Nigerian observer 04 09 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 • NO. 071 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 20 14 •N 100. 0 0 INTERNATIONAL FEATURES

Page 25 Second Syria beheading raises stakes for US

Edo trains Secretaries

BENIN CITY - The Edo State Government in pursuance of her determined efforts to update the knowledge of her employees has organised a two day workshop for Secretaries in the State

Public Service.

Head of Service, Edo State, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele in a message delivered on his behalf by the Permanent S e c r e t a r y , Establishment, Mr.

Omorogbe Alfred Oloaye stated that secretaries are the life wire of any establishment.

Mr. Jerry Obazele maintained that his conception of the seminar was borne out of the need to adequately equip the

secretaries with the relevant skills that would enable them to adequately deliver on their jobs adding that the role of secretaries in any organisation cannot be over emphasized Continues on page 2

Confab Report

MAN AND NATURE Page 27 Vegetarianism and refinement of the body

Council of state to make input

By JOSES SEDE

ABUJA - Report of recently concluded National Conference is now ready for the National Council of State to make inputs before transmitting same to the National Assembly for necessary legislative action.

Senate President and The National Council the Speaker of the of States is made up of House of Governors, former Representatives. The Presidents or Heads of Council is State, former Chief constitutionally Justices of Nigeria, saddled with advising the President on GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

T

HIS is to inform the people of Edo State that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the 3rd phase of the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in 12 States including Edo State for September, 2014. Everyone who has a temporary voters’ card is expected to go to his Polling Unit level where he/she registered for collection of the Permanent Voter’s Card.

At the end of the Polling Unit level distribution, uncollected PVCs will be taken to the INEC office in each of the Local Government for subsequent collection.

Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) for those who had not previously registered and for those who had just attained the age of 18, will hold for five days after collection of the Permanent Voters’ Cards.

All Edo people are enjoined to take advantage of this exercise to be eligible to vote in the coming 2015 General Election and subsequent elections in the State.

Signed: PETER OKHIRIA CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

TIT BIT “Those who want to live, let them fight, and those who do not want to fight in this world of eternal struggle do not deserve to live.”

- Adolf Hitler

national issues.

Investigations by The Nigerian Observer revealed that in line with his earlier promise, President Jonathan has constituted a panel to study the Report,

with a view to synthesizing the issues involved for better understanding.

Although the Special Adviser to the President on Media and

Communication, Dr. Reuben Abati would not respond to calls and email messages on the current state of the Confab Document, sources close to his

office volunteered that the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation has done a Continues on page 2

Partner with govt, Dep Gov advises youths

BENIN CITY – State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu has urged the youths of Orhionmwon Local Government Area to partner with the state government in its efforts to develop the area.

The Deputy Governor gave the advice yesterday when Orhionmwon Youth Forum (O.Y.F.) paid him an official visit in Government House, Benin City.

He appreciated the peaceful and civilized Continues on page 2

EBOLA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: FRSC Lagos Zonal Sector Commander, Mr. Godwin Ogagaoghene and others washing their hands during Ebola Awarenesss Campaign for the FRSC Staff in Lagos yesterday.

ENUGU - Tension has mounted in the Enugu city, following the Tuesday murder of a serving Chief Magistrate, O J Nwani.

It was gathered that the jurist was killed by

unknown suspected assassins.

Our Correspondent further learnt in Enugu that the Magistrate, who served in Enugu South Area of the state Magisterial division until his death, was reportedly invited by his

Tension brews over murder of magistrate assailants and immediately after coming out, was shot severally on the head and chest.

He was however,

rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command

has confirmed the unfortunate incident stating that full investigations on it had commenced.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Ebere Continues on page 2

News

Edo trains Secretaries

Continued from page 1 In his lecture titled, “role of communication in service delivery” Mr. Arasomwan Robert Osayande regretted that for a very long time, majority of the people tend to have taken communication in

organization for granted.

He stated that as population grows and with the introduction of modern technology, means of communication has made the world to become a global

village.

In her lecture titled, Origin” Mrs. Elizabeth Abar enumerated the functions of a secretary to include, taking down notes with shorthand, booking and answering telephone calls and ability to

Justice Idris Kutigi (retired), on August 21, 2014.

President Goodluck Jonathan had while receiving the report promised forwarding it to the National Assembly and the Council of State for “incorporation into the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” and that the Executive would implement any aspect of the report that concerns it.

“As I receive the report of your painstaking deliberations, let me assure you that your work is not going to be a waste of time and resources. We shall do all we can to ensure the implementation of your recommendations which have come out of consensus and not by divisions.

The discourse reflected our latest challenges. We shall send the relevant aspects of your recommendations to the Council of State and the National Assembly for incorporation into the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On our part, we shall act on those aspects required of us in the Executive”, President Jonathan had assured the conference delegates.

Presenting the report to the president earlier, the

Conference Chairman noted that “all our resolutions were adopted by consensus, not once did we have to vote or come to a division”, stressing, “this is a message that we wish the world to hear loud and clear: Nigerians are capable of not only discussing their differences but are also capable to coming up with solutions to these difficulties”.

Justice Kutigi who is a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), further recalled that “in the postindependence history of Nigeria, there have been four Conferences, including this 2014 National Conference” but that However, his own task has been the most arduous.

“The following statistics graphically illustrates this.

The 1978 Constituent Assembly had a membership of 230 people and met for 9 months. The 1995 National Constitutional Conference had a membership of 371 people and met for twelve (12) months. The 2005 National Political Reform Conference was made up of 400 delegates and met for 5 months. We are 494 in membership and you made us do all this work in 4+ months”, he submitted.

Council of state to make input

Continued from page 1 lot of work in preparatory for onward transmission to the Council of State and later to the National Assembly.

Also contacted was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Sen. Ita Enang, who disclosed that the Senate was yet to receive the document. He however allayed fears that the NASS might not be Favourably disposed to the recommendations of the Conference.

“The fears expressed over National Assembly’s disposition to the Confab Report are unfounded”, he noted, “we have successfully amended the 1999 Constitution again and again, and anything that would serve the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians is our focus.

Senate spokesperson, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe also confirmed that the Confab report was yet to arrive the National Assembly, adding, “when it comes, the Senate will consider it on its own merits and in line with the yearnings of the people of Nigeria as we have always done” Also at the Weekend, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, had reiterated commitment of the National Assembly to do justice to the report of the National Conference.

In a chat with journalists in Agba community, Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi State, shortly after the burial of Pa Moses Edeh Akuru, the Speaker enthused “the National Assembly is waiting earnestly to receive the report of the National Conference”, adding, “I am optimistic that the House will do justice to the report”.

The document which consists of over 600 resolutions, dealing with issues of law, policy and constitutional amendments, was the outcome of the 5month old Delegates conference convoked on March 17, 2014 by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The resolutions were handed over to Mr. President in 22 volumes of approximately 10,335 pages, by the Conference chairman,

IGP decorates newly promoted officers ABUJA - As part of efforts

aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force as a leading national, professional and efficient Law enforcement organization, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Suleiman Abba, yesterday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, decorated two newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, 30 Commissioners of Police and seven Acting

Tension brews over murder of magistrate

Continued from page 1 Amaraizu said the Command had not made any arrest yet, but efforts were on to track down the killers.

“Our operatives are on the trail of the murderers”, Amaraizu indicated.

Commissioners of Police.

Among the decorated officers are AIG Buhari Tanko; AIG Johnson Ogunsakin; CP Austin Iwar, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the IGP and the Force PRO, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu.

While congratulating the newly decorated officers, Abba charged them to internalize the vision and mission of the Force and renew their commitment to duty so as to bring about a safe and secure environment where individuals and groups can realize their full potentials.

In another development, the Inspector-General of Police declared open a one-day training workshop organized by the Nigeria Police Medical Department in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health, on Police response on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.

Speaking at the occasion, Acting IGP Suleiman Abba said a lot has been done in the areas of sensitization and awareness campaigns in Police Divisions,

Partner with govt, Dep Gov advises youths Continued from page 1 manner in which the forum goes about their demands.

The Deputy Governor urged the youths to be consistent and determined, while cautioning them to abhor violence in pursing their objectives.

organize her office.

She encouraged secretaries to be cheerful and courteous when dealing with people while they must also look good in their appearance: On his part, Elder Reads Alufohai described services as the ability of the public service to provide greater customer orientation and satisfaction based on efficiency, speed, courtesy and reliability.

Mr. Alufohia stated that the principles of public service delivery represents the vision and mission of what every public service organisation should strive to achieve.

He asserted that citizens and government can improve services that contribute to human development Delivering a lecture on, “Interpersonal Relationship in organisation setting”, Mr Jim Imoisili stated that interpersonal relationship involves the spirit of give and take.

He admonished the confidential secretaries to be very skillful in interpersonal relations, saying it is the cardinal aspect of their job.

At the seminar were Mr. Gilbert Adegboyega, Director of Administration and Supplies; Mr. Sam Okpeaye, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Mohammed Ikheloa, Director of Training; Mr. Monday Idahosa, Director, Establishment and Mrs. Mercy Okoh.

He expressed confidence in their objectives, part of which is to ignite development in the local government area, enjoined them to be constructive in their criticism.

Leader of the group, Comrade Aifunwa

Bartholomew said government alone cannot bring development to the doorsteps of the people and therefore pledged their readiness to always collaborate with government in its development efforts in Orhionmwon

Formations and Barracks nationwide.

He notes however, that the Force still needs to harmonize her operations with other Police key operational units, in line with the National Response Protocol. The workshop which had resource persons from the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organization (WHO) was well attended by Police Officers from across the nation.

Ikimi, a traitor - Tinubu being loud, I believe my role

By RAHEEM IBRAHIM

LAGOS -The National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Chief Tom Ikimi as a traitor who is acting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) script to ruin the progressive party.

Tinubu, who was reacting to the allegation made against him by Tom Ikimi after he decamped from APC said, “I ordinarily would not have responded to Tom Ikimi’s lengthy chronicle of falsehoods, cheap blackmail and abuse. My only reason for this response is that I know Tom Ikimi’s style. He subscribes to the view that no matter how unbelievable a lie may sound if you brazenly assert it and repeat it often enough you may persuade many that it is in fact true. I have seen Ikimi perpetrate this deviousness in his years in public life”.

He said, “Regarding Ikimi’s bid for the Chairmanship of the Party. It was clear to practically everyone who had the interest of the party at heart that we simply could not have a man of Tom Ikimi’s antecedents as Chair of the party. As chairman of the NRC, one of the only two political parties in the country under the military transition programme, Tom Ikimi not only connived with the then military regime to annul the elections, terminate the democratic process and sell off his party.

He became Abacha’s foreign minister, convincing the world that heinous state murders like the hanging of Ken Saro Wiwa were just acts! If Ikimi were the Chairman of APC the party would have to sleep with both eyes open, lest its chairman sell off the party before day break”.

According to Tinubu, “No matter what anyone may say about me it is unlikely that I can be accused of supporting incompetent or morally lightweight individuals for important political positions.

My philosophy is to put the best forward, men and women of competence and integrity, who can stand up to us politicians to challenge us and say no when necessary”.

“Such people are not noisy or able to gain attention by

is to do all I can to project them. Who in their right mind would compare the highly principled Chief Bisi Akande, or Chief Oyegun with a Tom Ikimi? Either of these two men are known for their nononsense styles, not once in their careers would you hear that they betrayed a cause or were anybody’s stooge”, he added.

The former governor stressed further that “Chief Ikimi also concocts a story of a meeting he claims I had with Deziani on the Oando/ ConocoPhillips transaction on the eve of the APC Convention. Only a Tom Ikimi can come up with the absurd falsehood that on the eve of the APC Convention when I was in crucial meetings practically round the clock, I was meeting with the Minister for Petroleum.

“What exactly would have been the point of such a meeting especially on the eve of the convention? Was it to prevent Tom Ikimi from emerging as Chairman of the APC? To what end? Of what value would it be to anyone except Ikimi himself? Besides if this was so why is he back at the same party that purportedly planned his down fall?” he queried.

He claimed, “What is the Oando/ConocoPhillips transaction anyway? For those who do not know this is a private sale of the assets of ConocoPhillips to Oando. It was not patronage of any kind from the federal government.

The federal government’s involvement was merely to formally consent to the sale. I was not involved and I have never been involved in any of Oando’s transactions”.

“Typically he plays on the fact that Wale Tinubu of Oando is my nephew. Oando has been thoroughly investigated by South African and British authorities in the past five years as part of the process of listing the company on the stock exchanges of those countries”.

Tinubu said, “Those rigorous and comprehensive investigations conducted by the governments and risk control investigators are to discover the actual ownership of shares in the company.

Politically exposed persons like myself are prime targets for those investigations.

FRSC lauds EIRS boss

BENIN CITY- The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has hailed the Edo State Internal Revenue Service Boss, Chief Oseni Elamah for raising the banner in the revenue generation system of the state.

The Deputy Corp Marshal, Abuja, A.A Abu made the remark during a courtesy call on the Executive Chairman, EIRS in Benin City.

Abu said the visit became imperative because of the need to appreciate the working relationship existing between the FRSC and the State Internal Revenue Service over time, and as well as discuss issues to that effect.

While asserting that his men were effectively, discharging

their duties across the country with a view to ensuring set standard, the Deputy Corp Marshal however noted the Commission was running out of stock of number plates, adding that it needs more fund to produce more.

Chief (Sir) Elamah on his part noted that the EIRS has been positioned uniquely such that it has been able to demonstrate openness, transparency, integrity, honesty as well as value for taxpayers money in the course of its operational activities.

He reaffirmed the agency’s partnership with the FRSC, saying that the agency deposited about N10 million for the purpose of rectifying those services that have not yet been paid for.

According to him, the EIRS

was first among other states of the country that earlier deposited N50 million for the procurement of number plates.

Elamah however extolled the leadership qualities of the immediate past Corp Marshal of the FRSC Mr. Osita Chidoke while in office.

It would be recalled that during an interview granted press recently, Chidoke had rated Edo State high in efforts towards garnering the people interest on the issue of drivers licencing and number plates through enlightenment campaign and operational activities.

Chidoke had said “Edo State is doing well. There is little or no problem in some of the few states where the people have more interest in the system”.

Inside Edo

Annual Festival Date Brews Discord

By MORRISON HAYBLE

WEPPAWANNO(AGENEBODE) - Attempts by the Paramount Ruler of WappaWanno clam, His Royal Majesty, Dr. George Egabor to alter the date for the age-long annual traditional Ukpe Festival is brewing discord with its resultant tension in the community.

The discord, which was gathered, may trigger violent communal clashes is coming in the wake of agitation for a separate clan becoming rife.

The four years old feud was said to have heightened last Thursday after some women who were on a visit to the market square in observance of the traditional obligation regarding the festival were allegedly, attacked by thugs said to be loyal to the Traditional Ruler of the clan.

Addressing newsmen on the development, the Owai, (Chief Priest) of Weppa-Wanno, Chief Sylvester Eghiebade emphasized that the festival had always been celebrated in the month of August since they migrated from Benin centuries ago.

According to him, the announcement of the festival date is the responsibility and exclusive right of the Chief Priest without the approval of the traditional ruler.

He stated that the controversy got to a climax when the Okumagbe (Traditional Ruler) of Weppa- Wanno disagreed with the date of August 21, 2014 earlier announced for the festival and instead, fixed September 10, 2014 in contradiction of the usual practice.

Chief Eghiebade explained that after proclaiming the date

of the festival for August 21, the women in their traditional attire went to the market to perform the rites when they were beaten up, some having been stripped naked and their beads seized.

Presenting some documents signed in 2010 said to be a memorandum of Understanding regarding the crisis, he alleged that the Okumagbe failed to respect governments advice and continued to fuel the crisis by his action.

Reacting to the allegations, the Okumagbe of WeppaWanno, HRH Dr. George Egabor told newsmen that the Chief priest was suspended for act of insubordination by turbanning some persons as Chiefs whereas he did not have the authority to do so.

The Okumagbe pointed out that the Chief Priest remained exclude from performing any traditional rite, not even the

two or three oversea based Medical Doctors could be included in the latest Almanac.

The release however did not disclose their names stating that until their profiles and curriculum vitae are screened

and confirmed by the Committee, who are strictly under instructions from the publisher, Mr. Steve Onwueme noted that only very credible Nigerians of Edo State Stock are included in the Almanac.

fixing and announcement of festival date until he purged himself of the wrongs committed and the fine imposed on him by the palace as a result was redeemed.

The Royal Father who expressed disgust that Chief Eghiebade failed to explained that he had noting against the Chief Priest but that he needed to do the right thing to pave way for peace to reign in the community.

He dismissed as untrue that

he had a hand in the molestation of the women, pointing out that the women in question had, prior to the incident, paid the required fee of N10,000 each to his palace to enable them perform the dance.

The Okumagbe added that it was illogical for any body to think that he turned round to attack them.

Chairman Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Suleman Afegbua

acknowledged that the incident had since last week placed the council management and security operatives in the area on their toes, disclosing that series of meeting were being held daily with both parties in an effort to resolve the crisis.

While identifying egoism as a factor fuelling the crisis, Hon. Afegbua appealed to both parties to accept pleas and embrace peace as the matter was strictly traditional which needed careful approach.

Prof Omoti Others For Edo Personality Almanac BENIN CITYAn Ophthalmologist, Professor Afekhide Ernest Omoti of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (UBTH) has emerged as one of the five medical doctors who will grace the 2015 Edo State personality Almanac.

Prof. Omoti who became a Professor of Medicine at the age 42 is brilliant, competent and humble with a long history of philanthropic work.

It is no surprise that he will be appearing with such great personalities as Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and the revered Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku-Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa.

The other Medical Doctors are Prof. M.O. Ibadin, Chief Medical Director, UBTH, Chief Dr. Stephanie Ighedosa who is the first female medical graduate of the University of Benin, Chief Prof. Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie, who is a world renowned gaenocologist in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Dr, Osahon Enabule, former National president, Nigerian Medical Association and Vice president, Commonwealth Medical Association.

The Doctor, having gone through the screening of the Committee, have been adjudged of good moral standing, competence in their professional calling and fit to be emulated by the youth and society at large.

In a release issued from the secretariat of the Screening Committee headed by Dr. Jonathan Efiong, indicated that

L-R: S.O. Oriafo (DAES), Dr. E.I. Eziashi - Project Co-ordinator, Mr. P.O. A Asikhia - PM who represented the Agriculture Commissioner, Dr. Adaigbe (NIFOR) and Mr. C.I. Abulu, DTS

AAU SUG Decries Media Report

Group photograph of participants at the workshop held at the Edo ADP Hall, Oko Village, Benin City.

EKPOMA- The Students Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma has reacted to a national newspaper publication titled: “ Ambrose Alli University Students Appeal to Oshiomhole over lack of infrastructure on campus”.

In a statement, the SUG while refuting the report stated, “that the state government has been doing its best in the area of infrastructure”.

The statement which was signed by Comrade Ndidi Michael and Kenneth Oseghale, SUG President and General Secretary respective listed the projects recently executed in

AAU by the state government to include, Professorial Offices in faculty of Natural Science and the reconstruction of Administrative building.

Others listed were two 500 capacity lecture theatre with the Emaudo Annex and the main campus of the University hosting one each.

The SUG further noted that the students behind the said publication are presently having academic problems as a result of anti-social activities.

It added that there has been a robust relationship between the Vice Chancellor of AAU, dean of student Affairs and all the students of the university.

(IPM) is being explored by several working groups in the world.

Stakeholders at the seminar were drawn from across the three senatorial districts of Edo state, comprising of Farmers, Government functionaries, academia, financial institutions, non-Governmental Organisations, Agro-Chemical dealers, public agencies and civil liberty organisations among others within the state.

During the seminar, logistics

on how the research could be conducted in the farmers fields /way forward was exhaustively discussed.

Some respondent stakeholders applauded the seminar, adding that the research was long over-due as termites were devastating crops, Government and nonGovernmental buildings and rendering poor peasant farmers homeless on daily basis, while others laments lack of permanent control.

WAAPP Organises Seminar On Termites Control

BENIN CITY- A Research project approval by Competitive Agricultural Research Grant –Scheme (CARGS), under West African Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP has organised a one-day seminar titled: “Microbial control of termites in Nigeria “The seminar was held at the Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (Edo ADP) Hall Benin City.

Declaring the seminar open, the state commissioner for

Agriculture and National Recourse (MANR) Abdul Oroh represented by the programme Manager, Edo ADP, Mr P.O.A Asikhia in an address, stressed the need for farmers to do away with cancerous and injurious chemicals that are detrimental to human health and imbibe the use of bio-pesticide against termites pests, increasing agricultural productivity and natural resources management option, explained that termites

destroy large crops of land yearly, thereby reducing food supplies, loss of crops ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent and poor yield.

The seminar co-ordinator declared that over the years, control of these termites had traditionally relied on synthetic insecticides while food production requires nonchemical inputs to reduce harmful side effects.

He said this was why the development of bio-agent

Abuja

Aspirant Visits APC Leaders

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah (left), with the Deputy Corp Marshal, Abuja, Mr. A.A. Abu during a courtesy call on the EIRS boss in Benin City recently. Photo: VICTOR OMOALU.

EHOR - All Progressive Congress (APC) statwart from Urhonigbe in Orhionmwa Local Government Area of Edo State, Dr. Nosa Aladeshelu has pledged to continue to promote the interest of the party.

The APC stalwart made the declaration when she visited APC leader in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Idahosa and party chairman, Hon. Harrison Oyegue.

The APC stalwart from Urhonigbe said she would take advantage of her wealth of experience and education in her quest to continue to advance the cause of APC, while promising to remain loyal to the party’s constitution.

Dr. Aladeshelu remarked that issues of women, children and youths have always been prominent in her activities nationally and internationally, stressing that this will enhance her ambition to represent Orhionmwon and Uhunmwolde constituency at the House of Representatives.

She said her Christian background has equipped her to serve as a role model to the people of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode, especially the women.

At the residence of Hon. Charles Idahosa were Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan, party chairman, Hon. Harrison Oyegue and other leaders and supporters in Uhunmwolde

Speaking against the backdrop of imposition of candidate in the forthcoming elections, Hon. Edokpolor

hinted that the Comrade Government and the leadership of the party both at the state and National level believes in

internal democracy which is beckoned on one man, one vote and a level play ground for all and sundry.

Local Government Area. Hon. Idahosa described her as a woman of credible character who will not let the party down.

Dr. Aladeshelu was also at the residence of Hon. Harrison Oyegue to express solidarity for the local government party executive and her desire to contribute her quote towards moving the party to greater heights.

