The Nigerian
THE NIGERIAN
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PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 39 NO.156 • MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 20 15 • N100.00
FOOTPRINT Pg. 16/17 Forensic Research
CMYK
Stakeholders Sue For Cooperation • Delay In Reporting Rape Cases Hampers Victims’ Investigations - AIG Musa Daura
FAMILY PLANNING Pg. 19
Sexual, Reproductive Health Services Lessons From Other Regions
New Year : Work resumes nationwide By ROLAND OSAKUE/ ADEZI EGHOSA
BENIN CITY - Work resumed today nationwide after the New Year and Eid-Malud
holidays declared by the Federal Government of Nigeria for Civil Servants. The long holidays, however, created an opportunity for most Civil
Servants to have a time off from their busy work schedules to felicitate with their families and loved ones, having been absent for a period of time as a result of their
duties. The NIGERIAN OBSERVER went round Benin City yesterday, and noticed that human and vehicular traffic Continues on page 2
Nigeria ’ll not disintegrate In 2015 - NLC
LAGOS - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday said that the prediction that Nigeria would disintegrate in 2015 would fail. these challenges. Mr Peter Ozo-Eson, “ Nigeria had faced the General Secretary of challenges in the past, the NLC told newsmen probably more severe in Lagos that the country than now and we did not would overcome its disintegrate. challenges. “I believe that this “I am confident that the country is so united and prediction will fall flat on has created ties that are the face; Nigeria will not not easily dissolveable; disintegrate in 2015. the prediction will not “Yes, we have these come through,’’ he said. challenges, we however The scribe, who have confidence that expressed optimism that Nigeria will rise to the the country would challenge and deal with overcome the current
challenges, however, decried the failure of politicians to unite in the fight against terrorists.
“We are worried that the country is at war but the body language of our political leaders does not
suggest it,’’ he said. According to him, it should not take decades before the government
will summon the political will to combat the current insurgency threatening national unity. The labour leader, also added that the NLC was “very worried and frightened” about the social and political Continues on page 2
PENGASSAN wants FG to stimulate local refineries in 2015 LAGOS The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), yesterday urged the Federal Government to d e m o n s t r a t e commitment to stimulating local refining of crude oil in 2015. The General Secretary of the union, Mr Bayo Olowoshile told newsmen in Lagos that only domestic refining would end crises in the oil and gas sector. “The key focus of the government in 2015 should be to stimulate local refining of petroleum, white products and petrochemical products. “Domestic gas
production for energy, industry, agricultural and automotive purposes should be given ultimate attention in the New Year,’’ Olowoshile said. The PENGASSAN scribe said that the government should cut the rate of importation of products by 50 per cent. “Job creation and manpower utilisation should also be a priority of the government at such a time like this when crime rate has increased. “Many of our present challenges are tied to unemployment and government’s inability to channel the youthful strength of our young people into productive activities,’’ he said.
TIT-BIT “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul, it is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Olowoshile said that a slice in importations of products would not only stabilise the economy but also create millions of job to unemployed youths in the country. He said that importation of finished products into the country was a ‘canker worm’ that had left many Nigerians jobless. According to him, government should boost local capacity Continues on page 2
NEW YEAR: Children having fun at ‘Wonderland’ Amusement Part in Abuja during the New Year holiday
Sagay urges state Assemblies to reject LG autonomy
LAGOS - Prof. Itse Sagay, the Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Benin, has urged state lawmakers not to support debate on Local Government autonomy. He told newsmen by
telephone yesterday in Lagos that the recognition of local government as the third tier of government in Nigeria was not even ideal. According to him, the proposed amendment to
the 1999 Constitution is aimed at granting autonomy to local governments. “It is even wrong in the first place that local
governments were given powers and functions directly in the 1999 Constitution. “Local governments in federal political systems
OBSERVER bags 2014 Peace Reporting Award
By VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY – For its proactiveness in i n f o r m a t i o n dissemination, the Bendel Newspapers
Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of the Observer titles has been honoured with the
certificate of Recognition as the Best Peace Propagating Newspaper of the year 2014.
The award was conferred on The NIGERIAN OBSERVER by the Doruyi Peace Awards on December Continues on page 2
are creations of the state and therefore ought not to enjoy powers in same measures that the constitution grants to the federating units,’’ he said. He also noted that Nigeria’s federal political system was contrary to the principle of federalism which recognised only two levels of government which are the federal and state governments. He said that autonomy for local governments Continues on page 2
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
News
Collect your ID cards, NIMC tells Nigerians LAGOS - The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has advised eligible Nigerians that enrolled for the national identity number to collect their Identity Cards (ID) at stipulated centres. Mr Abdul-Hamid Umar, the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the commission made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos yesterday. According to him, the commission has notified people who enrolled and whose cards were ready by sending text messages. “Many Nigerians have been enrolled in the national identity data base, though we are far behind the expectation. “Nigerians, who have received text messages personalised to them, giving information that their ID cards are ready, should come to our centres for collection,’’ he said. He said that the appropriate centres for the collection of cards had been stipulated in such messages. Umar said that there were some Nigerians who had not come for enrolment in the national identity data-base. He said that the commission was committed to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian was enrolled and issued ID card for identification. In a separate interview, Mrs. Titilola Ejiofor, an Assistant General Manager and Lagos State Coordinator of the commission, told newsmen that the
NLC
Continued from page 1 conditions in the country. According to him, the country is getting into a situation that may undermine the survival of democracy that all Nigerians fought for.
LG autonomy Continued from page 1 would cause problems of governance for governors. He observed that in advanced federations such as United States of America, local governments were only mentioned in state constitutions. “It is ideal that local governments serve the agendas of governors since they are their creations and their agent in a way for overall urbanisation of the state. “State assemblies that will support amending our federal constitution to give independence to local government from the state do so at the detriment of their development. “With critical insight to the issue of local autonomy in Nigeria, there is no way twothird of our state assemblies will vote yes to amend our constitution on this subject,’’ he said.
commission had 21 enrolment centres in the state. According to her, the centres are Lagos State Head office in Ikeja, Lagos State University, Ikeja Army Cantonment, Eti-Osa, Ojo, Somolu, Oshodi, AmunwoOdofin, Ayobo-Ipaja and Agege Local Government Secretariat. Others are FIRS Ikoyi, Lekki Phase I, Bonny Camp, Nigeria Air-force Base, Ikeja, Lagos State Polytechnic, Yaba College of Technology and University of Lagos. Ojo Army Cantonment, NMC Qourra Apapa and Ijele Campus, Lagos Island are also parts of the centres,
according to her. Ejiofor, who expressed satisfaction over the turnout of Lagos residents for the exercise, added that a lot of eligible residents had been captured. “A lot of people have registered in Lagos and in the country as a whole. So many people in Lagos have registered. “People have been very positive, they come out each day to be enrolled and we have been given ID cards to them. “We are opening more centres in the state, we are not just going to stop at the current available centres,’’
she said. According to her, a Nigerian of 16 years old and above can visit any centres with valid means of identification such Driver ’s Licence, International Passport and Voter’s Card. She said documents such as educational certificate, photo identity from recognised educational institutions, pension’s photo ID and photo credit cards, among others, could also be used for enrolment. Ejiofor, therefore, advised Nigerians to come out in the New Year for enrolment, saying that the registration would be a continuous exercise.
Clergyman Charges Couples On Humility, Understanding By LUCKY EFESE BENIN CITY – The General Overseer/Spiritual Leader, House of Favour International Church, worldwide, Rev. Lucky Onaiwu has charged married couples on the need to be humble in order to achieve their set objectives as designed by God. Rev. Onaiwu gave the charge during the blessing of marriage between a UK based Mr. Igbinosun Osarobo and former Benedicta Omorodion held weekend, at House of Favour International Church East Circular Road, Benin City. He pointed out that marriage was designed by God and that the married couples should do everything within their power to put God first in whatever they desire. He, noted that the marriage was conducted about ten years ago in UK and that to consolidate on it, the couple had to come home for the blessing. He described them as gentle couple, whose humility had earned them world class children. In his sermon, the guest speaker, Pastor Sam Okoro, of Garden Light Assembly, Palm view Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, described the couple as likeable personalities who had been known for over fifteen years and kept the relationship in good faith. He dwelt on the topic, Friendship and Closeness of Couple as catalyst for sustenance of a successful marriage. He referred to Proverb 18:24 to buttress his submissions and charged them on the need to understand themselves.
PENGASSAN Continued from page 1 development and curb idleness in the country. Olowoshile urged government to halt capital flights in the New Year to save enough money for infrastructure and socioeconomic development of the nation. The oil workers’ leader urged the government to do everything possible toward ensuring restoration of national peace and tranquility.
Pastor Okoro, posited that relationship between a husband and wife was quite different from the one existing between one’s parents or siblings and urged them to always believe in God. Among distinguished guests, were Major General Bamidele Ogunkale who chaired the occasion and described the event as a reunion of friends, relatives and well wishers, noting that the relationship that had existed between him and the couple dates over twenty years. He advised them to have respect for one another to sustain the tempo of blessings from God. Others present were friends of the couple from Canada, Japan,
Scotland and United Kingdom, the parents of the couple, and their siblings. The father of the bride, Mr. Omorodion said that he was highly elated to be part of the event, stressing that when the marriage was first contacted about ten years ago, in UK, he wasn’t there and today, God had made it possible for him to witness the event and therefore offered them prayers for good health, long life and abundant blessings in the marriage. Also present were Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, the Promoter of 1897 invasion, Chief Clifford Ero, Music Maestro, Culture Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, Aka, Ulele Power Sound and others.
Work resumes nationwide
Continued from page 1
were quite evident, as most people scampered to catch buses that would take them to motor-parks. At the popular Iyaro Motor Park, Commuters were seen in large numbers carrying their luggage, apparently trying to enter vehicles going to their various destinations. Also, Private Motor Park Operators, particularly those plying Lagos and Onitsha routes had a field day as commuters thronged their parks to continue their journey. However, the cost of transport fares were slightly adjusted both in public and private motor parks, following the rush of passengers in the parks, who wished to reach their destination in order to resume work today. The transport fares from Benin to Lagos was increased to N3,000 as against N2, 000 in the private motor parks, while at the public park, the operators adjusted their fares to N2,800 as against N1,500 in the same routes. Some commuters who had a stop – over in Benin, apparently to catch a cheap vehicle to Lagos at N1,500 groaned over the hike of fares, as some remained stranded and hoped to catch the night buses. Meanwhile, most parents, who took out their children to various resort centres described the holidays as a
good vacation which rarely comes to civil servants, except yearly or when they observe their annual leave. Charlie Ogiemwonyi told our reporters yesterday at the Oba Ovoranmwen Square resort Centre that the yuletide holidays created an opportunity for civil servant to have a rest from their job, as well as have a good time with their families. At Sunrise Guest House along the Benin Airport Road, there was beehive of activities, as the operatives hosted children to fan fares and doled out gift items to children. It would be recalled that the Federal Government declared December 25th and 26th, 2014 and January 1st and 2nd as holidays to mark the yuletide season, and EidEl-Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
Falling oil price Edo NUJ chairman urges youths to involve themselves in Agriculture BENIN CITY - The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Edo State, Comrade Desmond Agbama, has called for more involvement of youths in agriculture in the country. Agbama made the call while speaking with newsmen in Benin City yesterday. He said that youths’ involvement in agriculture had become necessary, especially now that oil price had continued to fall in the global market. He said that if youths embraced agriculture it would boost food production for export and generate more foreign exchange for the country thereby reducing the impact of fall in oil price. The chairman noted that youths used to work in plantations and farm settlements in the country before crude oil was discovered. Agbama regretted that the country’s youths were no
longer interested in agriculture due to its poor remuneration and lack of support. He said: “youths now prefer to be involved in internet fraud and other means of getting quick money which do not contribute to the GDP of the country. “Let government allocate more resources to the agricultural sector to ensure the establishment of large farm settlements where the youths will work. “The farm settlements should have the needed infrastructure to encourage the youths to adapt to such environments. “The National Youth Service Corp should encourage youths to embrace agriculture, NYSC should be an avenue to create awareness on the relevance of agriculture to nation building.” He advised Nigerians not lament on the fall in oil price, but see it as a challenge to look inward and develop other sectors of the economy.
Dwindling oil revenue
Cleric urges sustenance of Delta Beyond Oil’ initiative ASABA - Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu, the Bishop of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Asaba Diocese, has called for the sustenance of the “Delta Beyond Oil’’ policy of the present administration in Delta. Mogekwu made the call in an interview with newsmen in Asaba yesterday. He said that it had become imperative to ensure more commitment to the economic policy, initiated by the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration, in view of the sliding global price of oil. “It is necessary to emphasise that the next administration in this state should sustain and pursue the economic blue print with more vigour,’’ he said. The bishop said that all that was required to grow the economy of the state with or
without oil revenue had been encapsulated in the programme. Mogekwu commended the present administration for its vision to fashion out the “Delta beyond Oil’’ policy. “The fall in global oil price has actually vindicated the governor’s “Delta beyond oil’’ vision, suggesting that something must be done to have a future that does not depend on oil. “Oil is a depleting substance which will finish someday and the governor has sensitised the people to this fact. “Many other state governments are now borrowing a leaf from him and we should be happier for it. “So, I commend Uduaghan and pray that the person who will take over from him will continue with it to ensure that the economy of the state becomes more buoyant,’’ he said.
OBSERVER bags award Continued from page 1
31, 2014. Presenting the award on behalf of the Doruyi Peace Award, Nik Obaseki, said The Nigerian OBSERVER has over the years provided regular information on government policies and developments, especially in crises ridden situations, which he said are targeted at ensuring peace in the land
Obaseki who is also a Brand and Financial Consultant pointed out that THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER’s choice for the award was informed by the unique, independent and unbiased role in reporting peace in the recent crisis between the Edo State government, Edo House of Assembly and some interest groups.
He further pointed out that the Doruyi Peace Awards was established to honour institutions and individuals who are fighting the cause of peace and unity in the land, while enjoining well meaning Nigerians to embrace the spirit of peaceful coexistence in the society. Other awardees included the Independent Television and Radio.
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News EIRS Boss Applauds Staff Commitment To Duty BY VICTOR OMOALU BENIN CITY – The annual get-together/end of year party of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has been held with the Executive Chairman, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah applauding the EIRS staff for their unalloyed commitment to duties which he said has helped to enhancing the internal revenue generation of the state. Addressing the staff at the Corporate Headquarters of the EIRS, venue of the ceremony which attracted workers from EIRS offices across the state, Chief Elamah noted noted that the occasion was aimed at appreciating staff for their commitments, dedication and diligent to duties, review EIRS strategic plans for the past year and move beyond such that will bring about an enhanced revenue system which would ensure the much needed even development in the state. Chief Elamah who harped on manpower development as a critical factor to any successful administration, assured the staff of better incentives/remuneration as well as welfare packages for them in the year 2015. This, he said would help discourage corrupt practices in the system. He pointed out that their contributions have brought to bear in the lives of the common man in the society through the unmatched infrastructural developments anchored on transparency, accountability, honesty and value for tax payers’ money. “For us to put new strategies in place, it goes beyond what we have achieved during the period under review. “We really appreciate your technical skills as we intend
President Goodluck Jonathan (left) with the A n g l i c a n Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Rt. Rev James Oruwori during 1st Sunday of the year church service at St. S t e p h e n ’s A n g l i c a n C h u r c h , Otuoke in Ogbia Bayelsa State on Sunday.
to place you in a position where you would be seen as professionals in the taxation system anywhere around the world,” stated Chief Elamah. He therefore, promised to offer scholarship to any staff who intends to aspire in ICT. While expressing his administration’s determination to take the revenue system to an unmatched level, the EIRS boss thanked taxpayers for
2015 Elections: APC Chieftain Cautions
Politicians Against Violence ILORIN – Dr. Yunus Lawal, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara, has warned politicians to eschew bitterness for the success of the 2015 general elections. Lawal, who is also the Chairman, Governing Council of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, made the remark during an interview with newsmen weekend in Ilorin.
The chieftain, who is a veterinary doctor, noted that no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, acrimony or hatred. He, therefore, urged politicians to give peace a chance before, during and after the polls. Lawal also advised politicians and their followers to shun destructive tendencies and other acts capable of truncating democracy in the
country. He prayed for the successful conduct of the elections and for peace to continue to reign in the country. The Board chairman commended the Kwara Government for assisting the State College of Health Technology in meeting its obligations in health education. According to him, the college has produced several health personnel who have
Director of Women Enhancement Organisation (WEO) an NGO based in Auchi, Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Idogho distributing gift to a winner of dancing competition during the 2014 annual children party and new year activity organised by WEO recently.
Play By The Rules, Cleric Advises Politicians BENIN CITY-Politicians in the country have been advised to see politics as a game and to play it according to the rules rather than seeing it as a do or die affairs. The general overseer of The Lord’s Sanctuary Ministries Inc., Apostle Dr, E.S. Omomo who gave the advice yesterday during Sunday service said that if the reason for vying for any elective positions is to serve the
people, the losers should be ready to take it magnanimously and work with the winners who should also be ready to carry everybody along for the progress of the people and the nation at large. The minister who does not see Nigeria being at war or breaks-up after the February general elections said God has a reason of bringing every Nigerian together as a nation,
adding that God will sustain and keep Nigeria as an indivisible entity even after the elections. According to him, if what is happening now in the country with the issues of Boko Haram and insecurity happen in another country, that country would have be engulf in war by now God, with His devine mercy still kept the nation together. In a message titled “open
Heaven” as this year’s theme, he takes his text from the book of Matthew. 3:13-16, he said that when heaven is opened, there would be unlimited blessings and unlimited access to the use of heavenly father’s name. He said that for heaven to be opened there must be a genuine repentance on the side of mankind so that man can have authority to use the name of Jesus
contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s health sector.
DELSU Resumes Jan 11 WARRI (Delta State) - The Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, will begin its 2014/2015 academic session on January 11. This is contained in a statement in Warri by Mr Ejiro Udjo, the Registrar and Secretary to the Senate of the institution, at the weekend. The statement stated that the earlier January 4 resumption date was no longer feasible. It directed all regular students both old and new to adjust to the new resumption date, adding that lectures would commence on January 12. According to the statement, the screening exercise for new students, accommodation request through online, including the accompanying fees and payment of school fees, is ongoing. It urged the students to abide by the directives.
Rivers APC Holds Special Ward Congress ABONNEMA (Rivers State) - The Rivers chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) has held a special congress in the 319 wards in the state to enlighten members on the February elections. Mr Paul Awoyesuku, a former commissioner in the state, told members at Ward 11, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, to be steadfast and focused ahead of the February elections. He said the congress was to allow interaction with members on the importance of the election and the need to vote all candidates presented by the party. Awoyesuku, a former chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government, also urged members not to be distracted by other parties. At Ward 8, Akuku-Toru Local Government, a former Chairman of the state Environmental Sanitation Authority, Mr Isobo Jack, said the congress was aimed at educating party members at the grassroots on the importance of the February elections. ‘’ This is a new innovation by our party to educate members at the grassroots. “ We believe that members should know who their candidates are and cast their ballot for them on election day,’’ he said. A member of the state House of Assembly, Benibo Anabraba (APC- AkukuToru), said members of the
party were impressed with the interactive sessions taking place in all the wards in the state. He said members should know their candidates for the various elective positions from the national to state levels and vote for them on election day. Mr Sammy George, the Chairman of Ward 3, Buguma , Asari-Toru Local Government, told members of the party to vote massively for all their candidates on election day. ‘’The aim of the congress is to enlighten members on the February election. We urge members to know the party’s candidates for the various elective positions and vote for them,’’ he said. The Chairman of the party in Asari-Toru Local Governmen Area, Chief Opuda Fred-Horsfall, said members had been properly educated. He said the ward congress had lived up to expectation because the turn out was massive and members freely expressed their views. The Secretary of the APC in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Ikiriko, gave an assurance that members would vote for the party’s candidates. “ We are happy with this interactive meeting and members have agreed to start door- to-door campaign to sell our candidates to the people and strengthen our party’s position ahead of the elections,’’ he said.
