria, including Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who described Boko Haram as a “serious threat” to the whole region.

Leaders at the meeting agreed to cooperate on a joint “war plan”, at a time when Cameroon was still considered a weak link.

The country’s northern border region is thought to be a centre for smuggling weapons to the armed extremists, with Yaounde accused by others of failing to act against the Islamists

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Mrs. Igunsi Victoria Aiyemwonmwan wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as Mrs. Usiosefe Victoria Igbinehi.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Mrs. Igunsi Victoria Aiyemwonmwan. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities, First Bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

have stepped up their cross-border attacks.

On May 17, a Cameroonian soldier even on its own soil.

“Now the soldiers have the right was killed and 10 Chinese “Until now, Cameroon has to open fire on suspects who ignore construction workers kidnapped avoided a head-on warnings. We can expect that there from a building site during a violent confrontation with Boko will be victims in this war,” he assault blamed on Boko Haram. The Haram,” said a local police added. attack, in the middle of the night, officer, who also asked not to The crackdown comes after the caused panic in the once-popular be named. armed fundamentalists appeared to tourist town of Waza.

Earlier in May, dozens of fighters PUBLIC NOTICE from the Islamist movement rode armoured vehicles into the Nigerian ERIC EDOJA FOUNDATION border town of Gamboru Ngala, The general public is hereby notified that the above named opening fire on residents.

Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Some civilians fled across the for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act border into Cameroon but 300 No.1 of 1990. people died, according to local THE TRUSTEES sources. The town was razed.

1.

Barr. (Mrs.) Udubriaye Dorothy Osuji 2.

Barr (Mr.) Osaretin Daniel Aluyi In response, scores of soldiers 3.

Mr. Isaiah Egbumnu from Cameroon’s elite Rapid AIMS & OBJECTIVES Intervention Battalion, which has 1. To create Health/Financial support for the disadvancounter-terrorist training, have taged/sickle cell patients deployed in border towns held to be 2. To raise support for people with health challenges. particularly at risk, such as Fotokol, 3. To create support for the less privileged persons.

Dabanga and Amchide.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 “The idea is to set up fixed bases Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja with strong numbers ready to within 28 days of this publication. respond in the event of an attack,” Signed: said a paramilitary police official Barr. (Mrs.) Udubriaye Dorothy Osuji involved in operations on the ground Chairman near Lake Chad.

The aim is to “close the road to the terrorists and secure the border so PUBLIC NOTICE that Boko Haram fighters cornered FORENSIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (by the army) in Nigeria can’t seek CENTRE shelter here,” the official said.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Centre In a sign that Cameroon is has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 determined to take action, last BOARD OF TRUSTEES Thursday, about 30 Nigerians 1. Edeaghe Ehikhamenor Chairman suspected of belonging to Boko 2. Ogbuo Cynthia Chinyere Secretary Haram were picked up and handed 3. Ogbewi Eko’s Palmer over to Nigerian authorities.

4. Dr. Akhiwu Wilson 5. Dr. Stephen A. Uzoekwe And just last weekend, 6. Danjuma Garba Cameroonian troops freed two 7. Imoisili Benos Italian priests and a Canadian nun, 8. Lois Otse Adam Osigbemhe kidnapped on April 4 in the small AIMS AND OBJECTIVES parish of Tchere, near Maroua.

1. Promoting Forensic Education in Developing Countries.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Nobody claimed responsibility for Registrar-General, Corporate Affair Commission, Plot 420 Tigris abducting the three — priests Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days Giampaolo Marta and Gianantonio of this publication Allegri and nun Gilberte Bussier — Signed: but Cameroonian security forces OGBUO CYNTHIA CHINYERE swift Secretary

Egypt Revokes 52 Mursi-Era Pardons CAIRO - Egypt’s interim president has revoked amnesties for 52 people pardoned by ousted president Mohamed Mursi, state media reported, including Islamists affiliated with the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Mursi, Egypt’s first freely elected presient, pardoned a number of Islamists during his

one-year rule, many of whom had been imprisoned since the 1990s.

He was overthrown in July last year by former army chief Abdel Fattah alSisi following mass protests against his rule. Sisi was elected president by a landslide this week, according to preliminary results.

Since Mursi’s fall, the Egyptian government has cracked down hard on the Brotherhood, which was the country’s dominant force in elections

after the 2011 uprising that brought down autocratic President Hosni Mubarak.

Security forces shot dead hundreds of Brotherhood supporters during protests last summer, authorities have imprisoned most of the group’s leadership, and the movement’s head, Mohamed Badie, has been sentenced to death along with hundreds of others. Mursi is also on trial.

through Europe steeped in both historical significance and regional anxiety over the crisis in Ukraine.

A day before his first face-toface encounter with Ukraine’s newly elected president, Petro Poroshenko, Obama said he wants both the U.S. and Ukraine to have good relations with Russia. But in a warning to Moscow, Obama said the U.S. has contingency plans to protect every member of NATO, and has been steadily developing those plans in recent years.

“Our contingency plans are not just pieces of paper on a shelf,” Obama said, adding that the U.S. must and does have the ability to put those plans into effect if needed.

At the same time, he called on other NATO members to step up by increasing their own role in the alliance’s collective defense, even as he acknowledged that the U.S. has greater capabilities to bear that burden than its smaller allies.

“Everyone has the capacity to do their fair share, to do a proportional amount to make sure we have the resources, the planning, the integration, the training in order to be effective,” Obama said.

To that end, Komorowski announced that Poland intends to increase its own defense budget, up to 2 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

“It means it’s a very tangible, very clear engagement,” Komorowski said through a translator.

The cautionary notes from Obama and Komorowski came just a few days before a potential encounter between Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also planned to be in France for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion that eventually led to Allied victory in World War II. Obama and Putin haven’t met in person since the crisis began and have no meetings together scheduled, but White House officials haven’t ruled out that they could cross paths.