Edokpolor Unfolds Agenda

By FRIDAY OBANOR

BENIN CITY – Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor said in Benin City that greed and personal aggrandizement were the motive of those who decamped from the party to the opposition PDP recently.

Hon. Edokpolor who disclosed this while unveiling his plan to contest for the state House of Assembly seat in the constituency in the next general election commended the astute and development oriented leadership of the state Government Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The aspirant who said his penchant for good governance motivated his ambition to go into the race lamented the gross inadequate representation of the area in the time past.

According to him, “the penchant for good governance which is the pivot to genuine developnebt, growth and emancipation of the people in the constituency is the driving force that has propelled me into seeking the peoples mandate to represent them.”

Speaking on the recent decampment of some APC members to the opposition party, APC in any way affect the fortunes of APC in next general.

He disclosed that, “that has nothing to do with the party as the APC is now waxing stronger than ever before since the decampees left the party.

“The party has done a lot for some of the decampees; some who would not have won councillorship seat in their respective wards were catapulted to the Gotham Height by the influence of the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole through the party’, he said.

Cleric Urges Christian To Be Steadfast In Faith

By IKPONMWOBA OSAZEE JOEL BENIN CITY – The Vice Chairman, Catholic Interdiolasan marriage tribunal, Archdiocese of Benin City, very Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Paul Abuliman has urged Christians not to relent in their faith amidst all difficulties and problems facing the society.

He said this while delivering a homily recently at St Francis Catholic Church, Ekehuan road, Benin City.

Using the prophet, Jeremiah as example Rev Fr Paul said that at a point in the prophet’s life, he was confused and concluded that God has deceived him, yet he fell into plan.

According to him, but when God revealed himself to him (Jeremiah), he had relief and therefore urged present day Christians to always look up to God for their relief, instead of complaining.

The cleric further said that

Christianity is not a bed of roses but a religion that has it’s ups and downs, noting that even Jesus Christ suffered while he was on earth before relieving eternal reward from his fat her in heaven.

“No man should put all his hope in his fellow man, but on God who gives life an gives it in abundance; he will not lead you to temptations you can not overcome.

“We should leave a life of

sacrifice and when we are faced with challenges of our faith, we should be very careful about handling it in order not to deviate from the ways of God,” he said.

Very Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Abulimen concluded by urging all Christian faithful to “Stay with Jesus, in pain and in happiness; in trials and temptation; praying and keeping close to God always, who is the author and the finisher of the Christian faith.”

Abieyuwa Imade and Uakubu Isreal Okoh will takes place on Saturday September 6, 2014 in Benin City, Edo State.

A release made available to The Nigerian Observer indicated that the ceremony will hold at the Church of God Mission (Efomo Provincial headquarters) No. 1 Efomo Lane, Off 2nd East Circular Road, Opp New Market, Benin City beginning at Warm Reception follows immediately at Central Hotel, 76 Akpakpava Road, Benin City.

Abieyuwa Imade is a staff of Accounts Department Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Publishers of the Observer Title and she hails.

She hails from Erua Village

in Uhunmwolde Local Government Area while Yakubu Isreal Okoh hails from

Ihenwen Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area both of Edo State.

Abies Weds Yakubu Sept 6

BENIN CITY – The Solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Miss

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah (2nd left), flanked by the Deputy Corp Marshal, Abuja, Mr. A.A. Abu (2nd right), during a courtesy call in Benin City. With them are former Edo State Sector Commander, Luka Ikpi (right) and NC Akpabio. Photo: VICTOR OMOALU.

Happiness Weds Osazemen Sept 6 BENIN CITY – The Solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Miss Happiness Izevbokuwn Agbonkpolor and Osazemen

Promise Omoruyi takes place on Saturday September 6, 2014.

Venue is the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), No 188 St Saviour Road, Benin

• Dr. (Mrs.) Nosa Aladeselu

City beginning at 10am.

Reception follows immediately at the same venue.

Happiness hails from Iyekogba community in Oredo Local Government Area while

Osazemen hails from Isi Community in Uhunmwolde Local Government Area Local Government Area both in Edo State.

• Abies and Yakubu

Inside Edo Stakeholders Meet On Combating HIV

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR

BENIN CITY – As part of efforts at ensuring that the proposal Youth for Change Project targeted at preventing the spread of HIV in Secondary Schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, succeeds, a one-day key stakeholders meeting has been held in Benin City.

Addressing the stakeholders drawn from various sectors, including the State Ministries of Secondary, Tertiary and Technical as well as Basic Education and Egor Local Government Council, the State Coordinator, Youth for Change Project, Bella Akhagba informed them that the meeting was called to further brief them on the project.

She said it was also to map out possible ways they could contribute their quota towards the implementation and sustenance of the project.

Akhagba explained that the project has 18 months lifespan with 4,000 students expected to be reached within the period.

According to her, peer educators would be trained for three days.

The Coordinator further stated that Anti HIV/AIDs clubs be formed in the schools where the peer educators would be drawn from.

Some representatives of the

key stakeholders who spoke during the meeting, including Mrs. Uche Agbonze, Godfrey Ehon, State Ministry of Basic Education and Eghosa Omoregie, who represented Egor Local Government Council, lauded the initiative.

Godfrey Ehon described the proposed project as a right step in the right direction as those (students) to be trained from the various schools are expected to replicate what they were taught during the training on HIV in their

respective schools.

Mrs. Uche Agbonze noted that creating necessary awareness among youths, particularly in secondary schools on what HIV is all about is a welcome development, while Eghosa Omoregie described the proposed training of students in some secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area as a good development as students are the most vulnerable group.

By TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN/ PIUS ABAH/FAITH ISIKHUEMEN

Ekiti for example, the Governor who was defeated, congratulated his opponent; he conceded to it.

INEC was very good in conducting the elections”.

According to him, “my advice for the politicians is that they should keep to the rules, let the cases of ballot box snatching be off from our political system.

“Let the people’s voice be heard, some elections are still not very fair when it comes to state, local government and so on.

“But the people should be allowed to speak; a situation where the people are not being listened to, I think is a bit unfair”, he noted.

Esan Body Lauds INEC BENIN CITY – The National President of the umbrella body of all Esan Unions, the ‘Ikolo-Esan’ organization, Prof. Gabriel Ebosele Oteze has given kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the recently conducted governorship elections in the South-Western parts of Nigeria.

This, he said in an exclusive interview with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin City.

Prof. Gabriel said, “I believe that INEC has done well, because, in the case of

Cleric Urges Christians To Engage God With Praises

By OMORODION LAWR3ENCE

BENIN CITY – The divisional Pastor, Living Faith Church, (aka Winners Chapel), Pastor Bunmi Olaniyi has emphasized the need for believers and expectants of God’s blessing to always engage God with praises.

Pastor Olaniyi said this in his sermon which titled, “God works wonders through praise”.

According to him, praise is the ultimate weapon in battle and it is a platform for provoking anointing.

“Let Christians be rest assured that continuous praise serves as a means of communication to God, especially in a state of confusion, when they do not know what to do”, he said.

Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER on the ‘Hosanna Sunday’,

Chairman, APC Governorship Screening Committee for Adamawa Bye-Election Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, (middle), briefing newsmen during the screening of seven aspirants that will participate in the primaries in Yola yesterday.

Pastor Olaniyi urged believers to be free from sins, so that their praises and supplications could be heard and answered by God, noting

that praise has the power to destroy death and every forces of darkness which stand as obstacles to Christians.

He urged politicians to be objective, fair and trustworthy so that there would be peace, justice and sanity in the political system and the country at large.

Meanwhile, Professor Oteze has urged all Esan people to come together to establish what he called Esan Agenda during the November 2014 Esan National Congress where their voices would be held in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

According to him, “IkoloEsan is comparatively young, all efforts to bring all Esan people together has not really yielded any good result; but, right now, we are getting encouraged.

“Therefore, we are making efforts towards ensuring a platform where our minds would be expressed as well as being addressed in the National scheme of things during the November 2014 Esan

Members of Civil Societies in a peaceful rally to mark 5 years of Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s death in Lagos yesterday.

National Congress (ENC)”, according to him.

Speaking on the conference that will be organized for the Ikolo-Esan, Prof. Oteze stressed that, “the conference will be so arranged that at the end of all the talks, we shall come up with what we call “Esan Agenda”.

“A body that we can refer

to in future and tread our part towards setting our pace in the national scheme of things”.

He therefore enjoined all Esan indigenes to synchronise their efforts to support the will of the organization as it is meant to foster growth and development.

Workshop On Strengthening Coalition Groups Hold In Benin

By FRIDAY OBANOR

BENIN CITYArrangement has been concluded for a two –day training workshop organised to strengthen coalition groups and members of the Health Reform Foundation Of Nigeria (HERFON).

Speaking at the strategic meeting of the organisation held in Benin City, Edo State Chairman of Coalition Group for HERFON Dr. U.I. Omoike said the essence of the training was a step down training to train other members of the body at the state level.

Dr. Omoike, a former Permanent Secretary, at the State Heath Management Board, hinted that HERFON is a leading independent, Non Governmental Organisation that seeks for Health sector reforms, better outcomes and development in Nigeria through advocacy.

He further stated that the Organisation is also into policy analysis, research, capacity building, leadership and generation of evidence to influence decisions on health reforms at the National, state and Local Government Levels.

According to him, “HERFON is currently undertaking implementation of Advocacy for Primary Health Centre (PHC) reform project in Edo State”.

“This project is aimed at garnering political will to ensure adoption, legislation

and establishment of State Primary Health care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Primary Health Care under One Roof (PHCUOR) and Free Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (FMNCH) services throughout the state”, he informed.

In a remark, the state secretary, Coalition Group for HERFON, Dr. Gabriel Ogbeide said the three local point of the organisation are the establishment of PHC Development Agency in the state, a PHC under One Roof because of the presence of disjointed existing one as well as legislating on free Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Services.

He said the above objectives are some of the areas the organisation can build advocacy as well as ensure their implementation.

Dr. Ogbeide therefore urged members to be more committed to the cause of HERFON so as to weaken the proliferation of some advocacy groups which are not registerED with the relevant authorities, but are out for selfish reasons.

Highpoint of the meeting was an election into other vacant positions in the coalition while September 6, and 17, 2014 have been slated for the organisation’s two-days training Workshop expected to hold in Benin City.

Lagos See Media As Dev’t Partners, Director Urges Govt LAGOS - The Director, International Press Centre, Ogba, Mr Lanre Arogundade, has urged government at all levels to see the media as development partners.

Arogundade told newsmen in Lagos that the media played crucial roles in enhancing and sustaining democratic processes.

“We can promote the role of media in governance and democratic development by creating the enabling environment for the media to perform effectively.

“That enabling environment includes for the government to recognise the media as partners in development and make government institutions and government personalities readily accessible to the media.

“So that when we need information with which we can inform the public adequately about g o v e r n m e n t ’ s developmental efforts, we would easily have that kind of information.

“The media can play that role if the media owners ensure that the media are

well resourced.

“Part of the challenges of reporting development in Nigeria is the fact that media owners do not provide adequate resources for journalists to report.

‘Resources in terms of the tools of our profession, the welfare of the journalists themselves.

“You cannot expect a journalist to be on top of development issues if that journalist is underdeveloped in terms of his working and living conditions.“

L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale; Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji, APC Publlicity Secretary, Lagos, Mr. Joe Igbokwe and APC Publicity Secretary, Ondo State, Mr. Abayomi Adesanya, at the APC Publicity Secretaries Summit in Lagos recently.

Lack Of Paper Mills Worsening Unemployment - Institute

Ikorodu Zone Commandant, LASTMA Special Traffic Mayors, Capt. Adedayo Ogunleye (left) with the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transport Education, Dr. Mariam Masha, controlling traffic during special traffic mayors ember month campaign in Lagos recently.

Waterspill: FERMA To Shut Auto Shops LAGOS- The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has threatened it would close down auto dealer shops in the habit of spilling water on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

FERMA’s engineer in charge of Lagos West, Kehinde Afolabi, who delivered the threat in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that the activities of some of the auto dealers were damaging the road hence causing logjam in the area.

Afolabi, also the acting chairman South-West 2 of the Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action against Roads Abuse, said that by their activities, the dealers had frustrated all efforts to rehabilitate the road.

“Do you notice that they are selling cars at that ‘U’ turn, Ile Zik? They are selling cars there and several times we have warned them to reduce spillage of water on the road.

“That has been the problem we are having. We intend to serve them notice now to close that place.

“Several times we would go

there to amend the problem; we have carried out palliative works last week.

“FERMA has put boulders, stone base and we compact that place, but with the menace if they still continue to wash vehicles there, we will continue to have problem.

“It is possible we could construct a drain but is the activity a normal activity? It’s not. You are not meant to wash cars on the road; if you want to wash car in your yard then, do your own line drain to link the Federal Government infrastructure.

‘It’s not designed to receive water, water is not friendly with our road.“ Mr Gboyega Salau, a salesman in Discount Autos, told newsmen that the pool of water in front of his shop was the outcome of an uncompleted drainage project.

Salau said the auto shops were on the lowest gradient of the road and that due to lack of proper drainage each time it rained rainwater always flooded the

area.

He said that FERMA had yet to serve them any form of notice to stop them from either channeling water to the road or to construct channels for proper disposal of the water.

“They have not served us any notice, no paper has been served on us, no FERMA people have been here to talk about this issue.

“They did half of the road, half of it is left undone, half of the place that is left undone, the water would go beneath the wrapper and destroy it.

“That is what is happening, it is not our activities.

“It is not from us but they stopped the drainage, stopped it at the front of the mosque there; that is where it was stopped.

“If they had completed it, we will not have the problem we are having,“ he said.

Mr Ibrahim Busari, a Manager at Tomsal Motors, told newsmen that it was impossible for the auto dealers to construct drainage channels due to the damage it would cause to the underground communication cables.

LAGOS - Kitan OlateruOlagbegi, the Technical Director, Clique Sports Academy, Lagos, said that the academy would continue to search for talented footballers for the junior national team.

Olateru-Olagbegi told newsmen in Lagos that the academy, established in 2006, had nurtured three players that later represented Nigeria at a few junior World Cups.

He said, “we are set up to

find good young players, and we are established in schools to make sure that we identify talents at a young age.

“There are lots of talents in Nigeria; we have identified three people that have played for the junior national U-17 and U-20 teams.

“Kabiru Akinsola was a World Cup winner at the U17 level in 2007; Edafe Egbedi came through in 2009 from our club as well, and

Dejo Olagbegi played for Nigeria in the 2009 U-20 championship in Egypt.

“What we do is to identify the right talents; we give them the training and we don’t believe in just the physical training.

“We also try to instill some important core values - values like respect, cheerfulness, contribution and excellence which are the academy values.

Academy To Continue Search For Talented Players

LAGOS - The Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) has said that the absence of paper mills in the country had worsened the nation’s unemployment situation.

The President of the institute, Mr Muhammed Lawal, told newsmen in Lagos that the situation had destroyed a significant number of job opportunities in the printing value chain.

‘We don’t have any functioning paper mill in Nigeria as at now; so printers depend on importation of papers and other printing consumables like ink.

“If they were functioning, they would have given this country 70 per cent to 75 per cent employment; if they were functioning, Nigeria would have industrialised.

“Then, apart from that, capital flight through printing would have reduced. So, printing overseas is making us lose money through capital flight.

“I’m not looking at it in terms of money; I am looking at it in terms of employment.

“Paper is our major raw material, and since we don’t have functioning paper mills here in Nigeria, we are going through a lot of problems.

“There is no alternative than for the government to look at the area where it can partner foreign companies to establish paper mills in the country,“ he said.

Across The Nation Regular Immunisation Expert Advises Parents

L-R: Chairman, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, (ADSUBEB), Dr. Kaletapwa Farauta, Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Education, Mr. Abubakar Hassan, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kazai and Adamawa Branch Chairman, National Association of Private Schools Proprietors, Dr. Dijatu Balla, at a Joint Stakeholders meeting on Education in Yola recently

Adopt Defensive Driving, FRSC Urges Motorists

ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) - The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has urged motorists to embrace defensive driving in order to avoid errors that could cause road accidents during the ‘ember‘ months.

FRSC Sector Commander in Anambra, Mr Sunday Ajayi, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra after a stakeholders’ meeting.

The meeting was organised by the commission to enable stakeholders to work out ways to tackle the issue of traffic congestion and wrong parking on major roads in the state during the ‘ember‘ months.

For the ‘ember‘ months, I want to draw attention to the fact that Onitsha is strategic to us because of the activities there and the strategic route as well.

“I would want to let people know that ‘ember‘ months is just like any other month of the year; the only difference is that people tend to do more business so as to make more money and enjoy their holiday during the yuletide.

“And because of this, there is a lot of indiscipline that comes with it; like we are talking now, if the road users

will obey lane instruction, that you are not jumping lane; if road user will not overload; if they will use their seat-belts; if they will not over-speed; if they will maintain their vehicles very well and will not drink alcohol while driving, there will be no problem.

“So, what we are saying is that we want people to begin to have that culture of safety; as a matter of fact, road safety is not a chance (accidental development); it is something that you have to consistently work for.“ Ajayi thanked the

Open Defecation: Council Begins

PublicPublic-Private Enlightenment Partnership

GWAGWALADA (FCT) The Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory has begun a public enlightenment campaign on the dangers of open defecation in the area.

Mr Tijani Ado, Head of Environmental Department of the council, told newsmen in Gwagwalada on Tuesday that residents would be sensitised against open defecation.

Ado said the campaign was necessary following the United Nation’s report ranking Nigeria among the fifth countries globally where open defecation was common.

“The UN report is correct. We see people not using toilets and defecating in open places.

“We have started the campaign on health education on Friday.

“We have started going to villages with our vehicles, with public address system to enlighten people about the sanitation activities and the danger of not keeping the environment clean,’’ he said.

He said that the council was planning to build public toilets in strategic and overcrowded places in the area under the

(PPP) arrangement.

“We have now located sites and we are trying to see how the drawing by the department of works of the council would look like.

“Adverts would be placed and interested persons could apply for the building of public toilets, while we will supervise,’’ he explained.

It be will recalled that a recent report by United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals Nigeria as one of the top five countries in the world where many citizens prefer to defecate in the public.

The report revealed that the number of people with access to improved sanitation facilities in Nigeria has dropped from 31 per cent last year to 28 per cent this year.

It also revealed that 70 million Nigerians use shared latrines, while 32 million do not have latrines at all, adding that 6.5 million latrines were needed to be built to eliminate open defecation in Nigeria.

UNICEF had confirmed that it was possible to improve the sanitation situation in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, by

engaging the communities through a Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.

Mr Bisi Agberemi of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), however, said in a recent statement that UNICEF was ready to support the Federal Government in its bid to eradicate open defecation by the year 2025.

stakeholders for their support to the commission over the years, saying that their backing helped to safeguard the lives of Nigerians on the road.

He called for greater collaboration with other segments of the society and appealed to the public to always provide prompt information to men and officers of the corps to enable them to carry out their mandate of ensuring the safety of lives on the road.

KANO- Hajiya Jummai Isa, a medical expert at Murtala Muhammad Hospital, Kano, has advised parents to take their children for regular immunisation to boost the health of the children.

Jummai, who is a nurse, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kano.

She said that immunisation help to prevent children from contracting the six child killer diseases of poliomyelitis, whooping cough, yellow fever, hepatitis, measles and diphtheria.

“Immunisation is a vaccine given to infants and children at different ages to help them develop and prevent them from dangerous childhood diseases,” she said.

She also explained that immunisation was aimed at introducing some antigens into the body to produce antibodies in the body against some diseases.

The expert said immunisation would greatly reduce mortality rate in childhood and prevent adults

from contracting hepatitis and yellow fever.

“Globally, small pox has been eradicated while polio rate has also decreased significantly in the country,’’ Jummai said.

According to her, measles could cause blindness or deafness if people are not immunused on time and in the event of an outbreak.

“Immunisation is very important in the life of human beings. Parents who don’t believe in vaccination should please make sure that each child receives immunisation to protect them and the child.

“The programme is funded by the Federal Government.

It is safe and effective.

“If we continue to vaccinate the children, parents will in future realise that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm children in future,’’ she said.

She said the immunisation programme would promote health and remove obstacles to human development not only in Nigeria, but across the world.

APC Clears 7 Aspirants “We are now going to

Adamawa Bye-Election:

YOLA -The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Screening Committee has cleared seven aspirants for the party primaries ahead of the October, 11 gubernatorial bye-election in Adamawa.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, made this known when he briefed newsmen in Yola.

Akeredolu, a senior

advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the seven aspirants satisfied the requirements to participate in the party’s primary election.

“Going by the guidelines of our party all the seven aspirants screened had been cleared having satisfied all the requirements contained in the guidelines.

communicate the report to the party headquarters in Abuja,’’ Akeredolu said.

The aspirants include Alhaji Dahiru Bobbo, Mr Yakubu Tsala, Mr Emmanuel Bello, Sen. Bindo Jibrilla, Senator Ahmed Barata, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa and Mr Boss Mustafa.

The party primary will hold on September 7.

One of the APC Gubernatorial Aspirants for October Bye-Election in Adamawa, Alhaji Dahiru Bobbo, presenting his Manifesto at the party’s Secretariat in Yola recently.

Abuja Waste Disposal

Council Threatens To Sue ABUJA - The Environmental Residents Health Officers Registration

L-R: Director, Voters Registry, INEC, Mr. Emmanuel Akem, Director, Voters Education, Mr. Oluwale Uzzi and Head of Department, Voters Education and Publicity, FCT INEC, Mr. Okezie Nwankwo, at the Citizens Town Hall Meeting on the Continuous Voter Registration and Permanent Voter Card Distribution in Abuja recently.

Man Jailed 18 Months For Theft GWAGWALADA (FCT) An Abuja Area Court in Lugbe has sentenced one Ikechukwu Akamadu, 29, to 18 months in prison for stealing the sum of N500,000.

The convict, who lives at Zone 6, Lugbe, Abuja, was arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal trespass, house breaking and theft.

The presiding judge, Alhaji Garba Gambo, who sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the offences, gave him an option to pay N15,000 fine.

“The court convicts you Ikechukwu Akamadu of the offences of criminal trespass, house breaking and theft which you said was true.

“You are hereby sentenced to six months imprisonment each for each count or to pay N5,000 each for each count charge as fine.

“You are also ordered to refund the balance of N70,000 to the nominal complainant’’, Gambo said.