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News 2015: Govt Will Act Against Unpatriotic Elements campaigns and elections would have characterised some previous ABUJA - President Goodluck should be the driver of any quest Jonathan not distract the federal electoral contests in our country, Jonathan has said that the “orgy for political power and of violence” that trailed the 2011 general elections would not be allowed to repeat itself in the 2015 polls. In a nationwide New Year broadcast, Jonathan vowed decisive action against “anyone who disrupts the public peace, before, during or after the 2015 general elections”. He said: “After the 2011 general elections, some unpatriotic elements embarked on an orgy of violence, resulting in the destruction of lives and property. “That will not be allowed to happen this time around. “This government will act decisively against anyone who disrupts the public peace, before, during or after the 2015 general elections. “All Nigerians of voting age are free to vote based on their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect that basic right, and let no one be in doubt, we will.” The president also advised politicians to put the nation’s interest above self, noting that their ambitions were not worth the blood of any Nigerian. According to him, improvement of the lives and living conditions of the people
leadership positions. “Let us not promote sectionalism, disunity, intolerance, hate, falsehood or the malicious abuse of political opponents. “Whatever we feel or seek, we must have a nation and a people before we can dream of political ambitions. Let us put the nation and the people first. “Let us all conduct our electoral campaigns with the highest possible decorum and civility toward political opponents. “Let us give the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) the fullest possible support and cooperation it requires to conduct credible and violence-free elections in 2015,” Jonathan said. The president said his administration would continue to empower all key stakeholders including INEC, security agencies and the electorate to improve on the electoral process. “We will continue to provide adequate funding to INEC and maintain the commission’s independence and isolate it from any form of interference or meddling in its day-to-day affairs. “This shall continue to
NTDC To Woo Nigerians In Diaspora country had adversely affected LAGOS - Mrs. Chioma Ibe, the Deputy Director, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) said the organisation would hold annual heritage festival to woo Nigerians in the Diaspora. Ibe told newsmen in Lagos that the decision was part of the measures to make Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute more to the nation’s socio-economic development. “The festival will be celebrated at the point of no return which served as their prison yard then, “ Ibe said. Ibe said that it was unfortunate the way operations of fake tour companies in the
the growth of domestic tourism. “The foreign tourists blame the lapses of tour operators on NTDC. “As Nigerians, we all need to be conscious and protective of our status and reputation,” she told journalists. She commended the effort of NTDC Director-General, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, who she said had done a lot to improve the staff welfare. “Some members of staff have just been promoted after a long period of deprivation. New staff buses have been purchased for NTDC offices nationwide,’’ she said.
guarantee its impartiality and ability to conduct more credible and acceptable elections. “National security agencies will also be given all necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections are peaceful and violence-free. “The Nigeria Police has already established an Elections Security Planning and Monitoring Unit.
“I am optimistic that with the cooperation of all law-abiding citizens of the country, our commitment to have a peaceful and violence-free election will be actualised,” he said. The president assured the nation that his administration would remain fully focused on the provision of good governance and better public services. He said the impending
government, and urged all tiers of government not to be distracted as well. “The elections are very important for us as a country. “Their successful conclusion will further strengthen our democratic institutions and place our beloved country even more firmly in the comity of truly democratic nations. ‘Given the challenges that
the eyes of the world will certainly be on the conduct and outcome of our fifth postmilitary- rule general elections. “I reassure all Nigerians and the international community of our firm commitment to free, fair and credible elections. My commitment to free elections and one man, one vote remains unwavering,” the president added.
President Goodluck Jonathan (right) performing the traditional rite of wine presentation to his niece Inebharapu in Otuoke, Bayelsa State at the weekend. Left is VicePresident Namadi Sambo.
IG Donates N7m To Wives Of Missing “Those whose husbands are particularly at a season like the got N500, 000. Apart from the cash, the still missing, let me say that we yuletide which was a time to Policemen women inspector-general also gave 20 are still pained, we are still AKWANGA (NASARAWA STATE) - The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, has donated N7 million to 14 wives of the 35 police officers declared missing in Borno, to alleviate their suffering. It will be recalled that the officers were declared missing after members of the Boko Haram sect invaded the Police Mobile Force Training School at Gwoza, on August 20. Abba, however, said one of the officers had resurfaced about three months ago and had resumed duty. Reports state that each of the
Participants at the PDP fund raising dinner in Gombe at the weekend.
tubers of yam, one bag of rice and one gallon of vegetable oil to each of the women and 84 other police wives whose husband had died in the line of duty. Sixty-two widows of policemen that were ambushed and killed by members of the Omgbatse cult at Alakyo village in Nasarawa State on May 7, 2013, also got the foodstuff. The inspector-general used the occasion to reassure that the search for missing police officers would be intensified until they were found either dead or alive.
hopeful and we have not stopped the efforts to trace them, wherever they are. “And that, we will not relent until we are able to account for each and every one of them, this I want to assure you. “Without mincing word and with due consideration to the status of my office, we mean every word we say, the search continues, the hope is still there,’’ Abba said. The I-G also assured the women that the force would not forget them whenever it mattered,
share with one another. Abba also said that the outcome of investigation into the incident, as well as that of the panel constituted by the Nasarawa State Government on killing of the officers by the cult would be implemented appropriately. He described the incident as one of the unfortunate incidents that had affected the police in recent years. It will be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) lost ten officers in that incident.
Aghaebe, has said that he had empowered 501 widows in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra. Each of the widows got N10,000, a wrapper and musical plate, while one of them, Mrs. Agnes Mgbako, won a car during a raffle draw at the occasion. Three others got a refrigerator each and another won a generating set at the raffle draw. Speaking to newsmen after the event at Umueri, near Onitsha, Aghaebe said he spent more than N10 million on widows’ empowerment annually. He said the programme was initiated in 2004, adding, “I have course to sustain it since God has
been faithful and kind to me financially and otherwise.’’ The philanthropist said he was brought up by his mother, who became a widow when he was two years old. “Having lost my father at infancy stage, I grew up in a poor home with my mother, who was the sole provider of the family. “I knew what it means to grow-up without a father, a poor background and living a rustic village life; I realised that the world was not a bed of roses. “So, I pleaded with God Almighty to bless me, and in return, I vowed that widows and the poor around me would not be
empowered 1,000 widows last year, adding that the Chief Charles Aghaebe Educational Scheme had sponsored 52 secondary school students and 24 university students. “God will keep him for us because he now marries us. I am no longer a widow,” Mrs Agnes Mgbako, who won a car through a raffle draw, said. Another widow who won a refrigerator, Mrs Ugonma Aja, said that God had used Aghaebe to rekindle hope in her family. “With this, I am sure of giving my family three square meals a day. Now I have gotten a husband and God will keep him for me,’’ Aja stressed.
Philanthropist Empowers 501 ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) - A to suffer,’’ he said. Widows leftAghaebe philanthropist, Chief Charles said he had
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News Open Defecation: Association
Wants Functional Public Toilets, Water System
BWARI (FCT) - Mr Yakubu Adamu, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Bwari branch, has called for the provision of functional public toilets and provision of water system to curb open defecation in the area. Adamu told the newsmen in Bwari that lack of toilet and operational water system in the motor parks and markets caused people to indulge in open defecation. He appealed the Bwari Area Council to make public toilets functional and provide borehole water system to promote meaningful growth. “We have toilet, but the
toilet is not functioning, because they are not taking care of it. “The Bwari Area Council environmental officials locked the toilet; so whenever we want to defecate, we go to the Central Market or any public toilet, because we don’t have one. “In every park that we know there is a borehole, but we don’t have such in Bwari. “Also, during the rainy seasons we always experience difficulty in terms of carrying out our daily tasks at the park. “The practice of using our lean resources to repair damages caused by rain on roads within the motor park
affects us negatively, since we could no longer rely on the authority. “We appeal" the council to live up to its responsibility through renovation of the motor park.” He commended the relevant trainings of the union members by security agencies in the area since January 2014. “The motor park is always a busy environment where one meets different kinds of people; you may not be able to identify anyone, except you have been trained,” he said. Adamu urged members of the association and the public to shun violence.
KADUNA - President Goodluck Jonathan said that his administration had intensified efforts to modernise and transform the nation’s railway system for national prosperity and development. The president, who spoke at the inauguration of Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) passenger service for intracity Kaduna, said transforming and modernising the rail system would facilitate national growth and development. Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo,
said the essence of much attention to the railway system was to reduce the cost of moving goods and services across the country and make Nigerians happy. He, however, lamented that in the last 30 years, the railway sector had suffered neglect by previous administrations. He restated that the present administration had rekindled hope in the lives of Nigerians and assured that effective and efficient rail system would continue to be their priority. In his speech, Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State observed that the railway system was the most affordable and easy means of transportation. He said the state government had worked hard to improve its transportation system by acquiring and distributing vehicles to commuters to ease the transport system. The Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, advocated for a private-public partnership to make the system functional.
Umar disclosed that nine railway stations would be remodeled to suit the PPP arrangement. He said the Lagos-Kano route had created a considerable number of job opportunities since its inception. Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Adeseyi Sijuade, said the intra-city services would be run jointly by the NRC and the Kaduna State Government to enhance transport efficiency in the city. Sijuade said the AbujaKaduna standard gauge rail line would be launched in the first quarter of 2015. According to him, the standard gauge which travels at 180 kilometres per hour can comfortably enable workers to work in Abuja but live in Kaduna. He also said the DMU train which moves at 100 kilometres per hour has the capacity to carry 540 passengers at a time.
Railway Modernisation, Transformation Path To National Prosperity - Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan
Sales Rep Faces N370,000 Theft imprisonment for stealing. LAGOS A sales Charge Counsel to the accused, Mr representative of a Lagos-based company, Christopher Lukpata, was docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing N370, 000. Twenty-two-year-old Lukpata, whose address was unknown, is standing trial for stealing. The prosecutor, Sgt. Samuel Ishola, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 23 at 8.00 a.m. at No. 27/29, Adeyemo Alakija St., Victoria Island, Lagos. Ishola alleged that the accused
stole N370, 000 belonging to his employer — Thames Shipping Company. According to him, the accused failed to remit the money being proceeds from sales into the company’s account. The offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Reports state that Section 285 provides three years
Daniel Abbe, urged the court to grant the accused bail on liberal terms. Ruling on the bail application, the Magistrate, Mrs. O.O. Oladipekun, admitted him to a bail of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She said the sureties must reside in Lagos and must be gainfully employed. She adjourned the case to January 15, 2015, for mention.
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South-West
Jail Breaks: Lawyers Urge FG To LAGOS - Some lawyers in Lagos have urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate prisons in the country to prevent recurrent jail breaks. The lawyers, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, decried the deplorable state of most prisons in country, blaming this for the recent jail breaks. Reports state that jail breaks were recently recorded in Lokoja, Ado-Ekiti and Minna in the months of November and December, respectively, thereby raising public concern. Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN) blamed the spate of jail breaks in the country on the long neglect by government of the prison system. According to him, the prisons were set up as rehabilitation centres and therefore deserve adequate attention of government. Fagbonhungbe said that most of the prisons were built many years ago and currently were populated beyond their capacity. “Some of these prisons have old structures and were built years ago with minimal capacity; but as time progressed, the number of criminal cases increased, and so also the same number of inmates.
2 Persons Remanded Over Murder, Kidnap Of German Expatriate ABEOKUTA - An Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded two persons in prison over the alleged murder of a German expatriate and the kidnap of another. The Prosecuting Counsel, Mrs. Gloria Nyang, alleged that the accused, Umaru Ibrahim, 33, and Saidu Muhammed, 30, committed the offences on October 24 at Ogbere, Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun. She said the accused conspired to cause the death of one Frank Sieberg in the attempt to kidnap him and another victim, Walter Limbacher. The expatriates were both employees of Julius Berger Construction Company. Nyang said that the offences contravened sections 516, 364 (2) and 316 (3) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006. The accused persons had no fixed address, occupation and counsel while their pleas were not taken by the court. Chief Magistrate Anthony Araba remanded the accused in Oba prison while awaiting legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution in the state. He adjourned the case till February 27, 2015 for further hearing.
Rehabilitate Prisons “The prison system has completely been abandoned by the government; they are overcrowded and the inmates are not given the necessary attention. “The prison structures in place are in a bad shape; a prison that was built for about 500 inmates, now accommodates over 1,000 inmates. “There is no discipline in the prison; the warders are not motivated in terms of remuneration, and so, even the inmates give stipends to these warders who allow them have their way in custody. “It therefore follows that there is a need to rehabilitate the prison system to improve its standard. “There is also the need to relocate some prisons so as to cater for the growing population of inmates,’’ he said Fagbonhungbe said that it was imperative to separate convicted criminals from those awaiting trial, in a bid to avoid breeding more hardened inmates, and forestall incidences of jail breaks. “Although the prison is not a place of rest, it however requires certain minimum living standard for its inmates,” he said. In the same vein, another lawyer, Mr Emeka Etiaba, urged magistrates to carry out routine visits to the prisons, and conduct summary trials for inmates charged with minor offences. He deplored the use of mobile phones by inmates in prison, contending that this was a major factor which enhanced jail breaks. “One of the worst things that have happened to our prison system is allowing prisoners use mobile telephone. “When you visit the prisons, you find these prisoners using telephone and that is why it is so easy for them to communicate with those with whom they plan these jail breaks. “In a bid to forestall these incidences, there is the need to ban the use of telephones in prisons and also modernise the prison to take care of security lapses. “Some of these prisons were constructed before the Second World War. “There is also a need to have more armed personnel guard the prisons; when you visit the prisons, you find few warders, and these can hardly stop any organised force from invading the prisons,’’ Etiaba said. According to him, there is also the need to decongest the prisons and ensure adequate consideration for the prison staff. “You find that in a prison with a capacity of 1,000 inmates, there are about 3,000 and out of this number about 97 per cent are awaiting trials. “So, if we must forestall jail breaks, there must be a decongestion of the prisons,’’ he said. In his remarks, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, believes that jail breaks were an offshoot from the unpalatable condition of the prisons in the country. “There are dilapidated
structures in the prisons and these structures have been there for several decades. “The prison system is supposed to be under the Federal Ministry of Interior, and so there should be budgetary allocation to expand and rehabilitate the prisons. “The use of phones by inmates in custody is one of the major causes of jail breaks in the country. “Some of these prisoners’ hatch their plans while in custody, through the use of these mobile phones; “if there are no telecommunication system for these prisoners, how can they hatch such plans in custody? “I think these inmates are being over indulged by the warders, and this should be a source of concern,’’ he said. Ataene, therefore, called on the government, to put in place adequate measures to reposition the prison system in the country.
L-R: Rev. Lucky Onaiwu, General Overseer, House of Favour Int’l Church Worldwide, the couple, Mr. Osarobo and Mrs. Benedicta Igbinosun and Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Ogunkale, during the blessing of marriage of the couple held at the church auditorium last Saturday. PHOTO: LUCKY EFESE.
People buying snacks at Shoprite in Abuja on New Year’s day.
Ogun Assembly Passes N210.35bn Budget Estimates
ABEOKUTA - The Ogun House of Assembly has passed the estimates of the State’s 2015 Appropriation Bill of N210.35 billion. The bill was passed after the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Olusola Bankole, read the committee’s report. He said that the sum of N82.94billion would be appropriated for recurrent expenditure, saying that N10billion shall be appropriated for the consolidated revenue fund charges, pensions and gratuities. The lawmaker also said that N118.2billion would be appropriated for capital expenditure in 2015. He said the committee recommended that the state commissioners for Finance and Budget should ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies adhered strictly to the execution of their projects. The lawmaker said that over 112 Ministries, Departments and
Agencies in the state had in the last two weeks defended their 2015 budget proposals before the House. The report of the committee was adopted by the House after
the bill was read the third time. The Majority Leader, Mr Isreal Jolaoso, moved the motion for its third reading and was seconded by Mr Abiodun Akovoyon.. The Speaker, Mr Suraj
LAGOS - A 23-year-old man, Yusuf Sodiq, has appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stabbing three men. Sodiq, whose address is unknown, is being tried for a sixcount charge bordering on assault causing bodily harm, conspiracy and stealing. The Prosecutor, Insp. Feddy Asu Okeke, told the court that the accused committed the offences on December 20 and 28 at 7.20 a.m. at Makurdi Street, Ebute Meta and Afric Road, Iponri. Asu alleged that the accused with two others still at large were notorious for dispossessing
passersby of their belongings. According to him, the accused attacked three men — Mohammed Sani, Ibrahim Ahmed and Rafiu Sodiq — and robbed them of their valuables which included a Nokia C3 phone, an LG phone and N48, 000. “The accused used a cutlass and a broken bottle with the help of his two accomplices to attack the complainants on their heads, chests and hands while they struggled to avoid being robbed,’’ he said. He said the offences contravened Sections 171, 285
Adekunbi, after the passage of the bill, ordered that a clean copy be sent to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, for his assent. The governor presented the expenditure estimates of N210.35 billion to the House on November 18.
Man, 23 Docked For Stabbing 3 Men (1), 310 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Sodiq pleaded guilty to three out of the six- count charge. The Magistrate, Mr E.O. Ogunkanmi, ordered that the accused should be remanded at Ikoyi Prisons on the three-count charge to which he pleaded guilty. On the three other charges which he denied, Ogunkanmi granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two responsible sureties who must provide evidence of tax payment to the state. The case was adjourned till January 29 for facts and sentence.
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Lagos I Am Not Tired Of Politics - Ikufuroji By SURAJU RAJI
The Minority Whip, Federal House of Representatives and All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District in the 2015 general elections, Hon. Samson Osagie (right), receiving a congratulatory card from the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Desmond Agbama who led journalists on a courtesy visit in Benin City after the party primaries recently.
Be Security Conscious, Association Urges Nigerians
LAGOS - The Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (EPPAN) has advised Nigerians to be security -conscious when making electronic transactions, especially during festive period. Mrs. Sylvia Ntia, the Media and Strategy Development Manager of E-PPAN, who gave the advice in a statement in Lagos, noted that fraudsters use festive seasons to carry out nefarious activities. “Be it shopping physically at merchant outlets using the POS terminal, mobile Banking/Payment, online
transactions or even at the ATM, Nigerians are advised to be security-conscious.’’ She said it was the duty of individuals to consider safety in all transactions. “Like we always tell consumers, it is very safe to use any of the payment instruments, but to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of electronic fraud, we advise consumers to follow some safety tips. “Look after your cards and card details at all times; try not to let your card out of your
Woman Leader Identifies Causes Of Mass Failure In Nov/Dec Examination
LAGOS - A woman leader, Mrs. Francisca Obasuyi, has identified poor reading habit among students as the major factor responsible for mass failure in the last November/ December external examinations. Obasuyi, former President of the Catholic Women Organisation, Ijegun branch, Lagos State, told newsmen the advent of computers, phones and internet had distracted the children from studies. “ The problem is that they don’t have the habit of reading, unlike those days when our parents bought story books for us. “During holidays, we read story books and we read magazines, we read newspapers. “But children of these days, don’t do that, and in those days when you read newspapers when you met a word you did not understand, you would go to your dictionary.
“Children of these days don’t do that, they don’t even read newspapers. The habit of reading is not there during the holidays. “During holidays that children were supposed to be reading, they go back to school, to continue where they have stopped. “ They are supposed to be at home, read newspapers, read novels and diversify their knowledge, but it’s not there, they go back to the same old knowledge. “And apart from that, we parents, calculator, phones, GSM, have spoilt our brain, we just come out to start pressing. “And apart from that, these abbreviations, where they type messages. Abbreviation is what kills us. So these are issues, we should look into.” She further urged the parents and teachers to take up the challenge of inculcating the habit of reading in the children.
sight when making a transaction, and don’t leave your cards unattended in public places. “We emphasise that never share your PIN with anyone; ensure you are the only person that knows your PIN,’’ she said. She said a bank will never ask a customer to disclose his or her PIN, adding that people should avoid using ATM at isolated locations, especially at night and weekends. “At the ATM when entering your PIN, stand close to the ATM, use your free hand and your body to shield the number in case someone is watching you over your shoulder. “Once you have completed a transaction, put your money and card away before leaving the ATM. “If the ATM does not return your card, report it immediately to your service provider; destroy or, preferably, shred your ATM receipts, mini-statements or balance enquiries when you dispose of them. “If you think someone has seen your PIN, you can change it at the next ATM or by contacting your bank.’’ She also advised those traveling overseas to call their financial service providers and inform them of their location of travel. When overseas, people should not let their cards out of sight, and should report any unfamiliar transactions to their financial service providers as soon as possible, she said. She also said that those doing online transactions
should only shop on secure sites. “Before entering card details, ensure that the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol is showing in your browser. “Additionally, the beginning of the online retailer’s internet address will change from ‘http’ to ‘https’ to indicate the connection is secure. “Never send your PIN over the internet. Always log out properly after shopping online. “If the website you have used has a ‘sign out’ or ‘log off’ button, click on it when you have finished, especially if you have been using a shared or public computer. She expressed the need for people to be securityconscious when using a public computer or public Wi-Fi internet connection
LAGOS – Inspite of failing in his bid for the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2015 general elections, the speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji has revealed that he was not tired of politicking, that there is much to do. The speaker made the disclosure at the end of year party organized by the House for media men. He lamented, 16 members of the House are not returning, having lost out in party primaries“. He explained it is one thing to be in the House and another to make the job
well done. Ikuforiji also revealed that as speaker he is the servant of the people saying that the speaker can only persuade the people unlike the governor who can fire; if the speaker wants the lawmakers, the lawmakers have their decision either to attend or not, Ikuforiji said. On his next mission, since the gubernatorial election didn’t favour him, Hon Ikuforiji said “This is a year of victory, thank God for the shower of blessing. I thank journalist for their cooperation and support given throughout the year. Journalists have been wonderful; they make tremendous support to the House of assembly”.