Calling his relationship with Putin “businesslike,” Obama said it’s possible for the U.S. to rebuilt trust with Putin, but that doing so would take time and require Putin to use his influence to calm unrest in eastern Ukraine.

“We are interested in good relations with Russia. We are not interested in threatening Russia,” Obama said.

But he echoed previous warnings from the U.S. and other Western nations that “further provocation will be met with further costs.” The U.S. and Europe have already levied sanctions against Russian officials, but are holding off on further sanctions amid Putin’s vow to respect the results of Ukraine’s recent presidential election.

NATO secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen hailed Obama’s announcement of a bolstered U.S. presence on the continent.

New Horizon Continued from Pg 20

time of death, this subtle body carries the small spirit soul to another gross body.

The process is just like air carrying fragrance. Nobody can see where this rose fragrance is coming from, but we know that the air is carrying it and you cannot see how, but that is being done.

Similarly the process of transmigration of the soul is very subtle. According to the condition of the mind at the particular time of death, the minute spirit soul enters into the womb of a particular mother through the semen of the father, and then the soul develops a particular type of body given by the mother. It may be a human being, it may be a cat, a dog, an elephant or anything. Are we something else before this life time? Yes. Is it that we keep coming back as something else in the next life? Yes, because you are eternal. According to your work in each life time, you are simply changing bodies.

Therefore, you should want to know how to stop this business, and how you can remain in your original, spiritual body, which is eternal and that is Krishna (God) consciousness in reality. So if one is Krishna conscious he wouldn’t risk coming back as a dog? The Bagavad — Gita answers that question 4:9. “One who knows the transcendental nature, of my appearance and activities does not, upon leaving this body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains my eternal abode, O Arjuna.” God is saying, “Anyone who understands Me is free from birth and death.” But no-one can understand God by materialistic speculation.

That is not possible as is found in today’s world. One must first come to the spiritual platform, then he gets the intelligence required to understand God. First to know that you are not this your body, but a spirit soul, part and parcel of God and so you are undying but ever primeval as the supreme Lord. And when you understand God, and your relationship, one does not get any more material body. He goes back home, back to Godhead and lives eternally,

...Know Thyself (1) no more change of body, no more transmigration, no more re-incarnation. This is where the Bible quotation comes in — “That it is bound for man to die but once.” And that is relating to perfectional stage where when you go, you don’t come back again.

Is it that a person who dies experiences a higher level of reality? It is not the person who died, but the body.

According to Vedic Knowledge, the body is always dead. For example, a microphone is made of metal. When electric energy passes through the microphone, it responds by conveying sound electric impulses, which are amplified and broadcast over loud speakers. But when there is no electricity in the system, nothing happens.

Whether the microphone is working or not, it remains nothing more than an assembly of metals, plastics, etc. Similarly the human body works because of the living force within. When this living force leaves the body, it is said that the body is dead. The living force is the important element, its presence alone makes the body appear to be alive. But “alive” or “dead” the physical body is nothing more than a collection of dead matter. This body is not worthy of grief, therefore those who are wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead — Bagavad — Gita 2.11. The dead body is not the real subject for philosophical inquiry. Rather we should concern ourselves with the active principle — that principle which makes the dead body move the soul. How do we know about this force which is not matter but which makes matter appear alive? This is a simple matter.

There is an active principle

With VICTOR ANIUKWU

which makes the body move, and when it is absent, the body no longer moves. So the real question is, “What is that active principle”?

This inquiry lies in the heart of the Vedanta Philosophy.

Infact the Vedanta — Sutra begins with the aphorism

tape recorder is made of dead matter, but as soon as you the living person push a button, it works. Similarly, the body is a dead matter. But within the body is the life force. As soon this life force remains within the body, the body responds and appears alive.

are not the body. Even a child knows it. We can observe this by examining the way we speak. We say, this is my finger. We never say, I finger.

So what is that “I”? This is self-realization, Factually, we are not this body. And this realization can be extended to other living beings. Why does man kill animal? Why give trouble to other living

atato Brahma Jijnasa - What is the nature of the self within the body?

There a student of Vedic Philosophy is first taught to distinguish the difference between a living body and a dead one. If he is unable to grasp this principle, we then ask him to consider the problem from the standpoint of logic. Anyone can see that the body is changing and moving because of the presence of the active principle — the soul. In the absence of the active principle, the body neither change nor moves. So there must be something within the body that makes it move.

This is not very difficult. A

For instance, we all have the power to speak and if I ask one person to come here, he will come. But if the active principle (the soul) leaves the body, I may call him for one hundred times, but he will not come. That is very simple to understand. But what is exactly the active principle?

That is a separate subject matter, and the answer to that question is the real beginning to that spiritual knowledge.

If someone says he is a spirit soul, how can he experience it? How can one experience the spirit soul that exist in him Everyone should know that he is the living force or active principle. Everyone ultimately knows that they

beings, knowing that the life force in you is in other living beings including the animals.

One who is self realised can see that this is another living entity, he simply has a different body, but the same active principle that exists within my body is operating within his body. The self realized person sees all living entities with equal vision, knowing that the active principle, the self, is present not only in human beings, but within the bodies of animals, birds, fish, insects, trees plants, lion, elephant, ants, etc.

What is religion all about?

Religion means science, but people have wrongly taken

religion to mean faith — I believe. Religion also means learning how to obey the Supreme controller God. So you may be Christian, I may be Hindu, it doesn’t matter.

We must both accept that there is a Supreme Controller or Power — that is real religion. Not that we believe animals have no Soul, that is not religion. That is most

unscientific. Religion means, scientific understanding of the Supreme Controller and that’s all. In the state, a good citizen is one who understands the government and obeys its laws. So if you become a bad citizen by ignoring God’s Laws, then you are irreligious. And if you are a good citizen, then you are religious. In truth “He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, and does not want to know, is a fool, avoid him.” Materially and Spiritually, such a human being (Male or Female) is not worthy to live. Such a human being is seen as dead among the living. Because he is spiritually beriefed.