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Cpl. Paul Anigbo, told the court that on May 10, the convict criminally trespassed into the school of one Mrs Ukoma Orji of the same address.

Anigbo said the convict gained entrance into the school through the widow and stole the sum of N500,000 and confessed committing the offences during police investigations.

He said that N70,000 cash was recovered from him leaving a balance of N129,330, while he used N300,670 to buy some property.

He prayed the court to conduct a summary trial and convict Akamadu accordingly, since he had pleaded guilty to the charges.

Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), said it would prosecute some residents of Kubwa, Abuja for channeling their liquid wastes into open canals.

Mr Dominic Abonyi, Acting Registrar of EHORECON, stated this when members of the council inspected some premises in Kubwa on Tuesday.

He decried the increasing rate of open defecation and defective suck away in the area.

He said there was likelihood of an outbreak of epidemic if urgent measures were not taken to check the practice.

The team visited some houses

Participants at the Second Emergency National Council on Health Meeting on Ebola Disease outbreak in Abuja recently.

FCT To Clamp Down On Unpainted Cabs

ABUJA - As the October 1 deadline for the registration of unpainted commercial vehicles commonly known as ‘kabu kabu’ approaches, the FCT Transport Secretariat says it is set to clamp down on defaulters.

Mr Ifeanyi Ughamadu, the Head, Public Relations Unit of the secretariat, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Ughamadu said that all commercial drivers were expected to register with any of the recognised licensed taxi operators, after which the secretariat would capture their data.

He told newsmen that the secretariat had evolved a policy that would not allow unpainted taxis access into estates in the territory, among other measures.

“We have come up with a policy that all estate managers should allow only the registered taxis and disallow the unregistered cabs by October 1.

“You know registered taxis by their side numbers boldly written on the taxi. A vehicle may be painted with Abuja colour but not registered.

“The FCTA has directed the Vehicle Inspection Office and

other law enforcement agencies to be on the look out for enforcement. Any ‘kabu kabu’ that violates the law will be apprehended,’’ he said.

According to him, the data capturing is being done free as only the driver’s personal data is needed.

Explaining the benefits of the registration, Ughamadu said the data of the licensed registered drivers would be uploaded and made available to estate managers to ensure a troublefree and safe transport system.

“We regulate transport in the FCT; I do not think any hospital, hotel or company will stop a driver who is duly registered and licensed from entering its premises.

“There are a lot of benefits for using registered vehicles because their identity and personal information is known.

It will curb crime and illegal activities,’’ he said.

He listed the licensed operators for taxis as NURTW Mass Transit Ltd, Painted Abuja Taxi (PAT), Self-Employed Commercial Drivers Association (SECDA), Road Transport Employers Association and SURE-P Taxis.

Reacting to the order, a cross section of the drivers who spoke with NAN, said the plan would impact negatively on their business, noting that operating with unpainted cars was profitable and prestigious.

One of the operators, Mr Ojonugba Ogboji, appealed to the government to be considerate.

“Operating unpainted taxi gives more patronage and

reputation both to the passenger and driver than operating painted taxis.

“Most top officials and rich men use unpainted taxis a lot because of its privacy, luxury and comfort,’’ Ogboji said.

Mr Friday Oboshi, another driver, complained that drivers of painted vehicles suffered humiliation even after registering their vehicles.

ABUJA Malam Abubakar Mohammed, the Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has approved the deployment of Mrs Edna Ofordile as the new FCT NDE coordinator.

Ofordile will also serve as the Vice chairman and member, Implementation Committee of the Community Service Women and Youth Employment (CSWYE) project of SUREP in the FCT. In an interview with

newsmen the new coordinator who was redeployed from Abia where she had served as state coordinator since 2005, said she was happy with her deployment.

“I am grateful to the director-general for giving me the opportunity to serve as the state coordinator in the FCT. “FCT being the capital, the work will be more challenging but the job generation strategies are the same for all the states.

in ECOMOG and Finance quarters and saw sewage emptying into streams used by some farmers for agriculture and domestic purposes.

“Somebody has used the toilet inside his house, he has flushed it and the thing has gone to a makeshift septic tank.

“But the overall thing is that the septic tanks are now channeled and you can see it in the open gutter or river.

“The people who caused it are more than three blocks away and people who are receiving the brunt are here’’, Abonyi said.

He blamed the practice on poor personal hygiene practice of the perpetrators.

The acting registrar stressed the need for public education on the effects of such practice.

Abonyi said the practice was endangering the lives of people living around the area as they were perpetually fed with raw sewage.

He emphasised that the council was determined to take the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction for sanctions.

Some residents of the area said they were not comfortable with the situation and called on the authorities, especially Bwari Area council, to quickly address the situation.

Mr Nnamdi Onyema, a resident, expressed regrets to have rented an apartment in the area.

“Look at my house, there is no leakage anywhere, yet I am not comfortable. “ I close my windows most times because of the stench from the open defecation’’, Onyema said.

Another resident, Mr Basil Uzosike, said the menace had been there for four years.

Uzosike, who described the situation as horrible, said that besides regular complaints, they had tried to make the perpetrators to fix the defective sewage lines without success.

FCT NDE Gets New Coordinator “So, it is for me to start from where my colleague had stopped, to ensure that the unemployed are touched through the NDE programmes.

“We hope to improve on what we have on ground.”

Reports state that Ofordile is a graduate of building Technology with an MBA from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Ofordile replaces Mr Romuliyu Newton, who retired from service last week.

Business + Economy HOS Backs Life Insurance For Workers naturally read and study those

ABUJA- The Head of Service, Mr Danladi Kifasi, has pledged to support the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on its Group Life Insurance Scheme.

Kifasi made the pledge while receiving the Chairman of NAICOM, Mr Chibudom Nwuche, in Abuja.

According to him, anything that will reduce hardship of deceased civil servants in the country will be highly appreciated.

He commended NAICOM on its effort in ensuring the timely payment of benefits of deceased civil servants as at when due.

“Anything we do that will reduce hardship of deceased civil servants will be highly appreciated.

“I assure you that we will work closely to ensure the operational guideline is produced within the record time.

“And before you leave here we will agree on when to start the process and when it will be ready,’’ Kifasi said.

Kifasi said the service had noted and accepted the need for schedule officers in various MDAs to be trained in order to be knowledgeable on issues of insurance and claims.

He, however, appealed for the inclusion of younger officers just joining the civil service in the financial planning and not only those nearing retirement.

“The aspect of financial planning should not only focus on those nearing retirement, but the young ones should also be included so they can start benefiting early,’’ he said.

He said there was need for civil servants to be sensitised to be aware that the era of nonpayment of claims was over so that they could key into the scheme.

Kifasi thanked NAICOM on its efforts to ensure zero tolerance of non-payment of claims.

On sensitisation of civil servants on claim related issues, he said “ we are going to work closely with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to propagate it.

“We are also going to use it in interviews we conduct during promotions, we are going to ensure that examiners examine candidates in those areas.

“When we do this, people will

areas because if you just go on the radio to announce it, it might not be internalised.

Earlier, Nwuche sought for more collaboration by the Office of the Head of Service on the Group Life Insurance Scheme (GLIS) of NAICOM. “We seek enhancement of the partnership that already exist between the insurance industry and the Office of Head of Service in the continuing implementation of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

“This is in regards to the compulsory Group Life Insurance Scheme for employees of the Federal Government,’’ Nwuche said.

He listed some challenges faced by the GLIS to include availability of adequate data for proper administration, timely notification of claims, submission of supporting documents and appropriate pricing of the risk.

Nwuche advised that the Head of Service looked into the issues of insurance of Federal Government assets and property.

He said: “Insurance of public buildings and buildings under construction are made compulsory under the insurance Act of 2013.

“It is therefore imperative that all government buildings under public buildings are adequately insured to guard against loss of property and scarce financial resources in the event of any disaster.’’

ABUJA- The Federal Government has said remittance from Nigerians abroad was 10.40 billion dollars about (N1.7 trillion) between January and June.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Paul Nwabuikwu, the spokesman for the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Abuja.

According to the statement,

in 2013, the total remittance from Nigerians abroad is 20.77 billion dollars about N3.4 trillion.

“It will be recalled that Nigerians in the Diaspora have been seeking ways and means to contribute more to the

ABUJA - The Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensure safe, stable and affordable electricity supply in the country.

Amadi made this known at a public hearing on the Draft Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards (NESIS) regulations in Abuja.

He said the NESIS regulation was developed by NERC to fulfil its mandate of ensuring effective technical regulation for reliability and safety in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry.

The chairman said the NESIS regulation was up-to-date with basic standards and best practices and covered all aspects of engineering practices as it concerns generation, transmission, distribution and utilisation of electricity in Nigeria.

Amadi assured Nigerians that the commission was equal to the task of developing effective and efficient electricity which requires the commitment and hard work of NERC. “It should be understood that an effective electricity market that will provide safe, adequate,

reliable and affordable electricity to Nigerians is hard work; it requires commitment, competence, doggedness and focus.

“However, the commission is working hard to ensure that the newly privatised power sector rises up to the challenge,” he said.

Amadi warned that anyone who violated the regulation would be punished.

“NESIS regulations are about certain rules; all the utilities have key reporting that tells you interruptions and durations, when they file reports to us.

Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Godswill Obioma and Executive Director, Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike Olajide, at the launch of NERDC E-Curriculum Portal in Abuja recently.

Nigeria:

Foreign Remittance Hit N1.7tn

NERC Assures Nigerians Of Afforable Electricity Supply

L-R: Head of Department, Vital Registration, National Population Commission, Malam Umaru Adamu; Deputy Zonal Coordinator, Nursery and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Mr. Shamsu Jari and Zonal Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Abdullahi Garba, at an orientation and documentation of midwives under maternal child health of SURE-P Programmes in Kaduna recently.

country’s development.

“The value of remittance from Nigerians abroad in 2013 was 20.77 billion dollars, while remittance for the first half of 2014 it is 10.40 billion.

“This includes contributions through remittances to their families, friends and communities, medical missions and provision of scholarships,’’ it stated.

The statement stated that an executive and legislative team was currently holding a series of interactive sessions with Nigerians in Europe and the United States.

It stated that the sessions were organised by the Debt Management Office (DMO), led by its Director-General, Dr Abraham Nwankwo.

It stated that the delegation

was headed by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala and key members of relevant committees in the National Assembly.

“The meetings, which started on Monday in London, will continue in New York, Washington DC and Houston between September 2 and September 4.

“The London meeting hosted by the Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, was attended by over 140 invited Nigerian professionals.

“The meeting provided an avenue for the minister and the other members of the team to update Nigerians in the Diaspora on the developments in the Nigerian economy,’’ it stated.

The statement stated that Nigerians were also reassured of the development in Nigeria with respect to the Ebola Virus and the Government’s management of the situation.

FG Launches E-Curriculum ABUJA - The Federal Government has launched ecurriculum portal to aid teaching and learning for senior secondary schools in the country.

Launching the e-curriculum portal, the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, commended the initiative of the designers.

The portal was conceived by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and SIDMACH Technologies Nigeria Limited.

Wike said that the introduction of the portal was in line with the deployment of Information Communication Technology in the Education Policy of the Federal Government.

He said that the e-curriculum portal was initiated to address the shortage of the prescribed national curricula in schools.

“The NERDC e-curriculum portal is a web-based, efficient and effective curriculum management solution for primary and secondary schools.

“This solution will provide digital access to school curricula,

provision of sample teaching resources for teachers to prepare lesson notes, provision of sample learning materials for the learners.

“Provision of content management structure for aiding learner resources, students’ access to learner resources, and access to modules for various stakeholders’ participation in the utilisation of the e-curriculum materials.

“The portal will provide the teachers across Nigeria to compare notes learn new methods of teaching, build capacity through collaborative teaching resources provided on the portal from time to time.

“The e-curriculum portal will be uploaded with teachers’ guide, scheme of work, sample lesson plans, teacher’s notes, eLearning resources, e-books and suggested learning resources.’’

He called on stakeholders in the curriculum implementation at various government levels, including the private educational institutions, to support the project and further strengthen the quality of the education sector.

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY (03/09/2014) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

NAHCO

5

4.95

-0.05

0

1,334,003

6,618,443.51

7UP

134

134

0

0

80,071

11,531,447.08

NASCON

10.19

9.69

-0.5

0

751,420

7,282,034.69

ABCTRANS

0.75

0.72

-0.03

0

1,006,500

726,748.00

NB

175.64

176.75

1.11

0

1,443,958

255,223,171.20

ACCESS

9.29

9.26

-0.03

0

11,979,968

111,199,522.30

NCR

13.5

13.5

0

0

1,065

14,430.75

AFRIPRUD

3.28

3.3

0.02

0

220,034

726,645.08

NEIMETH

1.08

1.03

-0.05

0

767,656

809,527.24

AGLEVENT

1.47

1.47

0

0

80,490

119,302.59

NEM

0.79

0.79

0

0

6,158,137

4,780,843.68

AIICO

0.81

0.8

-0.01

0

2,169,295

1,740,216.25

NESTLE

1054.9

1047

-7.9

0

60,133

62,318,604.47

AIRSERVICE

2

2

0

0

48,190

93,071.08

NEWGOLD

1997

1992

-5

0

24

47,808.00

ASHAKACEM

32.42

32.9

0.48

0

403,546

13,165,162.43

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

18,678

9,339.00

AVONCROWN

1.75

1.75

0

0

8,078

13,490.26

NPFMCRFBK

0.95

0.95

0

0

8,300

8,134.00

BERGER

9

9

0

0

25,701

220,850.88

NSE30

1875.12

1872.65

-2.47

0

122,294,412

2,203,675,294.00

BETAGLAS

18.85

18.85

0

0

6,181

121,681.85

NSE50

2030.93

2027.98

-2.95

0

169,350,360

2,366,126,108.00

CADBURY

59.85

56.87

-2.98

0

255,533

14,571,024.09

NSEASI

41264.65

41207.79

-56.86

0

201,067,115

2,443,398,114.00

CAP

39.05

39.05

0

0

81,017

3,161,078.62

NSEBNK

421.85

421.64

-0.21

0

86,414,016

714,148,305.10

CAVERTON

5.23

5

-0.23

0

532,313

2,682,545.36

NSECNSMRGDS

1015.6

1014.65

-0.95

0

16,922,114

732,018,917.30

CCNN

14.4

14.4

0

0

314,084

4,531,630.45

NSEINDUSTR

2666.65

2664.99

-1.66

0

2,041,297

60,482,157.61

CHAMPION

7.91

7.91

0

0

57,553

477,689.90

NSEINS

142.87

143.44

0.57

0

12,796,990

9,744,381.30

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

0

259,000

129,500.00

NSELOTUSISLM

2705.8

2695.49

-10.31

0

4,386,953

254,542,715.00

CONOIL

61

61

0

0

106,001

6,044,730.55

NSEOILGAS

468.56

466.41

-2.15

0

6,680,196

302,335,759.90

CONTINSURE

0.98

0.99

0.01

0

191,965

189,453.35

OANDO

26.78

25.95

-0.83

0

4,346,004

112,853,875.80

CORNERST

0.54

0.53

-0.01

0

918,873

487,002.69

OKOMUOIL

34.1

34.5

0.4

0

225,528

7,786,982.28

COSTAIN

1.13

1.16

0.03

0

213,055

243,030.50

PORTPAINT

5

5.18

0.18

0

360,000

1,831,150.00

COURTVILLE

0.55

0.55

0

0

85,953

45,555.09

PREMBREW

2.5

2.62

0.12

0

159,085

416,756.50

CUSTODYINS

3.96

3.96

0

0

30,236

118,334.18

PRESCO

36.3

36.3

0

0

33,511

1,210,095.08

CUTIX

1.9

1.82

-0.08

0

605,000

1,110,099.20

PZ

35

35

0

0

443,120

15,158,591.05

DANGCEM

225.5

225.5

0

0

71,467

16,197,423.73

REDSTAREX

4.8

4.8

0

0

68,774

314,273.80

DANGFLOUR

6.65

6.65

0

0

115,808

731,906.56

REGALINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

10,000

5,000.00

DANGSUGAR

8.5

8.32

-0.18

0

1,489,306

12,529,954.00

ROYALEX

0.6

0.6

0

0

201,018

121,110.80

DEAPCAP

0.87

0.87

0

0

500

415

RTBRISCOE

0.94

0.96

0.02

0

838,026

797,141.86

DIAMONDBNK

6

6

0

0

1,303,631

7,829,077.75

SCOA

4.91

4.91

0

0

20,000

93,400.00

DUNLOP

0.5

0.5

0

0

2,000

1,000.00

SEPLAT

680

679.98

-0.02

0

34,408

23,395,559.69

EQUITYASUR

0.5

0.5

0

0

45,000

22,500.00

SKYEBANK

2.86

2.8

-0.06

0

4,831,233

13,698,226.71

ETERNA

4.47

4.25

-0.22

0

1,392,075

6,047,070.50

STANBIC

30.01

30.5

0.49

0

3,933,127

119,927,320.50

ETI

16.63

16.62

-0.01

0

2,854,608

47,491,098.73

STERLNBANK

2.14

2.19

0.05

0

36,712,254

80,336,068.19

EVANSMED

1.86

1.86

0

0

43,060

82,210.60

TOTAL

180

180

0

0

124,345

22,387,791.12

FBNH

15.01

14.63

-0.38

0

4,843,018

71,976,567.08

TRANSCORP

6.5

6.4

-0.1

0

39,544,456

258,843,730.60

FCMB

4.25

4.25

0

0

7,413,270

31,134,336.84

TRIPPLEG

1.88

1.88

0

0

10,200

18,258.00

FIDELITYBK

1.98

1.96

-0.02

0

8,107,703

15,983,904.92

UAC-PROP

15.94

15.15

-0.79

0

216,238

3,279,269.98

FIDSON

3.4

3.42

0.02

0

424,552

1,430,530.16

UACN

58.5

59

0.5

0

1,206,172

71,082,782.56

FLOURMILL

68.11

68.11

0

0

149,703

9,766,883.34

UBA

7.24

7.2

-0.04

0

6,443,164

46,766,026.33

FO

228.75

224.97

-3.78

0

607,762

137,240,852.10

UBCAP

2.16

2.15

-0.01

0

3,975,196

8,579,379.12

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

0

562,278

281,139.00

UBN

8.15

8.2

0.05

0

406,523

3,345,018.20

GLAXOSMITH

65.99

65.99

0

0

7,430

475,829.55

UNILEVER

48.5

48.01

-0.49

0

343,629

16,449,414.36

GUARANTY

29.35

30

0.65

0

8,906,637

268,734,951.80

UNITYBNK

0.5

0.5

0

0

50,000

25,000.00

GUINNESS

180.5

184.94

4.44

0

164,387

30,277,025.30

UNIVINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

70,000

35,000.00

HONYFLOUR

4.1

4.1

0

0

506,000

2,077,085.40

UPDCREIT

9.13

9.13

0

0

500

4,340.00

IKEJAHOTEL

0.8

0.84

0.04

0

285,100

239,456.00

UPL

3.99

4.18

0.19

0

1,423,368

5,473,929.40

INTBREW

28.38

28.01

-0.37

0

10,383,154

290,828,881.80

VANLEER

12.08

12.08

0

0

2,000

22,960.00

INTENEGINS

0.5

0.5

0

0

1,308,000

654,000.00

VETGRIF30

18.76

18.72

-0.04

0

1,010

18,837.20

IPWA

0.5

0.5

0

0

10,000

5,000.00

VITAFOAM

4.15

4.25

0.1

0

678,339

2,795,204.10

JAPAULOIL

0.5

0.51

0.01

0

3,083,533

1,550,198.10

VONO

1

0.95

-0.05

0

51,280

48,716.00

JBERGER

65

65

0

0

16,062

1,008,981.20

WAPCO

116

115.45

-0.55

0

174,301

20,143,080.45

JOSBREW

2.46

2.46

0

0

1,000

2,340.00

WAPIC

0.73

0.76

0.03

0

1,202,036

893,680.77

LEARNAFRCA

1.62

1.62

0

0

37,000

58,850.00

WEMABANK

0.93

0.92

-0.01

0

1,252,537

1,162,328.20

LINKASSURE

0.5

0.5

0

0

4,000

2,000.00

ZENITHBANK

24.6

24.19

-0.41

0

4,868,295

118,764,410.20

TOP 10 GAINERS

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS

LIVESTOCK

3.25

3.14

-0.11

0

196,500

616,877.16

MANSARD

2.5

2.5

0

0

252,000

630,022.00

Stock

Close

Gain

MAYBAKER

1.52

1.59

0.07

0

119,430

189,033.70

MBENEFIT

0.53

0.54

0.01

0

1,771,006

956,323.56

GUINNESS NB GUARANTY NSEINS UACN S TA N B I C ASHAKACEM OKOMUOIL UPL PORTPAINT

184.94 176.75 30 143.44 59 30.5 32.9 34.5 4.18 5.18

4.44 1.11 0.65 0.57 0.5 0.49 0.48 0.4 0.19 0.18

MOBIL

175

174.65

-0.35

0

101,133

17,607,257.94

MRS

55.96

55.96

0

0

2,876

154,181.92

MULTITREX

0.5

0.5

0

0

5,472

2,736.00

Stock NSEASI 56.86 NSELOTUSISLM 10.31 NESTLE NEWGOLD FO 3.78 C A D B U RY 2.98 NSE50 2.95 NSE30 2.47 NSEOILGAS 2.15 NSEINDUSTR 1.66

Close 41207.79 2695.49 1047 1992 224.97 56.87 2027.98 1872.65 466.41 2664.99

Loss -7.9 -5 -

TERROR groups in Northern Nigeria have, since the inception of the Jonathan administration unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in most parts of the region with security agencies and the presidency promising almost on a daily basis to deal with the insurgence with out any headway till date.

LITTLE wonder then that the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Mr. Peter Voser raised the red flag that security situation in Nigeria had worsened in the last two years. Voser in a speech posted on the company’s website noted “the stealing and sabotage of crude oil intensified during the year under re view thereby threatening its multi-billionaire-dollar business” and opined that Shell alone cannot tackle the issues. THE Company’s chief executive recommended a multi-stakeholder approach as they have pushed for several years which has gone unheeded by the Nigerian authorities.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER, is disturbed over the security situation in the country as the United States of America recently raised alarm over escalating insecurity of lives, property and businesses necessitating in its restricting the movement of its citizens within some states in Nigeria.

WE are even more worried over the implications of corporate citizens’ perceptions of our security on larger businesses and in particular, growth and development of the country.