Controller Decries Indiscipline On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway LAGOS - The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mr Godwin Eke, has said that indiscipline among most motorists had led to the damage of road shoulders on the nation’s highways. Eke told newsmen in Lagos that the strength of the road shoulder on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was being increased to guard against misuse. “As a result of indiscipline, Nigerians tend to drive on the road shoulders any time they have little problem on the main carriageway “That is one of the reasons why we are reconstructing the road because people drive on the shoulder instead of driving on the main carriageway.
“In that process, any time they have small gridlock they move over to the shoulder and damage the shoulder. “Meanwhile, we are reconstructing from Sagamu Interchange and it is a stepby-step thing because of this, the new construction we are doing, the same design we have on the main carriageway is the same design we have for the road shoulder just in case they decide to drive on the shoulder again, it would not be damaged because it would have the same strength; the main carriageway extends to the shoulder, the same design. “In future if they even decide to drive on the shoulder, they would not damage it.
A lunatic who was electrocuted in an attempt to fiddle with an electricity transformer at Sapele Road, by the Edo State High Court perimeter fence, opposite Ogbelaka Street, Benin City.
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Across The Nation Gombe Proposes N86.7bn In 2015
GOMBE (Gombe State) Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has presented a budget of N86.7 billion for 2015 to the House of Assembly for deliberation and approval. Reports state that the figure showed N21billion reduction from the N107.7 billion budgeted in 2014. Dankwambo said the 2015 budget took into account the fall in the price of crude oil at the international market. “After a careful analysis of our expected resources inflow for 2015, we allocated budget envelopes to all ministries, departments and agencies to guide them in the preparation of their estimates’’, he said. Presenting the “Budget of Accomplishment’’ to the legislature, Dankwambo said N46.658billion would be spent on recurrent expenditure while N42. 80billion was earmarked for capital expenditure. Dankwambo stated that the state was expecting N6.65billion from Internally Generated Revenue and N35billion as statutory allocation. Others are Share of Excess Exchange Rate Gains N500 million; NNPC Refund N500
million; Budget Augmentation N500 million and Ecological fund N500 million. The governor said N9.4 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure the completion of ongoing projects. He said that the government would also embark on new projects that critical to the development of the state. According to him, primary and secondary education got the largest allocation of N5.1 billion for provision of class rooms, hostels, staff quarters and laboratories among others. He said Water Resources was given N3.7billion, Agriculture N2.8 billion, Housing and Transport N2billion, Health N1.7 billion, Higher Education N1.7 billion and Rural Development N1billion. Reports state that N14 million went to the Local Government and Community Development. Alhaji Inuwa Garba, Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly, said the budget would be forwarded to the House Committee on Appropriation for consideration.
People shopping at Shop Rite at Silver Bird Complex in Abuja yesterday.
Insurgency: Geidam Commends Military, Others
DAMATURU - Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe has commended the Army and other security agencies for salvaging the state that came under insurgents’ attacks recently. It will be recalled that Damaturu, Potiskum, Damagum and Geidam were attacked by the Boko Haram sect members with the
intention of taking over the four towns. Gaidam made the commendation in Damaturu while launching the 2015 Emblem Appeal Week. “There is no better time to appreciate the Nigerian army and other security agencies in the state than now considering
their efforts in salvaging Damaturu, Potiskum, Damagum and Geidam from the hands of insurgents,” he said. The governor assured that his administration would continue to accord priority to their needs and urged them to sustain the tempo.
Army Trains NSCDC On Counter Terrorism, Weapon participants were trained on general performance score of the MINNA - The Nigeria Army from the zonal command on Handling various kinds of weapons, training was put at 60 per cent,” has trained 142 personnel of the weapon handling. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on counterterrorism and weapon handling. The Commandant of the 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, Brig. Gen. Abba Dikko, disclosed this during the Batch C passing out ceremony in Minna. Dikko said the training involved practicals and theories for 129 personnel o f the NSCDC state command and 13
He said the lessons on counter terrorism and counter insurgency were added to the curriculum to get the participants better equipped for contemporary security challenges. He added that the trainees went through courses on counter terrorism and counter insurgency,as well as weapon handling leading to range classification, minor infantry
tactics and fitness. “The training commenced with a directive from the army headquarters to train NSCDC personnel nationwide on the same subject. “The participants exhibited sustained interest and good character which enhance the smooth conduct of the course,” he said. The Course Officer, Cpt. Labiwa Madugu, said that the
adding that practicals were conducted at the cantonment firing range. Madugu said physical fitness, obstacle crossing, route march, 3.2-kilometre race and beam work were also included. “They were also trained on special counter terrorism raid operations, cordon and search, body guard duties and VIP protection. “The training cut across practicals and theories and the
Women wing of former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Odua’s campaign organisation during sensitisation within the Orom-Ekiti Community in Anambra yesterday.
he added. Similarly, Alhaji Saidu Rabe, the NSCDC Zonal Commander, who was represented by the Niger Commander, Mr Micheal Ochugwo, called on the trainees to use what they learnt to improve the services. Rabe said the training was the third phase of its kind, adding that another training would commence in January 2015.
He said that the assistance of N1 million often presented to the families of those killed in active service would be sustained. He also said that government would continue to foot the medical bills of those injured while in active service. The governor announced a donation of N5 million to the state chapter of the Nigeria Legion, while the State House of Assembly pledged N1 million. Responding, Col. Usman Yusuf, Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Damaturu, thanked the governor for his sustained assistance to the Nigerian Army. Yusuf assured that they would continue to work assiduously to protect the people and the territorial integrity of the country.
13 Yr-Old Teenager Electrocuted KANO - A 13-year-old boy, Bashir Auwalu, was electrocuted at Na’ibawa Tsakia quarters in Kano metropolis. The father of the victim, Auwalu Kwaram, told newsmen in Kano that the incident happened at 5.30 a.m. Kwaram said the victim stepped on a live cord in front of a house while urinating. He said he found the body of the deceased when returning from a nearby Mosque after the early morning Muslim prayer. Commenting on the incident, the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Alhaji Mukhtar Baffa, described the incident as unfortunate. Baffa said the development
“might not be unconnected with illegal connection”. He said the company had embarked on massive awareness campaign on the dangers associated with illegal connection. According to him, the illegal practice constituted danger to lives and was disrupting power supply. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Magaji Majiya, said the incident had not been reported to the command. “The incident has yet to be reported to the command; we will commence investigation as soon as it is reported to us. “This is with a view to finding out the cause of the incident and to take appropriate measures to forestall re-occurrence,” he said.
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News Bauchi Christian Pilgrims To Israel BAUCHI - The first batch of Return Home Bauchi State Christian pilgrims and adhered to every
President Goodluck Jonathan (3rd right), Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (3rd left) Anglican Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Rt. Rev. James Oruwori (2nd right), wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Mrs. Rachael and others, during 1st Sunday of the Year Church service at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Otuoke in Ogbia Bayelsa State yesterday.
to Israel returned on Friday, its leader, Mr Abdon Gin, has announced. Gin, who is also the state’s Head of Service, told newsmen in Bauchi that the exercise was a success. He commended the pilgrims for their good behaviours while in Israel, saying their conduct was a testimony of the moral reform and spiritual rebirth that the exercise aimed to achieve in their lives. “This was the third time I led the state contingent on pilgrimage to Israel. I must tell you that I am highly impressed by their conduct. “They were patient, attentive
Enugu Residents Express Hope For New Nigeria In 2015 ENUGU - Some residents of Enugu have listed their expectations from government at all levels in the country, hoping for a new and better Nigeria in 2015. In separate interviews with newsmen in Enugu, the residents said that political office holders should give their best to restore the dignity of the nation Mr Osita Uchendu, a civil servant, said his expectation in 2015 was that the government should look into the salary package of civil servants, saying that the economic situation was affecting all workers. “I am aware that the oil price is going down every
day, notwithstanding the government should try and pay us what is commensurable to our job. “This is because the austerity measures have begun to affect all of us seriously,’’ he said. Ifeoma Njoku, a secondary school teacher, called on the Federal Government to intensify its fight against terrorism to restore peace and security in the North East and some part of North West. Mr Edward Nnaji, a pastor, also said that the governments should focus their attention on how to restore peace and stop the killing of innocent souls in
Nigeria Needs Strong Leaders And Institutions - Stakeholders
ABUJA - Ahead of the 2015 general elections, a cross section of Nigerians said that the country needed strong institutions and leaders to develop. Fielding questions from newsmen the respondents said that a combination of strong institutions and leadership would fast track the country’s development goals. Similarly, some stakeholders in the agriculture sector opined that Nigeria needs a blend of strong leaders and strong institutions to ensure development in the country. The stakeholders told newsmen that strong leaders were needed to make decisions and strong institutions to sustain achievements. The Chairman, L-and-Z Integrated Farms Nigeria
Limited, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, said Nigeria needed strong leaders to create strong institutions that would position the country among great nations of the world. “As a developing nation, we need a strong leader and as a country that is aspiring to become one of the 20 greatest countries of the world, we need strong institutions. “We need both, a developed nation does not really need a strong leader, but in our case, it’s only a strong leader that would establish a strong institution,’’ he said. Mr Tunji Owoeye, Managing Director, Elephant Group, a multi-national agrocompany said: “We need both strong leaders and strong institution; strong leaders that would take decisions that would benefit the nation.
Nigeria. A youth corps member, Miss Amara Orabueze, said she expected a better and more peaceful Nigeria adding that the insurgency in some parts of the North East had made everyone to live in fear. Mr Dan Ifeanyi, an undergraduate student of Covenant University, Otta,
Ogun State, told newsmen that he would expect the government to upgrade all universities to international standard. “I expect the government to bring the Nigerian universities to appreciable standard and also create job opportunities in the country for the success of the nation,’’ he said.
instructions given to them without complain. “ And today, I am proud to tell you that I led 298 Christians from Bauchi State to Israel and returned with all of them back to Nigeria safe and sound. “While in the holy land, we visited as many holy sites as we can. “We prayed for our governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, Bauchi State, our leaders and above all, prayed for the sustainability of our dear country. “It was such a wonderful experience and I am convinced it has mark a turning point in our lives; a new beginning with a renewed faith and strong spirit,’’ Gin said. He thanked the officials of the state’s Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for making the trip interesting and spiritually fulfilling. Similarly, the DirectorGeneral of the board, Pastor
NOA Forum Urges Warring Plateau Youths To Embrace Peace JOS - A peace forum convened by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jos has urged warring Fulani and Maughavul youths in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau to embrace peace.
Okorocha Promises To Construct More Roads OWERRI – Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo has promised to construct more roads in Owerri North and Owerri West Local Government Areas of the state in the first quarter of 2015. Okorocha made the promise in a statement issued on Saturday in Owerri by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo.
He also promised to establish 27 new factories across the state to boost the state’s economy and create employment for the youths. The governor said the proposed roads were to ensure that every community in the state enjoyed the dividends of democracy within the life span of his administration. He listed the roads to be
Zakka Magaji, described the 2014 pilgrimage as the most successful so far. “As far as I am concern, the 2014 exercise is the most successful pilgrimage so far. “Almost all the people we went with are first timers, but they conducted themselves so well that you will think they have been there before. “Their conduct, behaviour, cooperation and the mutual understanding among the pilgrims made our work so easy. “They obey every instruction given to them and we walk as a family, believe me, we really had a nice time with God. “We prayed together, confronts our challenges together, I am confident that our prayers of agreement will bring the desired change and peace in our nation,’’ Magaji said. One of the pilgrims, Mrs Mero Sule, told newsmen that the exercise had really changed her life for good.
constructed to include Emii Road, Obibiezena – Imerienwe, Nkwo Emeke – Umucham, Isiuzo – Afor Egbu and Umuguma – Okuku roads, all in Owerri North Local Government Area. The others are Umuguma – Avu – Oforola Road, Okolochi – Emeabiam and the Orogwe – Ndegwu roads in Owerri West Local Government Area.
President, Civil Right Congress and APC Kaduna Central Senatorial candidate, Mr. Shehu Sani, addressing Executive members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Kaduna yesterday.
The reports state that law and order broke down in the council on Tuesday following the discovery of a headless body believed to be that of a Maughavul indigene. This had pitched Maughavul youths against their Fulani neighbours who they accused of being behind the incident. But at a stakeholders meeting convened by NOA on Friday, leaders of both ethnic groups in attendance sued for peace. The NOA Director, Mr Bulus Dabit, who read the resolution of the forum, said that the leaders had decided to embrace dialogue in resolving the issue. “The two groups regretted the crisis noting that they have lived together in peace for hundreds of years and blaming the incident on criminal elements among them. “They promised to dialogue among themselves to resolve issues in contest and also to invite security agencies into the matter to fish out and punish the bad elements, “ he said. In the resolution, the leaders called on the warring youths to lay down their arms and live in peace with one another. In an interview with newsmen the spokesman of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Salim Umar, urged the youths to embrace dialogue, saying there was no alternative to peace. Similarly, the spokesman for Maughavul ethnic group, Dr Stephen Hirse, pleaded with the youths to promote peace in the area. “It is a legacy that our parents left with us for which we are accountable, “ he said.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 OBVIOUSLY, Nigeria and the rest of the world have been ushered into 2015; the year of the nation’s general elections, and the year of great expectations for all Nigerians at various strata of the society. HOWEVER, as the year 2014 faded out and the nation enters a new calendar year, there is the need to retrospect on some of the activities that dominated public discourse in the outgone year and the lessons they hold for the New Year. FIRST is the shocking waves which the announcement of the oil subsidy removal and the upward jerk of the oil price from N65 to N97 per litre sent to the spines of Nigerians. Obviously, the January 1st 2014 announcement became a defining one, politically, economically and socially, as Nigerians, practically without exemption became affected in one way or the other with the increment. MORE specifically, in the realm of politics, the year 2014 witnessed a lot of activities which have continued to shape the actions, inactions, discussions of governments and political parties in Nigeria and the world at large. These include National Conventions, acrimonious party primaries, high-powered defections, factionalisation and polarisation of political parties and State Houses of Assembly, political endorsements and protests against the use of state security forces to intimidate political opponents. IN the area of security, the Boko Haram insurgency attained its wildest zenith and perhaps, assured the status of behemoth, devouring, destroying, maiming, bombings and kidnapping of large hundreds of persons and communities. The federal Government Secondary School Girls at Chibok had the worst feel of the menacing reign of Boko Haram with the kidnap of over 200 school girls on April 15, 2014. up till date, these unfortunate girls have not been freed and re-united with their families. THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER even lost a staff to the Boko Haram madness in the Abuja or Nyanyan Bomb Blast of April 14, 2014 with the bombing to death of Marcelina Aigbirior, a
THE NIGERIAN
2014 And Lessons For The New Year Circulation staff of The OBSERVER who was on official duty on the unfortunate day. IT is equally noteworthy that the year 2014 devoured so many other innocent victims across various platforms, professions and ethnic groups in Nigeria and beyond, whether in terms of physical deaths or losing of positions of authorities. For instance, the year witnessed the removal or sale of impeachments of some elected government officers, prominent among them, the former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako who was impeached over charges of abuse of office, though some analysts believe his removal was politically sponsored over his allegations that the President was sponsoring the insurgency in the Northeast. IN 2014, particularly as at last week, across the global, 66 Journalists were reportedly killed, 119 abducted and 178 others clamped in jail, according to a survey report in Daily Trust Newspaper. This impinges on our freedom to be informed in 2015. ACCORDING to Human Rights Watch, the Boko Haram insurgents have wreaked unfathomable damage to the psyches, mind and soul of those Nigerians and President alike in the Northeast. They have killed at least 2,053 civilians in an estimated 95 attacks during the first half of 2014 in their renewed and intensified attacks on daily basis. Given their take over of Mubi town, as well as several other towns and villages in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and other recent attacks in Kano, Damaturu and Jos, the toll this year must by now, be over 5,000 deaths. The Human toll is though, difficult to verify, but very alarming and
worrisome. ALTHOUGH President Goodluck Jonathan told the UN Security Council recently, that “over 13,000 people have been killed, whole communities razed, and hundreds of persons kidnapped,” the Nigeria security Trackers, a project run by African Programme of the council on Foreign Relations, estimates the death toll from 2011, when it began its work to August 2014 at over 17,000. MEANWHILE, as more women and girls are being kidnapped, more villages razed, more widows, 0rphans and displaced persons are being created, no thanks to the insurgency in the Northeast, the implications is that more people are being forced to witness the year 2015 in camps or even in the wilderness, homeless. IN the out gone year, a lot of worrisome developments in the aviation sector happened. Here although Nigeria had its unfair share of the aviation hiccups, we must not fail to pray for Malaysia, which suffered three major air disasters in 2014 alone. First on March 8, a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 disappeared, with 239 people on board, triggering one of modern aviation’s most perplexing mysteries. On July 17, another Malyasia‘Airlines Boeing 777 was shot down over Ukraine, killing all the 298 passengers and crew. They were either killed by the rebels or by government forces, no one can tell. Presently, a Malaysia-based Air Asia, owned by Malaysia businessman, Tony Fernandez has been looking for its flight QZ8501 which disappeared on Sunday, December 21, with 162 people aboard, most likely now under the South Java Sea, according to recent reports. NO doubt, year 2014 had been very tensed, tough, challenging and engaging. In year 2015, based on the trending austerity measures now being introduced by the Federal Government, the reforms in the Judiciary, Power Sector, the Political permutations and unfolding currents in other sectors of the national life of Nigerians, THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER cannot but urge Nigerians to pray for the best in 2015.
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Healthy Living
New Year On A Clean State: Cleansing
WHEN you begin a program for better health, it’s important to understand the effects cleansing has on the body. If you are like most people, you’ve probably spent your life eating dead, processed, and chemically-laden foods. So it comes as no surprise that many of the toxins from those foods are stored in your body. But as you consume clean, living food, you will, in effect, be giving your body permission to finally get rid of those toxins. Sometimes this is an uncomfortable process. As your body begins dealing with the damage caused by your former lifestyle, you may experience symptoms which for a short time could actually make you feel worse. But my friends, please don’t give up! The good health and energy you have so long desired are right around the corner. When you begin eating living, nontoxic food, your body will begin reversing the tides, having the energy and nutrients to begin ridding itself of the stored toxins. Excess weight that was used to store toxins will begin to come off as well. Yet,
before you experience unbroken health and wellness, you may experience some discomfort as your body expels these toxins. People sometimes experience cold or flu-like symptoms, while others mistake the symptoms as allergies. I know one man who, although he said he felt good, was coughing up phlegm for almost eight weeks—he was a former smoker. There may be body aches, nausea, dizziness, headaches, pimples, stuffiness, or mental fogginess. The symptoms, or any combination of these or other symptoms, can come and go, and can range widely in severity. But don’t worry! They are merely the signs that you are finally giving your body what it needs to shake all those toxins loose from their isolated places to sweep them out. The symptoms you’ll likely experience are a normal part of what is called a healing crisis. Later, in Chapter Twenty-three, we’ll navigate more thoroughly through the healing crisis. But for now, we’ll discuss how the healing crisis is a natural part of the cleansing process. There are several elaborate systems your body uses to cleanse itself, which all cooperate in what is called the elimination system. It involves much more than the so-called elimination organs—skin, lungs, colon, kidneys, and sinuses. Your body will use these elimination organs as the exit point for getting rid of the toxins. As this happens, you should know that a very complex and well-designed process has been going on to get the toxins to these exit points. Most of what you’ll be feeling during your healing crisis will be the effect of having the toxins in your blood stream again. That means they’ll be passing through all your tissues on their way to one of your elimination organs. And they’re being carried there by various properties in your immune and elimination systems. But you aren’t completely at the mercy of how aggressively your body cleanses itself! You can cooperate with your body to keep the pathways of elimination open and clear. The detoxification symptoms you may feel as you get healthier will be made worse if you don’t help your elimination organs do their job. So, let’s talk about the elimination exit points and some things you can do to support your elimination process and lessen the healing crisis symptoms.