“Whether the microphone is working or not, it remains nothing more than an assembly of metals, plastics, etc. Similarly the human body works because of the living force within. When this living force leaves the body, it is said that the body is dead.”

Political Platfrom

The Way Forward For Nigeria AS a frequent traveler outside our borders, I know by experience that Nigeria and Nigerians are rightly not respected anywhere in the world. The first thing that comes to mind with the name ‘Nigeria’ is corruption and deception. One is automatically guilty of these vices until you proof yourself otherwise. Our bad national image has been cultivated and nurtured to maturity over the past decades by successive regimes in this country. Our image is the byeproduct of unbridled corruption, avarice, false democracy as presently practiced in this country, indiscipline and loss of morale values by the generality of Nigerians as exemplified by various successive self imposed leaders. We are currently not practicing , democracy but DEMONcrazy which is flagrant demonstration of demonic craziness.

Elections are rigged coupled with violence, public pronouncements of our leaders are the exact opposite of what they practice, the law enforcement agents are compromised, the ordinary folks out there have lost confidence on the judiciary, dishonesty governs the leadership while deception becomes the compass. This has been the story for decades. While a few people are swimming in the ocean of affluence, majority of Nigerians are wearing oversized garments of poverty decorated with ornamental frustration. The universities are churning out graduates in hundreds of thousands every year without jobs thereby grooming them into future armies of revolution.

Insecurity as expressed in assassinations and kidnappings is the order of the day! How do we come out of this quagmire?

I find out that the only difference between the people in the western world and Nigerians is the quality of leadership offered which is a reflection of the administrative structures in place. Aside from this, Nigerians and the westerners (Americans, Britons, French, and Germans etc) are basically the same and will behave the same way under the same conditions. The westerners and Nigerians have the same natural instincts for bad and good, it is the administrative structure in the society that shapes the conduct of the people by promoting either of the instincts with the other one diminished. Whichever instinct is consistently promoted over a period of time becomes the culture/value/norm of that society just like corruption is a standard value in the present day Nigeria. This goes to say that if Americans were to be evacuated to Nigeria and vice-versa, over a very reasonable period of time, the corrupt administrative structural system in Nigeria will wear out the dominant positive attitude of the Americans and gradually reduce them to the level of Nigerians. That is why

majority of Nigerians residing overseas behave like their hosts and on their return back home, they change to be the usual Nigerians. The problem not the people but the administrative structures and leadership.

Leadership uses structural administrative system to change the society for good or bad.

Nigerians are the most obedient set of human species that I have ever seen and they are excellent copy-cats of their leaders. They sheepishly follow the foot-steps and direction of their leaders without questioning. The present Nigerians that are perceived at overseas as the most corrupt on earth are reflective of the leadership and will turn out to be the most decent on earth once the leadership gets it right Even the leadership is a victim of the deficient administrative structures. So, the problem is essentially not that of any party, regime, tribe or individual but the structural system that encourages all forms of negative vices, hence the need for fundamental and holistic changes.

The state and federal administrative structural set-ups should be fundamentally changed to achieve a truly democratic society where the rule of law reigns supreme above everyone including the presidency. The law enforcement agents like the Police, EFCC, SSS, NIA, etc should be completely and truly independent in terms of funding and administration as it obtains in the western world. The press should be empowered by law to request for, obtain and publish documents that border on corruption and any other matters that are of public interest without being harassed by law enforcement agents. INEC should be truly and completely independent in terms of funding and administration, receiving orders from no one. The judiciary both at state and federal levels, should be truly and completely independent and no state or federal executive should have any form of power/influence on the judiciary by making the appointment, promotion and dismissal of local, state and federal judges the sole responsibility of the National Judicial Council without seeking the permission or approval from anyone. Nigerians irrespective of their ethnicity should be able to seek for and get employment based on merit anywhere in the country. The retrogressive policy of quota-system just like the rotational presidency, should be abolished to generate healthy competition and innovation among Nigerians. We should amend our constitution so that there will be no presidential election and the best performing state governor is chosen by a completely neutral and independent body as the President of the country

By DR. M.M WOKILI

irrespective of his/her tribe, location or party affiliation. This method will ginger rapid development throughout the country. Depending on his performance, the chosen president may continue beyond the initial four-years-term provided he emerges the best competitor among other state governors. If. this type of system were to be in place before now, a

by the press, arrested by the police and arraigned before judges for maximum punishment without anybody (including the President) having the power to intercede, everyone will be on his/her ,toes!

Election rigging will seize and elected leaders will have no option but to serve the people or else end up in jail. Militancy will fizzle away because leaders

Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC Boss ‘Fashola of Lagos mould’ stands a very good chance of becoming our next president and just imagine where Nigeria will been another four years with his leadership style!

Mrs. Hillary Clinton is a native of Illinois and yet represented the State of New York in the American senate. obama’s father is from Kenya and yet he is the President of America despite the fact that he comes from the black minority and just because he was born in America. That is healthy competition and meritocracy at work-the bedrock of American prosperity! our present administrative structures make all these impossible in Nigeria.

Anyone caught in corrupt acts should have all their properties and accounts forfeited to the government in addition to jail sentences with possible death penalty. Electoral malpractices should attract capital punishment because such culprits are toying with the lives of millions of Nigerians! To me, corruption is the most dangerous and potent ‘weapon of mass destruction’ It kills enmass via road accidents, typhoid as a result of untreated water, simple diseases due to lack of adequate medical provisions etc as the budgeted funds are embezzled, when leaders at Local, State and Federal levels know that they can be exposed

(executives and law makers) can be held responsible for their actions by the poor using instrumentalities of law without any hindrance or fear, assured that pure justice will be applied.

‘God-fatherism in Nigerian politics will not find any footing.