Unfortunately, efforts by Nigerian security to address the challenge have not yielded the desired results.

THE NIGERIAN

Going Tougher On Terror Groups IT is an incontrovertible fact that there could be no meaningful development in any society where security of lives and property is heavily under threat. Shell’s expose reveals of colossal sums of money lost through oil theft by criminals who, in our view act in concert with powerful and well connected Nigerians including even some unscrupulous officials of the nation’s security organisations.

THE sad situation the nation finds itself is an attestation of the lack of political will by government over the years to deal decisively with the various security challenges that have arisen with one leading to the other, some of which now have ethnic, and religious colourations.

Kidnap ping of multinational oil workers in the Niger Delta went on for too long unaddressed until it metamorphosed into kid nap of innocent low income earners, a situation which speaks volumes of our unpreparedness to tackle the menace of kidnappers until the mother of the Finance Minister and Head of the economic team of Mr. President was kidnapped by hoodlums to the utter embarrassment of the whole nation.

CLEARLY, the Nigeria Police Force have failed woefully to live up to its responsibility as from every indications, the police themselves, including the high authorities are either involved in criminal activities or are pre-occupied in shielding perpetrators of criminal offences.

THE political class have equally not helped the situation as most of them are involved in arming youth groups to do their political billing who in turn go back to the trenches with such arms to perpetrate criminality against the people and the state.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is strongly of the view that if Nigeria must attain its national goals and objectives, the present administration must take proactive steps to tight insecurity in the land and restore hope and confidence amongst all stakeholders, BUT in all, we believe the President needs to exercise the political will to make this happen. Mr. President needs to throw away ethnic, sectional and other sentimental gaits and wear his nationalistic apparel to deal with insecurity in the country.

GOING forward, we join shell Petroleum Plc to recommend a well organised, multistakeholder approach to dealing with insecurity in the country. The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air force, Department of State Security Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Customs and most importantly, the Nigeria Police Force need urgent over haul. All outfits need better coordination to arrest the situation and make the country safer for all.

Opinion Upholding National Interest Above Selfish Ambitions FEW months ahead, it shall be 2015! A significant moment when another historic event shall occur in Nigeria. It shall be likened to a battle ground where politicians from various political parties will ‘lock horns’ in a bid to become that man who would be referred to “Nigeria’s number one citizen.”

The contest that will determine who emerges the next elected president is the subject matter while the rhetorical question is “why do Nigerians shift gaze and desire from electing a credible candidate who has all the qualities to take Nigeria to the desired level of socioeconomic cum political growth, irrespective of the religion, tribe, region or zone which the candidate belongs.

Meeting have began.

Implied campaign are skeletally seen and heard of here and there concerning the 2015 general elections in Nigeria. The race has began!

The ball has already been set on motion for players to play.

The struggle is not just to become the number one citizen, but it includes also the desire to lead, and enjoy a good degree of authority, power, and recognition within and without the country.

The ‘battle’ within the context of the jurisdiction of the geographical location in question, is for the strong and mighty! It is for the ‘who is who’ in the society where the stage for the struggle is set.

However, since it has been on record that most politicians are highly connected and very powerful, another rhetorical question that comes to mind is “will the votes of the populace really count?”

In Nigeria, the principal of zoning and Federal Character has been given a pride of place to the effect that the leadership of the country should revolve around the six geo-political zones that exist in the country.

By implication however, this means that it is generally expected that not only the North or West should produce a president that should lead, but that all other zones whether minority or majority, should also enjoy the privilege of producing ‘their own’ to lead.

Although taking turns to lead according to the general rule of zoning and the principle of Federal Character have not been properly regulated as some people

By OMEIZA ROBINSON

claim, they may have neglected the fact that true and effective governance must not be a matter that should be done with emotions and sentiments, but with zero regard to personal feelings and total uplifting of credibility, effectiveness and reliability.

There have been cases where speculations have alleged that leadership has been centred to favour Northerners. That the Northern leaders enjoy power and have refused to let the principle of zoning come to play.

However, the conceptualized notion of this text is to the effect that Nigerians should ‘turn a blind eye’ to the principle of zoning and Federal Character, and concentrate on result-oriented leaders who will not manifest any element of fear or favour, and even bias on whatsoever grounds in their tenure.

A selfless leader who will not be coerced under some kind of ‘ undue influence’ is the candidate that should be considered fit for the position.

A candidate that will bring about transformation in all aspect should be the number one citizen. A candidate that will bring about guaranteed security, socio-economic and political growth is the one that should remain in focus.

What Nigerians need is reformation! Those in whose administration Nigeria will be classified among the developed countries. That leader who will make Nigerians proud to be referred to as Nigerians anywhere in the world! The leader that will alleviate poverty and create jobs. The leader that will create an enabling environment for youth empowerment and development.

In national interest, religion, tribe, region and even the zone to which a candidate belongs should not constitute the encumberance that will make us remain static. No matter where the leader hails from in the country, even if the candidate will take a second term, it is irrelevant in as much as the candidate will help to change the face of things from negative to positive.

In Libya, Muammar Gaddafi became a de facto leader of the country on 1st September 1969 after leading a group of young Libya

military officers against King Idris I in a bloodless coup d’etat. After the king had fled the country, the Libyan Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) headed by Gaddafi abolished the monarchy and the old constitution and proclaimed the new Libya Africa Republic, with the motto “freedom, socialism, and unity”.

The history of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi spanned a period of over four decades from 1969 to 2011. After coming to power, the RCC government initiated a process of directing funds towards providing education, health care and housing for all. Despite the reforms not being entirely effective, public education in the country became free and primary education compulsory for both sexes.

Medical care became available to the public at no cost but providing-housing for all was a take the RCC government was not able to complete. Under Gaddafi, per capita income in the country rose to more that United States of American and 11,000, the fifth highest in Africa. The increase in prosperity was accompanied by a controversial foreign policy, with increase political repression at home.

This brief background of Libyans leader (as he then

was), recorded remarkable success to his government because Gaddafi brought about economic growth and also increased the living standards of all Libyans.

Obviously, this may have constituted the basic reason why Gaddafi ruled the people of Libya for such a long time without any form of revolution because the people had a ‘good life’ under his leadership. There was no

reason whatsoever, for antagonistic plots to remove him from office, because Libyans did not even bother to apply for visa to go to any other country in search for ‘green pastures’ They were satisfied with their living standards and had things running smoothly without raising eye brows.

Although, despite so many negative and positive comments about the leadership of Libya under Gaddafi, it can still be said that on one hand, Gaddafi was a credible, reliable and proactive leader that brought Libya to the level of economic power that they enjoyed all through his tenure, and also the creation of an enabling environment for the Libyans to enjoy most of the things that any developed nation enjoy.

Similarly, the president of the United States Barrack Obama was not subjected under the influence of tribe or skin colour when he made an

attempt to contest for the seat of the president. Obama whose origin is Africa, was duly elected on grounds of credibility, proactiveness and reliability! Were it for the colour of his skin, tribe or race, he would never have been able to gain popular support to occupy that position in America.

Barrack Obama was the 44th elected president of the United States America. After nearly two years of intense campaigning in primaries and the general election, voters gave an overwhelming victory to Obama. “Change has come to America,” this was what the first AfricanAmerica leader told his

with Obama to ensure that America remains afloat in all aspect of political cum socioeconomic standards.

Under this arrangement, Nigerian politicians have been known for rejecting result of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), if the elections result is to their detriment.

Some Nigerian politicians will reject outrightly the result of INEC on grounds of fraud of whatsoever kind. Could this behavioural pattern be born out of the interest for the nation or on private emotional reasons?

While some contestants will declare that celebrations

country.

Senator. John McCain of Arizona, a true American, lost the contest against Obama.

Obama congratulated him (a Republican) for his “unimaginable” service to the United State, first as a prisoner of war for five and half years in North Vietnam and then for nearly three decades in Congress.

McCain called Obama to offer his congratulatory message. Obama thanked McCain for his “Class and honour” during the campaign and said he was eager to sit down and talk about how the two of them could work together.

In November 2012, Obama was re-elected as president, defeating Republican nominee Mitt Romney, and was sworn in for the second time as American president.

Mitt Romney, accepted the result with the “Spirit of sportsmanship” in such that he also was ready to work

should begin as a result of the victory achieved, others will be counting their losses with agony, pain, and the grief of not winning elections.

It is true that success in anyways like a cup of cold water given to some one who has been in the desert for days without anything to drink, while putting it in reverses would mean that it could be likened to pouring the cold water on the ground in front of someone who had not drunk in the desert for days.

Whatever the position, all loosers of election should accept the results with the ‘spirit of sportsmanship’, with efforts to forming alliance with whosoever that will emerge as the president through due process, so that sentiments will be thrown into the thrash-can for national integration to take preeminence.

Ajuwaya are posted to a commercial high school where they major in commercial related courses, they will obviously not take you or if you study business admin and you are posted to a technical school to teach, they will not take you.

Your PPA already have enough corps member. Let’s say your PPA is a growing organization now, and they have a target of just 5 corps members per batch. If you come as the 6th one, because they have reached their maximum number, they will not be able. to take you.

Accommodation and financial Problem: As it has been imposed on employers of corps members, they most provide accommodation or pay some token that will cover it up. And without this. the only option they can think of is to gives rejection letter.

Corps Wish: You can ask to be rejected. The NYSC has made provision that all

Between Corps Members And Their PPA

Rejection Letters: IT has been a priority of every Nigeria graduate to serve their father land. So I have found it necessary to share this with the newly posted corps members in various states. I do hope you have enjoyed every moment you have spent in camp till date, and I hope you participated in one way or the other in the different activities usually lined up for corps members during orientation.

This might not shock those of you who might already be familiar with the scheme, or those who paid attention to the lectures while on camp.

Most times not all corps members posted to a particular establishment might be accepted there.

Rejection is expected from your PPA. Depending on your PPA, you can either be accepted or reject Once you are rejected, please don’t be dejected. Yes, sometimes you might be rejected where you were posted. Most corps members panic at this point and begin to run back to the secretariat before trying to salvage the situation. I know the idea of the scheme is to

By LATEEFAT O. MOSHOOD

reach out to rural areas as well as townships in the states, however, for most of you who don’t like “village life” and probably were lucky to get posted initially to the city but were rejected; do not on any account go on believing that NYSC does not allow inter-local government posting.

The truth is once you get rejected and apply for reposting without trying to get yourself an alternative place to serve, you run the risk of being posted to the most interior parts of the state, which you might not find funny in the long run. To save yourself such “demotion”, all you have to do when you are rejected at your initial place of posting is to ensure that you collect a Letter of Rejection from your former “would be employer if you can go around the area and scout for organizations, schools or establishments that might need the services of a corps member, depending on your course of study. Do not be shy, or overtly independent-

minded, talk to fellow corps members, no man is an island; you might get lucky and get an alternative place to serve. Once you get accepted to serve in a place, make sure you collect your Letter of Acceptance, (for those who were rejected), attach this letter to the letter of rejection from your original place of posting, and proceed with it to the NYSC LG office to which you belong.

Majority of people who feel frustrated by this policy are people who influenced their posting to choice states only to be deployed to a rural community to teach integrated science. Imagine someone who worked his posting to Abuja thinking he

will serve in NNPC only to be posted to a village, it will be really disappointing and frustrating We have over 8000 corps members in some states alone per batch passing through NYSC that’s approximately 24000 corps per year (3batches) in some states alone. Now tell me how many schools, hospitals and Agric firms they are in the whole of Nigeria and do not forget that those institutions already have staff so, accepting corps members might be hard for them.

CAUSES OF REJECTION Your PPA feels they don’t need your expertise or course of study. For example, if you study physics/electronic and you

corps employer must provide accommodation at least. So if your PPA says they don’t have accommodation and you think their remuneration cannot sustain you with the federal allowed, you can ask them to reject you. But note: so many corps members reject their destiny because of this; reason is they want the best place to serve. If you are in the “best” place you will be too comfortable to think of making impact so choose the minimal comfort and make your service worthwhile. So now that you are rejected, all you have to do is follow the above steps mentioned.

NOTE: You would be assigned a new bank with which you must open a new account that would serve as your NYSC account for the duration of your service year.

You must make sure you get your account number early enough so that you can be cleared for the, month. It is also important for you as a new corps member to make sure to attend the “Zonal meeting” or “Group CDS” (depending on your Local government’s tradition), so that you would be properly informed of the activities that take place there. Do not be one of those corps members who would leave camp arid ‘jet” back home instead of doing the necessary things that you need to do to make your service year hitch and query free. Finally, try to identify with any of the CDS groups in your local government. Now this varies, depending on how your local government is run by the officials there. Some provide CDS cards almost immediately, while some do not. All in all, it is important to make sure you have this before leaving your state of PPA, if at all you have to.

There you would also get series of warnings not to travel, with different threats on what might happen if you do. For your own safety, any corps member who intends to travel should try to take an official into confidence. I mean one you feel you can trust, you could also try to inquire from old corps members who already have experience in these matters.

They would advice you on what to do. Safety is the key, please try not to get involved in any accident, as the NYSC would wash its hands off you if it is discovered that you traveled “illegally”. I believe I have been able to cover the most important issues that need to be noted by “otondos” on their arrival to their various place of primary assignments (PPA), And I want to welcome you all to one full year of fun which depends on you, suffering believe me it happens sometimes, all in the name of serving our fatherland. If you fail to take to this advice, You are Wrong’ Corper Wiiiiii!!!

“The truth is once you get rejected and apply for reposting without trying to get yourself an alternative place to serve, you run the risk of being posted to the most interior parts of the state, which you might not find funny in the long run.”

Child Health & You

Babies With Jaundice WHAT is Jaundice?

Jaundice means yellowness of the skin and eyes. It was derived from a French word “Jaune” which means yellow.

Jaundice is very common in babies less than two weeks old but it is frequently missed by parents and care givers because it is mostly mild and usually transient. Jaundice in babies differs greatly from that of adult or older children.

In older children and adult it usually signifies serious disease and the consequences are not similar to the consequences in babies.

About two third of babies will have jaundice in the first 2 weeks of life but only a few will developed the severe type of jaundice.

Why is jaundice an important condition in the newborn? Jaundice at high level can cause damage to the delicate brain of babies resulting in deafness, delayed or very poor development and epilepsy in late childhood. This brain damage that results in delayed development is referred to as cerebral palsy and these children have problems with walking or speaking. Jaundice is the second leading cause of cerebral palsy in Nigeria and third leading cause of deafness amongst our children Jaundice occurs worldwide and boys have a slightly higher chance of acquiring jaundice compared to girls.

What is the cause of jaundice? What gives the skin and eyes the yellow colour in jaundice, is the surplus of a compound called bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is normally released from broken down or destroyed red blood cells, however, when bilirubin is released in excess of what the body can remove, it accumulates in the body producing jaundice. The red cells can breakdown when they are too old and die naturally or they can die prematurely due to diseases that destroy them. The breaking down of red cells is termed haemolysis. Bilirubin can also accumulate in the body if the natural mechanism for removing it is defective.

Not all cases of jaundice are due to disease, many are

By AZUBIKE E. AMUABUNOS (MD)

as a result of slow clearance of bilirubin by the immature system of the baby, and this type of jaundice has been termed “physiologic jaundice”. The causes of jaundice in babies are many, however, only the common causes will be discussed here.

Infection is one of the common causes of jaundice in our environment. Babies usually acquire infections if they are born in an unclean environment. Babies are also infected if the feeding and other care is not hygienic for example when different people touch or carry the newborn baby without washing their hands first, or if native medicine is given to the baby. Another common cause of jaundice is a mother’s blood rejecting her baby’s blood in the womb causing premature destruction (haemolysis) of the baby’s red cell during pregnancy or after birth. This type of blood group incompatibility of mother and baby is called haemolytic disease of the newborn.

Haemolytic disease of the newborn can happen if the mother’s blood group is O (Rhesus) positive and she is carrying a baby whose blood group is A or B positive. Such blood group O mothers’ blood contains chemical compound called “antibodies” against baby’s’ blood carrying type A or B red blood cell. Although these antibodies are intended to protect individuals (this case the mother) against foreign cells they may attack baby’s blood cell. It is against this background also that blood transfused to anybody must be to match to ensure compatibility with the blood of the recipient to avoid rejection by the recipient antibodies. Mothers who have Rhesus negative blood group can produce serious red cell destruction and jaundice in her baby.

A condition more common in boys of African origin and, sometimes girls is a red cell enzyme deficiency that makes the red cells break down rapidly when the baby is exposed to commonly used substances or medications at home. The deficient enzyme is known as Glucose-6-

Phosphate Dehydrogenase abbreviated as G-6-PD. This enzyme normally helps to prevent death of red blood cells when they are exposed to harmful oxidants that we encounter in our environments.

When a baby has Jaundice the white part of the eyes become yellow, the face also turns yellow. This yellowness spread from the head to the

feet. When jaundice spread beyond the belly to the thigh it usually signifies a serious type of jaundice that needs urgent attention. When jaundice is seen on the sole of the baby’s feet, the bilirubin level is high enough to cause brain injury. Early warning signs of brain injury is poor feeding and baby becomes sleepier. If not treated urgently at this stage baby will progress to having abnormal cry, convulsions, loss of consciousness and may die. Babies who survive the brain injury may have cerebral palsy and other problems outlined earlier.

The brain injury is medically termed “Kernicterus.”

What to do if you notice that your baby has jaundice?

Go immediately to the nearest hospital or health center. Jaundice is usually treated by a specialized “children’s doctor” called paediatrician. The first thing

the doctor will do is to check your baby to know the severity of the jaundice. The doctor will determine if the jaundice is physiologic or not. Usually some test will be carried out on your baby and the mother to determine the level of bilirubin. These include the baby’s blood group, the blood level called PCV and other tests as necessary which will help in finding out the cause of the jaundice. If the level of bilirubin is low and the cause

tolerated by babies with little to worry about.

Treatment of unproven efficacy: Some treatment or practices have not been proven to be beneficial in treating jaundice and indeed may be harmful to your baby.

The use of glucose water is not beneficial and may be harmful as it can raise the baby’s blood sugar to a dangerous level. The use of oral antibiotics such as ampiclox must be avoided as it is not beneficial. It can cause diarrhoea and drug resistance in cases of infection in the baby. Placing

be manifest. At home, ensure baby is cared for in a hygienic environment. Avoid using some common home substances that can cause babies red blood cells to be destroyed and lead to jaundice such as using naphthalene balls (commonly called camphor) in clothes. Other things to avoid on your baby are dusting powder, metholatum, rubb or other ointment for pains. Also, do not give your baby self prescribed drugs or native medication.

is physiologic your baby may not require any treatment as the jaundice will clear spontaneously. If the level is high he will be admitted and kept under a blue light (phototherapy) that will assist in clearing the bilirubin. If the level is very high and dangerous the urgent treatment will be to exchange the baby’s blood with an adult donor’s blood.

This procedure will usually take one hour to 90 minutes and it will “wash out” the bilirubin fast. Most serious newborn jaundice is adequately treated with blue light available in many hospitals so exchange blood transfusion is only done for the most severe case with imminent brain damage. This light emits “photon energy” that converts bilirubin to compounds that is easier for the baby to excrete from the body. Phototherapy is well

the baby under the sun is not advised because of the harmful sun rays that can lead to cancer in later life and moreover the duration of exposure to sun may be too brief to have any significant phototherapy benefit.

How can you help to prevent jaundice in your baby? The first step to take is to visit and register at a health facility as soon as you are pregnant. The doctor will check your blood group and some special test will be done if you are negative blood type. Delivery of the baby should be carried out in a very clean health facility to prevent infection to the baby.

Doctor or nurse will generally check your baby’s skin for jaundice before you go home. Leaving the hospital too early that is, before 48 hours after of delivery may not allow enough time for jaundice to

Detecting jaundice early will make treatment simple and prevent injury to baby’s brain. It is important to seek medical advice if you have any doubt.

Dr Azubike Amuabunos (MD) Consultant Paediatrician/ Neonatologist, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City.

Comments on this page should be forwarded to The Editor, Observer newspaper or Director, Institute of Child Health University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

Spotlight

Boko Haram Attacks And Need For

I had sometime written on the need to seek for external assistance based on the various bombings in Nigeria that is not only denting but denigrating the image of Nigeria locally, nationally and internationally. The bombings have become like a one-time Minister of Petroleum Resources, Professor Tam DavidWest would say “enough is more than enough”.

The issue of these bombings need to be adequately and genuinely addressed once and for all. The frequent bombings have left many Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora in a stupor of surprise, pangs of anger and righteous indignation. It is therefore condemnable and despicable. How on earth will a sect continue to bomb schools, kill students and teachers?

Where do we go from here according to a popular musician? What was the offence of these innocent students and teachers or is it because Boko Haram believes that western education is a sin/ evil? The frequent bombings are serious national and international embarrassment. To this end therefore, it has continued to raise fundamental issues about national security, governance, as well as Nigeria’s corporate existence. As far as I am concerned, Boko Haram is a group of school dropouts and those who could not in the first instance commence western education.

Members of a religious sect with a forbidden name as claimed by them, Boko Haram while their true name according to their leader, Abubakar Bin Mohammed popularly known as Shekau is Jama’atu Ahli Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad that is, people Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad.

Following all the bombings with loss of lives and properties and trying to make the country which is the giant of Africa ungovernable for President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR and his team, I think it is most appropriate to seek for external assistance to find out the members of the deadly sect and their sponsors, whether individuals, corporate organisations, etc. The governors in the North East as the Chief Security Officers in their various states and the Chairmen of the Local Government Councils should be able to assist to identify the members by going “penetration deep down” courtesy of Zobridaya alias Nwodo how past four (a play Wright) but the reverse is the case.

Frequent visits by the Governors of the North East to Aso Rock on the Boko Haram thereby abandoning their responsibilities without proper home work is not the best. They should study what is happening within their immediate vicinity and proffer solutions especially how and why the bombings are

By CHARLES I. SOEZE

always taking place but the reverse is the case. In some cases, we say we want to negotiate with them. How can we negotiate with faceless people? What are their demands or annoyance?

interested to continue with their academics. It is a truism to say that they enjoy fully what western education has brought for us. Many of their people enjoy seniority in the public service based on

frequent suicide mission?