The System By GEORGE MALKMUS
SKIN. Not many people consider the skin when they think about their organs, but the skin is the largest organ of the entire body. It keeps out most of what we want out, and it keeps in what we want in. You may have thought only your lungs provide oxygen and nitrogen to your body, but much of your respiration actually occurs through your skin. Your skin also helps remove poisons from your body through perspiration. Most people don’t think of sweating as a good thing. No one likes feeling self-conscious of how they smell. However, it’s one of the body’s best ways of removing toxins. We should
encourage the body to sweat or the skin will become congested with toxins and micro particles. Skin rashes and lesions result from tissue congestion inside the layers of the skin. Keeping our skin clean with frequent bathing and showering will help prevent the reabsorption of toxins. Using natural products will help the skin breathe much better than their commercial, chemical counterparts. Avoid mineral oils, as they will clog pores. Also, choosing natural fabrics for clothing will help the skin’s respiration; man-made fabrics tend to hold in moisture, and they also restrict the skin’s ability to breathe. Be careful with all antiperspirants and some deodorants, as they block the body’s function to sweat. Your underarms are designed to sweat for a reason, and if you block these outlets of toxic elimination, you beg for trouble. Your armpits are the abode of your lymphatic glands, so preventing this area from sweating forces toxins back into your system. Further, most antiperspirants contain aluminum which studies have linked to Alzheimer ‘s disease. You will need far less protection or masking from odor when your sweat no longer contains the backlog of toxins that cultivate odor-causing bacteria. In fact, after you’re on The Hallelujah Diet for a while, you’ll likely find that you don’t need deodorant at all because the excess toxins will be gone for good. Lungs. Our lungs are among the largest, most valuable elimination organs. They exchange over 12,000 quarts of air per day. Gases are eliminated through the lungs, particularly carbon dioxide. When we inhale oxygen, the oxidation of our body’s cells produces carbon dioxide. As you breathe, the movement in your lungs, diaphragm, and thorax act as a pump for lymph fluid as it flows through your lymph system. Your lymph system is the primary system your body uses to deliver toxins to your elimination organs. The lungs are also involved in body temperature regulation, the acid/alkaline balance we discussed earlier, and the movement of fluid throughout the lymphatic system. In addition, deep breathing is the primary source for oxygen, which is vital for your body to produce the energy it needs to get through the healing crisis. Pollutants and smoking will hinder your lungs, and they’re
downright deadly. You can help out your lungs by taking long walks in fresh air; focus on filing your lungs; taking a few long, deep breaths instead of many shallow, quick ones. And when you are sitting or resting, position your body so you can breathe as deeply as possible. This will increase your absorption of oxygen and relax your body Colon. Your colon is one of the most obvious routes for elimination. Quite simply, your colon’s job is to remove water from fecal matter and expel that matter from your body. How does matter arrive in the large intestine? First, food is chewed in the mouth and then travels down to the stomach via the esophagus, where it is further broken down and digested. Living foods are easily digested in the stomach, because they still contain the enzymes that work with the digestive juices to break down the food. After digestion, it enters the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed and released into the bloodstream. Everything else then moves into the colon. The gradually dehy drating and compressing matter is moved along the intestines through contractions of smooth muscles around the intestines and colon. Exercise and deep breathing helps to assist in this process. But what we eat affects the efficiency of this process. Plant-based foods—with their great amounts of water and fiber—are digested in 30 to 45 minutes. The fiber acts as a broom that sweeps the colon clean. On the other hand, meat has no fiber and sticks around for 72 to 96 hours. Meat often leaves a residue that clings to the colon for months—or longer. Part of your Thanksgiving dinner from a few years ago could still be in there! To paraphrase Leonardo da Vinci: “When humans eat animal products, they use their stomachs as a graveyard.” Other foods can also cause problems in your large intestine. White sugar and flour have no fiber and simply ferment in your colon until they pass through it. This can cause heartburn, headache, indigestion, and diarrhea. A healthy colon is necessary for the body to function properly. An unhealthy colon can cause a plethora of problems and is a major source of toxins in the body. You need to cooperate with this elimination system by supporting it with food that will help it function powerfully. You must also drink lots of clean water and juices throughout the day occasionally, it may be helpful to use a colon-cleansing herbal blend to assist in removing the dead incrusted fecal matter. But once it is cleaned out, in most cases drinking enough juices and water and sticking with the 85-percent raw vegetable diet recommended in this book, will be enough— along with exercise and deep breathing—to keep your colon working freely. Kidneys. The kidneys filter your bloodstream, drawing toxins out of it. One of these toxins is uric acid. Uric acid builds up in your muscles and other tissues as a by-product of metabolism and the breakdown of proteins as they are used to rebuild tissue. Meat consumption is a major source of uric acid toxicity. Many people have very high levels of uric acid in their blood and tissues because of their meat-based diet. It’s very easy for a human to exceed the ability of the kidneys to filter out uric acid on a meat-based diet. As the kidneys filter out toxins, they will suspend them in water and send the solution to the bladder, drinking lots of pure water and juices will help the kidneys function well. Make it your goal to drink a total of one-half ounce of water for each pound of your body weight per day (This quantity may include the fresh juice, but does not include coffee, tea or other beverages.) More about this in the next chapter. Eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Your body uses all of these organs to detoxify. Many symptoms we consider illness are really just our bodies expelling unwanted particles out of our system. You may notice your eyes becoming more crusty than usual in the mornings, or they may form a mucus coating, which prompts you to rub them. You can support all your eliminative systems by eating fruits and vegetables with a lot of fiber. Juice fasting occasionally (drinking juices only, but not consuming any solid food) can boost your body’s ability to cleanse and provide the nutrients your body needs to repair itself. Please note that we do not recommend juice fasting until you’ve been on The Hallelujah Diet for at least six months. Your body needs to cleanse slowly, and a juice fast can be harmful if implemented too quickly Water fasting is not recommended for detoxing, as it simply draws out toxins and does nothing to provide the body with needed nutrients. The cleansing process is necessary, but it doesn’t have to be traumatic. Just remember, you’ve been putting toxins into your bodies for a long time and you can expect it will take a while to get them out. It won’t always be pleasant, but it will definitely be worth it. Make a commitment to try The Hallelujah Diet for at least a month. And remember, once you feel those obvious symptoms of the cleansing process, you’ll know you’re on your way to better health! And now for the good news! The vast majority of those who go on The Hallelujah Diet suffer from such mild symptoms, they don’t even realize they’re going through detox.
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Issues
Education And The Unemployment Factor
AN opinion pool was recently carried out in sampled towns in Anambra State by the author of this paper. Secondary school drop-outs were interviewed on why they school left to join trades. Parents were questioned why they no longer encourage their children to pursue secondary education. The response was generally the same: “Investment in education these days no longer yield economic benefits; but investing the same number of years and fund which would have been budgeted for education, in trade or business will yield greater pecuniary profit”. It was primarily this mentality of our people that motivated me into outlining the following few considerations purposefully articulated in enlightening persons with such view and eradicating the view. The main issues here therefore are: do we acquire education only for employment? Are there other benefits accruing from education other than employment? How does the society benefit from individual’s education? The problem is viewed from the cross -section of the society: studies in social science have provided data which indicate that the higher a family’s status, the more likely its children are to plan on acquiring education, to actually acquire it and later to graduate at higher institutions. These also reveal that many talented young people in Nigeria who are unable to take advantage of opportunities for secondary and higher education are concentrated in families of lower socio economic status. More recent evidence indicates that a policy of government subsidies through scholarship for example, tends to favour groups of students who on average come from higher
By REV. (DR.) J. C. ORAEMESI PH.D.
income families. Whether the barriers to education in general are largely economic or social in nature remains unresolved, but it is apparent that educational opportunities are unequally distributed. E C O N O M I C BENEFITS Economic benefits should not be considered with regard to the student alone. Other economic benefits exist. Regardless of how universal education is defined, the heart of the matter is its efficacy in producing benefits not only for the individuals but also for society. Frank-Bowles (1966) stated the issue quite succinctly “universal education is not, itself a goal for our educational system. The goals are intellectual, social, economic, cultural, political –the enlargement of knowledge, an open society, the advancement of the culture, freedom of opportunity, freedom of conscience and political expression- aspiration that are individual and aspirations that are collective.” What are the “economic benefits” of education? The term itself is not precise inas-much as a variety of dimensions of benefits may be regarded as economic and the line separating what is and is not “economic” is often blurred. It is useful to distinguish in other ways the various dimensions of both benefits and costs. for example,
there are monetary and non-monetary benefits. Monetary benefitshigher earning - are economic benefits; moreover, there can be measured in terms of Naira. Non -monetary benefits including the joys and pleasures derived from
benefits, including individual benefits, which accrue to society. The usual term for the difference between individual and total benefits to society is external benefits - those benefits produced by education but which cannot be captured by the
paying occupations. In general, the higher ranked occupations - ranked by income, prestige, and the like are filled with the people who have vested more heavily in education. Consequently, the relationship between educational attainment is said to be quite positive.
Hon. Shekarau, Minister of Education
one’s education –might or might not be classified as economic; some nonmonetary benefits can be expressed in monetary equivalents but others are difficult or impossible to quantify. Further there are individual benefits and social benefits, that is the benefits which are captured by individuals as contrasted to the total
individuals who obtained the education. Both individual and external benefits have a monetary and non-monetary components. One Often-citied piece of evidence is the relationship between education and occupational attainment. The general notion is that more education open opportunities for individuals to enter better
Effort to identify and quantify all factor so as to provide a more accurate statement of the effect of schooling on income have not been highly successful. In summary, then, school and the factor closely associated with it appear to have a strong impact on the economic rewards provided individuals in our society; in addition, there are other
satisfactory – consumption benefits- which are not adequately reflected in money earnings. Here l shall cite some of the research studies carried out overseas on this issue. Some in the audience might ask, why not research works in Nigeria. It is unfortunate to note that on account of lack of fund availability and g o v e r n m e n t encouragement most of our higher institutions are not research oriented. How much fund is made available in the college, for example, for research? None. This is why we resort to oversea research centres. I do not Want to be apologetic on this. An indicator of the economic benefits produced by education (all levels) is provided by research studies on the relationship between investment in Schooling and economic growth. The pioneering work of Schultz and Dension (1963) indicates that improvements in the quality of the labour force resulting from the rising educational attainment explain 16- 23 percent of the growth rate of the economy in the U.S. over the period 1929 - 57. Some other studies indicate values placed on the contribution of education to economic growth of that nation. Despite such cited results, neither economists nor educators pretend to have any well-developed theories; that explains Continues on pg. 15
“What are the economic benefits of education? The term itself is not precise in-as-much as a variety of dimensions of benefits may be regarded as economic and the line separating what is and is not “economic” is often blurred.”
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Issues
Continued from pg. 14
exactly how and why increased schooling facilitates occupational entry, enhances worker productivity, increases earnings and ultimately helps to account for a more rapid rate of economic growth. Another approach to the estimation of the economic returns to education, from the standpoint of both individuals and society, calls for a measure of the net economic benefits of education. Such a measure would permit us to combine costs (which are concentrated over a brief span of years in early adulthood) and the stream of benefits (which is spread over most of the remainder of a lifetime) by calculating the internal rate of return. This requires that future benefits be “discounted” to allow for the fact that fardistant benefits are valued less highly than benefits just a few years off in the future. The internal rate of return generated by this procedure may be likened to the rate of return or the rate of interest received from placing funds in a savings bank, buying government bonds, or investing in corporate securities. Individuals will find it beneficial to invest in more higher education if the internal rate of’ return to education for the individual exceeds the rate of return to other types of investments. The analysis here deals with two kinds of internal rates of return. The first is the individual rate of
...Unemployment Factor
return, which summarizes the future benefits and costs as perceived by the individual. The costs include the income that is forgone while in school and the costs of book; tuition and incidental expenses connected with schooling. The second is the society’s internal rate of return, which summarizes future and costs as perceived from
1. higher institution graduates would be in oversupply relative to the occupation they would seek to enter, with fewer and fewer educated people to do the less glamorous work; 2. The earnings of the higher institution
consequence; 6. the social benefits to investing in higher institution training would decline. Did these dire predictions materialize? Towards the end of the decade of the 1950 the individual’s rate of return held constant, at
educated with comparative ease. The period of the 1960s, particular, was one of rapid economic expansion. In the turn of the decade when there appeared to be increasing unemployment, individuals were able to alter their choices —
the standpoint of the economy as a whole. Thus, costs include not only the costs to the individual but also the subsidy provided by the taxpayer through below-cost tuition. Later section of this papers refers to these costs as total resource costs. H1STORY EVIDENCE ON BENEFITS Kotsching and Harris (1943) hypothesized concerning the U.S. that
graduates would fall relative to those of lesseducated groups; 3. widespread unemployment of higher institution graduates would result because of the nontransferability of skills; 4. Idle frustrated intellectuals would foment social revolution’ 5. larger productions of unqualified students would be enrolled in higher institutions, and as a
somewhere between 10 -11 percent reported economists. Thus the predictions did not materialize. This is substantiated from the fact that three decades later, a dramatic shift towards more universal higher education was being accomplish without any great change in the rate of return on investment in the College - educated. The job market was able to assimilate the newly
readjustments took place to help equilibrate supply and demand. The changes were expected to trigger reassessments by young people completing their educational and career choices. HUMAN AND SOCIAL BENEFITS One common Nigerian way to justify a controversial enterprise is to argue that it makes or saves money . The benefits
of education are considered to be such gains as lifetime income increments to the individual and contribute to the percentage rate of increase in the G.N.P. Since the assumption. is widespread that monetary benefits are in some ultimate sense more “real” than less “tangible” human and social benefits, we begin this discussion of human and social benefits by considering two different concepts of benefit and the two distinct components of higher education to which they correspond. We next turn to an examination of some empirical studies of the effect of higher education attendance on students. Finally, we shall see that the human and social effects of education constitute benefits which are necessary for the maintenance of a society that is not only technological and prosperous (as the Present government envisages of Nigeria) but also Open, Pluralistic and democratic These aspects will be treated briefly on an account of limited time for presentation of this paper. Much recent discussions of the costs, benefits and effectiveness of education in general among the Nigerian youths rests primarily on monetary or economic assumptions. Educational experiences can be classified as containing two distinct and sometimes Opposing components which are called technical and critical education.
“Much recent discussions of the costs, benefits and effectiveness of education in general among the Nigerian youths rests primarily on monetary or economic assumptions.Educational experiences can be classified as containing two distinct and sometimes Opposing components which are called technical and critical education.”
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Footprints ON Tuesday, December 9, 2014 the conference room adjacent to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5 Police Command, Benin, AIG Musa Daura, was filled to capacity as he hosted the team of members of the Forensic Research and Documentaation Centre, UNIBEN, Comprising technocrats in various aspects of science and the humanities, including medical/laboratory scientist, including human rights activists, lawyers, social workers, members of the civil society and a section of the media to an end of the year meeting with his own team of top police officer in charge of Operations, DCP Dave Akinremi, Administration CSP Mukhtar, Investigation, S.P. Earnest Okoro, Intelligence and others, the stage was set for the end of the year meeting of the Forensic Group. In his address, the co-ordinator of the group, Dr. Eddy Ehikhamenor, intimated the gathering of the essence of the end of year meeting in the AIG office, saying that the need arose for the Forensic Research Group to expand the scope and out look of the group by working in tandem with other stakeholders and interest groups, including partners whose contribution in the field of Forensic Research and Documentation are invaluable, hence the hosting by the police which is, by all standards, a key partner in the actualization of the equally key element of forensic research, which is investigations. Dr. Ehikhamenor thanked the AIG and men and officers of the Edo State Police Command for the co-operation which the group has enjoyed from the police and sued the security entity for its sustenance. “Without integrating the Police in Forensic Research, our effort will be an exercise in futility,” says Dr. Ehikhamenor, as he equally sensitized the police authority on the efforts so far made by the group, particularly in unraveling paternity puzzles through the Deoxyribo-Nucleic Acid (DNA) testing and the intention to delve into Forensic Research sampling in aiding the determination of crime cases, which, according to him, would put to rest agelong puzzles regarding who committed what crime both in homicide and rape cases. The FODEC boss, speaking on behalf of members of the group, expressed the desire of the team that the relationship, networking between the Forensic Group and the Police would be sustained for four key reason. One, to maintain the synergy and momentum for a better working relation, two, to start off a network for training of its members, three, to ensure that in
Forensic Research:
Stakeh
Delay In Reporting Rape Cases H By IJEOMA UMEH
no distant time, Nigeria would boast of having as part of her experts, a trained, certified Forensic Document Examiner and four, to ensure that the slogan, “Police is your friend” is indeed a reality in
and feed them into the Forensic Data Bank of the FODEC; to nominate officers of the Nigeria Police Force and include them for training with Foreign partners, that the Forensic Group be given assess to culprits in the course of its investigations, particularly in the cases of rape where semen
• Zone 3 AIG Musa Daura
the pursuit of a common goal and in the sustenance of the relationship. Adding climax to his opening remarks, Dr. Ehikhamenor made a few salient requests to the AIG, which included the need to develop a certificate of partnership with the police, as memento, or a status symbol of show for posterity the relationship between the Forensic Group and the police, that trained and certified members of the Forensic Group be given part time consulting jobs in Police Training College with basic honorarium, housing and transport as incentives; to initiate a Forensic Data Bank as a pilot programme and feed information regarding forensic research which would be gleaned from various units, including from the police investigation unit,
“Adding climax to his opening remarks, Dr. Ehikhamenor made a few salient requests to the AIG, which included the need to develop a certificate of partnership with the police, as memento, or a status symbol of show for posterity the relationship between the Forensic Group and the police, that trained and certified members of the Forensic Group be given part time consulting jobs in Police Training College with basic honorarium, housing and transport as incentives; to initiate a Forensic Data Bank as a pilot programme and feed information regarding forensic research which would be gleaned from various units, including from the police investigation unit, and feed them into the Forensic Data Bank of the FODEC...”