Graduates will not be roaming the streets for jobs reserved for the ‘connected’ ones that are even less qualified. Folks will grow according to their respective potentials for the common good without having to know any ‘big man’ up there. Chief Executives will be bound to develop their respective states infrastructural because they can’t steal the money. Consequently, factories will spring up from the private sector, unemployment will be eliminated, the gap between the poor and rich will be minimized while less money will be spent on security because crime will be at the lowest ebb with foreign investors trooping into the country.

There will be no need wasting billions of naira in re-branding Nigeria instead of MENDing it through administrative structural adjustments. It is this type of administrative structures in America that distinguish the Americans from Nigerians.

Many weeks ago, I was in Jacksonville in Florida when president Obama recanted his

statements made 24 hrs earlier where he described the action of a white Police Sergeant (Mr. James Crowley) that arrested a black Harvard Professor (Henry Louis Gates) in his very own house as ‘stupid’. The police community did not take kindly to the presidential remarks and the Sergeant even went to the extent of demanding for an apology from President Obama! The sergeant had the temerity of going to that extent because he is sure of the justice system and administrative structures in place in America. He knows that president Obama has no power to order dismissal of any police man or woman in America! President Obama was even humble enough to phone the police Sergeant inviting him to the White House.

The only difference between us and the Americans are the administrative structures in place and the universal application of the rule of law without anyone, including Obama, having the power to intercede in the course of law enforcement. Making the Law enforcement agents truly independent of the Executives in Nigeria is the ONLY way forward for Nigeria if not we will continue to grope in darkness in futility. Mega party formation, rebranding, WAI etc can not solve the problems. No policy or legislation can work in Nigeria without these structural changes as law enforcement and administration will always be frustrated and abridged by powers that be from above.

Only recently the Republican party gubernatorial candidates defeated the sitting democratic governors in the two states of Virginia and New Jersey via the most recent elections in America because the structural administrative system in America absolutely makes it impossible for Obama to influence the outcome! If he dares it, he looses his presidential seat and faces prosecution thereafter. That is the only type of system that will save Nigeria! Here in Nigeria, the garrison commanders of the PDP will consider it as a slap on the face of the president for any other party to win such elections. They are not to blame. Any party in power will do the same thing as long as the present administrative structural system is in place.

The question is - how do we bring about the necessary administrative structural changes? This is where the progressives (the mega party proponents), the Nigerian Labour congress, the civil societies, the students, oil workers and the progressive elements across all parties including the PDP can form a pressure group/coalition for representation to the government for these changes (including the UWAIS electoral reforms) to be implemented without any form of dilution and if does not work out, then, the last resort will be through massive, decisive but peaceful civil

disobedience/strike as it happened during the Kokori’s NUPENG era. Everyone will sit at home as long as necessary until these reforms are carried out. It is only then the objectives of mega party formation can be realized. That is the ONLY way forward for Nigeria! You can t plant a seed (good objective) in a rock (our present system) and expect it to germinate (good governance. All the security agents must be independent in funding and in administration.

Ditto for INEC and the Law courts. They must be detached from the aprons of the Executives. Every court order must be implemented immediately by the police without seeking prior permission from the Executives.

In view of our abundant natural and human resources available, Nigeria can be the best place to live on earth if we have the right administrative structures in place henceforth. Nigerians are generally hardworking, intelligent and making waves in the academics and various professions abroad. We beat the whites academics when we go abroad to school. only few people know that the ‘father of internet’, Engr. Emeagwali residing in America is a Nigerian! without Emeagwali, the internet that we are using today could have probably taken a longer time to realize! Have you forgotten the encomiums poured on him by President Clinton when he visited Nigeria during his presidency?

There are millions of better Emeagwalis in Nigeria rotting away just because they don’t have these despotic, suppressive and needless Godfathers to propel them in life. The natural resources are in abundant lying dormant underground while we focus only on the perishing crude oil. What a great, rich and potentially viable country being decimated on the slaughter slab of corruption and maladministration! Here come the structural changes to the rescue! The changes will provide a level playing field for everyone to grow according to his/her potentials in life and at pace dictated by him/her. For those of us that are not less than 50 years, I sincerely hope that we will witness a truly ‘born-again Nigeria before we cross the great bridge to eternity.

The Nigerian President will be remembered as the father of modern Nigeria even by generations unborn if he can devote his tenure in effecting these fundamental structural changes within our system before the next election. It will be foolhardy for any other party except PDP, to participate in the next general elections without these fundamental change. The result will be as usual-selection through imposition — NOT election! May God Almighty grant the President the willingness, courage and wisdom to start and finish these changes.

We can not achieve the American status overnight but we need to start from the right direction just like Ghana.

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Redknapp Slams Chelsea Over Lampard’s Departure CHELSEA could live to regret allowing Frank Lampard to leave Stamford Bridge after 13 years and a club-record 211 goals, according to Harry Redknapp.

And QPR boss Redknapp, at Chelsea,” Redknapp said speaking at a press conference of Lampard, who joined the on Monday morning, felt the Blues may rue deciding to let his nephew go.

Absolutely I would keep him

west London club from West Ham in 2001.

“He’s worth his weight in gold just to be around the place.

“I think Roy (Hodgson)

feels the same. You need good characters around whether it is England or your football club.

“You’ve got (Steven) Gerrard and Lampard with England proper guys that the youngsters

Berlusconi Guarded On Balotelli Future AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has not ruled out the sale of Mario Balotelli this summer, saying a decision will hinge on who is coach of his club next season.

After a disappointing conclusion to the season, with just one goal in his last seven appearances, the Italy forward has once again been linked with a move away from the Rossoneri, with Arsenal reportedly interested.

A return to the Premier League has been touted for the former Manchester City player while Napoli could reignite their interest after being beaten to his signature by Milan in 2013.

Berlusconi may be prepared to let Balotelli leave the Serie A side this summer due to his recent policy of selling the club’s most valuable assets.

That decision has yet to be taken, although Berlusconi declined the chance to say he wants to keep the 24-year-old when pressed on the issue in Milan on Tuesday.