The sect appeared to be having their operations executed without molestation. In the month of February 2014 it has been hectic. Why must it be so? On February 11, Boko Haram killed 39 civilians in Kondoga, February 15, members of

lower and middle cadres winning and dinning with members of the sect unknowingly to their superior officers and the country in general. One may wish to recall at this point, the notorious criminal, Lawrence Anini and Deputy Superintendent of Police

U

President Goodluck Jonathan Negotiate with people who say western education is a sin/evil who also want Nigeria to become openly a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). They don’t want western education to continue in Nigeria. Let them know that education is not compulsory for them they should allow those who are

quota or federal character principle as introduced by General Murtala Ramat Mohammed (of blessed memory) then head of junta while addressing the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) on Monday, 20th July 1975.

Another big question is, Are they really Nigerians?

If not how do they enter the country freely for their

“Following all the bombings with loss of lives and properties and trying to make the country which is the giant of Africa ungovernable for President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR and his team, I think it is most appropriate to seek for external assistance to find out the members of the deadly sect and their sponsors...”

on fo th of H tim fo an co th ac

the deadly sect invaded Izedge, a town in Gwoza Council, near the border between Borno and Adamawa States where they killed more than 106 civilians. It was rumoured that over 400,000 persons lost their lives since the sect started their suicide mission.

It seems to me that whatever restructuring carried out at the top hierarchy of the nation’s security operatives will not assist in this direction or bring sanity for the crushing of members of the sect. This is because it will only be putting a new wine in an old calabash or bottle. In other words, there must be people at the

(DSP) Iyamu (both from Edo State).

Anini terrorised the nation for months both men and officers of the police were killed or maimed by Anini and his corroborators.

Later, it was discovered that DSP Iyamu was aiding and abetting Anini and his team. Was this not ridiculous? Boko Haram has caused a lot of damage and economic hardship especially in the North East of Nigeria. In this connection therefore, we should go for external assistance and I think it has no security implication.

The way members of the sect are going, if not urgently addressed, Nigeria will become hell

in wh an ca pr re Le to pe se ne al Go an pu de F go th un th da ho pl m

Spotlight

r External Assistance

n earth and a ‘no-go-area’ or visiting personalities hough I am not a prophet f doom.

However, let this be the me for sober reflection or us all. As Nigerians nd international ommunities condemned he wicked and barbaric ct, let everybody look

serve as a deterrent to others who would ever think of engaging on destructive act.

In my opinion all progressive and articulate Nigerians irrespective of religion and tribe must dislodge the idea of being agents of darkness and destruction. As a result, it

democratic structure. In the words of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, “Justice must be done to the poor and oppressed and if the present system does not serve the purpose the public conscience must be roused to demand another”. In other words, the federal government

or Allah knows whom or group.

Like Pope Benedict XVI, while appealing for peace in a message to commemorate the 2007 World Peace Day (WPD) said “Those with greater political, technical, or economic power must not use the power to violate the rights of others

century, Rabbig-Fr Warham Wa “Anta K h a y r u r- R a a h i m i n ” .

Meaning, “O my Lord!

Grant thou forgiveness and mercy”! For thou art the best of those who show mercy (Qur’an Surah 23, Verse 118). This is because of their ignorance as a result of lack of basic and western education in the 21st century, which is a big shame and set back. The sect should have this great mind and think of how to manipulate and improve on

“It is no exaggeration to say that the activity of the terrorist group has brought hardship to the entire people in the North East and this has affected the socio-political and economic life of the people. It has further affected the inflow of foreign investments.”

US President, Barack Obama

ward and reappraise hat happened. Injustice nd oppression (if any) annot but ultimately roduce a desire for evenge and or rebellion. et our deep sympathy go o all who lost their lives, ersons, properties, and ense of security. Nigeria eeds to be made safe for ll; and the Federal overnment should lead nd show the way to this, urposefully and ecisively.

Furthermore, the federal overnment should rise to he challenge of nmasking those behind he cowardly, deadly and astardly acts no matter ow highly or lowly aced and crush them in a ost exemplary manner to

kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital. In January 2010, the US (most powerful nation) once more put Nigeria on a Terror Alert Watch List (TAWL) following the attempt by a Nigerian, Mukhtar Abdulmutallab, to blow up a Delta Airlines plane over Detroit, USA in December 2009.

It is no exaggeration to say that the activity of the terrorist group has brought hardship to the entire

is absolutely necessary with due respect, humility, and sense of responsibility to appeal to all Nigerians no matter the status to remain steadfast, focused on the path of truth, honour, fairness and justice so that Nigeria can make meaningful progress economically and politically.

With these continuous bombings in the month of February 2014, one may boldly say that Nigeria’s democracy is therefore dangerous if not properly investigated. The way some are seeing these, it might lead to an extent that the falcon can no longer hear the falconer and that things will fall apart. This is not the best for Nigeria’s

needs to investigate thoroughly if there was crassa negligentia that is, gross negligence by any person no matter how highly or lowly placed in the society with political god-father or god-mother.

It appears that some of those engaged in the dastardly act must be under sponsorship by God

who are less fortunate”.

One may say that Nigeria appears as a weak state in the fight against violence and terrorism. What have made the sect to have stormed the Federal Government College (FGC), Buni Yadi, Gujiba Local Government, Yobe State and killed 43 students? Buni Yadi is 60

people in the North East and this has affected the sociopolitical and economic life of the people. It has further affected the inflow of foreign investments. The Federal Government should address the issue of violence and terrorism where possible or necessary seek for external assistance for Nigeria needs peace and we need to end the war. The latest bombing in Nyanya at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where innocent people lost their lives is further condemnable. We should address the issue of security with speed and alacrity.

I wish to say with humility to the sect of the 21st

the environment for the betterment of the society not engaging in suicide mission.

They have done a lot of massacre and let them change from Boko Haram that is deadly sect to Biko Haram meaning in Ibo “I beg leave me”.

Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, fswca, cpae, chnr, son, ghnr, emba, ksq is a mass communication scholar from first degree to doctoral level and a retired Director (Administration)/ Head, Academic and Physical Planning (A&PP) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun 0 8 0 3 6 7 2 4 1 9 3 (charlessoeze@yahoo.ca)

“With these continuous bombings in the month of February 2014, one may boldly say that Nigeria’s democracy is therefore dangerous if not properly investigated. The way some are seeing these, it might lead to an extent that the falcon can no longer hear the falconer and that things will fall apart.

Perspective Appraising The Gains Of Co-Operative Society, The BNCL-MPCL Perspective

ONE major prospect of any cooperative society is the immediate and future benefits accruable to members, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) usually provide the veritable platform to assess the gains made within a

specific period.

It was therefore a memorable occasion; one filled with high expectations which later translated into collective satisfaction when members of the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited Staff

By MATTHEW OKAGHA

Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited gathered on July 31, 2014 for the society’s 2013 Annual

BNCL-MPCL President, Mrs. Marvellous Imoisili delivering her address at the AGM

The News Editor, Mr. Andy Egbon (left) presenting a gift to BNCL’s Wages Officer, Mr. Abiebhode Bashiru for his contributions to the growth of BNCL-MPCL during the 2013 AGM.

General Meeting.

The BNCL-MPCL President, Mrs. Marvellous Imoisili set the tone for the meeting when she declared in her opening remark that the AGM is one with a remarkable difference, and therefore implored members to conduct themselves with decorum.

Thereafter, Pastor Rev Victor Imade led the house in the opening prayers which was immediately followed with the president’s address, reading of the minutes of the 2012 AGM, presentation of progress report/ financial statement and other activities lined up for the AGM. In her opening speech, Mrs. Imoisili informed the house of the various steps taken during the year under review to reposition the cooperative society and noted that unlike the previous years, members of the executive committee had worked together in harmony.

The minutes of the

previous AGM having been read by the Secretary, Comrade Ese Amadasun and adopted by the house, the presentation of the financial report by the treasurer, Pastor Fredrick Amegor which followed, drew intermittent applause from the cooperators who were thrilled by the gains made in the year under review.

Some of the salient gains in the year under review include increase in membership from 107 in 2012 to 115 in 2013.

There was also an income turnover of N2,725,589.33 in 2013 as against N1,371,601.25 in 2013 and a net surplus of N2,138,472.14 in 2013 as against N946,258.11 in 2012.

Most importantly, members share capital rose from N1,710,270.00 in 2012 to N2,105,788.00 in 2013 just as members savings took a quantum leap to N16,347,480.00 in the year under review when compared to N10,301,990.07 in the previous year.

The report card clearly

Cross section of members of BNCL-MPCL at the AGM

indicated that against all odds, the BNCLMPCL recorded a net profit of almost three million naira while counting the gains of the cooperative society.

Apart from the monetary gains, members of the BNCLMPCL have continued to enjoy such benefits as landed assets, household equipments and commodities.

All these had been made possible because of the dynamic leadership and prudent management of resources provided by the President, Mrs. Marvelous Imoisili and her management team.

As a highlight at the BNCL-MPCL 2013 AGM, there were presentation of gifts to some deserving members while the lucky dip, a regular feature of the AGM, provided excitement and joy to some lucky winners.

Members were also treated to a rich refreshment spiced with musical interlude to cap the event held at the company premises on Airport Road, Benin City.

or (a2 - 2b)(a + 2b) - c(a + 2b) INTRODUCTION: With the common factor written In the previous lectures we discussed the factorisation of first, we get: a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc monomials, perfect squares, = (a + 2b)[(a - 2b)-c] difference of two squares as well as quadratic expressions. In this edition or (a + 2b)(a - 2b - c)Ans

A].

Mathematics With Stanley Osobase 08023454887 Osobase2001@yahoo.co.uk

Factorising Expressions Containing x(a - b ) + y(a - b ) on EBS TV (Thursday 4pm live) we Four Terms With the common factor written shall be discussing expressions with 2

four and five terms.

Example 4 To factorise an expression with or Factorise completely containing four terms, group the (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x + 6bxy). terms in pairs so that each pair has a (UME, 2003) common factor. The other factor can Solution: be found by division.

Grouping in pairs, we have: B]. APPLICATION EXAMPLES (4abx - 2axy) - (12b2x - 6bxy) With the common factor written first, we get: Example 1 Factorise ax + ay - bx - by.

(2b - 7)(2ax - 6bx) Solution in pairs, we get: (2b - y)(a - 3b)2x Ans (ax + ay) - (bx + by) = a (x + y) - b(x + y) Example 5 With common factor written Factorise completely first, we have, we have: ac - 2bc - a2 = 4b2 (UME, 2004) ax + ay - bx - by Solution: = (x + y)(a - b)Ans Grouping in pairs, we have: c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 4b2) Example 2 or c(a - 2b) - (a2 - 22b2) Factorise m3 - 2m2 - m + 2 Applying difference of two squares, (UME) we get: c(a - 2b) - [(a - 2b)(a + 2b)] Solution: With the common factor written Grouping in pairs, we have: first, we get: 3 2 (m - 2m ) - (m - 2) ac - 2bc - a2 + 4b2 2 = m (m - 2) - (m - 2) = (a - 2b)[c - (a + 2b)] With the common factor written or (a - 2b)(c - a -2b)Ans first, we get: M3 - 2m2 - m + 2 = (m - 2)(m2 - 1) Example 6 or (m - 2)(m - 1) (m + 1)Ans Factorise a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y (UME).

Example 3 Solution: factorise a2 - 4b2 - ac - 2bc Rearranging, we have Solution: a2x - b2x + a2y - b2y Grouping in pairs, we have: Grouping in pairs, we have: (a2 - 4b2 - (ac + 2bc)

2

2

2

first, we get: (a2 - b2)(x + y) or a2x - b2y - b2x + a2y =(a - b)(a + b)(x + y)Ans

Example 7 Factorise a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b Solution: Grouping in pairs, we have: (a2 - b2) + (3a + 3b) Applying diffence of two squares, we have: a2 - b2 + 3a + 3b = (a + b)[(a - b)] or (a + b)(a - b + 3)Ans Example 8 Factorise (a + b)(a + y) - 2x - 2y Solution: (a + b)(c + y) - 2(x + y) With the common factor written first, we have: (x + y)[a + b - 2]Ans Example 9 Factorise m2 - n2 - 4m + 4 Solution:

By Observation, we have the trininomial m2 - 4m + 4. So that m2 n2 - 4m + 4 = (m2 - 4m + 4) - n2 By difference, of two squares, we get: [(m - 2) - n][cm - 2) + n] or (m - 2 - n)(m - 2 + n)Ans Until next week, stay blessed solving Maths! Remember To watch EBS TV (live) at 4pm, Thursday

Motoring With OSAGIE AIFUWA 08023412452

Advantates Of Power Steering System

Understanding Engine Transmission System MOST drivers know the fundamental purposes of gearboxes, be it manual or automatic; but the abuse in the operation of the gearbox and maintenance attention are the points that we intend to discuss in this edition.

Some motorists just slam on the gear lever to any particular gear ratio without allowing it enough time to completely disconnect drive from the engine by the transmission clutch; or drive off from standstill with the second or third gear.

Some drivers put their cars in reverse gear through a long distance without realising that because the vehicle is moving at the opposite direction the free flow of air into the engine may be

operating without adequate cooling atmospheric air and then tend to overheat.

Other motorists indulge in resting their hands on the gear lever, especially when driving a car with floor gear and this practice could put unnecessary strain on the gear linkage or the internal gears in the gearbox itself and adversely affect these components in the end.

Some do not change to a lower gear, i.e. 4 to 3rd or 2 gear when they should to gather enough power for necessary acceleration or climbing of bill and thereby over-labouring the engine unnecessarily.

Some motorists do not know how to use the engine as a brake when faced with an emergency brake failure. The

motorists must desist from slamming on the gears anyhow. He must ensure that the clutch pedal is fully depressed before he tries to engaged or changed the gear lever position from one to the other. He must ensure that the engine is fully disconnected before a gear change or else crashing the internal gears into engagement will result to premature failure in the end.

Don’t overlabour the engine by moving off from standstill in 2 gear or driving in a high gear, 4th climbing a hill and the road.

Conditions call for greater driving power torque for an effortless movement through such roads. You may not see the effort, but surely the engine will be gradually weakened each time you

Steering System THE operation of the steering gearbox can be mechanical as we have on most vehicles on our roads or hydraulic (power steering) also as we have on some cars on our roads. The power steering reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel and makes maneuvering in a confined space much easier than with the conventional steering (mechanical steering).

With conventional steering some steering wheels may be wrenched out of a driver grip if a tyre bursts at high speed

or if the car hits a large bump.

This does not happen with power steering. Another advantage of the power steering is that the car can be steered manually if the power falls.

The main components of a power steering are the same as the conventional type but plus a pump which supplies the fluid, drive by the engine, sensing valves operated by movement of the steering wheels, the ram and piston assembly and the connecting pipes.

The maintenances

procedures from the two systems. are similar. But the power steering has the hydraulic system to be maintained in addition.

indulge in this practice.

When driving in reverse gear, remember that the car is moving in opposite direction and displacing the atmospheric air in opposite direction to the normal direction for efficient cooling of the radiator and the entire engine, hence you should move in reverse direction through the shortest distance possible.

You may need to turn into a side road and change your direction as required or if this is not possible, go the whole hog to where you could make a “U” turn or a roundabout.

If you suddenly experience a brake failure while in motion, you need not panic unnecessarily; you must just have to use your engine as a brake and apply the handbrake as soon as the speed of the car has been brought down appreciably to effectively stop the car.

“Some Motorists do not know how they can use the engine as a brake when faced with an emergency brake failure”.

1.

The system enables heavier car and vehicle to be steered with ease without the physical strain experienced by the driver on long journeys.

2.

It can be maneuvered to a small space and at a low speed e.g. when parking on roads or in car parks (without appreciable effort as compared with manual system).

3.

It provides greater road safety since in the event of a burst tyre or other heavy shock, the power unit maintains control of the vehicle (whereas in manual steering the driving. control might be lost and an accident caused.

4.

Reduction of wheel wobbles 5.

Reduction in number of turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock- quicker steering especially at high speed.

6.

More responsive and sensitive steering together with

an almost complete observes of steering wheel shock and vibration.

Front wheel alignment is checked with different kinds of alignment equipments available in workshop and most petrol stations. In checking front alignment, you will measure camber, castor, and toe-in. The toe-in can be adjusted if found incorrect.

You can measure steering axis-inclination . and toe-out.

If they are wrong, it means parts is bent or damage and must be replaced The levels of fluid in power steering systems should be maintained between the minimum and maximum level. Else the pump will not build up enough pressure for: the system.

Leaks should be repaired immediately by skilled MECHANIC

Motor Insurance Policy MOTOR INSURANCE The law compel all motorists to have insurance policy to cover them should they be involved in an accident. The type of insurance can be divided into four groups ROAD TRAFFIC ACTS POLICY Under this policy, the insurance company will pay anyone who has legal claim against the insured person, but not for any damages claimed relating to the persons property including vehicles THIRD PARTY ONLY POLICY This covers claims by other persons for damages sustained to their vehicles, or for any injuries received.

It does not cover damage to the insured persons’ vehicle THIRD PARTY FIRE

AND THEFT Although basically similar to third party, it extends the cover to cover policy holders vehicle should it be damaged or destroyed by fire or should it be stolen The amount paid by the insurance company should the vehicle be stolen or totally destroyed will be equal to the market value of the vehicle which is usually less than the value put on the vehicle by the insured person COMPREHENSIVE POLICY. This policy cover all required by law and in addition the policies holders’ car, and includes the benefits of third party fire and theft cover, also various other benefits according to the wishes of the insured person.

“Some drivers put their cars in reverse gear through a long distance without realising that because the vehicle is moving at the opposite direction the free flow of air into the engine may be operating without adequate cooling atmospheric air and then tend to overheat.”

Encounter I Am An Ordinary Man, Empowered By The Holy Spirit – Pastor Samuel Osaghae Pastor Samuel Osaghae is a household name. He is the president and Senior Pastor of Believers Ministries International and for over sixty years he has been in God’s vineyard fulfilling his divine purpose and calling.

Recently, he spoke with the Nigerian Observer through Pius Abah on the significance of sixty years in ministry and other edifying issues.

Excerpts: Over sixty years you have been in ministry, what is the significances of 60 in ministry and in life generally?

It calls for speed in the pursuance of your purpose. 60 years is an alarm that reminds you that you don’t have all the time to play with. A call for more commitment, on the area of character, it makes you to know that many people are watching you.

It also reminds you of your nutritional values, because what you take as a youth cannot be the same when you are advanced.

It’s an alarm calling for an assessment of how much you have imparted people who will take over from you.

We are aware that you preach live and act divine healing. Talking about Ebola virus, who in your opinion can overcome it?

I will explain it from two platform, the platform of basic hygiene which has been advocated for, generally.

Even as a Christian, we believe in faith, but God gave us wisdom to take proper care of ourselves, but not to the point of

operating hygiene with fear of a likely contain nation. It reminds us of the need to observe basic hygiene.

I am not an advocate of those with extreme caution as per those extreme restriction.

By PIUS ABAH

every year “marriage and babies for all what qualifies anyone to attend this programme?.

Everybody is qualify to

Ebola it’s an insult.

Thereby subscribing to what is now called ‘Ebola greeting.’

I will not want our people to address this Ebola with fear, because in our Christian Kingdom, anything you fear is attracted to you. That is in job 3:25.

Ebola is a call to discipline in the sense that we get to know that he that breaketh the edge, the snake shall bit.

It is a call for everyone to live a holy life.

treats.

Every believer suppose to operate by faith

knowing that we are highly insulated from such viruses by the blood

attend this programme.

There are two major categories of people

Exodus 15:26 says I am the Lord that healeth thee.

God proves that He is a healer but you have to keep to His commandments. He proves that He is our doctor, He heals while doctors’

of Jesus. A believer should by no means be treatened

by Ebola.

We are aware that your church the Believers Ministries Organises a programme

invited. Those who are direct beneficiary those who will be indirect beneficiary. Indirect beneficiaries are those standing for others, like their relations we have

“I will not want our people to address this Ebola with fear, because in our Christian Kingdom, anything you fear is attracted to you. That is in job 3:25.”

• Pastor Samuel Osaghae

Like you don’t shake anybody again. How will you address a situation where an elderly man stretches his hand and you withdraw your hand because of

had cases of people who have got to the age of 40 as a spinster getting married by the virtue of this programme. Also

people married for 22 years without babies having their babies.

We are very optimistic in view of track record in God’s performance.

Pastor Samuel Osaghae is a household name, whether in Benin and outside of it. Who actually is Pastor Samuel Osaghae to those who don’t know him?

Pastor Samuel Osaghae is an ordinary believer empowered by the Holy Spirit. He is an ordinary person who found Christ and being empowered by the Holy Spirit without the Holy Spirit, without Jesus, he is an ordinary as the ordinary man.

In Luke chapter 4, Jesus Christ says the spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me. So it is the spirit of God that changes a man. Without him, you are just as ordinary as the ordinary person.

All that you see as success is usually ascribed to the success of the Holy Spirit in the life of the ordinary Pastor Samuel Osaghae.

“Pastor Samuel Osaghae is an ordinary believer empowered by the Holy Spirit. He is an ordinary person who found Christ and being empowered by the Holy Spirit without the Holy Spirit, without Jesus, he is an ordinary as the ordinary man.”

Society

DATING means different things to different people, particularly amongst young adults globally. Dating is a part of human mating process whereby two people meet socially for companionship beyond the level of friendship or with the aim of each assessing the others suitability of their partner in ultimate relationship or marriage.

Considering this then, it is bewildering to learn that teenagers from age ranging 1216 years are in sexual relationship. This act of teenagers getting engaged in such relationships has led to an abuse of the purpose of companionship. These days it is quite common to hear of a thirteen year old for instance in a sexual relationship. Research also shows that the highest level of teenage dating is seen in early years of high school.

Teenage dating has also spread rapidly due to the effects of globalization and the free flow of communication through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Communication media like Internet have given teenagers a platform to express themselves, socialize with people from other states or nations, create and maintain relationships.

There are however a lot of violent effects of teenage dating. The biggest threat about teenage dating is the fact that teenagers could be exposed to the heinous intentions of people. A lot of people today, use the internet or social media platforms to masquerade as friendly individuals, and could very well take advantage of unsuspecting teenagers to unleash mayhem on them.

Another bad effect of teenage dating is the fact that, most teenagers are not able to handle

properly the pressure of being committed thereby showing their lack of understanding in maintaining such relationships.

Such could lead to frequent breakups, fights (physical) and emotional abuses as well as the extreme cases of suicide attempts.

Teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are other side effects of dating amongst teenagers. Have you ever wondered what such effects could do to your future.