analysis may be required; that modalities should be worked out for the ‘subsidization’ of the financial cost, in terms of logistics and others, in pursuing cases to a reasonable conclusion, even as he thanked the AIG for the true essence of the free bail system or culture in the Nigeria Police Force. Dr. Eddy Ehikhamenor also requested the integrity of forensic discipline in the Police Training Courses. The AIG Musa A. Daura, has been described as a trainer par excellence himself and a fine police officer, having manned several police commands, including Ogun, Nasarawa and Enugu,
also holding forte in Zone 6 which comprises, Rivers, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States before his transfer to man Zone 5 under which are Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States. Responding, he welcomed the team in his office amidst cheers and expressed his joy for having been called to host the meeting. “I have no doubt in my mind, considering the introductions, that people from diverse backgrounds are here to form the group. Your team can compete with any group, not only in Nigeria but throughout the world. Forensic Research
help man man beco grou you laug one been are g groo held dial happ mee On trea hum vict of r fact that the i is o dist “F pecu Th acce shou both The ther chil Som Poli peop case the Fore for eith prop prom In that old opp to s que intru that conn the S enjo in th the viol tem
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Footprints
holders Sue For Cooperation
ampers Victims’ Investigations - AIG Musa Daura
ps the Police immensely in its investigations. So ny cases that would have hitherto taken the Police ny years to unravel but with Forensic Research it omes easy. We therefore need to partner with the up. Analysis by experts helps in prosecution. As u have your team, so do I (this evoked cheerful ghter) and so we will look at the requests one by . I am happy that two members of the police have n co-opted in the Forensic Research Group. We grateful because these men would be groomed to om others too. I wish that this meeting will be d here often, even if it is on monthly basis. This ogue means a lot. An applause followed the AIG’s py remarks and then the second segment of the eting, the dialogue began. n the role of the police in determining rape cases, ating them with levity and allegedly not helping man rights activists in expediting actions to enable tims get justice, the AIG responded that the issue rape is a very sensitive one and appreciated the t that it was being raised at the meeting. He stated t many of the victims of rape take time to report incidence to the police and that in rape cases, time f the essence. He noted that the delay helps the ortion of vital ingredients. Families don’t like reporting rape cases. Rape is a uliar case because of the way society regards it. he society regards it as taboo, and indeed it is not eptable by any morally standards, but victims uld not be stigmatized by it. That is why people, h victims and their families keep mute about it. e publicity could be regarded as negative, refore, shielding or protecting the identity of their ldren or wards becomes important to families. me even withdraw the case as soon as it is initiated. ice is in dilemma at that point. You can’t stop ple from withdrawing their case, but there are es we use our own discretion to hold on to, that is defilement of minors. We are not experts in ensic Research, so we send the matter to Lagos determination at the labs. We are not magicians her, so we need the co-operation of everyone to perly discharge our duties. We beg people to report mptly. the commentaries, it was said by a legal expert t the attitude of the Police could be blamed on the Evidence Act which gave the Police the ortunity to conduct themselves in such a way as suggesting handling matters with levity-asking stions that appeared to violate moral sanctity and ude on the victims privacy. She however noted t the New Evidence Act 2004 stopped the notation of harassment by the police by removing Section which authorized such interrogations. She oined the police to continue to ‘wear a human face’ he investigation of injustice against women and girl-child, particularly rape and other forms of lence, stating that “we are all ministers in the mple of justice.” She also enjoined victims to speak
out promptly. On the issue of open display by cultists, openly shooting guns without interception, open threats and boldness by kidnappers whereby victims are written, and told when they would be kidnapped and the kidnappers make do their promises without police intervention, gun-shot wound and request by doctors
gardener, the male or maidservant. There could be an error of omission or commission, something you did or refused to do and kidnapping becomes an avenue to exact that thing. The wealthy especially, should take care of their servants.” Says the AIG. He also pointed out that unemployment, pressure of peer groups, greed, avarice, and above all, the
“Families don’t like reporting rape cases. Rape is a peculiar case because of the way society regards it. The society regards it as taboo, and indeed it is not acceptable by any morally standards, but victims should not be stigmatized by it. That is why people, both victims and their families keep mute about it. The publicity could be regarded as negative, therefore, shielding or protecting the identity of their children or wards becomes important to families. Some even withdraw the case as soon as it is initiated.” for letter the AIG responded that doctors have been advised to treats innocent gun-shot victims and subsequently report to the police. He noted that kidnapping on its part takes place with the knowledge of an insider – drivers, cook, gardener, laundry man, even spouses, recalling a case where a woman feigned her own kidnap just to extort money from her own husband. “In that case, what can the police do to stop such act? Not much, because of the presence of a diehard insider. I also want to use this medium to tell people to be nice to their staff – the cook, the
disgruntlement of the insider, are main causes of kidnap in the society and appealed for both government and private individuals to rise up to the occasion to provide jobs, industrialize the nation and positively engaged the youths themselves to reduce crime rate in Nigeria. Dr. Eddy Ehikhamenor also informed the AIG that the Bio-Data Bank that the FODEC hopes to open soon will get thumb prints of criminals who are already in police bad records to help future investigations. The main meeting on FODEC commenced amidst refreshment.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Gender Issues
With IJEOMA UMEH/MARY CUSOE
Despise Not The Children JESUS said the following: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”,. Shush…. and listen. Do you hear the sound? No it is not the sound of laughter but the sound of weeping children from around the world. It is the sound of hunger, fear and desperation. As we climb into a comfortable bed, with clean sheets, flurry pillows and full stomach many children are sleeping on streets or on cold floors with empty bellies while others are hiding in dark corners petrified, waiting for the abuser to steal their innocence from them once again. Recently an eight year old boy went missing while walking home from day camp. It was his first time walking home alone. Missing person signs were posted in the orthodox Jewish community on Brooklyn, New York where he lived. Hoping and praying for the safe return of the innocent child, the community waited anxiously for some news. Not once did anyone foresee what would happen next. After reviewing neighbourhood video camera recordings and diligent police work, the culprit was found. However, where was little leiby Kletzky? Did the culprit have him locked away in a closet where he was crying and wanting to go home, or was he hiding under the bed? Where exacting was leiby? The most horrendous part of the story was not that little leiby was locked away in a closet or hiding under a bed. Instead, it was that some of his body parts were discovered in the culprit’s freezer, while the rest was in the trash in another neighbourhood. A deranged man butchered and mutilated an innocent child. Although his external appearance does not reveal any signs of indecency, it is important for everyone to remember that evil comes in many different forms. This man is the face of evil. A man who possesses a diabolic mind and soul. A man who committed the worst crime-a crime against an innocent and defenseless child, a crime against
humanity. Just like leiby children are being mutilated in more than one way around the globe. Every second a child some where around the world is experiencing the most horrendous atrocities imaginable. Children are being raped, sold,
Eleven days before Christmas, a young man walked into a Connecticut elementary school and opened fire, taking the lives of innocent human beings. Twenty of them were innocent, defenseless children between the ages of 5 and 10 years old.
“Hoping and praying for the safe return of the innocent child, the community waited anxiously for some news. Not once did anyone foresee what would happen next.”
starved, disfigured, stabbed, shot and killed. When will this stop? Remember Jesus words, “see that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my father who is in heaven!! Matthew 18:10. Love and protect the children for they are our future. Today, twenty angles marched through the gates of heaven and were embraced by God.
The holiday season is considered a time of much celebration, love and joy. It is a time where wishes are fulfilled, and children wait eagerly for wish gifts. However, this year in Newton, Connecticut things will be different. Many of the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School will not be returning home to celebrate the holiday season.
“The most horrendous part of the story was not that little leiby was locked away in a closet or hiding under a bed. Instead, it was that some of his body parts were discovered in the culprit’s freezer, while the rest was in the trash in another neighbourhood.”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Family Planning
With ERANGA ISAAC
Sexual, Reproductive Health Services
Lessons From Other Regions
A new report finds a staggering lack of basic sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. The report. Adding It Up: The Costs and Benefits of Investing in Sexual and Reproductive Health 2014 finds that currently, 225 million women in developing countries want to avoid pregnancy, but are not using modern contraceptives. In addition, tens of millions of women do not receive the basic pregnancy and delivery care they need to protect their health and that of their newborns. The report, released by the Guttmacher Institute and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, analyzed data from a wide range of sources, including survey data from women in developing countries, to document the number of women who lack services, what it would cost to meet their needs, and the benefits of meeting these needs. “Over the past two decades, we have achieved striking progress in making pregnancy and childbirth safer in developing countries. Despite those gains, these new findings make clear that universal access to sexual and reproductive health services must remain a global health priority requiring urgent attention,” said Ann Starrs, President and CEO of the Guttmacher Institute. “The report also makes clear that this is an affordable goal that will have a dramatic impact in improving the lives of millions of women and families.” The study calculates that it would cost an average $25 per woman aged 15– 49, roughly double the current level of spending, to provide a package of essential sexual and reproductive health services to all women in developing regions each year. This package includes: contraceptive services, pregnancy and newborn care, services for pregnant women living with HIV, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus,
and treatment for four other sexually transmitted i n f e c t i o n s . “This report is an urgent call to action for increased investments in sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning. These investments save lives, empower women and girls, strengthen health systems and have a profound and lasting impact on development,” said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA. “We must ensure the quality of services and availability of a full range of choices so women and men can get the health care they need.” Providing this basic package of services to all women who need them in developing countries would have a dramatic impact. If all women wanting to avoid pregnancy used a modern contraceptive method, the number of unintended pregnancies would drop by 70 per cent and unsafe abortions by 74 per cent. If contraceptive needs were met and, in addition, all p r e g n a n t women and their newborns received the basic standards of care recommended by the World Health Organization: The number of women dying from pregnancyrelated causes would drop by two thirds, from 290,000 to 96,000; Newborn deaths would drop by more than three-fourths, from 2.9 million to 660,000; Transmission of HIV from mothers to newborns would be nearly eliminated. The report - which presents findings from Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean - found that the situation varies widely by region.
According to the analysis, in Latin America and the Caribbean, the average annual cost of providing a woman with the needed health care would be $31, compared with $14 per woman in Asia. However, costs would be significantly higher -$76 per woman—in sub-Saharan Africa, the subregion with the greatest need for services and where health systems are generally weakest. Currently, of the 125 million women in
developing countries who give birth every year:54 million do not receive adequate antenatal care; 43 million do not deliver in a health facility; 21 million women and 33 million newborns do not receive care for medical complications; 550,000 pregnant women living with HIV do not receive treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Differences within regions are also considerable. In
East Africa, 42 per cent of women deliver in a health facility, compared with 62 per cent in Middle Africa and 87 per cent in Southern Africa. In Asia, just 32 per cent of the poorest women deliver in facilities, compared with 92 per cent of the wealthiest women. Providing all women with the health care they need would also be costeffective. With far fewer unintended pregnancies, the cost of providing maternal and newborn care
to all who need it becomes more affordable: For every additional dollar invested in contraceptive services, $1.47 is saved in maternal and newborn health care. “If we continue to under invest in sexual and reproductive health, we will be missing out on a tremendous opportunity to save lives, improve the health and well-being of families, and ultimately build stronger nations,” said Ms. Starrs.
“Over the past two decades, we have achieved striking progress in making pregnancy and childbirth safer in developing countries. Despite those gains, these new findings make clear that universal access to sexual and reproductive health services must remain a global health priority requiring urgent attention...”
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Environmental Issues
Cleaning Up Streets In Benin City To Ensure Sanctity
CLEANING-up the streets in Benin City of mentally retarded persons is a welcome development. This is because on-going historic developmental land marks that are generally dotting all the facets of Edo state can not afford to scramble for spaces along side with mental problems. It will even bring a dent to the brilliant handiworks of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s unprecedented success to permit the parade and showcase untamed persons whose sight is appalling to others. The unexpected influx of this set of people into Edo state is alarming and worrisome. And has triggered off embarrassment to visitor. The manner in which they appear is offensive and reminds one of the servitude or outdated era when people lived an unrefined life. With the titanic struggle which man has spotted to bequeath fitting structures to mankind, it will be a moral mistake to allow these naked mad persons in the streets of Benin City. The ethnical standards of any society can not tally with the retrogressive ceremony often staged by these mad persons. It is not an understatement to say that the present beauty of Benin City cannot concur with the public display of nudity by these mad persons The ring road which is supposed to be the cynosure of passers-by has been reduced to asylum, where lives and property are endangered by untamed mad persons. They have craftily fashioned out apartments in most conspicuous positions of the heart beat ring road to deface the state. This revolting scene has pictured the state in a bad light. The non-stop intrusion of these persons into the state which remain unchecked can be likened to an unfettered stared show where any specie of human beings trade any sorts of wares. A dangerous market!
The visible presence of these persons in our public arenas have earned them a considerable portion in our fixed routine. This trend portends a potential security and health peril to carefree society we operate. Today, it is no news that the security typre of the country has been punctured by the Boko-Haram eruption and circle of violence across the country. The daily revelation of wanton killings in the North and the kidnapping in the south couple
By PETERS BABATUNDE
Boko Haram faithful have threatened to traverse the country with their faceless tactics to jump all the Nigeria security hurdles in order to perpetrate their senseless hit on unsuspecting citizens, these so called mad person I may be “ripe” mercenaries to and ease their mindless killing.
saddled with the charge to vigilante traffic in the state capital would need psychiatric check-up to sever the “normal” from the ‘abnormal’. The high level of indiscipline most members of this WAI demonstrated in the streets has defeated the paramount essence of its existence which rest on enabling and
the recalcitrance of our society to mild laws. A show of madness! There are stationary motor parks within the ring road designed to decongest the roads of many vehicles but the bus drivers have deliberately avoided them to queue- up along the roads to scout for passengers, hereby throwing the supposed traffic orderliness
Workers of the Edo State Ministry of Environment, clearing drains and waste for onward disposal.
with other, diverse criminalities has necessitated a clarion call to Nigerian citizenry to be on security alert. Therefore the state government cannot continue to shelter these persons because we do not know who is who. There have been copious revelations that unveiled people who feigned readiness to execute their lethal activities in major cities. In the day time, they are see within a heap of wreckage clotted in rubbish while at nightfall they host expensive guests in coat of many colours, running their shady racket. Now that the
The complete evacuation of the mad persons from the streets of Benin City would be an Herculean tasks. That is to say, it would not be a smooth exercise as we envisage. This is premised on the fact that the lunatic attitude of some persons on the road can be rightfully equated with clear insanity. To actualize huge feat in the evacuating expedition of the :mads” from the streets detailed attention have to be accorded every individual, irrespective of his/her business. For instance, the War Against Indiscipline (WAI)(, a state government creation
maintaining orderly flow of heavy traffic. Some WAIs workers look unkempt and abandon their primary assignment for wild chase of vehicles to cause unjustified hitches. These behaviors which are indeed unconventional and monstrous have prompted question tags on the mental evaluation of some workers of WAI. Hence making scorn of the whole traffic policies of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s government. In the ring road, the constant tug of war between the roads’ transport association and commercial bus drivers reveal
into hullabaloo. The roads associations mandated to ensure adherence to roads’ etiquette collect bribe to exonerate traffic offenders. The unfortunate collaboration of traffic prefects and the bus drivers to conspire against traffic rules has exposed the mental imbalance of the duo. Sometimes, the few minute journey from ring road to one’s abode witnesses a multifarious presentation of madness from commercial bus drivers and “Okada” riders. . they usually employ uncivilized acrobatics to beat traffic mores, which subject passengers to chronic anxiety.
“The ring road which is supposed to be the cynosure of passers-by has been reduced to asylum, where lives and property are endangered by untamed mad persons. They have craftily fashioned out apartments in most conspicuous positions of the heart beat ring road to deface the state. This revolting scene has pictured the state in a bad light. The non-stop intrusion of these persons into the state which remain unchecked can be likened to an unfettered stared show where any specie of human beings trade any sorts of wares. A dangerous market!”
The roads have been condensed into macabre theatre upon which savred lives are slaughtered by bus drivers and Okada riders. The reckless madness that often drive the bus drivers and Okada riders to forcefully stab their way in between the tiny passage of heavy vehicles in order to outmaneuver them indicated their deficiencies in mental soundness. These insane dispositions have also proffered insight to the regular series of roads mishap recorded day in and day out. The rash of impatient rush by commercial drivers and Okada riders can be likened to the wandering mad persons in the street who have lost the grip of reality of life. Since the masses cannot do without the services of theses mad drivers and riders, many a time it becomes apparently ineluctable to deposit our life in their custody. It is high time, the government set up plan to hasten the evacuation of all category of mad persons who pose danger to lives and property. It is an unfashionable setting and a great disservice to humanity to allow the “mads” to share with the large hours of our day in the streets, roads and public places. Customs demand that the sanity of the public places should be held in high esteem to preserve the sanity of the society. The relocation of these mad persons would save the citizenry from being entangle in their unorthodox practices. Suffice me to say that the state government would be making an appreciative aboutturn over the traffic arrangement in the state, if it is overhauled. The WAI which the government institutionalize to administer traffic rule should be reprimanded for their uncouth character and caution to be dutiful to the basic tenets of their office. The ‘mads’ in the streets of Benin city are accruing derogatory remarks from the masses to state government. Therefore, the government needs to act fast. I wholeheartedly pitched tent with Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola when he once suggested that the drivers and Okada riders be submitted to psychiatric scrutiny to ascertain their degree of metal fitness before they are licensed to function. This similar method can be repeated here in Edo state to save the major road and indigenes of the ‘mads’.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Science
AUTOTROPHS
Autotrophs
ALL green plants are autotrophic or holophytic photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs carboxylic group are the two types of autotrophs we have Deaminases. Enzymes here catalyze the reactions that Photosynthetic Autotrophs involve the transference of Amino (NH2) groups. Photo means light so organisms here use solar Isomerases energy to manufacture their food examples is all Enzymes here catalyze the reaction that involve green plants. Chemosynthetic Autotrophs the rearrangement of atoms in a compound to The organisms found here are able to use energy give it a particular structural formula. from the chemical reaction in the soil to Role Of Enzymes manufacture their food. Example is the sulphur They speed up and control the various bacteria. biochemical reactions that occur in living Heterotrophs They are not able to manufacture their own food themselves but depend on the autotrophs for their foods. They may either be holozoic, saprophytic and parasitic heterotrophs Examples are animals, non green plants (fungi, some bacteria) and parasitic plants like dodder and misthetoe and some parasitic animals like tapeworm. They are biochemical catalyst which speed up the rate of metabolic reactions including digestion, at the end, they remain unchanged. Classification Of Enzymes Enzyme, are based generally on the kind or reaction they perform Dehydrogenases. They are those that catalyzes reactions that involves the removal of hyetrogenation from a substrate. Oxidases They are those that catalysze the reactions that involve the addition of oxygen to a substrate Hydrolases. In this reaction, a substrate is hydrolysed. Phoshorylases. Reactions from these enzymes involves the addition of the phosphate group (p04+) to a substrate. organism. Transferases They produce energy during cell respiration in These enzymes catalyze the reaction that involve the transference of atoms from one breakdown of food, during digestion and in the built up of useful molecules during molecule to another. photosynthesis. Dehydrases They play a role in fruit and tobacco ripening. Enzymes here catalyze the reactions that They also play a role in the manufacture of involves the removal of water. certain drugs Decarboxylases Sites Of Enzymes Reactions here involve the removal of They are secreted by the protoplasm in living
“They produce energy during cell respiration in breakdown of food, during digestion and in the built up of useful molecules during photosynthesis.�
With Oyakhilome Clementina
cells of organisms When they are formed in organisms, some do work inside the cell (intracellular) while others do function outside (intercellular) the organism Excretion This is the removal from the cell of metabolic waste products which may be toxic or which are in excess of what the cell needs Removal of waste products is by diffusion and this done through the body Excretory Organelles In Living Cells Organelles are specialized structures within the cell that perform some special function like the contractile vacuole, and mitochondria etc.
The contractile vacuole is an excretory organelle that is concerned primarily with the removal of waste products in unicellular organism. This is done either by diffusion through the body surface or through the contractile vacuole, which are always in acqeous solution but on the other hand, water enters the amoeba cell by osmosis. Major products of living cells and carbon (iv) oxide, nitrogenous waste, water and oxygen. Nitrogenous waste compounds are urea, uric acid and ammonia. Carbon (iv) oxide is removed through the body surface or respiratory organs of the organism. Nitrogenous wastes are excreted through the following ways Ammonia in aquatic organisms Uric acid in birds, reptiles and insects Urea in mammals. Other excretory products are a variety of salts like sodium chloride and excess water
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Law Restriction Of Rights Of Creditors Under Execution, Attachment
ORDINARILY, the trustee’s right to realise some of the property of the bankrupt may be impeached by the claim of the bankrupt’s landlord who has a right to “distrain upon the goods or effects of the bankrupt for the rent due to him” This right is available only for six months rent accrued due prior to the date of the order of adjudication and shall not be available for rent payable in respect of any period subsequent to the date when the distress was levied. Save as herein explained, the landlord’s claim on the surplus rent not covered by this right is to prove in the bankruptcy. This means that where the rent due to the landlord is say for ten months, he can exercise his right to distrain for six months rent while that of the remaining four months he has to prove in bankruptcy and be entitled to dividend like any other ordinary creditor. The landlords right to distrain will be lost if the goods are removed from the premises before the right is sought to be exercised Also a creditor who has issued execution against the property of a debtor or has attached any debt due to him, has superior right over that of the trustee if he has completed this before the date of the receiving order or before notice of the presentation of any bankruptcy petition if the execution or attachment is after the appointment of the trustee or presentation of the petition it is bound to fail. Section 43(2) provides the circumstances under which an execution would be deemed to have been completed. PROTECTED TRANSACTIONS AND CURTAILMENT OF THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT The Act in Section 47 provides for protection of all those who may have had a dealing with the bankrupt bona fide and without any notice of his being adjudged bankrupt. This is aimed at protecting innocent persons who may have dealt with the debtor in good faith, not having notice of the bankruptcy proceeding against him. This section of the statute limits the operation of the doctrine of “relation back”. Implicit in this provision is the fact that the person who wants to be availed of it must satisfy the court that he acted in good faith all through the time of the transaction Transactions which are so protected are (a) any payment by the bankrupt to any of his creditors; (b) any payment or delivery to the bankrupt; (c) any conveyance or assignment by the bankrupt for valuable consideration. The section further provided that there are two conditions that must be satisfied for this protection to avail, namely (i) the payment, delivery, assignment, contract, dealing or transaction must have taken place before the date of the receiving order and (ii) the person claiming this protection must show that he has no notice of any available act of bankruptcy committed by the bankrupt before that time. Section 47 to 50 made provisions of instances in which a person who dealt with a person who has to be adjudged bankrupt or who at the time of the transaction had been adjudged bankrupt may be protected and the trustee’s right over the property of the bankrupt curtailed in such circumstances. Where for any reason section 47 did not give the full protection needed the person who had dealt with the bankrupt innocently may still be protected by the provisions of section 48 which states that any payment of money or transfer of property to the bankrupt to any person by someone having possession of it may not be avoided by the trustee if the person by whom the payment is made proves that when it was made, he had no notice of the receiving order against the bankrupt. In Re Dalton it was held that a solicitor who at the direction of the debtor paid the latter’s money in his possession to the creditors of the debtor was discharged from paying the money over to the trustee. Also where a debtor pays money or delivers goods to his creditor he will be discharged from paying the money or delivering the goods again to the trustee if he could show (i) that he made the payment or delivery to the creditor before the actual date on which the receiving order was made and without notice of the presentation of the bankruptcy petition; and (ii) it is either pursuant to the ordinary course of business or otherwise bona fide Also where any person deals with a bankrupt bonafide and for value in respect of property whether leasehold or pure personal acquired by the bankrupt after the adjudication it shall, if completed before any intervention by the trustee, be valid against the trustee FRAUDULENT PREFERENCE Occasions may arise where a debtor whose in solvency has become obvious may prefer that one or more of his creditors benefit over and above others by making a conveyance or transfer of his property to the creditor or a trustee in that behalf. This action is viewed by the statute as “fraudulent” and avoidable by the trustee. However, to amount to fraudulent preference. (a) the person who has made this transfer of property or conveyance shall be adjudged bankrupt within three months thereafter; the person to whom this conveyance or transfer of property was made must be a creditor, surety or guarantor The Section imports intention on the part of the bankrupt at the time of the conveyance or transfer of the property since it must be shown that the act was “...with a view to giving such creditor...” a preference over the other creditors. Thus, in Re Vaultin where it was established that the debtor acted upon an honest but mistaken belief that he was legally bound to make the payment, the court held it was not fraudulent preference.