“We’re still far from taking any decisions,” he responded to reporters outside the hospital where Riccardo Montolivo underwent surgery on his broken leg.

“We’re evaluating the possibility of signing new players, but let’s wait until we have our new coach in place first.”

That new coach is likely to be Filippo Inzaghi, although Berlusconi must first receive the consent of the club’s board of directors for a substantial severance package for current boss Clarence Seedorf.

The Dutchman will be owed a reported 10 million euros if his two-year contract is terminated to allow the current youth-team coach to take the reins.

Should Balotelli stay, Berlusconi will suggest to whoever is in charge next season where to field the Italy international. “He’s got to be forced to play as a centreforward,” Berlusconi added.

“One day when I was at Milanello (Milan’s training ground), I asked to speak with Balotelli and he obliged. I asked him if he wanted to score more goals, and told him that he needs to get himself closer to the goalposts to do so.”

Frank Lampard

can look up to.”

The MLS season does not start until March, so 103-cap England midfielder Lampard could seek a shortterm Barclays Premier League loan, with Redknapp’s newlypromoted QPR among the potential suitors.

Lampard claimed 11 major trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge, making 648 appearances and becoming the club’s alltime leading goalscorer.

Redknapp feels Lampard may have decided to chase a new challenge while he is still just fresh enough to offer a major impact at a new club.

“Maybe if he’s going to go, now’s the time,” the former Tottenham boss said.

“I’m sure he’ll be focused on the World Cup now - he won’t be thinking about much else.

“It could be exciting to go to New York, though - a new project over there - but he’ll be successful in whatever he wants to do.

“The only person Frank would ask for advice is his dad, but he’ll know, he’s a very shrewd boy.

“He’s got his girlfriend as well, and they might fancy New York for a couple of years.

“I don’t think Frank will be happy not playing regularly he’s not used to it and he won’t fancy not playing.”

Redknapp, who spent three years at the Seattle Sounders between 1976 and 1979, believes MLS still has some way to go to rival the calibre of stars that made the move some 40 years ago.

“I went out to Seattle and it’s a great time, a fantastic experience,” he said.

“Thierry Henry’s out there now and Jermain Defoe, but in the 1970s there were much better players out there!

“Seriously, though, you had Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Gerd Muller, Pele and Carlos Alberto.

“Most of that great Dutch team of the 1970s went out there, and even Bobby Moore and George Best at points too.

“I think it was far more starstudded then, but it has moved on a level again recently.”

Spain striker David Villa, 32, was confirmed as the New York franchise’s first-ever player on Monday.

French Open...French Open...French Open...

Murray Douses Fiery Verdasco To Reach Paris Quarter ANDY Murray put a lid on a boiling Fernando Verdasco to defeat the Spaniard and reach the French Open quarter-finals following a sharp exchange with the umpire on Monday.

Tempers frayed in the seventh game of the third set after Verdasco’s serve was called out as he was heading back to the chair for the change of ends.

The left-hander asked umpire Pascal Maria to call in the supervisor to deal with the rumpus, before Murray conceded the point, keen to move on in a fast-paced match.

“He missed...the return because my serve was to the line and he couldn’t hit it with the

Andy Murray

Djokovic Wary Of Raonic Threat HAVING had a quiet start to his French Open campaign, Novak Djokovic can expect a tougher assignment on Tuesday when he faces up-and-coming Milos Raonic in the quarterfinals.

The world number two from Serbia, looking to triumph at Roland Garros for the first time, needed three sets - including two tiebreaks - to down the Canadian in the

semi-finals of the Rome Masters last month.

They are scheduled second on Court Philippe Chatrier after Russian Maria Sharapova, who faces a tricky test of her credentials against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza.

Unheralded Muguruza has been in great claycourt form, notably defeating defending champion Serena Williams in the second round, and she will not be afraid of last year’s

runner-up Sharapova.

Another Canadian, Eugenie Bouchard, faces Spanish 14th seed Carla Suarez Navarro on Court Suzanne Lenglen as the 18th seed looks to match her Australian Open performance after reaching the last four in Melbourne this year.

They will be followed by Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych and the man who downed Roger Federer in the previous round, Latvian 18th seed Ernests Gulbis.

strings,” Verdasco told reporters after losing 6-4 75 7-6(3).

“So it was completely out of sense to serve a first serve again. I said to call the supervisor, and Andy said that it was fine, and it was a point for me.”

Nursing the grudge as well as licking his wounds at failing in his bid to reach the Paris last eight for the first time, Verdasco said run-ins with Maria were nothing new.

“He’s not the kind of umpire I get along with. I can tell you that,” he bristled.

On court, Verdasco’s blast at the umpire fired him up to break back but seventh seed Murray regrouped to prevail in a tiebreak, having shown flashes of speed and touch throughout the match.

Wimbledon champion Murray played down the incident, telling reporters: “It was a great serve and I mis-hit the ball. It didn’t go in. Yeah, I gave him the point.”

The Briton said the two-

day fifth setter in the previous round against Philipp Kohlschreiber - including a 96 minute 12-10 final set which was the longest decider Murray has played - had drained him.

“I was tired after the match against Kohlschreiber. It was a long match. It was mentally draining as well when you don’t have that day to recover and you’re coming back on court 7-all,” he said.

Verdasco had also finished his delayed third-round match on Sunday after fading light curtailed play on Saturday.

Asked if it was his best performance of the tournament, Murray said courtside: “I think so. (It was an) unbelievable atmosphere today, I really enjoyed myself on the court. We played some great points and he fought extremely hard in the third set.”

Murray, still without a coach since splitting with Ivan Lendl in March, will play French showman Gael Monfils for the chance to reach the semi-finals at the clay grand slam for the first time since 2011.