Do you know that such mistakes could lead you to a lifetime regret. No doubts this applies across board to all, including youths and the elderly, it would however be more deadly for teenagers because of their precarious stage in life. Not being experienced and able to handle the pressure that comes from relationships will lead to those unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Sexual relationships to an extent has become a normal thing among youths, and that is the more reason you will hear youths or teenagers of these days have this mindset that if you are yet to have sex then you are not among the big boys you can as well be called ‘mumu’.

To girls there is this ignorant believe that once you start having sexual relationship, your body will start to develop.

Some say it brings out their bodies, make them have large breast and hip in such a away that guys will start tripping for you. Some of these beliefs are what teenagers hear and discuss among themselves.

Parents to a higher standard are responsible for not sensitizing and educating their children because of what I call it lack of education. There is a big difference between literacy and education. Both are very important but a literate man who

Curbing Sexual Relationship Among Teenagers

lacks education is not better than an illiterate. Some parents would say, how can I start discussing sex with my children; to them it is odd but if you parents cannot teach your children especially the once that are maturing gradually then they have to learn from their peers.

Lets not forget teenagers are very intelligent, sometimes in a very foolish way that they can come up with something that they coined and make it look authentic and real. When they present such well articulated thought to the ignorant once that are novices they tend to believe it.

Some parents would say to their daughter, if a boy gives you a hug, you would become pregnant. Why not tell her the real truth, that if she indulges in sexual activity, she is liable to become pregnant.

What do the teenagers themselves think of teenage dating? Nebechi Okonkwo who attends learning field international School in Onitsha, Anambra State of Nigeria suggests that teenagers get into relationships for the purpose of feeling secured. She says “girls want somebody who can stand up for them in the face of oppression.” Mniaku Cynthia, an undergraduate student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka thinks that teenage dating is ‘natural’. She insists ‘one must pass through that stage.’

Maduka Buchi and Dan Courage, both students of the university of Benin, argue however, that teenagers could go into a relationship because they are in love.

On the contrary, Mr. Ugagbe Stanley, says that teenage dating is totally unacceptable to him. ‘nowadays we see by ourselves

By MBADUGHA KINGSLEY .

what teenagers/Youth describe as love. They have put love in place of infatuation because I wonder how a particular guy

you stand. Defining your purpose in life and setting a goal for yourself is very important.

If you are dreaming of becoming the president of

that teenagers are exposed to the right moral teachings in school.

Also, if you are also among people that are feeble minded that you chop up whatever that your peers feed you with, then you need to take a step

within a period of one month must have professed love to more than four girls.’ To me that is distraction.

Teenage dating has become so normal that primary school pupils also indulge in this act as well. The world is gradually changing and metamorphosing into something that cannot be defined.

Ladies and men to me are necessary devils but not for teenagers. Ask yourself this question if you are a girl ‘What can a boy of 15 offer me?”

When you answer this question, I believe you will know where

Nigeria, then don’t let ‘Relationship” be a hindrance because sexual relationship can do more harm than good to your life.

Whatever position you take, one thing is certain the side effects of teenage dating are innumerable and the consequences of such are disastrous on the teenager involved, it therefore means that parents have a onerous task of ensuring that they keep note of the activities of their kids.

Teachers and instructors also have a role to play in ensuring

backward and accept reason, analyse whatever you hear.

Don’t have phobia when it comes to issues that are beyond your reason; talk to your parents, sisters and people you can actually trust. Let your mother scold you for asking her question about sex on the long run she will be very proud of you.

Building a society starts from building up good people, it therefore means that every adult must contribute to raising the younger ones with the right principle enshrined in their minds.

was strangled to death. After Cynthia’s death, one of her assailants left the room and later put a call to the hoteliers, informing them that there was a corpse in one of the rooms.

The hotel, as gathered, took the corpse to the Isolo General Hospital mortuary. Sources informed that efforts by the hoteliers to contact family of the diseased proved abortive as there was reportedly nothing to trace her close relatives or friends.

After the murder, they deleted all information and chats with the diseased from their facebook accounts. But along the line, Cynthia’s phone was dialed and one of the suspect reportedly answered. When the call log was checked from the service provider, the receiver was traced to Festac Town in the Amuwo-

Odofin Local Government Area. And thereafter the rest of them were caught.

Although they confessed that they were responsible for her death; the fact remains that she is gone.

Our youths should be very careful with their ‘freedom’, especially at this internet age which has become a platform where immoral activities are being practiced.

Also, now that we do not know the true picture as well as the personality of persons you might be chatting with and possibly making business arrangements with strangers, we should restrict our friendship to only those we are familiar with.

Beware, be watchful and be careful because whatever mistakes you make today may have adverse effect in your subsequent journey in life.

Exploring The Power Of Youthfulness YOUTHFULNESS is the strength and vigour that a youth possesses. The ability to soar like an eagle, and operate with fresh blood which makes them strong and energetic to carry out great tasks easily.

Although, some of the youths channel their strength into profitable ventures, others use theirs for pleasures, partying,

By PIUS ABAH

clubbing and all kinds of social vices.

The strength, wisdom and abilities of a youth can make or mar him. It therefore behoves that youths should be mindful of what, where and how they make use of this great (natural) gift that God has bestowed upon

them.

Even the book of God (Bible) puts it very interestingly that the glory of the young ones (youths) is their strength.

A youth who doesn’t have anything doing after secondary school education should either

make effort to get into any of the higher institutions or learn a particular skill in his/her area of interest.

An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. Do not allow yourself to be an instrument through which evil practice(s) will thrive.

Think of something positive you can do to develop yourself and elevate your pedigree.

As a youth, the friends you keep may not only influence you negatively, but might even shatter your future aspirations entirely. Beware of the friends you keep, especially the ones you would term your best pals.

Just like the case of Late Cynthia Osokogu, the only daughter of Gen. Frank Osokogu (rtd), whose body was discovered in a Lagos morgue a month after she was declared missing, she was reported to have made contacts with her facebook friends who eventually lured her into an hotel, raped, robbed and strangled her to death.

At the hotel, her drink was reportedly drugged before she

“Our youths should be very careful with their ‘freedom’, especially at this internet age which has become a platform where immoral activities are being practiced.”

Religion

The Pure Heart

JESUS said in the beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Mall. 5:8). A pure heart that sees God equally means the heart is open to God’s dwelling, for the body is the temple of the living God (1 Cor. 3: l6) The heart that God dwells in will not harbour evil thoughts of fornication or adultery, let alone express it. Every action that a man takes which is not spontaneous has come from a thought in his heart. Of course the act of fornication or adultery is not usually spontaneous; it emerges from the evil thought of the heart.

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts.... adultery, fornication” Matt. 15:19.

Even though man cannot see the heart, it is from the heart of man that God distinguishes his children; “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins to give every man according to the fruit of his doing” (Jeh’17:9) “Children of God” can be distinguished from “children of the devil” (1 Jn 3:10) according to whom they have yielded their hearts to. “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil; whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God” I Jn. 3:10. A child of God whose heart is yielded to God and whose mind is continuously renewed by the spirit of God (Eph. 4:23) would give no place for satan to place evil thought in his heart. Hence Paul the Apostle wrote: “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind....

Neither give place to the devil” Eph. 4:23, 27.

Have you been in the gathering of unbelievers?

And what do you hear them often communicate? Nothing but evil communication. This evil communication is from the store house of their hearts; for Jesus said: Matt. 15:1819.

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man, for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies’ So if your heart is totally yielded to God; if you have made your body the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:9) and if you constantly renew the spirit of your mind (Eph.

.4:23) through the word of God regular Bible study (Jn 5:39) through regular prayers (1 Thess. 5:17) and regular fellowship (Heb. 10:25): It is very difficult to find satan occupy your mind with thoughts of fornication or adultery.

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is treated in righteousness and true holiness” Eph. 4:24.

The new man - the born again spirit is renewed by the word of God “The new man which is renewed in knowledge” Col. 3:10. Thus the maintenance of a pure heart is a good anti-dote against any form of evil including the evils of fornication and adultery.

Hence the book of proverbs says: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life Prov. 4:23. One way by which you can keep your heart out of evil is to guide your mind: That means by self effort reject any evil thought dismiss it instantly.

Don’t let it stay on at all; once it is suggested quickly dismiss it - thats how to treat satan when he tries, to influence your heart.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober” 1 Pet. 1:13.

Remember satan the enemy prawls about seeking whom to devour: are you aware that once you are a child of God; you are a target of satan? please you should be aware;, and beware too; a knowledge of this keeps you on your mettle or on your guard. Hear what the Bible says of Satan’s strategy against the believer: “Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, ,as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith” 1 Pet. 5:8-9. You are told to resist him; and I tell you as satan attempts to project wrong thoughts into your heart dismiss him instantly. When satan tempted Jesus after he had fasted forty days and forty nights; Jesus did not waste time “It is written” (Matt. 4:1-10). The Bible says when Jesus had dismissed satan the three times he tempted him satan had to flee.

“Then the devil leaveth him, and behold angels came and ministered unto him” Matt, 4:11.

The Bible says that satan will flee when we resist him; he is so subtle that if you give him a little chance he would amplify his deception; also note that satan does not give in easily; otherwise he couldn’t have tempted our Lord three times; but each time he attempts. to project a thought that is evil; just dismiss him again and again; you may go to your closet and pray (Matt. 6:6) You may even take a fast if he is

terribly upsetting you; (Isa. 58:6); you will see how you will shine in the presence of God. Please note that God does not leave you as a child of God to the entire manipulations. No! “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” Heb. 13:5. So for every temptation of Satan on you including the temptation to commit fornication or adultery, God is around to shield you - but you only need to declare your stand to satan by saying - No! then God stands out to support you!

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape” 1 Cor. 10:13,2; Pet. 2:9. You see that the Lord wishes to deliver you from

With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA

any temptation yet he wants you to first declare your stand, don’t yield - then he would support you. One thing I have known of God - he will not force himself on you; you have to personally decide on his side and he will support you, but if you decide to declare for satan or not declare your stand before satan, you are the one choosing to forsake God then he would be looking at you; for the “way you make your bed, so you will lie on it” Hear this prophecy of the prophet Azariah.

“And the spirit of God

20:17): If David had rejected the idea of adultery from the moment he was on the house top and saw a lady taking her bath; or if Samson had not deliberately walked with his legs to the harlot -at Gaza (Judges 16:1); the evils that petell these characters would not have happened. They lacked that strategy to deal with satan - the strategy of saying! “NO WAY FOR YOU SATAN”.

Jesus had taught us the strategy for he told satan “Get thee behind me satan” Lk. 4 Some believers are slow in saying this or they begin to

came upon Azariah the son of Oded.... The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you, but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you’ 2 Chron. 15:2.

Friend did you see that? A child of God does not need to fall into any temptation of fornication or adultery which often comes from a premeditated action - if only once satan projects the thought in your mind you reject it; if he persists flush him out through prayers and fasting; he will flee. I say again that every sin of fornication or adultery has not often been spontaneous even if you are faced with a seducer. If Amnon had rejected the thought in his heart when it occurred to him to defile his own blood sister; he had even forgotten the mosaic law of incest (Lev.

compromise then satan uses that as an opportunity to amplify his strategy. Look at the case Amnon’s incest story; “And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar for she was a virgin” (2 Sam. 13:2) Here Amnon the first son of David was under satanic bondage; he needed prayers of deliverance; he needed to act fast and say “no way for you satan” but he compromised; for the Bible says of his fleshly torment for his sister; “And Amnon thought it hard for him to do anything to her” 2 Sam. 13:2. You see the mind is working negatively; Amnon was still thinking what to do to achieve the evil intention satan had placed in his heart. But because he gave satan a chance; satan amplified his strategy; and satan then sent his cousin Jonadab described in the

Bible as “a very subtil man” (2 Sam. 13:3). It was Jonadab the subtil man that satan used as an agent to ill-advise Amnon how to hatch out his wicked plan which eventually cost him his life, two years after Do you also know that it was this same Jonadab that broke the news to David when Amnon had died; that Amnon had died from his sin

of incest. (2 Sam. 13:35,22,32-33).

Let us remember this admonition of James: “let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempted he any man: But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed, then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” James 1:13-15.

Note that Line which says “when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin”, meaning when the heart has thought over the matter negatively then it is expressed in the form of sin: but if you can stop it there, then it cannot be expressed as sin (2 Cor. 10:45) “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” James 4:7.

International Features ON September 9, 1948, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was founded.

Since its founding, the DPRK has been strengthened into an invincible socialist power.

Kim Il Sung (1912-1994), founder of the Republic and its eternal President, built the country into a prospering socialist state.

Succeeding his cause, Kim Jong Il (1942-2011), eternal Chairman of the National Defence Commission, developed it into an invincible socialist power.

Some events that drew world attention in the late 20th century tell the invincibility of the DPRK. When the former Soviet Union and other socialist countries collapsed one after another, socialist Korea still stood unmoved.

The anti-socialist offensive by imperialists, which had been committed against the whole socialist camp, was now focused on one country, the DPRK. Despite these adversities, the DPRK defended the banner of socialism, and furthermore

opened a new era of building a thriving socialist country.

The dignity of the DPRK as an invincible socialist power is now being demonstrated higher under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. While consolidating the status of the country as a politico-military power, he is leading the effort to build the country into an economic giant based on cutting-edge science and technology.

Kim Jong Un is further solidifying the national defence capabilities of the country.

Through his inspection of Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division first after the death of Chairman Kim Jong Il, he solemnly declared his will to invariably hold high the banner of Songun. Since then he has been on the road of Songun-based leadership to defend the sovereignty and dignity of his country.

Amid the extreme war games staged by the US and its followers to stifle the DPRK, he convened military-related conferences one after

Invincible Socialist Power

another, including a conference of information officials of the KPA and the 4th conference of company commanders and political instructors, providing important occasions for building up the armed forces. And he inspected forefront units and posts in Panmunjom, situated on the Military Demarcation Line that bisects Korea into the north and south, Mt. Osong, and Cho, Mu and Jangjae islands reviewing their combat readiness, equipping soldiers with the idea of anti-imperialist independence and the thoroughgoing spirit of defending socialism and preparing each of them to be a-match-for-a-hundred.

Under his leadership the army and people of the DPRK are achieving fresh successes in the anti-US confrontation.

In December 2012, when the DPRK was going to launch satellite Kwangmyongsong 3-2, the US and its followers exacerbated the situation,

claiming that the satellite was a “ballistic missile.”

The leader of the DPRK, not vacillating even in the least, gave an order to launch it, and guided the process of the launch on the spot. As the UN Security Council railroaded through a “sanctions resolution” against the launch of a peaceful satellite, a right due to a sovereign state, and the US, availing itself of the opportunity, increased nuclear threat and nuclear war rackets, he strengthened the country’s nuclear deterrent for selfdefence and ensured that the Korean People’s Army were fully ready for combat.

This shattered the US attempt to stifle the DPRK. Even at this moment, the US and its followers are still kicking a fuss about the “nuclear problem” and “missile problem” of the DPRK so as to isolate and stifle it by all means and at any cost, but what the world see is the increasing DPRK’s nuclear deterrence

and might of missile in volume and quality.

Kim Jong Un is guiding the service personnel and people of his country to perform world-astonishing miracles in their effort to build theirs into a thriving socialist country.

Under his Songun-based leadership the Korean People’s Army is creditably performing its mission and duty not only as a defender of the socialist country but as a pillar in the building of a thriving socialist country.

It has built many apartment houses on Changjon Street in Pyongyang and on Unha Scientists and other modern streets, and other monumental edifices, like the Masikryong Ski Resort, Mirim Riding Club, Munsu Water Park, Okryu Children’s Hospital and Ryugyong Dental Hospital in a short time and on the highest standards, thus ushering in a heyday of construction in the country.

Attentive in the development of science and technology in building an

economic giant, Kim Jong Un, whenever he inspects various fields of the economy, stresses the importance of putting production on a normal track on the basis of up-todate science and technology.

He sees to it that every sector and every unit boosts production based on science and technology.

Under his leadership, remarkable achievements are being made in building a civilized socialist country.

The Moranbong Band which he organized in person, is all the rage among people.

Universal 12-year compulsory education has started to be enforced. Amid the flames of conducting sports raging all over the country, sportsmen have won many gold medals in the international arena, demonstrating that their country is marching dynamically towards the status of a sports power.

The DPRK will shine its brilliance as an invincible socialist power forever.

NATO Coalition In Afghanistan Shrinking ALONGSIDE the exodus of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, soldiers who hail from countries like Singapore and Slovenia, Mongolia and Malaysia have been packing up too, leaving behind an ever-shrinking NATO coalition.

The coalition has been fighting the war for more than a decade, but that combat mission ends in 17 weeks. On the agenda at this week’s NATO meeting in Wales is nailing down which countries will contribute how many troops to the post2014 mission to continue training the Afghan forces and who will pay the salaries of the Afghan policemen and soldiers going forward.

“There already has been so much blood and treasure invested no one wants to see this turn into what is happening in Iraq right now,” said retired Adm. James Stavridis, who was NATO supreme allied commander from 2008 to 2013. “I think people realize we need to continue to advise and mentor the security forces for several more years.”

There are about 30,700 U.S. forces still in Afghanistan, and President Barack Obama has said he wants to keep 9,800 American troops in the country after the end of the year. The number of non-American troops stands at roughly 14,400 — down more than 65 percent from a peak in May 2011 — and is shrinking fast.

Some countries like Britain with 3,936, Germany with 2,250 and Italy with 1,653 still have a sizeable number of troops in the country. But 17 countries — representing about a third of current 48-nation coalition — have just 25 or fewer troops still deployed. They are: Austria, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, El Salvador, Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Slovenia, Sweden, Tonga and Ukraine.

At its peak, about 50 nations were contributing troops to Afghanistan. Stavridis, who is now dean of the Fletcher School, a graduate school of international affairs at Tufts University in Massachusetts, predicted that the number of troop-contributing countries will drop to between 15 and 20 after the end of this year.

Starting next year, the U.S. has committed to keeping 9,800 troops in Afghanistan as part of a new NATO mission dubbed Resolute Support, which will train, advise and assist Afghan soldiers and policemen. About 4,000 to 5,000 non-American troops — mostly from Britain, Germany, Italy and Turkey — will be deployed as well, although the actual size of the new mission has not been finalized.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary-General

Formalizing those deployments will be contingent on the U.S. and NATO signing formal agreements with the Afghan government, which is in the throes of a bitterly contested presidential election. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has refused to sign them, leaving the job to his successor.

The winner of the election was supposed to have been announced by now, but the two candidates — Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai — have alleged widespread election fraud and are fighting over a recount of votes.

Besides troop numbers, a key unresolved issue is which countries will make good on financial commitments to pay the salaries of Afghanistan security forces in the future, something the Afghan government will not be able to do on its own for years.

NATO has put the price tag of a 228,500-strong Afghan security force at about $4 billion a year, while another study carried out for Congress called for a larger base Afghan force of 344,300 plus 29,100 auxiliary forces at a cost of about $6 billion a year.

Stavridis predicted that more nations — probably 40 to 50 — will be willing to bankroll the Afghan security forces, partly because it’s much cheaper than deploying their own troops there.

But war fatigue is rampant across the United States and Europe, and political realities could create a financial crisis in Afghanistan in coming years, warned Omar Hamid, who specializes in terrorism threats in Afghanistan and other countries at IHS Jane’s, which specializes in defense and security analysis.

“There have been commitments, but that does not account for political changes within the NATO countries,” Hamid said. “The appetite to fund at current levels is doubtful with changes in governments and fresh elections in France and Germany or wherever.”

If the Afghan government can’t pay its troops, political instability will spread in the country, support for the security forces will decline, and some policemen and soldiers will simply leave the forces, he said.

“If you start having problems with salaries to troops, police officers not being paid or those sorts of issues, then that problem escalates and you have the possibility of people withdrawing or pulling out or units refusing to fight. That is the risk.

“As far as the political appetite to continue funding Afghanistan at current levels — that is bound to decline over the next four to five years,” Hamid said.

International Features ISLAMIC State extremists have released a video showing the beheading of a second American journalist, Steven Sotloff, and warned President Barack Obama that continuing airstrikes against the group in Iraq will be met with the killing of more Western captives.

The footage — depicting what the U.S. called a sickening act of brutality — was posted late Tuesday, two weeks after the release of video showing the killing of James Foley and just days after Sotloff ’s mother pleaded for his life.

Barak Barfi, a spokesman for the family, said the Sotloffs had seen the video but that authorities have not established its authenticity. “The family knows of this horrific tragedy and is grieving privately. There will be no public comment from the family during this difficult time,” Barfi said.

Sotloff, a 31-year-old Miami-area native who freelanced for Time and Foreign Policy magazines, vanished in Syria in August 2013 and was not seen again until he appeared in a video released last month that showed Foley’s beheading. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit against an arid Syrian landscape, Sotloff was threatened in that video with death unless the U.S. stopped airstrikes on the Islamic State.

In the video distributed Tuesday and titled “A Second Message to America,” Sotloff appears in a similar jumpsuit before he is apparently

beheaded by a fighter with the Islamic State, the extremist group that has conquered wide swaths of territory across Syria and Iraq and declared itself a caliphate.

In the video, the organization threatens to kill another hostage, this one identified as a British citizen. The U.S. National Security Council said Wednesday that the video was authentic.

Britain and France called the killing “barbaric.” British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement that he would chair an emergency response meeting with his Cabinet on Wednesday to review the latest developments.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Tuesday that “a few” Americans are believed to be held by the Islamic State group. Psaki would not give any specifics, but one is a 26-year-old woman kidnapped while doing humanitarian aid work in Syria, according to a family representative who asked that the hostage not be identified out of fear for her safety.

The fighter who apparently beheads Sotloff in the video calls it retribution for continued U.S. airstrikes against the group.

“I’m back, Obama, and I’m back because of your arrogant foreign policy toward the Islamic State ... despite our serious warnings,” the fighter says. “So just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.”

The killer specifically mentions the recent U.S.

Second Syria Beheading Raises Stakes For US airstrikes around Mosul Dam and the beleaguered Iraqi town of Amirli, making it unlikely that Sotloff was killed at the same time as Foley, as some analysts had speculated.

Over the weekend, Iraqi government forces with help from U.S. airstrikes broke the Islamic State

armed vehicles.

The SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S. terrorism watchdog, first reported the video’s existence.

As the Islamic State group has moved to expand its proto-state over the past year, it has frequently published graphic photos and gruesome videos of bombings, beheadings

Union Academy, a prep school in New Hampshire.