By ANENE U.G. OJINTA
Distribution of property After the realisation of the bankrupt’s property available for distribution, and the creditors lodging proof for their debts, the statute requires the trustee to declare and distribute dividends to the creditors who have proved their debts with all convenient speed, subject to the retention of such sum as may be necessary for the cost of administration or otherwise. It means that no property would be available for distribution unless and until the administrative expenses are paid for or provided for. In this regard the provision of section 35 is as important as it is instructive. It is provided therein that the assets remaining after payment of the actual expenses incurred in realising any of the assets of the debtor shall, subject to any order of the court, first be liable to the following payments which shall be made in the following order of priority: (a) the actual expenses incurred in protecting or at tempting to protect the property or assets of the debtor or any part thereof and any expenses or outlay incurred by him or by his authority in carrying on the
business of the debtor; (b) the fees percentages and charges payable to; or costs, charges and expenses incurred or authorised by the Official Receiver; (c) the remuneration of the special manger, if any; (c the taxed costs of the petitioner, so far as the same may not have been allowed by the court; (e) the legal fees and/or expenses incurred in the process of preserving the estate of the debtor for the benefit of the creditor, as the court may in its discretion fix. Priority of debts and classification of creditor The remaining assets after the administrative expenses have been paid will be distributed to the creditors according to the priority of their debts. In this regard therefore, creditors debt may either be preferential, ordinary or deferred. It may also be either secured or unsecured. PREFERENTIAL CREDITORS: They are those whose debts the trustee is bound to give a priority attention in settlement. Debts under this category are: (i) all debts due from the bankrupt to the State at the date of the receiving order and having be come due and payable within twelve months next before that time. (ii) all wages, salary or commission of any employee in respect of services rendered to the bankrupt during four months next before the date of the receiving order, not exceeding N300. In the case of a commission the amount thereof shall either be fixed or scertainable at the date of there ceiving order.
(iii) claims by apprentices or articled clerks. Where a person is an apprentice or an articled clerk of a person subsequently adjudged bankrupt, the indenture of apprenticeship or article of agreement is determined on a bankruptcy petition being presented. The trustee may, on application by either the apprentice or clerk or of some person on his behalf for the refund of the fee paid or a part thereof pay such amount as he thinks reasonable out of the bankrupt’s property to or for the use of the apprentice or clerk. In making this payment, the trustee shall have regard to the amount paid and the time the apprentice or clerk had served before the, commencement of the bankruptcy and to the circumstances of the case. (iv) Landlords or other distraining or having distrained on any goods or effects of a bankrupt within three months next before the date of the receiving order If ‘such distress for rent be 1ev led after the commencement of the bankruptcy, it shall be available only for six months rent accured due prior to the date of the order of ad judication and shall not be available for rent pay able in respect of any period subsequent to the date when the distress waslevied Section 36(2) provides that debts on (i) and (ii) above shall
rank equally between themselves and shall be paid in full unless the property of the bankrupt is insufficient to meet them, in which case they shall abate in equal proportions between themselves. ORDINARY CREDITORS: A person whose debt is not secured and who cannot, under the Act claim as a preferential creditor will come in as an ordinary creditor. They are entitled to be paid only after the preferential creditors have been paid. They are those debts proved in bankruptcy and shall, according to section 36(7), be paid pan passu. Where the funds are sufficient, they will be paid in full, otherwise they will be entitled to dividend. DEFFERED CREDITORS: Such persons, as the Act provides would have the payment of their debts due to them postponed until all other creditors have been fully satisfied, inclusive of the postponed interest thereon, are deferred creditors. Debts in this category include: (i) Loan which a spouse gives to the other; (ii) The claim of a joint creditor against separate estate of a bankrupt Section 65(1) provides that where one partner of a firm is adjudged bankrupt, a creditor to whom the bankrupt is indebted jointly with the other partners shall not receive any dividend out of the separate property of the bankrupt unless and until all the debts of the separate creditors have satisfied in full. (iii) The vendour of the goodwill of a business who it was agreed should receive a share of the profits as consideration of the transaction. (iv) Persons who had advanced money to the bankrupt in return for a rate of interest varying with profits.
THE NIGERIAN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
International
Weather Frustrate Divers As More AirAsia Wreckage Found
Indonesia policemen pray on deck of SAR ship KN Purworejo during a search operation for passengers onboard AirAsia flight QZ8501, in Java Sea, Indonesia recently.
US Slaps More Sanctions On N/Korea After Sony Hack
H O N O L U L U / WASHINGTON - North Korea was hit with more sanctions designed to impede access to the U.S. financial system in the wake of a cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment <6758.T>, which the Obama Administration has said was supported by the reclusive country. The U.S. government named three entities, including North Korea’s military intelligence agency, and sanctioned 10 people with links to weapons sales and proliferation. Financial sanctions have been effective in bringing pressure on Iran and Russia, but they have had limited impact on North Korea, which has been sanctioned by the United States for more than 50 years. “It’s not as if they travel a lot abroad to western Europe or the United States ... They don’t have billions of dollars in western banks,” said Joel Wit of 38North, part of the U.S. Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Washington. Pyongyang has denied involvement in the cyberattack. Washington said there was no evidence that any of the three entities or the individuals were linked to it. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew said in a statement that Washington had a “commitment to hold North Korea accountable for its destructive and destabilizing conduct.” Lew said that even as a probe by the FBI continued “these steps underscore that we will employ a broad set of tools to defend U.S. businesses and citizens, and to respond to attempts to undermine our values or threaten the national security of the United States.” The cyberattack that crippled Sony’s networks occurred as the company was preparing to release the film “The
Interview,” a comedy centered on plans to assassinate North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. Obama signed an executive order imposing the new sanctions, which deny designated persons access to the U.S. financial system, and authorize the Treasury Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to apply sanctions against officials of North Korea’s government and the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, and people acting on their behalf or in support of them. See the Treasury Department statement at http:// www.treasury.gov/press-center/ press-releases/Pages/ jl9733.aspx “That will allow us at the time and place of our choosing to impose sanctions on any of those Korean officials,” a senior administration official told reporters during a telephone briefing. The entities are Reconnaissance General Bureau, North Korea’s intelligence organization; Korea
Mining Development Trading Corp, which the Treasury Department described as North Korea’s primary arms dealer; and Korea Tangun Trading Corp, which the U.S. said is primarily responsible for procuring commodities and technology to support North Korea’s defense research and development programs. The White House said on Friday that the Reconnaissance General Bureau was linked to North Korea’s capacity to wage cyber warfare, but it did not link it directly to the Sony hack attack. Korea Mining Development Trading Corp and Korea Tangun Trading Corp have been previously sanctioned. The 10 North Koreans named in the new sanctions worked for the two companies but are not part of the North’s top leadership. Despite past sanctions that have been designed to curb North Korean’s nuclear capabilities, Pyongyang has pressed ahead with its nuclear program.
PANGKALAN BUN/ SURABAYA, Indonesia Divers tried to reach sunken wreckage from a crashed AirAsia passenger jet yesterday but were forced to return to their ship by bad weather, as Indonesian officials said they had detected a fifth large underwater object believed to be part of the plane. Indonesia’s meteorological agency has said seasonal tropical storms probably contributed to the crash, and the weather has persistently hampered efforts to recover bodies and find the black box flight recorders that may explain why the Airbus A320200 plunged into the sea a week ago. “The weather is bad. There’s a storm. It’s windy,” said a Reuters photographer on board a search and rescue ship in the search area off Borneo island. “Earlier, four divers were transferred to (Indonesian navy ship) KRI Banda Aceh but they canceled the diving because the sea currents were too strong.” Flight QZ8501 crashed into the Java Sea last Sunday, about
40 minutes after taking off from Indonesia’s second-largest city Surabaya en route for Singapore. There were no survivors. Indonesian officials were hopeful of a breakthrough in the operation when they announced on Saturday that ships using sonar had pinpointed four large pieces of debris on the sea bed. The head of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, Fransiskus Bambang Soelistyo, told a news conference in Jakarta on Sunday that a fifth object almost 10 meters long had been found. But although nine ships from four countries have converged on the area, with teams of divers including seven Russian experts standing ready, winds and high waves have meant progress has been agonizingly slow. Air Force Lt Col Johnson Supriadi, speaking at a briefing for pilots in Pangkalan Bun, the southern Borneo town where the search operation is based, said efforts yesterday would be divided between recovering
bodies and locating wreckage and the all-important cockpit voice and flight data recorders. Until investigators can examine the recorders the cause of the crash remains unknown, but the area is known for intense seasonal storms. BMKG, Indonesia’s meteorological agency, has said bad weather was likely a factor. “The flight document provided by the BMKG office shows fairly worrying weather conditions for the aircraft at cruising level on the chosen route,” the agency said in a report. A source close to the investigation told Reuters that radar data appeared to show the aircraft made an “unbelievably” steep climb before it crashed, possibly pushing it beyond the A320’s limits. The Indonesian captain, a former air force fighter pilot, had 6,100 flying hours on the A320 and the plane last underwent maintenance in midNovember, according to Indonesia AirAsia, 49 percent owned by Malaysia-based AirAsia .
A General in the Burudian Army, speaking on condition that he not be named, said that the attack by the unidentified rebel group had been defeated after five days of heavy fighting inthe border area north of the capital, Bujumbura.
N/Korea Blasts US For Sanction Over Sony Attack SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — North Korea criticized the United States for slapping sanctions on Pyongyang officials and organizations for a cyberattack on Sony Pictures — the latest fallout from a Hollywood movie depicting the fictional assassination of North Korea’s leader. An unnamed spokesman for North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, in rhetoric that closely mirrors past statements, denied any role in the breach of tens of thousands of confidential Sony emails and business files and accused the United States of “groundlessly” stirring up hostility toward Pyongyang.
The spokesman said the new sanctions would not weaken the country’s 1.2-million-strong military. The spokesman told the North’s official media mouthpiece, the Korean Central News Agency, that the sanctions show America’s “inveterate repugnancy and hostility toward the DPRK,” referring to the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “The policy persistently pursued by the U.S. to stifle the DPRK, groundlessly stirring up bad blood toward it, would only harden its will and resolution to defend the sovereignty of the
country,” the spokesman said. The United States on Friday sanctioned 10 North Korean government officials and three organizations, including Pyongyang’s primary intelligence agency and staterun arms dealer, in what the White House described as an opening move in the response toward the Sony cyberattack. The sanctions might have only a limited effect, as North Korea already is under tough U.S. and international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs. President Barack Obama also warned Pyongyang that the United States was considering whether to put
North Korea back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, which could jeopardize aid to the country on a global scale. American officials portrayed the sanctions as a swift, decisive response to North Korean behavior that they said had gone far over the line. Never before has the U.S. imposed sanctions on another nation in direct retaliation for a cyberattack on an American company. There have been doubts in the cyber community, however, about the extent of North Korea’s involvement. Many experts have said it’s possible that hackers or even Sony
insiders could be the culprits, and questioned how the FBI can point the finger so conclusively. The 10 North Koreans singled out for sanctions didn’t necessarily have anything to do with the attack on Sony, senior U.S. officials said. Anyone who works for or helps North Korea’s government is now fair game, especially North Korea’s defense sector and spying operations, they said. North Korea has expressed fury over “The Interview,” an anti-Pyongyang Sony comedy. It has denied hacking Sony, but called the act a “righteous deed.”
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International Israel Withholds Funds, Weighs Lawsuits Against Palestinians JERUSALEM - Israel will withhold critical tax revenue and seek ways to bring war crimes prosecutions against Palestinian leaders in retaliation for Palestinian moves to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), Israeli officials said on Saturday. On Friday, the Palestinians delivered documents to U.N. headquarters in New York on joining the Rome Statute of the ICC in The Hague and other global treaties with the aim of prosecuting Israelis for what they consider war crimes committed on their territory. In a first punitive response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided in consultation with senior ministers on Thursday to withhold the next monthly transfer of tax revenue, totaling some 500 million shekels ($125 million), an Israeli official said on Saturday. The ICC was set up to try war crimes and crimes against humanity such as genocide. Israel and the United States object to unilateral approaches by the Palestinians to world
At Least 100 Dead In Burundi Attack By Rebel Group - Source
BUJUMBURA (BURUNDI) - At least 100 rebels have been killed after a cross-border attack against the central African nation of Burundi from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a top military source newsmen yesterday. A general in the Burundian army, speaking on condition that he not be named, said the attack by the unidentified rebel group had been defeated after five days of heavy fighting in the border area north of the capital Bujumbura. “After five days of non-stop military operations, the armed group which attacked Burundi has been wiped out by our security forces. In total, we killed 105 of them and captured four, out of a total of the 121 who entered Cibitoke province from the DRCongo,” the general said. “We also seized a 60mm mortar, five rocket launchers, machine guns and more than 100 assault rifles,” he said, adding the Burundian army had lost two soldiers. There was no further confirmation of the claim, with the army declining to comment officially on the fighting while operations in the area were still in progress. Burundian officials and witnesses said the group of unidentified rebels crossed into Burundi overnight Monday from DRCongo’s eastern Kivu region, a chronically unstable and resource-rich area that is home to dozens of rebel groups. A previous toll given on Wednesday put the toll at 35 dead, including 34 rebels and one government soldier.
bodies, saying they undermine prospects for negotiating a peaceful settlement of the decades-old Middle East conflict. The tax revenues are critical to running the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule, and paying public sector salaries. Israel took a similar step in December 2012, freezing revenue transfers for three months in anger at the Palestinians’ launch of a campaign for recognition of statehood at the United Nations.
“This is highway robbery. Not only is this illegal, they are adding money theft to land theft. The revenues belong to the Palestinian people, they go to pay salaries and support our economy. Israel has no business deciding to steal our funds,” senior Palestinian negotiator Hanan Ashrawi told Reuters. Under interim peace deals from the 1990s, Israel collects at least $100 million a month in duties on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.
In addition to the revenue freeze, an Israeli official said Israel was “weighing the possibilities for large-scale prosecution in the United States and elsewhere” of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials. Israel would probably press these cases via nongovernmental groups and proIsrael legal organizations capable of filing lawsuits abroad, a second Israeli official
President Barack Obama answers a question about the cyberattack on sony pictures after his end of the year press conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington recently.
Amal Clooney told Britain’s Guardian newspaper that the arrest warning had stopped her going ahead with a Cairo launch for last year International Bar Association (IBA).
said. Israel sees the heads of the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank as collaborators with the Islamist militant group Hamas, which dominates Gaza, because of a unity deal they forged in April, the officials said. Netanyahu had previously warned that unilateral moves by the Palestinian Authority at the United Nations would expose its leaders to prosecution over
Five Arrested In India Over Japanese Tourist Gang Rape KOLKATA - Five men have been arrested over the alleged gang-rape and extortion of a Japanese tourist held as a sex slave for nearly a month in a basement near a famous Buddhist shrine in India, officials said yesterday. The 22-year-old’s ordeal began in Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state, where she was befriended by three local men shortly after arriving on November 20, one of the city’s top police officers told newsmen. The men, one of whom spoke Japanese, first managed to persuade her to withdraw around $1,200 dollars in cash before travelling with her to the holy shrine of Bodh Gaya in the neighbouring state of Bihar. There she was then handed over to two brothers who allegedly locked her in a secluded underground room and repeatedly raped her for nearly a month. The case is the latest in a string of high-profile sex attacks that have highlighted the frightening levels of violence against women in the world’s second most populous country. The two brothers, who were working as tourist guides, were arrested on Friday and taken to Kolkata where they appeared in court late Saturday. A magistrate ordered that they be remanded in custody until January 9 for an identification parade. Kolkata joint police commissioner Pallab Kanti Ghosh said the other three men
Egypt Disputes Amal Clooney Arrest Warning Claim
CAIRO - Egypt disputed Sunday a claim by British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney that she had been warned she risked arrest last year if she released a report in Cairo critical of the judiciary. Clooney, a rights lawyer who married Hollywood star George Clooney in a lavish Venice ceremony last year, told Britain’s Guardian newspaper that the warning had stopped her going ahead with a Cairo launch for the
February 2014 report for the International Bar Association. But interior ministry spokesman Hani Abdel Latif questioned the source of the alleged warning. “She should say exactly who said that,” Abdel Latif told AFP. “Why not specify from the start who told her that?” “We have nothing against her,” he said. In the comments published by the Guardian on Saturday, Clooney did not detail the
source of the alleged warning. “When I went to launch the report, first of all they stopped us from doing it in Cairo,” she said. “They said: ‘Does the report criticise the army, the judiciary, or the government?’ We said: ‘Well, yes.’ They said: ‘Well then, you’re risking arrest.’” The report, based on a factfinding mission made in mid2013, warned about the wide powers that ministers had over
support for Hamas, viewed by Israel and much of the West as a terrorist organization. Hamas “commits war crimes, shooting at civilians from civilian-populated areas”, one official said, referring to the war in Gaza last summer in which more than 2,100 Palestinians and more than 70 Israelis died. Palestinians seek a state in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, lands Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War.
judges and highlighted a record of selective prosecutions, flaws that Clooney said later contributed to the convictions of three AlJazeera journalists. Clooney, who is now on the defence team for one of the three — Egyptian-Canadian Mohamed Fahmy — said the same flaws in the judicial system meant she had little confidence in the retrial ordered on Thursday by Egypt’s top court.
were being held on suspicion of extorting money from the victim and then handing her over to the alleged rapists. “We have arrested three people who befriended the victim in Kolkata. They have been charged with common conspiracy and intention to kidnap and rape,” the commissioner said. “The men managed to extort 76,000 rupees ($1,200) from her and convinced her to travel to Bodh Gaya with them in their car.” The woman managed to escape from Gaya and reached the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, where she met some Japanese tourists who helped her contact the consulate in Kolkata. Although it was not immediately clear when her ordeal ended, police said she filed the police report in the last week of December. “(When) we came to know of the incident... we assisted her in registering the complaint with the police,” Japan’s consulgeneral in Kolkata, Kazumi Endo, told AFP. Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma conceded that the incident would dent India’s image further. “We are only getting 69 lakh (6.9 million) tourists in a year so that’s a matter of concern for us. (We have) to take care of the security of travellers,” he told CNN-IBN news network. Samina Khatoon, sister of the men arrested in Gaya, denied the charge of gang rape and demanded a thorough probe into the incident. “We also want a medical examination of the victim. It will prove that my brothers are innocent,” she told AFP by phone. India has faced intense scrutiny over its efforts to curb violence against women following the fatal gang rape of a medical student in New Delhi in December 2012, which sparked a global outcry. Sex attacks against women from Western countries, including the US and Britain, have received major media coverage and tourism bosses are wary of their negative impact.
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International Libya Islamists Abduct 20 Egypt Christians - Govt Source
BENGHAZI (LIBYA) Islamist militants have abducted 20 Egyptian Christians in Libya in recent days, a source close to the government said. The Ansar al-Sharia militia kidnapped 13 of them Saturday in the coastal city of Sirte and the rest of them there over the past few days, the source said. Their identity was not immediately clear, except that they were said to be Coptic Christians.
Thousands of Egyptians work in Libya, mainly in the construction and craft sectors, and they have been targeted as the country has descended into chaos. In February, the bodies of seven Egyptian Christians who had been shot were found near the second city of Benghazi. And just last week, an Egyptian Coptic couple were found dead in their home in Sirte, hometown of longtime
LONDON - The crew of a huge transport ship that ran aground off the southern coast of England have now almost all been airlifted to safety, the British coastguard said Sunday. Helicopters and boats were dispatched to save the 25 staff on board after the Hoegh Osaka car carrier that ran aground close to the Isle of Wight at about 2130 GMT on Saturday. Pictures published online showed the 52,000-tonne vessel listing at a 45 degree angle after it reportedly turned sharply to avoid a
sandbank as it sailed from Southampton to Germany. “All of the crew have been accounted for and other than a couple of non lifethreatening injuries, everyone is safe and well,” National Maritime Operations Centre Commander Steve Carson said in a statement. Some crew were airlifted off the ship by helicopter and others were rescued from the sea by the three lifeboats that were on scene, the coastguard said. Three crew who had remained on board the vessel to assist with salvage operations are now also being airlifted off the vessel, it added in a statement on its website.