Super Eagles At FIFA World Cup In Numbers GOAL chronicles the key numbers that have marked the points gathered by the Super Eagles participation at the quadrennial world football country in all World Cup matches to date. Cameroon fiesta with just one, from Julius boast of the most points (19) As the Super Eagles Aghaowa, against Sweden in by an African team at the prepare for their fifth a 2-1 defeat. tournament while Brazil appearance at the Fifa World 8- The number of minutes (216) have the most points Cup in Brazil, Goal gives an when Samson Siasia scored gathered by any country in account of the Nigeria Nigeria’s fastest goal in the history of the World Cup. national team’s outing in the World Cup history. He 15- The number of times competition’s history in achieved this feat with his Nigeria have failed to make numbers. strike on June 25, 1994 it to the world stage. Their 1- The number of red cards against Argentina at the first black-out was at the received by any Super Eagles Foxborough Stadium. inaugural edition staged in player since making their 9- This figure accounts for Uruguay in 1930, and they debut at the USA 1994 World the most appearances made remained on the outside until Cup. Sani Kaita was given his by a Nigerian player in senior Italia 90, before eventually marching orders by referee World Cup history. Austine making their debut in the Olegario Benquerenca in the ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha boasts of 15th edition hosted by the 33rd minute against Greece this record with nine games United State of America. The in a group stage game at the in three Fifa World Cups. He country last missed out of the Durban Stadium on June 6, made six starts with three competition in 2006 when 2010. from the substitutes’ bench, Angola beat them to the 2- The number of times winning three games, losing ticket.

Nigeria have drawn a game five and drawing one.

17- The total number at the tournament. The first of goals Nigeria have scored was recorded against 14- The number of matches in all Fifa World Cups, they England in Korea/Japan 2002 Nigeria have played at Fifa have conceded 21 goals in while the second was in the World Cups, making them the the same number of outings. country’s last group game second-highest playing The Super Eagles also boast versus South Korea that African country in the history of these same number of ended 2-2 four years ago. of the competition after shots on goal in the history 2- The number of goals Cameroon. This figure also Peter Rufai | Oldest Nigerian to play at the World Cup of the competition which scored by Kalu Uche, Daniel represents the total number of Amokachi and Emmanuel makes them the best African first World Cup goal.

Amuneke who are Nigeria’s 34Legendary team in terms of attacking joint highest goal scorers. goalkeeper Peter Rufai is prowess.

3- The number of times 17- Femi Opabunmi is the the oldest Super Eagles Nigeria have faced youngest-ever Nigerian to player to feature at the Fifa Argentina, with the Super have represented the country at World Cup at 34 years and Eagles losing every time to 17 years, three months and 10 months. His last game the South Americans. Both nine days. He is the third was in Nigeria’s 4-1 countries will meet at this youngest player ever after spanking by Denmark on year’s edition in Brazil for a Northern Ireland’s Norman June 28, 1998. record fourth time.

37 – The country is Whiteside (17years, one 4- The number of games month and 10 days) at Espana ranked as the 37th best Nigeria have won in four Fifa ’82 and Cameroonian forward country ever to have World Cup tournaments, a Samuel Eto’o Fils (17years, participated in the senior record that falls far short of three months and seven days) World Cup. Nigeria occupy the all-time record (held by the third spot in Africa with at France ’98.

Brazil with 67 wins). The 20- Julius Aghahowa is the Cameroon occupying the Super Eagles have lost eight youngest Nigerian player to 28th position in the world matches while they have score at the Fifa World Cup at while Ghana, with just two secured a draw just twice. the age of 20 years and four appearances, are placed “Siasia is remembered months. He achieved this feat 34th. fondly for scoring Nigeria’s 77- The minute in which at the Home’s Stadium in Kobe fastest goal in the Fifa World Sunday Oliseh scored where the Super Eagles lost 2Cup.” 1 to Sweden. Aghahowa’s 27th Nigeria’s winning goal in Julius Aghahowa | Celebrates his goal against Sweden 4- This number also minute strike put the Nigerians a 3-2 defeat of prerepresents the most goals ahead before Henrik Larsson’s tournament favourites conceded in a single match by Spain at Stade de la brace caged the Eagles.

Nigeria at the mundial. The 21- On June 21, 1994 at the Beaujoire, Nantes on June Super Eagles were spanked Cotton Bowl Stadium in 13, 1998. The cracker is 4-1 by Denmark in a second Dallas, Nigeria made her debut regarded among the best round encounter at France 98 in the Fifa World Cup by World Cup goals. in a match played at the Stade 77,000- This is the record beating Bulgaria 3-0 with de France, Saint-Denis on number of spectators to goals from Rashidi Yekini, June 28, 1998. watch a Super Eagles game Daniel Amokachi and 4- The number of victories in the World Cup. This was Emmanuel Amunike. over European countries by 24- The number of yellow set on June 28, 1998 at the Super Eagles. They cards Nigeria have bagged in Stade de France in defeated Bulgaria and Greece four appearances at the World Nigeria’s second round 4at USA ’94 and Spain and Cup, an average of six cautions 1 defeat against Denmark.

Bulgaria at France ’98.

The former European per tournament.

7- Most goals scored in a 30- Nigeria’s oldest goal champions won with goals tournament. This was scorer in Fifa World Cup from Peter Moller, Brian achieved at USA 94 where Michael history is Rashidi Yekini at age Laudrup, Clemens Westerhof’s Eagles 30 and eight months. The goal Laudrup, and Thomas found the back of the net came against Bulgaria on June Helveg. Tijani Babangida’s seven times in four games.

21, 1994 at the Cotton Bowl 77th-minute strike was Whereas at South Korea/ Stadium in Dallas. little more than scant Japan 2002, Nigeria recorded Incidentally, it was Nigeria’s consolation.

Rasheed Yekini celebrates Nigeria’s first World Cup goal their least number of goals

Falcao Out Of Brazil 2014

COLOMBIA’S star striker Radamel Falcao has lost his battle to be fit for the World Cup. National coach Jose Pekerman named his tournament squad on Monday evening during a press conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Falcao, who suffered a serious knee injury when on duty for his club side Monaco in January, was left off the 23-man list, with Pekerman deciding he would not be ready.