As a student at Kimball, Sotloff “developed a passion for reporting and writing, a gift that he shared with people around the world, and this unthinkable act of terror has taken him from us far too soon,” New Hampshire Gov. Maggie

concern for the civilians caught in the middle of a brutal war.”

Time Editor Nancy Gibbs said Sotloff “gave his life so readers would have access to information from some of the most dangerous places in the world.”

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep. Ed Royce,

and mass killings.

Last week, Sotloff ’s mother, Shirley Sotloff, pleaded with his captors for mercy, saying in a video that her son was “an innocent journalist” and “an honorable man” who “has always tried to help the weak.”

Sotloff grew up in the Miami area, and graduated from Kimball

Hassan said in a statement.

Sotloff then attended the University of Central Florida, which said he majored in journalism from 2002 to 2004 but apparently left without graduating.

Just how Sotloff made his way from Florida to Middle East hotspots is not clear. He published articles from Syria, Egypt and Libya in a variety of publications. Several focus on the plight of ordinary people in wartorn places.

In a statement, Foreign Policy magazine called him a “brave and talented journalist” whose reporting “showed a deep

a California Republican, said the new video demonstrates the Islamic State group’s “barbarity” and said the U.S. and allies need to step up military action against it.

At Sotloff ’s parents’ home in Pinecrest, Florida., two police vehicles blocked the driveway Tuesday, and officers advised journalists to stay away.

Friends of the family could be seen coming and going.

“Everyone’s been concerned. Everyone is grieving,” neighbor Pepe Cazas said. “It’s terrible.

I’ve been praying for him.”

Barack Obama, US President

group’s two-month siege of Amirli, a town where some 15,000 Shiite Turkmens had been stranded.

In a statement Tuesday evening from U.S. Central Command, military officials said an airstrike conducted Monday against Islamic State militants near Mosul Dam damaged or destroyed 16

“Britain and France called the killing “barbaric.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement that he would chair an emergency response meeting with his Cabinet on Wednesday to review the latest developments.”

International

Gaza War Cost Israel $2.5bn

Meriam Rhaiem holds her daughter after arriving in Velizy-Villacoublay near Paris yesterday.

Somali Rebel Leader’s Fate Unclear After US Airwarned Strike that large areas of

officials said late Tuesday they were still trying to establish who was killed.

“The Shebab suffered big casualties during the attack. We can’t give further details until we get additional information on the exact number of casualties, but what I know is that the target was the leadership,” government spokesman Ridwan Haji Abdiweli told reporters.

Washington has carried out a series of drone missile strikes in the past, including attacks reportedly targeting Godane.

- $7 million reward The Shebab refused to be drawn on speculation that Godane had been killed.

“Let the Americans say that they have killed Shebab’s leader,” a senior Shebab official told AFP. “So far the Americans just gave us rumours.”

The air raid came days after African Union (AU) troops and government forces launched “Operation Indian Ocean”, a major offensive aimed at seizing key ports from the Islamist rebels and cutting off one of their key sources of revenue — multi-million dollar exports of charcoal.

Abdukadir Mohamed Nur, governor for southern Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, said the strike hit a Shebab hideout used as a training camp for suicide bombers in a remote village of the Lower Shabelle region, south of the capital Mogadishu.

As the offensive gathers pace, authorities in Mogadishu, the seat of Somalia’s internationally-backed but fragile government, said they were willing to give “misled” Shebab members one last chance to surrender.

“They can surrender within 45 days, but anyone who stands against that offer will be recognised as a criminal and brought to justice,” Somalia’s minister for national security,

Khalif Ahmed Ereg, told reporters.

Godane, 37, who reportedly trained in Afghanistan with the Taliban, took over the leadership of the Shebab in 2008 after then chief Adan Hashi Ayro was killed by a US missile strike.

Al-Qaeda chief Ayman alZawahiri has recognised Godane as the head of the “mujahedeen” in East Africa, although letters released after Osama bin Laden’s death show the late Saudi Islamist leader had lower regard for the Somali’s abilities.

He is included in a third category of men on whom information warrants a $7million (5.35-million-euro) reward from the US, alongside Nigeria’s Boko Haram leader, but under the Taliban’s Mullah Omar, for whom a tip is worth up to $10 million, and Zawahiri, who fetches $25 million.

- ‘A major blow’ “If confirmed, the death of Ahmed Godane could deal a major blow to Al-Shebab, and could be the beginning of the end,” said Abdi Aynte, who heads the Mogadishu-based Heritage Institute think tank.

“The irony is that Godane killed (his) would-be obvious successor, Ibrahim al-Afghani, in a major internal rift last year,” Aynte added, saying Godane had structured the Shebab “to bury the organisation with him”.

Clint Watts, fellow of the Homeland Security Policy Institute at George Washington University, said if Godane had been killed it would have a “significant impact” and that the group would be likely to splinter.

The Shebab are fighting to topple the government, and regularly launch attacks against state targets, as well as in neighbouring countries that contribute to the AU force.

The US strike comes as the United Nations and aid workers

Somalia are struggling with dire hunger and drought, three years after famine killed more than a quarter of a million people.

French Mum Reunited With Toddler Taken By Jihadi Father VILLACOUBLAY MILITARY BASE (FRANCE) - A young French mother whose two-year-old daughter was smuggled out of the country by her father and reportedly taken to jihadist centres in Syria arrived home yesterday after they were reunited in Turkey.

Meriam Rhaiem, 25, made headlines in March with an emotional appeal to French authorities to recognise her baby girl as “the youngest French hostage”.

Mother and daughter arrived at Villacoublay air base outside Paris at 2:15am Wednesday (0015 GMT) aboard a plane chartered by the French interior ministry.

“It’s a moment of great emotion with the arrival of Meriam Rhaiem and her daughter Assia, after months of waiting,” said Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve who went out onto the tarmac to meet the plane.

He noted “the trials this young woman has endured, fighting hard for the return of her daughter who was kidnapped in circumstances which aren’t clear.”

CHANGE OF

JERUSALEM - Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon has said that the direct cost of the 50-day military offensive in the Gaza Strip was more than $2.5 billion (1.9 billion euros).

“The expenditure on Operation Protective Edge — military expenditure, the direct expenditure — is more than nine billion shekels,” Yaalon told an economic conference in Tel Aviv.

“We attacked over 6,000 targets, more than 5,000 of them by the air force, about 900 from land and sea,” he said referring to tank, artillery and naval fire.

But, despite the pounding, he acknowledged that the Gaza militants against whom the campaign was launched on July 8 still had a sizeable arsenal left.

“The terror organisations in the Gaza Strip — Hamas Islamic Jihad and others — had 10,000 rounds at the beginning of Operation Protective Edge,” said Yaalon.

“Today they have about a fifth of that but that’s still 2,000 rounds,” he said, adding that every interception of an incoming rocket by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system cost $100,000.

“From the economic point of view it’s worth it, weighed against the potential damage” of a rocket strike, he said. “But it’s still $100,00 for every interception.”

The military says that Iron Dome brought down 600 rockets during the campaign.

The government on Sunday approved swingeing budget cuts to help pay for the campaign in Gaza.

Ministers voted to cut two percent from the 2014 budget of every government ministry — other than defence — to raise about two billion shekels.

More than 2,100 Palestinians were killed in Israel’s bombardment of the narrow coastal territory, nearly 70 percent of them civilians,

CHANGE OF

NAME

CHUKWUMA – I, formerly known and addressed as Chukwuma Uju Lynda now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anagor Uju Linda. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF

CHANGE OF

NAME

IZIOKHAI– I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Okhenren now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Okhenrenugbedekin Oiseomoje. All former documents remain valid.

Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua and the general public should please take note.

NAME

EBONWU – I, formerly Miss Henrietta Chinonye Ebonwu now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Henrietta Chinonye Oliseh-Ugbomah. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Oko, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Zenth Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, GT Bank and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME GODSTANDS– I, formerly known and addressed as Uddin Osemudiamen Oyaimare Godstands now wish to be known and addressed as Uddin Osemudiamen Oyaimare John. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AIKPEHAE– I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aikpehae Otibho Omoye now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Otibho Omoye Blessing Uddin. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

BLESSING Weds

FEMI

NAME

OWA– I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Owa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Omoregie.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

according to the United Nations.

Sixty-six Israeli soldiers were killed, as well as six civilians on the Israeli side, including a Thai worker and a four-year-old boy.

The war ended with an openended ceasefire last Tuesday and the sides are supposed to start Egyptian-mediated negotiations on a long-term truce, but a date is yet to be announced.

The solemnization of marriage between former Miss Blessing Iyasere and Mr. Femi Jacob Aigbavboa (A Businessman) took place on Wednesday 3rd September, 2014 at the Oredo Local Government Council Marriage Registry in Benin City. Amongst those present were Rev. Segun Aigbavboa, Dr. J. Richard Iyasere, Miss Yemisi Aigbavboa Mrs. Maria Idehen, family members, relations, friends and well wishers. Picture shows the couple at the Registry. Congratulations.

Photo: SONNIE. E.

CHANGE OF

NAME

OMONUA– I, formerly known and addressed as Omonua Blessing now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ehimhuan Blessing. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

R E C O N C I L I AT I O N OF NAME I, Meg Egbele wish to bring for the information of the general public that I am the same person as O m o r u y i Eremwonmwan Maggi.

Henceforth, I am now properly known and addressed as Meg Egbele. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

Vegetarianism And Refinement Of The Body

VEGETARIANISM: It is quite true that it brings about a refinement of the human body, ennobling it and also strengthening it and helping it towards a good recovery. Abd-ru-shin says that the spirit is also, still further uplifted thereby. But all this is not meant to be adopted immediately by mankind of the present day. In all efforts and struggle circumspect, leadership is lacking.

Abd-ru-shin the author of Grail message “In the light of Truth”, says the human body of today should on no account be suddenly subjected to a vegetarian diet, as is so often tried. It is quite good when used temporarily and perhaps even for years at a time in the case of sick people, indeed, it may even be necessary in order to cure some aliment or to assist in one – sidedly strengthening some physical organ, but it must not be lasting.

If his body is to maintain its full vigour the patient must gradually return to the diet to which he is so much accustomed today. The appearance of well-being is deceptive.

Certainly, it is very beneficially, if healthy people also, adopt a sticky vegetarian diet for a time.

Without doubt, they will feel well and will also, feel free soaring upward in the spirit if, however, they suddenly start this onesided diet on a permanent basis, they will not notice that they are actually becoming weaker and much more sensitive over many things. In most cases, the attributes of composure and equanimity does indicate strength, but it’s a definite kind of weakness.

This shows itself in an agreeable manner and has nothing depressing about it, because, it does not originate from any disease.

This equanimity resembles the equanimity of health- old age, where only the body is becoming weaker. At least it resembles this sort of weakness much more than the weakness resulting

from illness suddenly deprived of what it has been accustomed to for thousands of years, the body cannot produce the generative power the spirit needs for the full accomplishment of its purpose in the World of Matter.

Many confirmed vegetarians notice this in a slight abatement of their sexual instinct, which they joyfully acclaim as progress. But this is by no means a sign that their spirit has been ennobled through vegetarian diet, only that, their generative power has been lowered. Which must subsequently lessen their spiritual capacity to soar upwards in the World of Matter.

The error about this, continue to grow, because, man almost invariably sees only what is closest to him.

Certainly, it is to be welcomed and may be regarded as a measure of progress, if by ennobling the spirit the baser sexual instinct is greatly moderated compared with what it is today. It is also true that eating aggravate sexual desire, but in these matters, we must not judge, by mankind of today, for in their case, the sexual instinct has been cultivated one-sidedly and abnormally. It is altogether unnatural today. However, this cannot be attributed to the enjoyment of meat alone.

The moderation of the sexual instinct is by no means dependent on the lessening of the generative power. On the contrary, the latter is able to help the human spirit advance and liberate it from its dependence upon the coarse instinct, which is so

Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608

marked today infact, the generative power is the best means to accomplish this.

The first step in the transition is to restrict oneself only to white meat such as: poultry, veal, lamb and so on, together with an increased amount of vegetable food.

its implement to become visible.

The same also, applies to the nourishment and maintenance of the body.

The animal will never over feed its body as so many men do. It is satisfied when it no longer feels hungry, whereas, in many cases,

governing al matters Man has to take this into account at all times. He thinks himself free in this matter, Abd-ru-shin says he is not, that he is just as closely connected with it as is the

exactly what it needs to blossom forth properly and remain vigorous. The earth also, provides this in its different zones always at the proper time and in the manner in which the gross

Do not neglect your body.

Think of your spirit I would say to the other party, the right way will grow out of the present –day confusion.

Therefore, man, learn to understand your physical body properly so that you can treat it accordingly.

Only then will you become able to use it aright, to master it, so that it becomes what it is meant to be for you here on earth.

The fist consequence of real control over your physical body shows itself in the grace and beauty of your movements, which enables the power of the spirit in the harmony with

man is not satisfied until he can eat no more. That is a great difference, again only called forth through the over-cultivated intellect by its endeavour to suppress all natural sense in these matters.

The animals also, drinks only to quench its thirst.

Man however, cultivates within himself illustrations about enjoyment which, if carried out is bound to harm his body greatly.

The earthly body of each human being is in every respect closely linked with that soil upon which he was born. This is in accordance with the law of Creation

body of an animal. Both physical species are formed by the animistic. In the case of animal, man has closely observed everything and knows about it. But he does not wish to place his own body under the homogeneous laws. Abdru-shin says it is wrong.

Abd-ru-shin says that the earthly body is connected with that part of the earth where it was born. It is also, closely connected with all the stars of this particular region and with all the radiations that belong there to. Far more than you can imagine. Only that part of this earth gives the body

material bodies that have been born into each particular zone need it.

Herbs and frits, therefore, are advantageous and up building, for the human body at that time when the earth produces them (Abdru-shin –In The Light of Truth).

At those time, the body needs just such nutrient as is provided by that zone in which it come into existence and with it remains continuously connected. Strawberry at the time of the strawberry harvest, apples at the time of the apple harvest and so on. The same applies to all the fruits and herbs. Herbal treatments are therefore, bone.

Therefore, observe and learn from every activity in Creation. It is your duty to obey the Primordidial Laws of Creation if you wish to achieve that which will benefit you and help in your ascent.

“The same also, applies to the nourishment and maintenance of the body. The animal will never over feed its body as so many men do. It is satisfied when it no longer feels hungry, whereas, in many cases, man is not satisfied until he can eat no more.”

Cleverley Signs For Villa On Loan THE Premier League have approved Aston Villa’s late loan move for Tom Cleverley.

The club made a u-turn on Monday to sign the Manchester United midfielder on loan but had to wait for it to be rubberstamped.

Villa had initially pulled the plug on a permanent deal for Cleverley due to wage demands.

He was also believed to favour a switch to Everton, but the Toffees failed to strike a deal with United on deadline day.

That prompted Villa to reignite a move for the 25-

Tom Cleverley

Azpilicueta Signs New Five-Year Deal At Chelsea SPAIN defender Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new five-year deal at Chelsea.

The 25-year-old has cemented the left-back berth at Stamford Bridge and played a big part in a strong start to the season for Jose Mourinho’s men.

Azpilicueta joined the Blues from Marseille in August 2012 and has made 95 appearances to date for the club, winning the Players’ Player of the Year award last season.

He made his senior international debut for Spain against Qatar in February last year, and was part of this summer’s World Cup squad.

After their enthralling 6-3 victory over Everton on Saturday, Chelsea top the Premier League table with three wins from as many games

Cesar Azpilicueta

year-old and they are waiting to see if they managed to complete it in time.

Villa had agreed a fee of around £8m with United for Cleverley but called the deal off on Monday after talks reached a deadlock.

Boss Paul Lambert has been looking to beef up his midfield despite adding Carlos Sanchez, Joe Cole and Kieran Richardson over the summer.

He also sold Karim El Ahmadi back to Feyenoord and loaned Aleksandar Tonev to Celtic.

Cleverley looks to have little future at Old Trafford with boss Louis van Gaal making him available and Hull were also interested before moving for Newcastle’s Hatem Ben Arfa.

The England international has made 79 appearances for United, the last coming in their 1-1 draw at Sunderland in August.

Man Utd Must Drop ‘Awful’ Rooney, Says Paul Parker

Di Maria and Woodward

Man United ‘Overpaid For Di Maria By £24m’

MANCHESTER United proved they could still attract quality players with a summer of lavish spending, but a new report suggests the Premier League giants overpaid for three players by a whopping combined sum of £42 million.

Louis van Gaal’s side ons for young full-back Luke smashed the British transfer Shaw, according to the report.

Paris Saint-Germain and record in landing Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for Real Madrid also featured £59.7m – a £23.9m hike on prominently after signing the Argentine’s actual value, David Luiz (+£23.1m) and according to the CIES James Rodriguez (+£19.9m) respectively.

Football Observatory.

“Our new data analysis has The Football Observatory uses a range of variables – revealed that overall, clubs including age, contract paid on average 16 per cent length, goals and points per more than they invested in the match in games played – to five previous years for with similar estimate the transfer value of players characteristics,” CIES said. players operating in the top“This confirms the ongoing flight in England, Spain, inflation trend of the transfer Germany, Italy and France.

Athletic Bilbao pinched an market at the top end of the extra £13m when Manchester football pyramid.”

However, the figures also United triggered Ander suggested that some clubs Herrera’s buy-out clause, while Southampton managed had managed to negotiate a to snatch an extra £5m in add- summer bargain – the biggest success story being

RVP Ready To Fight Falcao As United Competition Hots Up

ROBIN van Persie has warned Falcao he has to “fight for his place” at Manchester United, and the Dutchman says he is ready for the battle for his own spot.

Falcao arrived at United on transfer deadline day in a loan move from Monaco and is now expected to compete with Van Persie and Wayne Rooney for two spots in Louis van Gaal’s attack.

There have been fears that Van Persie will have to undergo surgery in a bid to cure his knee problems - but the Dutchman sounded fit, ready and indeed eager to fight Falcao for a place in the starting XI. Van Persie says he welcomes the competition and that Falcao cannot expect to walk straight into the team.

“I am happy with the arrival

of Falcao,” the Dutchman told Fox Sports. “He makes us a better team. You always have to aim for the best at a big club.

That’s my philosophy as well.

Falcao has to fight for his place, just like me. The two of us and Wayne Rooney and James Wilson will have to fight it out.”

Top 10: Most expensive summer transfers 2014 The summer transfer window has slammed shut so with +2billion being spent across Europe this year, which deals turned out to be the biggest of all?

Rooney echoed Van Persie’s sentiments as he labelled the Falcao deal “a fantastic signing”, saying that the Colombian, “is one of the best strikers in the world so it’s a real statement of intent from the club.”

Liverpool’s £16m capture of enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli, whose true value was nearly £29m.

Sadly for the Anfield club,

they also missed out on £9.4m after Barcelona activated Luis Suarez’s release clause for a paltry £75m.

I Could Have Had The Easy Life At Tottenham LOUIS van Gaal has no regrets about taking the Manchester United job and says if he wanted an easy life he would have gone to Tottenham Hotspur.

Van Gaal was being lined up for the Spurs job before United intervened to make him the replacement for David Moyes at Old Trafford.

His start at United has been a tricky one, taking just two points from his three opening games against Swansea, Sunderland and Burnley in the league.

But Van Gaal says he wanted the challenge of managing the biggest club in England – and Tottenham could not offer that.

“No, I don’t regret taking this job,” he said. “Yes, it is a massive job I have taken on at

Van Persie

- Van Gaal

Manchester United. I realise that. And the situation is not worse than I thought - I knew what I would find on my plate.

“I could have opted for an easier job. If I had gone to Tottenham, the job would not have been as enormous as here at United.

“I could have easily gone to Spurs. But I chose the biggest challenge of all the jobs in football. And I really wanted to join the number one club in the country, not Tottenham.

“Financially, Tottenham was kind of as attractive as Man United. But, in my eyes, Man United is still the number one club in England, Tottenham really is not.”

Falcao

FORMER Manchester United defender Paul Parker says Wayne Rooney should be dropped, claiming his performances have been “awful” so far this season.

The England international has just one goal for United tso far this season with the Red Devils yet to win a competitive game, having lost once and drawn twice in the Premier League and been knocked out of the League Cup by MK Dons.

Rooney - named club captain

by Van Gaal this summer - will now face competition for his place from new signing Radamel Falcao, who arrived on loan from Monaco on deadline day, and Parker says Rooney does not deserve to start.

“Wayne Rooney has been awful. There he was at Burnley this weekend, supposedly captaining the team - but I saw a player interested only in himself, doing nothing to try and lift his game or inspire his team-mates,” he wrote in his Yahoo! Sport blog.

“The only thing in any way remarkable about his performance is that he collects +375,000 a week to play that badly.

“Once Van Persie is fully-fit again, Rooney must be the person to be dropped from United’s new attacking line-up: for me, it’ll be RVP and Falcao every time.

“And though there’s lots of talk about him playing in the hole behind that front two, I think that’d be a huge mistake why would you have Rooney there when Juan Mata or Angel Di Maria would do the job so much better?”

Parker also insists that Van Gaal would not be afraid to drop Rooney, despite having made him club captain, following his appointment as manager at Old Trafford.

“That’ll leave Van Gaal with a big call to make: dropping Wayne Rooney,” he added.

“He’s always shown in his career that he’s not afraid of the big decisions; he showed it most recently with his goalkeeper substitution for the shoot-out at the World Cup, and he’ll have to show it once again because the way things are looking there will be no place for Rooney in that starting line-up soon.”

Rooney

Sergio Ramos Quiet On Cristiano Ronaldo Comments On Madrid Business

SERGIO Ramos said he would keep his thoughts to himself on Real Madrid’s transfer business after Cristiano Ronaldo publicly questioned the sales of Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso.

Blancos president defender said. “I am not Florentino Perez invested going to get into any heavily with the signings of assessments of Cristiano World Cup stars James or any individual player. We Rodriguez and Toni Kroos all belong to Madrid and we this summer and had to all must follow the club’s balance the books by laws, its decisions, and not offloading Di Maria and do anything else. I am not Alonso to Manchester getting into it. I have my United and Bayern Munich opinion but it stays inside respectively. because this is not the Lacking the two players moment to come to any who brought balance to conclusions about this their midfield last season issue.” as Madrid won the Madrid brought in another Champions League, the attacker late in the window, team were embarrassed 42 in La Liga by Real Sociedad last weekend, having already begun the new season by losing the Spanish Supercopa to neighbours Atletico Madrid.