Crew Rescued From Stranded Cargo Ship
Pakistan:
Airstrikes Kill 31 Militants PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Pakistan’s army says its warplanes have killed 31 militants as part of an ongoing operation in a troubled tribal region near the Afghan border. An army statement says the airstrikes on Friday evening in the Tirrah valley of the Khyber region destroyed four militant hideouts and a suicide bomber training center. The army says it has killed over 1,200 militants since a massive offensive launched June 15, 2014 in North Waziristan, another rugged tribal region along the border. A parallel operation is taking place in neighboring Khyber to pursue militants fleeing from North Waziristan. Last month’s school massacre in Peshawar — in which 150 people were killed, mainly children — is believed to have been launched from Khyber.
dictator Moamer Kadhafi, who was overthrown and killed in a NATO-backed uprising three years ago. Their 13-year-old daughter, who was kidnapped, was later found dead. Local council chairman Yussef Tebeiqa said the attack might have been motivated by religion as money and jewellery were not taken. Since Kadhafi’s ouster, Libya’s small Christian minority has expressed fears over Islamic extremism, especially with the rise of armed militias enforcing their own law in the absence of
central control. Sirte, 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of Tripoli, is in the hands of Islamist militias, including Ansar al-Sharia, which the UN last month added to its terror list over links to Al-Qaeda and for running Islamic State group training camps. Libya is awash with weapons and powerful militias, and has rival governments and parliaments. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian recently called on the international community to act to prevent Libya from becoming a
“sanctuary for terrorists”. As well as Sirte, Tripoli and second city Benghazi are largely in the hands of militias, and the internationally recognised government has taken refuge in the remote east. Benghazi residents said they have been suffering from shortages of electricity, water and fuel since Wednesday. Last week, the army led its first air raids on Islamist positions in Misrata, an important base for fighters from the Islamist-led Fajr Libya (Libya Dawn) coalition of militias. On Saturday, Libya’s third
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas listens to a question during a media briefing at the Union Building in Pretoria recently.
city was once again hit by aerial attacks, according to military sources, who did not give any casualty figures. Separately Saturday, Islamist fighters attacked and killed 15 soldiers in the town of Soknah, 180 kilometres southeast of Tripoli, a source close to the government said. Some of the troops were shot dead and others decapitated by militants who have pledged allegiance to IS, the source added. UN-brokered talks aimed at ending months of violence and political deadlock in the North African nation are scheduled to begin on Monday. A UN diplomat said the initiative calls for a ceasefire as well as a withdrawal of all militias and the disarmament of the warring sides. Libya’s internationally recognised parliament has voted not to attend the negotiations if the rival legislature in Tripoli is party to the talks. Last month, leaders in the sub-Saharan Sahel region of Africa meeting in Mauritania called on the United Nations to organise an international force “to neutralise the armed groups” in Libya. Libya’s violence has drawn strong condemnation from both the UN and European Union, and rights group Amnesty International has accused several factions of war crimes.
Victory Against Ebola “Within Our Reach” ACCRA - Ending the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history is a difficult task, but it is “within our reach”, the UN’s new mission chief on the disease said, warning that the world has no choice
but to beat back the infection. “This is a global crisis. We definitely have a difficult time ahead of us, but we can achieve it,” Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the new
- New UN Mission Chief other choice,” the Ebola
head of the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), said on arrival in Ghana on Saturday. “We have no plan B, we
Members of Mawar Sharon church attend a prayer service for the relatives of lost loved ones aboard the AirAsia flight 8501 in Surabaya, EAst Java, Indonesia yesterday.
have to get rid of this virus. This is within our reach, but we should not be complacent,” said Ahmed, a Mauritanian, who had arrived in Accra to officially assume duty, taking over from American Anthony Banbury. UNMEER, based in the Ghanaian capital, is leading international efforts in the battle against Ebola. According to the latest World Health Organization figures, there are more than 20,200 confirmed, probable or suspected cases of Ebola and just over 7,900 reported deaths. The three worstaffected countries are Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. “We need to keep going until we don’t have even one case, because even one case is too many,” he said. “The work ahead remains very hard but we really have no
mission chief added, according to the statement. Ahmed will be visiting Liberia and Sierra Leone this week, and Guinea shortly after, “to reinforce UNMEER’s strategic priorities and see first-hand the Ebola response.” the text said. He will be accompanied by UN Special Envoy on Ebola, David Nabarro, it added. Before his new appointment, Ahmed served as Deputy Special Representative and Deputy Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). At a press conference last week in Ghana on the eve of his departure for New York, Banbury had said he was confident that the number of Ebola cases would start to fall in the early part of 2015.
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Issues
IN the context of this paper, regulation means a body of specific rules or agreed behaviour, either imposed by some government or other external agencies or self-imposed by explicit or implicit agreement within the industry, that limits the activities and business operations of financial institutions. Banks are generally known to hold the bulk of the money supply in an economy. They also create money through the loans and advances they extend to their customers. Banks act as the vehicles of implementing monetary policies and they intermediate between the surplus and deficit units of the economy. As a result of these sensitive activities of gathering of deposits and allocation of credits, banks are vulnerable to liquidity problems and loss of public confidence. It is for these reasons that government usually regulates the banking industry more than any other sector of an economy. Government regulation of banking practices in Nigeria only commenced with the enactment of the first Banking Ordinance of 1952 following the alarming rate of failure of licensed indigenous banks in the early I 950s. The Banking Ordinance of 1958 was to further regulate the banking industry. The establishment of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 1959 and the commencement of bank examination by the Bank Examiners Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance in 1960 which was later transferred to the CBN in 1966 were all geared towards an effective regulation of banks in Nigeria. The promulgation of the Banking Decree of 1969 and its subsequent amendments climaxed government’s supervisory and regulatory roles over banks in Nigeria. The coming on stream of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), was to further strengthen and complement previous government regulatory and supervisory efforts. The forms of regulation include environmental regulations such as restrictions on credit facilities; legal regulations such as the restrictions on the type of businesses banks can engage in; and moral suasion in which regulation emerges from the general authority of the CBN. A review of the different aspects of regulation of banks in Nigeria is presented below: Licensing of Banks Under the provisions of Section I (1) of the Banking Decree, 1969 (as amended), only a company duly incorporated in Nigeria and in possession of a valid licence can carry on the business of banking in Nigeria. Banking licences are obtainable by application from the Minister of Finance and Economic Development through the CBN. It should be noted that the purpose of licensing is not to limit entry and restrict competition, but to ensure adequate capitalisation and sound management. Capital Adequacy Banks require capital to absorb operating losses. Lack of adequate capital increases banks’ potential risk of failure. The CBN, having accepted the recommendations of the Basic Committee on the need for common and effective standard of measurement of capital adequacy, issued circular No. BSD/FE/48lVol.61303 of 1990 to banks. According to the 199!
Bank Regulation In Nigeria
Monetary Policy Guidelines, banks shall maintain not less than 7.50 per cent of their risk assets as capital. In addition, at least 50 per cent of a banks’ capital for this purpose shall comprise paidup capital and reserves. Furthermore, to strengthen bank capital, every licensed bank is required by the provisions of Section 9 of the Banking Decree 1969, to maintain a reserve fund out of its net profit each year, before declaring dividend and: to transfer to the reserve fund 12.5 per cent of the net profit if the reserve fund is equal to or more than the paid-up share capital; and - to transfer 25 per cent of the net profit to the reserve fund if the reserve fund is less than the paid-up share capital. Liquidity When banks borrow money at short maturities and lend on long term basis, such banks face the risk of not being able to repay depositors’ money when called. The likely effect of such mismatch is an increase in interest rates on short-term liabilities as opposed to those on longer term assets with a consequent reverse yield curve. In computing the required liquidity ratio, deposits with the CBN in respect of violations of aggregate credit ceiling, shortfalls of loans to agriculture and small scale enterprises as well as short falls in the revised merchant banks’ assets structure, and cash deposits to meet cash reserve requirements do not qualify for inclusion. In addition to the liquidity ratio, licensed banks are required to maintain with the CBN, a minimum amount of cash deposits expressed as a ratio of total deposit liabilities, including demand, savings and time deposits. In 1991, all commercial and merchant banks shall observe a minimum cash reserve ratio as now defined of 3 per cent at the end of every month. Asset Structure of Merchant Banks Merchant banks are required to hold a minimum of 20.0 per cent of total credit as medium and long-term loans, with maturity of not less than three years. Shortterm credit, with maturity not exceeding one year, is stipulated at a maximum of 20.0 per cent. Lending Limits Lending limits, as a percentage of capital and reserves are required to prevent the concentration of risk in a single borrower, a group of related borrowers, or a particular industry. Lending limits also permit banks to have sufficient capital to attain a scale of operations that will enable them to compete effectively and serve a large number of customers. By the provisions of the Banking (amendment) Decree 1979, Section 13 (commercial banks are restricted to a maximum of 33.3 per cent of paid-up capital as loan or any form of credit facility to anyone person while merchant banks are allowed up to the sum of paid-up capital and statutory reserves as loan or advance to anyone person. Other restrictions on lending are as given in subsections lb to Id of Section 13 of the Banking (amendment) Decrees of 1979. In addition, an aggregate credit ceiling (for all types of credit) of 13.2 per cent in 1991 is allowed for loans to the private sector by
By JOHN U. EBHODAGHE both commercial and merchant banks. The CBN also gives the sectional percentage distribution of commercial and merchant banks’ credit. Table 16. 1 shows this distribution for the 1991 fiscal year. This policy is designed to direct credit to areas of highest rate of social return in the economy which may not necessarily give the highest rate of financial return to the banks. (i) Banks are to regard allocation targets in a (i) and (ii) as minima and of b as maxima.
Asset Classification and Provision for Bad and Doubtful Debts Banks shall strictly observe and comply with the prudential guidelines outlined in CBN circular No. BSD/DO/23/Vo of November 7, 1990 which shall be part of the set of criteria for the evaluation of their performance by both the regulatory authorities and the market. For the purpose of calculating capital adequacy of banks, the Central Bank classifies the assets of banks into categories prescribed by the Basic Committee
Mr. Godwin Emefiele - Central Bank Governor (ii) This sub-sector does not include mining, quarrying and construction which were classified under this sector up till 1986. Disclosure of Insider Interests Sections 11(1) and 11 A (1) of the Banking Decree 1969 (as amended), require every director, manager or other officials of a licensed bank to declare any interest, whether direct or not, held in an advance, loan or credit facility to be granted by the bank. Contravention of this provision will make such an official Liable to a fine or an imprisonment, or both. This provision is made to prevent directors and managers from abusing their offices. Restriction on Activities By virtue of the provisions of Section 13 (1) of the Banking Decree, 1969 (as amended), banks are not allowed to: (i) own subsidiary companies not carrying on banking business; (i) acquire or lease real estate except for the purpose of conducting business or housing of staff; or (iii) engage in wholesale or retail trade, including the import or export trade (with exceptions). With effect from 1988, banks have been allowed to invest up to 10 per cent of their paid-up capita! plus reserves in a sin a and medium-sized company’s equity. However, a bank’s total investment in such enterprises should not exceed 33.3 per cent of the bank’s total paid-up capital and reserves.
on Banking Regulations. In addition to the restriction of non-payment of dividend by banks that fail to make adequate provision for bad and doubtful debts, banks in Nigeria are now to suspend interest on nonperforming assets and preclude the refinancing or capitalisation of interest. This is expected to check and put a stop to a situation where banks declare “paper profits resulting from accrued interest on non-performing assets. Also, “Statement of Accounting Standard on Accounting by Banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (Part 1)” issued by the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board (NASB) in October 1990 became operative as from December 31, 1990. In view of the importance of the banking sector, the Statement seeks to, among other aims, correct inconsistent accounting policies and reporting practices which make comparison of our banks difficult; correct allegedly overstated profits reported by banks; and to sustain public confidence in the banking sector. All licensed banks are mandated to comply with the provisions of the Statement Level of Interest Rates Banks are required to observe a maximum spread of 4 percentage points between their average cost of funds (including administrative expenses) and their maximum lending rates. The maximum lending rate should not exceed 21.0 per cent per annum and savings deposit rate should not be less than 13.5 per cent per annum. The Duties and Powers of Regulatory Authorities By supervision, I mean the process of monitoring that banking institutions are conducting their
business, either in accordance with regulations or more generally, in a prudent manner. It thus implies that supervision by regulatory authorities is to ensure that banks comply with regulations imposed by government or other external agencies or self imposed by the banks themselves. The two government institutions charged with on-site and off-site supervision of licensed banks in Nigeria are the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance corporation (NDIC). While the CBN draws its powers from the Banking Decree 1969, the NDIC is empowered by the provisions of the NDIC Decree No. 22, 1988. These two regulatory authorities carry out their supervisory roles mainly through routine and special examinations of licensed banks by bank examiners. Regulatory bank examiners have as their main functions the appraisal of: (i) assets, with emphasis on asset quality; (ii) liabilities, with emphasis on capital adequacy and volatility/ structure of deposits; (iii) management competence; (iv) internal control, spotlight weaknesses and recommend appropriate measures to prevent the weaknesses; (v) electronic data processing; (vi) uniform bank performance report of Capital, Asset Management) Earning and Liquidity (CAMEL) which indicates the position of a particular bank compared with the rest of its peer group as well as determine the level of health of a particular bank in relation to the above variables; (vii) spread of banks and bank branches to determine whether or not to recommend the issue of more licenses to bank promoters or to allow existing banks to open more branches; (viii) level of fraudulent practices within and between banks; and (ix) foreign exchange utilisation to ensure that all foreign exchange market regulations are complied with and to evaluate its proper utilisation. Appointment and Powers of Examiners The appointment and powers of bank examiners for routine and special examinations are provided in Sections 20 and 21 of the Banking Act of 1969. Section 20 provides as follows: There shall be a Chief Bank Examiner who: shall be an officer of the Central Bank appointed by the bank with power to examine periodically, under condition of secrecy, the books and affairs of each and every licensed bank; (b) shall have a right of access at all times to the books of accounts and vouchers ofthe bank; and (c) shall be entitled to require from the officers and directors of the bank, such information and explanation as he thinks necessary for the performance of his duties, and the Chief Bank Examiner shall be given; and shall have access to any accounts, returns or information regarding banks licensed under this Decree that are in the possession ofthe Federal Ministry of Finance. (2) There may in the same manner be appointed one or more fit persons as Deputy or Assistant Chief Bank Examiner who shall
have and may exercise the power of a Chief Bank Examiner under the Decree. (3) In examining the affairs of any licensed bank in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, it shall be the duty of the Chief Bank Examiner at all times to avoid unreasonable hindrance to the daily business of that bank (and to confine investigation to matters strictly relevant to the examination). (4) Every licensed bank shall produce to the examiners at such times as the examiners may specify, all books of accounts, documents and oral information which they may require. (5) (a) If any book, account, document or information is not produced in accordance with subsection (4) of this section; or (b) is false in any material particular, the licensed bank shall be guilty ofan offence, and shall be liable: (I) in a case of an offence against paragraph ( a) of this subsection, a fine of N100 in respect of each day in which the offence continues, or in any other case under paragraph (b) thereof, to a fine of N1,000. (6) The Chief Bank Examiner shall forward a report of his findings to the Governor of the Central Bank. (7) Nothing in the foregoing provisions or elsewhere under this Decree or any other enactment shall preclude the Central Bank from appointing one or more other officials of the Central Bank as examiners, apart from those mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, from ascribing to such officials such other designations as it deems fit, and from, directing or requiring all or any of the officials to exercise all or any of the powers of the Chief Bank Examiner under subsection (1) above. Section 21: Special Examination (1) The Commissioner may at any time require the governor of the Central Bank to require the Examiner appointed in accordance with Section 20 of this Decree, or one or more other qualified persons whom the governor shall appoint, to make a special examination under conditions of secrecy of the books and affairs of any licensed bank: (a) Where, after consultation with the Central Bank, the Commissioner has reasons to believe that a licensed bank; (i) may be carrying on its business in a manner detrimental to the interest of its depositors and other creditors, or (ii) may have insufficient assets to cover its liabilities to the public, or (iii) may be contravening the provisions of Decree. (b) Where application is made: (i) by shareholders holding not less than one-third of the total number of shares for the time being issued and paid-up, or (ii) by depositors holding not less than one-half of the gross amount of the Deposits of the bank: Provided, however, that the applicants under this paragraph submit to the commissioner such evidence as he may consider necessary to just if an examination, and provided also that they furnish adequate security for payment of the costs of the examination.
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Nigeria Dream Team Resumption Moved
Ex-Athlete Tasks Intending Athletes To Set Goals Beyond Continental Standards
NIGERIA U23 team have shifted the resumption date of the team from Sunday to Wednesday, January 7. A release by the media officer of the team Timi Ebikagboro disclosed that the shift in date was due to the cancellation of an international friendly between the team and the Young Pharaohs of Egypt earlier billed to be played on the 15th and 17th in Nigeria, with the return legs in Cairo almost immediately. In a bid not to keep the team idle, the NFF have now rearranged another friendly with the U23 team of Tunisia, with the first leg in Nigeria and the return leg in Tunis. With this new arrangement the players are expected to arrive the Serob Hotel camp in Abuja of the team on Wednesday while training will commence on Thursday, 8th January. The Dream Team VI kick start their All Africa Games qualifier in February against Gabon.
Ghana Winger Schlupp A Doubt For AFCON THE winger has been included in the Ghana squad for the upcoming tournament in Equatorial Guinea, which starts on January 17. Schlupp missed Saturday’s FA Cup third-round win over Newcastle United after suffering the injury in Leicester ’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool on New Year’s Day. Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is unsure whether Schlupp, who scored the equaliser at Anfield, will be fit enough to feature for Avram Grant’s Ghana. Pearson told the club’s official website after the win over Newcastle: “He had a scan yesterday. It [his participation] depends on the results of the scan and the rules and regulations of the tournament, but our priority is our player. “We’ll do what we need to do in terms of rehab, and if he goes and plays in the tournament, then that’s all well and good for him, if he doesn’t and he has to stay behind, then fine.
• Jeffrey Schlupp
• Obafemi Martins
Keshi Doesn’t Like Me - Obafemi Martins
STRIKER Obafemi Martins has said that his being frozen out of the national team was due to coach Stephen Keshi’s personal decisions. goals in the span of 10 years The Seattle Sounders playing for the Eagles. forward just came off a season Martins played two matches where he led his side to Major under Keshi’s watch in 2013 – League Soccer play-offs as a friendly against Venezuela in well as winning the Supporters’ Miami and a World Cup Shield. qualifier against Kenya in Despite being in top form and Calabar – without scoring. scoring 17 goals in the just “I don’t think [Keshi] likes ended season where he earned me, that’s all. I don’t have any nomination for the Most issues with him,” Martins told Valuable Player award, Martins media when asked about his was ignored for the Super relationship with the coach Eagles’ 2014 Fifa World Cup who is yet to have his contract campaign. renewed. Last month he called time on “I respect him as a coach but his international career after I think Keshi doesn’t like me.” earning 39 caps and scoring 18
Martins scored the lone goal in the Football for Hope charity match organized by the Lagos State government that left Governor Babatunde Fashola’s side on the losing end on Saturday at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos. Other stars that played in Martins’ team were Asisat Oshoala, Lukman Haruna, Babatunde Michael, Razak Omotoyossi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Onome Ebi and John Dosu. The BRF All Stars paraded former internationals Victor Agali, Jonathan Akpoborie, Gbenga Okunnowo, Godwin Okpara and Waheed Akanni.
Ngcongca Named Captain For Zambia fans who have been behind us BAFANA Bafana coach Clash all the way,” Ngcongca is Ephraim Shakes Mashaba has named the team that will take on neighbours Zambia in an international friendly match scheduled for Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Sunday. The match is the first phase of preparations for the CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations Equatorial Guinea 2015 tournament which starts from 17 January to 8 February 2015. Mashaba has selected the bulk of players who did duty in the qualifiers with Darren Keet in goals, assisted at the back by central defenders Eric Mathoho and Rivaldo Coetzee, while Anele Ngcongca, who will captain the side, and
Thabo Matlaba will be the fullbacks. “This is a very important match for all of us as it is for preparations for AFCON 2015. We did well in the qualifiers and in the last friendly against Cote d’Ivoire, this is also our last match at home before we depart for the tournament so let us leave the country with something to smile about when we are gone. “We cannot afford to break the momentum we are on now and even though we know that Zambia is a very good side but let’s just go out there and work hard to get a victory that will please all of us, especially our
quoted as saying in a statement released by SAFA. The midfield has a different look about with Oupa Manyisa, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Thamsanqa Sangweni and Mandla Masango given the nod. Tokelo Rantie and Bongani Ndulula have been entrusted with getting goals Andile Jali and Patrick Phungwayo have not be considered for the match as they are both nursing knee injuries which are not too serious, but have been left out as a precaution, while Dean Furman is only expected in camp on Monday, 5 January.