The striker said: “Today, I’m in very good shape but conscious that I still need a bit (more time) to play again and I didn’t want to deny a place to a team mate who was 100 per cent fit, nor do something imprudent to damage my health.”

The former Atletico Madrid frontman, who was a big-money signing by Monaco last summer, looked to have no hope of making his country’s squad for the tournament in Brazil when he sustained the injury, however his recovery then progressed swiftly.

Pekerman said last week he would “wait for Falcao until the last day, the last minute” before deciding on his fitness, after consulting with medical experts, and the final decision went against the 28-year-old. “(Luis Fernando) Muriel, (Amaranto) Perea and Falcao are not going to be at the World Cup, Jose Pekerman has announced,” said a message on the national team’s official Twitter account.

Ramadel Falcao

2014 FIFA World Cup Count-Down

Ribery Included In France World Cup Squad FRANCE coach Didier Deschamps included Bayern Munich forward Franck Ribery, who has been suffering from lower back pains, in his 23-man World Cup squad on Monday.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Stephane Ruffier (St Etienne), Mickael Landreau (Bastia) Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Lucas Digne (Paris St Germain) Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Paris St Germain), Clement Grenier (Olympique Lyon), Blaise Matuidi

World Cup

Keshi Unveils Super Eagles Squad NIGERIA’S captain, Joseph Yobo, will play in his third FIFA World Cup finals and has the opportunity to become Nigeria’s first ever player to have 100 international caps after he was named in the African champions’ final list of 23 for Brazil 2014.

Also going to their third attending his first finals after World Cup are goalkeepers Nigeria narrowly missed Vincent Enyeama and Austin qualifying for Germany 2006 and he was omitted from Ejide.

Midfield anchorman, John South Africa 2010 due to Mikel Obi, will only be injury.

Former junior international

defender, Elderson Echiejile, and Olympic silver medalist, Osaze Odemwingie, who were also in South Africa four years ago, make the cut for the biggest showpiece in football, which starts on June 12.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer, Emmanuel Emenike, is joined in the attack by England-based duo of Victor

Ever Banega Left Out Of Argentina Old Boys), Enzo World Cup Squad (Newell’s Perez (Benfica)

CENTRAL defender Martin Demichelis was named on Monday in Argentina’s 23-man World Cup squad while regular reserve midfielder Ever Banega was left out.

Coach Alejandro Sabella recalled Demichelis to his provisional squad last month after his title-winning season with English Premier League side Manchester City following more than two years out of the Argentina reckoning.

The defender who made way for Demichelis is another veteran of the 2010 finals in South Africa, Nicolas Otamendi, who was on loan at Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro

and had also only recently been recalled by Sabella.

Benfica winger Enzo Perez also found a place in the squad for the Brazil finals starting on June 12 but Banega, who joined Newell’s Old Boys from Valencia this season, missed the cut after illness and loss of form.

Argentina, captained by Lionel Messi, will be looking to win their third world crown.

They face Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria in Group F. Squad: Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca

Juniors) Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey) Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St Germain)

Ever Banega

Moses and Shola Ameobi, as well as former junior international, Uche Nwofor.

But there is no place for Olympic silver medalist, Obinna Nsofor, and nimble– footed Nnamdi Oduamadi.

Home based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi; ex-Inter Milan midfielder, Joel Obi; South Africa 2013 hero, Sunday Mba; former U-23 star, Nosa Igiebor; and 2014 CHAN most valuable player, Ejike Uzoenyi; also miss out on the trip to South America.

NIGERIA’S FINAL 23 FOR BRAZIL 2014 GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor

(Paris St Germain), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille) Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (Newcastle United), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

Boateng Defends Ozil After Criticism

JEROME Boateng has defended Mesut Ozil after the playmaker was the subject of whistling during Germany’s 2-2 draw with Cameroon on Sunday.

The Arsenal midfielder had come under fire from German media after another lacklustre performance versus Cameroon ahead of the World Cup. Ozil wasted the chance to open the scoring when he put the ball past the wrong side of the post only 40 seconds into the friendly in Moenchengladbach.

“Maybe it’s better those people don’t show up at all.”

“Set up [Marco] Reus’ big chance with a great pass after 35 minutes, but disappeared over major parts of the match,” wrote football magazine kicker about Ozil’s performance.

Fans at the Borussia Park in Moenchengladbach whistled the 42.4 million pound signing from Real Madrid when he was substituted for his Arsenal teammate Lukas Podolski in the 64th minute.

“I don’t get it, I can’t understand it. Maybe it’s better those people don’t show up in the stadium at all,” German defender Boateng said in his postmatch news conference.

Germany head coach Joachim Loew admitted that Ozil “did not have his best day” and added: “He still needs two week. We will see a strong Mesut at the World Cup.” On Tuesday, German broadsheet Die Welt wrote about Ozil’s fall from grace in recent months: “His bad body language became more striking as the minutes past.

“The body tension was missing. Most of the time he was only trotting around the pitch. He lamented, he was at odds.

“Loew now will maybe consider if the in-form Marco Reus, who has played on the left wing so far, might be the better playmaker for Germany.”

The paper was also referring to comments made by Joachim Loew in mid-May. “Mesut needs to work on his body language. He has heard it from me, and, I believe, also from Arsene Wenger,” the Germany coach had told kicker at that time.

Aishetu Oshiomhole Cup

E/West Set To Defend Titles

DEFENDING Champions of both the male and female trophies of the prestigious Alhaja Aishetu Oshiomhole National under

NFA Urges Super Falcons To Sustain Momentum

THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Monday in Abuja urged the Super Falcons to sustain their winning momentum by beating the SheAmavubis of Rwanda on Saturday in Kaduna.

This was contained in a statement by the team’s Media Officer, Gracious Akujobi, quoting NFA’s Director of Technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme, who visited the national senior women football team.