This led Ronaldo to say on Monday that were he in charge he would have done things differently this summer, but Ramos said in AS that he preferred to keep his personal thoughts to himself and not comment publicly on the club’s decisions.

“Everyone will have their own opinion and that should be respected,” the Spain international

signing Mexico international Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez on loan from Manchester United, and Ramos added: “Anything that brings quality and new players to the club is positive.

“In this sense, Chicharito is a player recognised at international level, and I believe he will play an important role in the team.”

Perez had also been widely reported to be considering making another big-money move for Radamel Falcao, but the Colombia striker ended up joining United on loan

late in the window.

Falcao’s father, who is thought not to be in particularly close contact with his son, claimed on LA FM that Madrid had been the first option but the move had broken down over unspecified terms and conditions.

Radamel Garcia said things did not work out with Real Madrid because “if you have money and you go to the market to buy a shirt or trousers, you must decide if you will buy them or not.”

He added: “Those at Real Madrid decided not to do it

• James Rodriguez

Barcelona Offered Over 40m Euros For Marquinhos - Al-khelaifi

PARIS Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed that Barcelona made an offer worth over +40 million for Marquinhos.

The Catalans lured defenders such as Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen and Douglas to Camp Nou this summer, yet they were keen to add another defender to their ranks and had earmarked Marquinhos as the perfect addition.

Nevertheless, PSG see the 20-year-old as an important player for the future and have no intention of selling the centre-back whom they bought from Roma a year ago.

“We have received a huge offer from Barcelona for Marquinhos, one worth more than +40m,” El-Khelaifi was quoted as saying by Le Parisien.

“But Paris Saint-Germain are not a club that buys players to sell them on again. We are not here to do business and try to make

profit on a player. We are here to build a great club with some amazing players.

“If it was our aim to sell

players and make profits, we could have sold three or four players this summer. But that’s not our philosophy.”

BORUSSIA Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke believes the return of Shinji Kagawa could convince Marco Reus to stay at the club and is confident the two are compatible.

The Japan international returned to BVB last week after a difficult two-year spell at Manchester United, whereas Reus on the other hand is being heavily linked with a move away from Dortmund at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

Nevertheless, Watzke

believes the signing of Kagawa is further proof that the Bundesliga outfit are on the right path and hopes Reus will realise that Signal Iduna Park is the place for him.

“Marco also sees what’s happening here at Dortmund. I don’t have any doubts about that,” Watzke was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

“Marco and Shinji are very well capable of playing together. We have a number of great players in midfield now. It’s the

Marquinhos has a contract with PSG until the summer of 2018.

Kagawa Return Could Keep Reus At BVB - Watzke

perfect mix of experience, dynamic players and players who can retain possession.

“The stiff competition for places that everybody’s been talking about is something I have yet to experience in real life. We have to get to the point where we are able to replace one or two great players each game.”

Reus has a contract with Dortmund until June 2017, but allegedly has a buyout clause that allows him to leave for +35 million in the summer of 2015.

and there was nothing else to do. I do not know — it gives me the feeling that they wanted the player to give himself away with a set of conditions and things. Things did not happen because, as I said, they decided to buy the trousers and shirt they wanted, thinking them the best. That must be accepted, as they are the ones with the money.”

Garcia said he was still happy that his son had ended up at the

“economically powerful” Old Trafford club.

“Thanks be to God everything came through with Manchester United,” he said. “Radamel is a person who has given a lot in Europe, and has always deserved the best of everything for his effort, his sacrifice he has put in during his career.

Manchester United is the most important team in England, and one of the most powerful economically.”

Barcelona And Juventus The Pass Masters Of Europe

BARCELONA and Juventus sit joint top in the Huawei Team Ranking with an average possession figure of 72 per cent.

The Spaniards have beaten Elche and Villarreal in the opening weeks of La Liga and unsurprisingly dominated play in both encounters - beating their opponents 3-0 and 1-0 respectively - to maintain a perfect score.

Juventus have been similarly dominant, although the Serie A outfit have played just one game so far, kicking off the Italian top flight at the weekend with a narrow 1-0 win over Chievo.

Meanwhile, reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris SaintGermain sit third in the possession ranking with an impressive 69% after four games. Arsenal and Bayern Munich complete the top five with possession figures of 66% and 62% respectively in their domestic leagues.

Arsenal are currently four points off the pace, as their fine performances on the ball were not enough to beat

• Shinji Kagawa

Everton (2-2), nor Leicester (1-1). However, Arsene Wenger ’s men will be confident of picking up the pace after the international break.

Pep Guardiola’s Bayern have collected four points from two games and find themselves two points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen after a dominant performance against Schalke at the weekend was not enough to bag the full three points.

Perhaps the most surprising presence in the top 10 are Bundesliga minnows Freiburg (joint 10th), who have enjoyed an average possession of 60% after two games, despite losing once and drawing their other match.

Christian Streich’s men beat illustrious teams such as Monaco, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the possession ranking for now, even if it is still early days following the start of Europe’s five elite competitions just last month.

US Open ... US Open ... US Open ... US Open

Cilic Edges Simon In Five-set Thriller To Reach Quarters

Wozniacki Wallops Errani To Reach Semi-Finals

CAROLINE Wozniacki used her aggressive groundstroke game to near perfection to reach the semifinals of the US Open with a 6-0 6-1 victory over Italy’s Sara Errani.

The 10th-seeded Dane beat 13th-seeded Errani at her own strategy, engaging in long baseline rallies but using superior power to open the court and find lanes for blasting home winners.

Former world number one Wozniacki belted 15 winners to four for Errani in the first set and, despite losing serve in the opening game of the second set, roared to victory in a brisk 65 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Wozniacki’s opponent in the semi-finals will be Peng Shuai of China, a 6-2 6-1 winner over 17-year-old Swiss Belinda Bencic.

Peng, 28, delivered a 64minute master class to 2013 junior world number one Bencic in an unlikely quarterfinal between unseeded players.

The Chinese had rattled off three impressive upsets in a row from the second round, ousting fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, 28th seed Roberta Vinci and 14th-seeded Lucie Safarova, on her way to reaching her first grand slam singles semi-final in 37 attempts.

“This is amazing time for me,” said Peng, who has won 16 doubles titles, including this year’s French Open, but is still chasing her first singles crown.

“A lot of tennis. It’s a long time, the career. It’s tough sometimes. I’m thinking to give up and stop play because I don’t know if I can make it or not.”

CROATIA’S Marin Cilic outlasted Gilles Simon in a baseline war of attrition at the US Open with a 5-7 7-6 (3) 6-4 3-6 6-3 victory that secured his spot in the quarter-finals for the third time in his career.

The 14th seed broke in the eighth game of the final set and served out to secure the victory in four hours, 13 minutes.

“I knew Gilles wasn’t going to go away,” Cilic said. “It was very hard conditions but I was really focused today and kept in there.”

Cilic had lost all four of their previous meetings, all in the deciding set, and when Simon forced a break point

• Peng Shuai

Classy Peng Ends Bencic Fairy Tale

A LONG measure of grand slam patience paid off for Peng Shuai of China, who reached the semi-finals of the US Open by routing Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic 6-2 6-1 in the Flushing Meadows heat.

Peng, 28, delivered a master lesson to the 17-yearold Bencic in an unlikely quarter-final between unseeded players, winning the groundstroke rallies and unleashing pinpoint passing shot winners after luring the Swiss to the net with short balls.

After 2013 junior world number one Bencic netted a backhand for her 19th unforced error on the first match point of the 64-minute clash, Peng pumped her fist in exaltation, but later was at a loss of words.

Asked about reaching her first grand slam singles semifinal in her 37th attempt in a major, an emotional Peng took a few moments to collect herself.

“This is amazing time for me,” said Peng, ranked world number one in doubles, but whose best singles result in 36 previous slams was to the fourth round.

“A lot of tennis. It’s a long time, the career. It’s tough sometimes. I’m thinking to

give up and stop play because I don’t know if I can make it or not.”

Highlights: Classy Peng ends Bencic fairy tale Belinda Bencic’s amazing run came to an end at the quarter-final stage after Peng Shuai claimed a dominant 62 6-1 victory Peng has won 16 doubles titles, most recently claiming the French Open title with Hsieh Su-wei, but has yet to win a tour singles title.

“I really thank my coach, my parents. They always tell me to fight and keep going and never ever give up. And this today was coming,” Peng said.

Peng and Bencic both carved out surprising paths to the quarter-finals.

The 39th-ranked Chinese rattled off three impressive upsets in a row from the second round, ousting fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, 28th seed Roberta Vinci and 14th-seeded Lucie Safarova.

Big-hitting Bencic, last year ’s French and

floodlights.

It quickly became clear there would be no power shortage on Tuesday as Federer raced to a 5-1 lead in opening set then eased off the gas and coasted to an unflustered win in just under two hours.

“I felt like I had maybe some margin,” said Federer.

“He hasn’t got the biggest game but he’s consistent.

He’s fast. He can adapt. So he’s got things that can make you feel uncomfortable, I must say.

“He can absorb pace well.

From that standpoint, even though I did feel I had margin because I never played him before, I was still pushing forward all along and trying to always keep a gap between him and me in terms of the result and the scoreline.”

Wimbledon junior champion who is ranked 58th, also upset 31st seed Kurumi Nara, sixth seed Angelique Kerber and ninth-seeded Jelena Jankovic.

Bencic was the youngest player to reach the US Open quarters since compatriot Martina Hingis in 1997.

Hingis, is a friend and practice partner, whose mother Melanie Molitor coaches the up-and-coming Swiss player.

The teenager had shown impressive composure in her run to the quarters, but the precision brilliance of Peng

Federer Shines Again SECOND seed Roger Federer powered to a 6-4 63 6-2 win over Roberto Bautista, charging into the quarter-finals of the US Open for the 10th time in 11 years.

The 26-year-old Spaniard was handed the unenviable task of trying to upset the 17time grand slam winner on Arthur Ashe Stadium court, where the Swiss maestro has a dazzling 25-1 record under the Flushing Meadows

• Caroline Wozniacki

frustrated her.

Bencic showed her frustration by muttering angrily at herself, and swiping at the air with her racket. After falling behind 2-0 in the second set, she bickered with the umpire after being issued a coaching warning.

Peng, meanwhile, stayed focused on business.

The Chinese winner was never threatened in the onesided contest, winning 54 points to 36, ripping 24 winners to double Bencic’s total, while committing only seven errors in a virtuoso performance.

in the first game of the fifth, the Frenchman looked like the favourite to win again.

But Cilic saved it and then after breaking for 5-3, he held his nerve to set up a clash with either Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych

Dominant Berdych Crushes Austria’s Thiem

CZECH Tomas Berdych put Austrian youngster Dominic Thiem firmly in his place at the US Open as he romped into the quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory.

The sixth seed raced through the first set and needed just one hour, 38 minutes to take his place in the last eight at Flushing Meadows for only the second time in his career.

Thiem, who turns 21 on Wednesday, had beaten Ernests Gulbis and Feliciano Lopez on his way to the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time but was outgunned by Berdych in all departments.

“I’m very happy with today’s win,” Berdych said. “I’d like to point out one thing which was the key, when I was 0-40 down in the first game on serve, and I saved it.

“That was a nice boost in the beginning and from then on I played well. Everything worked today, job done, that’s good.”

CAF Names Ghanaian Referees For Super Eagles REFEREES from Ghana have been picked by the Confederation of African Football to take charge of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Congo billed for Saturday at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

39-year-old Joseph Lamptey is a Fifa referee will be at the centre while he will be assisted by compatriots Abdul Malik Seidu and David Laryea.

Agbovi who was named the best referee in the Ghana Premier League last season serves as the fourth official while Abdoulkadri Boube from Niger will serve as match commissioner..

The quartets are expected in Nigeria on Thursday with the Congolese to land in the country on Wednesday.

Clashes between Nigeria and Congo at international level are few and far between, but the Devils famously held the Eagles to a 0-0 draw in Lagos in a group phase match at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, and last year, the Golden Eaglets mauled the Congo U-17 side 7-0 at the African U-17 Championship in Morocco.

Eagles Set To Tackle Congo And South Africa By-MBADUGHA KINGSLEY/OMEIZA ROBINSON/ELIJAH EDET

THE Super Eagles camp became more lively on the arrival of the Chelsea midfielder , John Mikel Obi on Tuesday evening for the September 6th African Cup of Nations first leg qualifier against Congo at the U.J Esuene stadium in Calabar.

It won’t be bad to welcome back one of the eagles strong man all the way from England. During Chelsea match last weekend against Everton in premier league that gave them three points with 6-3 win, Obi’s performance was astounding and wonderful especially his stylish assist to Diego Costa for Chelsea 6th goal. Though he came in as substitute but during the course of his display, one can say that he has returned to full fitness.

In respect to the Eagle’s first leg against the Diables

Mikel Obi

2015 AFCON Qualifiers

Congo FA Plays Hide-And-Seek With NFF THE Nigeria Football Federation has been compelled to report the Congolese Football Federation to the Confederation of African Football, following the latter’s refusal to afford Nigeria details of its travel plans for Saturday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles in Calabar.

On Tuesday, NFF’s Head of on-arrival.

International, Bola Oyeyode “We are surprised at the attitude brought CAF up to speed with of the Congolese FA. They have the strange silence of the kept silence all along, refusing to Congolese, after which the give us details of their travel Congolese Federation plans, only for them to be forwarded a terse message requesting visa-on-arrival for about its ‘advance party’ their advance party which they arriving in Nigeria on stated would arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday and in need of visaWednesday.

Adepoju Urges Eagles To Score Early Goals Against Congo FORMER Nigeria player Mutiu Adepoju has advised Stephen Keshi’s men to go for early goals if they hope to silence Congo on Saturday.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to get past the Red Devils at the UJ Esuene Stadium in the first leg of the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier .

The ex-midfielder, who was

Mutu Adepoju

nicknamed ‘Headmaster’ due to prowess in scoring with his head, said that Eagles must be prepared for a fierce battle against the Congolese hoping to get a shock will in Nigeria.

“There has always been a very strong opposition from any team that wants to play against Nigeria and I don’t expect to see anything different from the Congolese, Adepoju told Goal.

“The Congolese are motivated to de well here because they know there is nothing to lose against the Super Eagles. They will be coming in full force to cause an upset in Calabar.

Adepoju continued by saying the Keshi’s men must be mentally alert from the start to the finish of the game as well as convert early chances to

emerge victorious while insisting the resumption of the European league season will rub-on positively on the team.

“We are playing at home and I think that is a big plus for us. To be able to peg them down, the players and the technical crew must do the right things from the blast of the whistle till the end of the game without losing concentration, he continued.

“Aside from these, the Super Eagles must try as much as possible to get early goals as this will demoralise the Congolese team.

“Well, they last played together at the Fifa World Cup which is about two months ago before joining their respective foreign teams. I think this will be a big blessing to the team as there wont be any question of poor form and fitness issues,” he concluded.

“They gave no details of which persons constitute the advance party and no passport details. In any event, we have written to CAF to say we cannot arrange visa-on-arrival for them as we have no details, and moreover, there is an Embassy of Nigeria in Brazzaville. They should secure their visas before coming to Nigeria,” Oyeyode said.

The camp of the African champions has been buoyant with 19 players in camp before dinner on Tuesday, and all arrangements in proper shape for Saturday’s showdown.

NFF’s Director, Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme has been in Calabar since Monday to ensure flawless organization for both teams, match officials as well as other logistics.

“Everything is in great shape here, thanks to the Government of Governor Liyel Imoke, CON. The only thing missing is information on the travel plans of the Congolese delegation. But everything has been arranged for them and things are moving according to plan,” Ikpeme said on Wednesday morning.

The Red Devils, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon 42 years ago, were restored to the campaign after losing on penalty shoot –out to Rwanda, following CAF’s disqualification of the Amavubi for using an ineligible player.

Saturday’s showdown at the U. J. Esuene Stadium is the first of six matches for each of the teams in seven groups of four teams in

the qualifying series for the finals scheduled for Morocco early next year.

The match kicks off at 5pm.

Clashes between Nigeria and Congo at international level are few and far between, but the Devils famously held the Eagles to a 0-0 draw in Lagos in a group phase match at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, and last year, the Golden Eaglets mauled the Congo U-17 side 7-0 at the African U-17 Championship in Morocco.

The Super Eagles’ delegation is expected to fly into Cape Town on Tuesday morning for the clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Wednesday next week.

Stephen Keshi

Rouges of Congo at the U.J Stadium by 4p.m on Saturday, with the likes of Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo, Sone Aluko, Juwon Oshianiwa and the goalkeeper Autine Ejide, one is hopeful that the result will be positive .

But we must also confess that the Super Eagles coach Stephen keshi made a good selection in his 23-man squad but we also think he missed something when he said ‘’Odemwinge Osaze was left out of the 23-man squad for the two matches against Congo and south Africa so as to give other players a chance”. What we don’t understand is, if the chance he was talking about on Osaze’s performance recently, that is if Osaze was lagging behind and he decided to drop him and let others play or that he has other reasons.

Odemwinge, if we are not mistaken scored Nigeria’s all important match winner in a group game against Bosnia Herzegovina in Brazil 2014.

The Super Eagle player is someone that plays ball with all his attention on scoring goal, he’s serious with his career and not somebody that any coach can just drop at his will but nevertheless, we still believe in keshi’s judgement hoping that the absence of Odemwinge and Victor Moses won’t affect the team performance. Fans are waiting that the match on Saturday is going to put smiles on their faces.

One of the fans said “Eagles will use the Diables Rouges of Congo as a warm up before travelling to South Africa for their second game against Bafana Bafana in Cape Town”.

CMYK

Are Nigerians A Bundle Of Masochists?

WHETHER you are a sadist or a masochist simply depends on your source of joy. All those who derive joy from the hurt of others are sadists. This is where a callous man would rape an innocent minor and still shoot her dead after the rape.

On the other hand, the masochist derives joy from his own hurt. Examples abound here. In fact, Nigerians live with this everyday: We happily celebrate cases of deadly corruption against ourselves. We are happy when our legislators make laws that are unenforceable. We happily break our own laws with impunity.

How else can we explain a situation where we have an Act of Parliament called the Electoral Act, 2010; and the Act is being serially violated at our own expense and on our national media? Section 99 of this Act clearly states, “The period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and shall end 24 hours prior to that day”.

By INEC’s time table, the next presidential election is slated for 14 February 2015, which means that the campaign for that election can only start on 16 November 2014 and end at midnight on 12 February 2015.

For more than six months now, PDP has been throwing its weight around. If all those noise across the six geo-political zones in the country by President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP (Nigeria) Unlimited as well as all the noise from Jonathan and his Transformation Ambassadors PLC are not campaigns for the 2015 elections, we wonder what they are. Which other campaigns can determine more accurately, their strengths and weakness in all the geo-political zones?

When we squander billions of Naira acquiring all the useless bullet-proof cars in Germany; when a single Ministry squanders more than N10 billion on

taxi rentals; when, as a poor nation, we maintain the largest Presidential Fleet of about a dozen aircraft at an annual maintenance cost of close to N10 billion; when our system is such that a single individual can afford to steal “only N23 billion”; when an Assistant Director can conveniently misappropriate over N200 billion of our military pension fund unchallenged; when billions of dollars can vamoose from our main account, which has remained un-audited for decades; when we entertain ourselves with vain debates around our filthy lucre; and meanwhile, we are unable to feed our people back home; we are simply wallowing in criminal irresponsibility and there can be no greater masochism than that!

Even in our masochist stance, we do not know how much lies we can tolerate on the Boko Haram menace. Before now, Boko Haram had been given the spirit-like aura – nobody knew them and nobody saw them.

But last week, they came face to face with our combatant soldiers. Some 480 Nigerian Soldiers were reported to have fled to Cameroun following fierce fighting with the Boko Haram militants. In reporting the incident, the Camerounian Army Spokesman, Lt. Col, Didier Badjek, said the soldiers had been disarmed and they were being accommodated in schools.

This introduces a big dent on the claim of the Federal Government that the Boko Haram are not better equipped and better trained, even where as an apparent after-thought, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters claim that Nigerian soldiers withdrew in “a tactical maneuver” into Cameroun during fierce fighting with Boko Haram insurgents and had to surrender their weapons

to Cameroonian Authorities. What is the difference between half full and half empty?

Ordinarily, it would be safe to assume that the descent on Boko Haram has begun in earnest; but certainly not if our Federal Government will treat last week’s hot exchange between former FCT

Modu-Sheriff and immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ihejirika as the Boko Haram brains on ARISE NEWS… The kingpins not only finance Boko Haram but they also select targets for assassination and execution….”

Perhaps like the Christian that he is, Gen.

failed; Peter failed, Moses also failed…

Reacting to the accusation, Ihejirika said that El-Rufai is one of the front-line commanders of the terrorist group. Hear him further: “The likes of

• President Goodluck Jonathan

Minister, Mallam Nasir ElRufai, and the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, General Ihejirika, as just another fire-side chat – a mere comic relief!

Hear El-Rufai: “Australian hostage negotiator, Stephen Davis, has just named former Borno Governor Ali

Ihejirika neither denied nor accepted the allegation.

He only reminds us of our little nephew who never announced his failure at school directly. Each time he was asked of his result, he usually reeled out a long list of those who failed, without talking about himself – John

El-Rufai started the campaign of human right abuses in order to divert international attention from the heinous crime being committed by the Boko Haram terrorists…

In fact, El-Rufai and his likes are the same group of people that ensured the army did not get the

requested equipment to deal with this menace once and for all, as they used their cohorts to tell the government that procuring modern equipment was not necessary”.

Hearing from the horse’s mouth that our Army has been ill-equipped and illtrained? Hear this: Ihejirika recalled recent allegation that he took away N48 billion, an amount he said is still in the coffers of the Ministry of Defence. If the Military has been sitting on N48 billion as claimed by Ihejirika, how have we been financing our military operations? Why are we surprised at Boko Haram’s superior weaponry?

This is where corruption has left us – always napping! At the outbreak of hostilities during the Civil War, we were running around scouting for weapons when the Biafran soldiers were dealing with us. On the Federal side, it was convenient to label the war as a “police action”, which was a euphemism for our lack of preparation.

Boko Haram has sent over 5,000 Nigerians to their early graves.

President Jonathan must realize that 2015 is not all there is to life. And if we must exist beyond 2015, the time to act decisively on Boko Haram is now!

“Even in our masochist stance, we do not know how much lies we can tolerate on the Boko Haram menace. Before now, Boko Haram had been given the spirit-like aura – nobody knew them and nobody saw them.”

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