The Falcons are billed to host the Rwandese in a final round second leg match in the 2014 African Women Championship (AWC) qualifiers.

The match is billed for the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, with the Nigerian side holding a 4-1 advantage from the first leg game the Rwandese hosted in Gisenyi on May 24.

Ikpeme told the team at their training session at the FIFA Goal Project pitch of the Abuja National Stadium they should confirm their superiority by beating the She- Amavubis again.

“I came to congratulate you girls for defeating Rwanda in their own backyard, but I want you to sustain the tempo and the winning mentality by finishing what you started in Rwanda.

“Although playing in front of your fans can bring pressure on you, but you just have to make sure that at the same time, you did not disappoint them,’’ he said.

The Super Falcons need to avoid a wide goal margin defeat from the She-Amavubis to qualify for the AWC scheduled to hold in Namibia.

The 2014 AWC, which is the ninth edition, is scheduled for Oct. 11 to Oct. 25.

18- Championships, Esan West Local Government Area are set to defend the titles they won in 2013 when they hosted the competition in Ekpoma.

The Honourable Saturday Ogbeide teams have intensified training for the tournament billed for 6th – 13th at Auchi.

A statement by the state FEYSOC Secretary, organizers of the event, said the teams are expected to arrive on June 6, 2014 at Ikelebe Sports Complex, Auchi, adding that professional footballers are not eligible to take part.

Mr. Friday Erhunmse said the tournament in honour of the mother of the Comrade Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, is tagged the “Cup of Unity” while over 15 states from the federation will be represented at the event as a mark of honour for the respected mother and woman of virtue.

The FEYSOC scribe used the occasion to commend Hon. Hassan Kadiri, the chairman of Etsako West Local Govt.

Area for accepting to host the tournament.

Football Fans Urged To Be Vigilant During World Cup Tournament Olukolade said a key suspect in the explosion which rocked the bar, had been arrested.

He confirmed that 18 people died while 19 sustained in injuries the explosion.

He said military operations were being intensified in the North East and other areas where there were crises.

Olukolade said troops in crisis areas of Benue killed five terrorists, recovered riffles and two vehicles when they engaged troops during routine patrols.

According to him, security

Stanley Ogbemudia (left) about to begin fight with his opponent Owasu Odatey during the Greater Accra Boxing Championships in Ghana.

agencies are working round the clock and sharing information with their foreign partners in the effort to rescue the kidnapped school girls.

He, however, appealed to the media and citizens to be moderate in their speculations and conclusions on efforts to rescue the girls.

Olukolade said such speculations were not helping the operations.

Edo SWAN Condoles Itemuagbor Family

THE Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter, has commiserated with Mr. Mike Itemuagbor over the demise of his father, Chief Pius Itemuagbor who passed away recently, aged 94 in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

SWAN in a condolence message signed by the Edo State chairman, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona, urged the entire Itemuagbor family to take solace in the fact that their late father lived a fulfilled life here on earth, and prayed God to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Chief Mike Itemuagbor is the CEO Pamodzi Sports Marketing, the official marketers of Nigeria Football Federation and Okpekpe Road Race.

Edo-Born Boxer Pleads For Sponsorship

By NICHOLAS EBOIGBE

STANLEY Ogbemudia, a notable Nigerian boxer is seriously pleading for financial assistance from public-spirited and philanthropic sports personalities in the state to enable him do a fight in Benin.

According to Ogbemudia, (ABU) that would be the boxing contest in Benin held in Accra, Ghana would prepare him for a soon.

“I am pleading with my bigger one which is the African Boxing Union people here in the state to

Last-Minute World Cup Tickets To Go On Sale host nation takes on

FIFA are to put around 180,000 ‘last minute’ World Cup tickets on sale to fans today, the organisation said.

Tickets are still available for all 64 matches in Brazil and they can be bought online as well as at the ticketing centres in the 12 World Cup venues across Brazil, FIFA said.

DIRECTOR of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, on Monday advised fans and owners of viewing centres to be vigilant during world cup football tournament.

Olukolade gave the advice at a Joint Security News Conference organised by the National Information Centre, Abuja.

Recalling the explosion at a bar in Mubi, Adamawa, on Sunday, Olukolade urged the fans and citizens to always take notice of strange persons or objects around them.

He also advised them to report strange objects to security agencies for prompt action to forestall untoward incidents.

“As of midnight of Tuesday, 3 June 2014, about 180,000 tickets will be up for sale on www.FIFA.com/ tickets, in addition to those tickets that are currently available,” the world governing body said in a statement.

The World Cup’s first match takes place on June 12 in Sao Paulo when the

Croatia.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President

assist me so that I do this fight in Benin. The fight will to large extent help me keep fit and prepare psychologically for the African Boxing Union contest billed for Accra, Ghana in August, this year”.

The Edo-born pugilist explained that he got qualified for the ABC championship owing to an impressive assessment.

Ogbemudia who turned professional in 2011has been in neighbouring West African Country Ghana where he has won ten fights so far in the light welter weight category.

He has also won several laurels for Edo state and the

country. His passion for the sport (boxing) has endeared him to choose Benin, the cradle of sports to stage his fight.

I am appealing to the sports-loving people of the state to give me their support and blessings by sponsoring the event”.

The young boxer called on the states and Federal Government to encourage young people to go into boxing by developing it through the provision of facilities, equipment and kits as well as sponsorship of boxers to competitions.

“Whether one likes to believe it or not, sports like boxing and others form career for the young people in the society. If government, wealthy and

philanthropic persons promote and develop it, it would to a very great extent prevent crime in the society”.

He said boxing was very popular in the past and that government had promoted and developed it then and advised that it should continue.

“I want to use this opportunity to express immense thanks to the Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the manner in which he encouraged sportsmen and women after the last National Sports Festival by giving them huge sums of money. By that gesture, he has shown that he wants to develop sports more in the state”.