CHRISTIAN Aiyegbeni, who took part in relays at the African Junior Athletics Championships in 1997, has advised athletes who will eventually represent Nigeria at competitions to always strive to give their best. Aiyegbeni told newsmen on Saturday in Lagos that they should look beyond training grants and allowances. “My advice is that they should give their very best, even beyond what they are seeing in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). “They should try and make names for themselves; they should just go all out there and ensure that they represent Nigeria well. “They should look beyond training grants and allowances; of course, they need the training grants and allowances but they should try and have a personal goal and look beyond the crisis. “They should put their country first and I know that God will help them because Nigeria is the
pride of Africa; people always look out for Nigeria,’’ he said. Aiyegbeni, however, urged them to be committed, saying that they could never be sure where a single competition might lead them to in the world. “They never can tell where one competition will take them to, so they should always stay committed and focused,’’ he said. Aiyegbeni noted that Nigeria was usually a threat to other countries, whether the athletes Nigeria showcased were good or not. Reports state that the 11th All Africa Games is scheduled for Sept. 4-19 in Brazaville, Congo. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Junior Championships is scheduled for July 19-24 in Kazan, Russia while the IAAF World championship is scheduled for Aug. 22-30 in Beijing, China.
Emem Eduok’s Esperance Move Worth 300,000 Euros THE new deal signed by Dolphins striker Emem Eduok with Esperance of Tunisia is worth 300,000 Euros and it will run for three and a half years. However, Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 have threatened to drag the Nigeria striker to FIFA after they claimed he already has an agreement with them. Investigations have revealed that the agent of Emem Edouk had earlier brokered a four-year deal worth $150,000:00 with Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08. With the Tunisian deal on the table, Dolphins snubbed the deal from Norway to endorse the move to Tunisia. In a bid not to lose out on the Norwegian club, and with the season ending, the players agent insisted that the transfer
• Emem Eduok
right of the Emem Edouk belonged to A&B Academy since his contract with Dolphins, who had paid his bills in the last three years had ran out. The striker, who netted 25 goals last season in all competitions, is presently in the Super Eagles training camp preparing for the friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Sudan. However, sporting director of Sarpsborg 08 Thomas Berntsen has confirmed that the club signed Eduok from A&B Academy on a four-year deal and not from Dolphins. But the media officer of Dolphins China Acheru has said they are unaware the player is owned by A&B Academy.
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Foundation Promises To Revive Traditional Wrestling THE President of Obijackson Foundation, Dr Ernest Obiejesi, said on Saturday that his foundation was working assiduously to develop traditional wrestling in Okija, Ihiala Local Council Area of Anambra. Obiejesi made the remark during the traditional wrestling festival - Mgba Okijasponsored by his foundation as part of efforts to revive the sport at Okija. According to him, the love for traditional wrestling faded with the advent of western sports. “This Mgba Okija which we started sponsoring this year is aimed at reviving the sport as a way of bringing back the aspect of our traditional culture and the game of our fore-fathers. “The gesture was put together to promote the Igbo culture and norms; unity, love and peace among the people and also to put Okija on the world map. “We are trying to bring that culture back and give youths the
opportunity to be able to express themselves and we assure that the wrestling festival would be an annual event’’, he said. Reports state that 15 wrestlers from Ubahu Abu Ubahu, Uhuobo Na Uhuowelle and Ihite Abu Ihite took part in the event. Mr Sunday Opia, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Traditional Sports Federation, said lack of sponsors was a major challenge facing development of traditional wrestling in the country. According to him, traditional wrestling has been part of the people but lack of sponsors make it difficult to discover wrestlers who could win gold at the Olympics. While commending Obiejesi for organising the festival, he assured that the federation would continue to partner with the Obijackson Foundation in future festivals to scout talents.
I Want To Become An Arsenal Legend
THEO Walcott insists he and his team-mates want to become Arsenal legends by re-establishing the club at the top of English football. The Gunners ended a nineChelsea in sixth. year trophy drought with Manager Arsene Wenger has victory in the FA Cup last endured growing criticism season but are still waiting for from Arsenal fans and was their first Premier League title confronted in his dugout by since 2004, currently one irate supporter during languishing 13 points behind Thursday’s 2-0 loss to
- Walcott
Southampton. But Walcott believes the responsibility for turning around the Gunners’ season lies with the players themselves and is hoping to work himself back to match fitness after a serious
Schneiderline Rules Out Leaving Southampton In January
Gerrard Could Off ‘Gold Dust’ As A Coach - Rodgers LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers has backed Steven Gerrard to thrive in a coaching role if he opts to take that route after retiring. Gerrard will leave Anfield at the end of the season after 17 years with the club, 12 of them as captain, and head for the USA to play in MLS. That will likely take the former England skipper up to the end of his playing career. Another Anfield favourite, Jamie Carragher, has carved out a reputable career as a television pundit after bowing out from the game in 2013. But Rodgers believes the “gold dust” that Gerrard could pass on to the stars of tomorrow makes him an ideal coaching candidate. “I do genuinely believe that he is that type, he can offer great advice,” Rodgers told the club’s official website. “It’s whether it’s something that he wants to do. “When players retire and finish, they have been in this cauldron for so many years and especially with the eyes on you at a club like this here. “They move away and they might find that after a year or two out of it, it’s actually not something they want to do and there are other opportunities for them that are maybe less stressful than moving into coaching and management. “From my perspective here, the experience that he has of Liverpool as a club and those little bits of gold dust that he can give players would be invaluable to young players.” Though in no doubt over Gerrard’s capacity for an offfield role, Rodgers tempered any thoughts that the 34-year-old should move straight into
management after playing. “Moving into coaching and management is not something you just click your fingers and move into,” the Northern Irishman added. “There’s a lot of work, lot of hours, lot of time and a lot of commitment that has to go into that. “I always say that if you want to move into coaching or management, take two or three years to really get your eye in on it, because it’s not something that you can just click your fingers and walk into - it’s a pressure situation. “You see coaches coming in on the back of managers, learning the ropes and then maybe one day moving on in that field. “For Steven, that would be a great opportunity for him to do that, but time will tell if that’s something that he’s really interested in.”
Theo Walcott
Liverpool Must Buy ‘ReadyMade Players’ - Rodgers WITH captain Steven Gerrard leaving at season’s end, Rodgers’ side will lose almost 500 Premier League games worth of experience. While Liverpool were able to attract talent in the closeseason, most of their signings were up-and-coming players. Rodgers has warned the club will need to start spending on more experienced players, particularly in the wake of Gerrard’s departure. “The model at this football club is clear, we want to take young players and develop them into world-class ones, but
that can be a long and a difficult process,” he said. “The owners know that, and they also know that not every player can be a developer if you are going to keep progressing. “A large part of our squad will always be young players but if you want to take those steps forward at times you have to look to bring in some ready-made players.” Gerrard is certain to make a move to MLS, with the Los Angeles Galaxy appearing his likely destination. Rodgers described the 34-
“The reputation of our sportsmen and women has been tainted beyond any imagination, I believe making it a criminal offence will reduce indulgence,” it quoted Keino as saying. The portal, however, noted that last year, Germany appealed to Craig Reedie, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), to make it a criminal offence but the move was criticised. It also said that William Ruto, Kenya’s Deputy President, had backed Keino by claiming that the involvement of foreign agents and managers were behind the epidemic. “Kenya has stood out for
decades, since the 1960s, when Ben Jipcho, Kipchoge Keino and many others were involved in sports and we never had instances of doping. “It is only in the last year or two that we have begun to see Kenyans suspected or tested and found to be using drugs. “Most of the explanations we are getting from Athletics Kenya are associated with some of the managers of our sportsmen,’’ it quoted Ruto as saying. It also added that a total of 26 Kenyan athletes tested positive for banned drugs last year, including Boston and Chicago Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo.
Kenyan Olympic C’mtt President Wants Prison Sentence For Doping KIP Keino, President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) on Saturday appealed for a prison sentence for coaches and agents who encourage drug use in the country. According to “Inside Games,” an online news portal, it said the president was seeking talks with Hassan Wario, Kenyan Parliamentary Committee on Sports, to strengthen laws against doping. The news portal said it was a reoccurring habit that needed to be curbed because it was tainting the country’s reputation.
knee injury in the process. “It’s a year since [the injury] and it’s gone very quickly,” the 25-year-old told the club’s official website. “I’ve had loads of things in my life that have changed completely. That side of it was a good thing. “Things happen for a reason and it’s given me the opportunity to work on different parts of my game that I missed out on when I was younger - the actual development stage of it. “I am looking forward to getting a few minutes (on Sunday). I’m not expecting too much from these games early on. It will be blowing the cobwebs away and will be good to be out playing with my mates again because I’ve missed it all.
year-old as being in “turmoil” over his decision. “I’ve had plenty of conversations with Steven this season and he’s never told me he felt unhappy,” he said. “We wanted to keep him at the club, he’s been a brilliant captain for me and we offered him a deal but he wanted the chance to experience something different. “Our communication is very open so I was aware what he was thinking and I also knew the turmoil he was in because of his unique situation. “You see other players stay at one club all their careers but not too many who support Liverpool and still live where they come from, virtually five minutes round the corner.”
MORGAN Schneiderlin says he expects to remain at Southampton for the rest of the season but admits he could still leave the club in the summer. Schneiderlin openly voiced his desire to leave St Mary’s last summer, with both Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all interested in acquiring him, only for Southampton to block any deal. The 25-year-old has since redeemed himself to the Saints fans with a series of impressive performances to help his club defy pre-season expectations and surge into fourth in the Premier League. But while he is wary of making any definitive statements after a protracted transfer saga last summer, Schneiderlin is refusing to rule out leaving Southampton at the end of the season. “It’s always difficult to leave in January,” he told Telefoot. “I think I’ll finish the season at Southampton and we’ll see what will happen next. I don’t set my mind on these things anymore.
Brendan Rodgers
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Ronaldo To PSG Is Impossible - Mendes IT is “impossible” that Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain, according to agent Jorge Mendes. The big-spending French champions have been linked with a mega-money move for the prolific Portuguese in recent seasons, with former sporting director Leonardo claiming they “did everything they could” to convince Ronaldo to move in the past. Mendes, however, believes such a transfer is out of the question and instead believes the 29-year-old could move to America once his time at Santiago Bernabeu is up. “Ronaldo to PSG is impossible. He will finish his career with Real, and maybe he’ll go to the United States. Only God knows,” he told Telefoot. “He’s a machine, he’s the best player in history and nobody can be his equal. It’s not even fair to compare him to others. He’s a winger, right? Tell me the names of wingers that have scored even 10 per cent of his goals.” Mendes admits he has a good working relationship with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi but believes French football remains firmly in the wake of the Premier League and La Liga. “Nasser is my friend, I enjoy a
good relationship with him. He does some good work at PSG, who are one of the best clubs in the world right now,” said the Portuguese. “Ligue 1 is good, but I think the Premier League and La Liga are better, even if PSG have bought some quality.” Supporters of Ligue 1 side Monaco were left incensed in the summer when Mendes helped to broker an 80 million euro deal to
take James Rodriguez to Madrid, but he is adamant the player is where he wants to be. “The people who decide are the players and the clubs. James is happy today because he was dreaming of Real Madrid. That’s what counts,” he said. Mendes, now 48, also suggests he could take charge of a club himself in the future - possibly when Ronaldo chooses to retire from his playing days.
EZEQUIEL Lavezzi says he would not like to be Lionel Messi because of the attention the Barcelona star receives. The three-time Fifa Ballon d’Or winner has become a household name across the world and is regarded as one of the best players the game has ever seen. However, the Paris SaintGermain attacker says he would not swap places with his Argentina team-mate, as he much prefers to hide in the shadows. “Life isn’t easy when everyone
I Wouldn’t Like To Be Messi - Lavezzi recognises you all the time,” Lavezzi told Marca. “No, I wouldn’t like to be like Messi. I prefer to keep myself in the shadows.” The winger, though, has the utmost respect for his compatriot and saw the potential in him as a youngster.
Podolski Tweets More Than He Plays’
Italy Winger Alessio Cerci
CERCI completed a full training session with Milan for the first time on Saturday after passing his medical on Friday, and the 27-year-old admitted he was relieved to get the deal finalised as he looks to rebuild his career. The winger barely played in six months with Atletico, coming off the bench six times in La Liga, and wants to return to the type of form that saw him score 13 goals in 37 Serie A matches for Torino. Cerci has joined Milan as part of the deal that has seen Fernando Torres head to the Vicente Calderon on loan for the rest of the season. “It’s taken a little longer but I’m now happy,” Cerci told Milan’s website. The Italy international’s first chance to make his Milan debut will be against Sassuolo at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi (left) and Ivan Rakitic celebrating after scoring a goal
Messi Can Be The Best For Years To Come - Rakitic
IVAN Rakitic says Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi can continue to be the world’s best player for many years to come. The Argentina star is vying for his fifth Ballon d’Or crown best for many years to come,” this month against Cristiano Rakitic told Vecernji list. The Croatia international, Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer who joined from Sevilla in the following a year which saw him breaking the goalscoring summer, says he is still learning records in La Liga and the from his team-mates at Camp Champions League after being Nou and claims Xavi in named the best player at the particular commands a huge amount of respect amongst the World Cup. “Messi is amazing, the best squad. “I still learn from Barca in the world and he can be the
Torres Could Make Atletico Return In Madrid Derby
FORMER Vicente Calderon captain Torres rejoined the club on an 18month loan from Milan last week and watched on from the stands as Atletico beat Levante 3-1 on their return to La Liga action on Saturday. Torres was ineligible for that match due to the later opening of Italy’s transfer window, but he could be in line to play when Carlo Ancelotti’s Real make the trip across the city for the sides’
“When I played with him as a kid I could see his potential. I don’t see him as the best in the world, but rather as another friend.” Lavezzi recently came head-tohead with his compatriot in the Champions League, with PSG winning their home leg 3-2 before suffering a 3-1 defeat at Camp Nou that consigned them to second in their group.
first leg of their round-of-16 Copa del Rey clash. Though coach Diego Simeone stopped short of confirming Torres’ place in his XI, the Argentinian will allow the striker to prove himself in training as Atletico prepare for a trip to title rivals Barcelona in their following fixture. “Fernando Torres? We will see,” Simeone said tentatively. “He is going to train with us
again and we will see if he is fit enough to play against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. “If so we will make our decision then. It’s business as usual for us this week. “We will work with this good result [over Levante] under our belt, obviously getting ready for the Copa del Rey match, which is important and consequently we will have less days for the Barcelona match but we are working as usual.”
players and Xavi is the best example: he has won so many trophies and still is hungry,” he said. “He guides us in a way which makes us all respect him - no wonder the team trusts him. “I enjoy playing football. Every day I wake up with a smile on my face saying: ‘Great, I am going to train and give my best’. Those guys are all global stars but still ordinary people.” Rakitic also credits Luis Enrique for the way in which he prepares the Barcelona side for each game and says the head coach has the same meticulous approach as his old boss at Sevilla. “Luis Enrique is similar to Unai Emery in the way he prepares the game and training,” he said. “He is also very clear in what he asks us to do, he explains every detail so you fully understand all his requests.” The 26-year-old admits he would like to return to Andalusia in future after lifting the Europa League in an impressive three-year spell with Sevilla. “Sevilla will always be my
city and some day I would like to return to southern Spain,” he added. “I am very proud Sevilla appointed me as captain, my wife and her entire family have always been Sevilla fans and when I became captain I was very happy, it was the biggest honour I’ve ever had.”
Podolski
FORMER Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has urged Lukas Podolski to prove his ability as a player again after suggesting he has devoted too much time to social media. The 29-year-old is poised to seal a loan switch to Inter after becoming frustrated with life at Arsenal, for whom he has not started a league game all season. The former Bayern Munich striker has earned a staggering 121 caps for Germany and added the World Cup to his list of honours this summer, but Matthaus claims he has not done enough of his talking on the pitch in recent years. “Lukas has his qualities; now he must prove them by bringing them back to the pitch,” he said to Sky. “In the past we heard how he tweets more than he plays. He needs to concentrate on football.” Podolski himself hit back at the World Cup-winning captain via Twitter, stating: “I find it very amusing that Matthaus should give me precise tips on how to behave.” The forward was at Inter’s Appiano Gentile complex on Saturday to meet with head coach Roberto Mancini prior to his move.
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This AC Milan Can Be One Of The Best In The World - Berlusconi
AC Milan can return to the pinnacle of world football and qualify for the Champions League this year, according to owner Silvio Berlusconi. The Rossoneri finished with anyone in Italy,” he told eighth in Serie A last season Milan Channel. “Not with and are currently in seventh Roma’s or even Juventus’. place near the halfway point “I think we have the of the current campaign. opportunity, with this squad, Despite their tough year, to return to be protagonists in Berlusconi feels that Filippo Italy, in Europe and in the Inzaghi’s men can become world. one of the strongest sides on “I don’t think we need the continent. He is targeting reinforcements in January. I a third-place finish in the think we have a team that is league and victory in the balanced in all areas. Coppa Italia. “Our strength, compared to “I have always said that I the other teams, is in our squad would never trade our squad depth.
“This year we want third place in the league - we need to get into Europe - and we
also want to win the Coppa Italia. “I believe that we absolutely
can impose ourselves as the best team in Italy in 2015. We always have to go into the
field with the intention of being masters of the field and the masters of the game.”
Mancini Knows How To Beat Juventus - Milito FORMER Inter striker Diego Milito believes Roberto Mancini is the right man to record a win when they visit Serie A leaders Juventus on Tuesday. Milito inspired a secondhalf fightback in Turin in November 2012, scoring twice to ensure a 3-1 win for the Nerazzurri which ended the home side’s 49-game unbeaten streak in the division. Mancini - who replaced Walter Mazzarri as head coach in the autumn masterminded a 3-2 win away to Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals in 2008, and Milito is confident he is the right man to spring another surprise this week. “Every game is different. It was right to have that [attacking] attitude that night, it surprised Juventus,” he told Tuttosport of the 2012 win. “It’s a great memory as we collected three points at a stadium where no one had
won. “The Inter dugout has an experienced coach in Mancini who is sure to interpret the game well. Inter have already won in Turin against Juventus with him.” Milito also remains confident that Inter can enjoy Europa League success and reach the top three this season - though he admits it is a twohorse title race. “I hope so - they’re able to get there,” he said of Inter’s top-three chances. “When you wear the Nerazzurri shirt you have to try to achieve every goal, including winning the Europa League. “The Bianconeri remain the strongest, although Roma will fight for the Scudetto until the end.” Lukas Podolski is set to join the club on a loan deal from Arsenal and Milito feels they have secured a good signing. “He’s a good player and I hope he’ll do well at Inter,” the Argentine added.
Silvio Berlusconi
Ketsbaia Throws Hat In Newcastle Ring WITH Pardew having joined Crystal Palace on Friday, Newcastle are looking for a new manager and Ketsbaia has claimed he would love to lead his former club and insists he has no issue giving up control of transfers,
which was a problem for the outgoing boss. Ketsbaia, who played for Newcastle in the 1990s, has coached Anorthosis Famagusta in the UEFA Champions League, plus had stints in charge of Olympiacos and Georgia. The 46-year-old coach reckons that is a good enough CV to take over at St James’ Park, where he reckons the fans deserve success. Ketsbaia did not win a trophy during his four-year stint with Newcastle, finishing his time in 2000 with 78 league appearances and eight goals. “Newcastle is a big, big club
with fantastic supporters that should always want to do better,” Ketsbaia told the Sunday Sun. “It is a club that is very close to my heart and I loved my time there. My four years were the best experience ever. I would love to go back, and I think it is a club that can be near the top of the Premier League and challenging. It is a club that can challenge, for cups and for Europe. “It deserves to do well. Whoever gets that job, it is a brilliant opportunity. I would think that there will be many managers who want it.” While head scout Graham Carr’s heavy involvement in
Newcastle’s recruiting frustrated Pardew, Ketsbaia maintained he would be happy taking on a more coachingspecific role. “I don’t think any manager has 100 per cent control any more. The game isn’t like that,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a big problem. There are good players at Newcastle, so if that is the policy it is OK. As long as everyone at the club is working hard and trying to do well it is OK.” Ketsbaia left Georgia in November due to frustrations with the federation and a desire to work in club football again.
Torres Wants To Make Things DIEGO Godin has spoken of his delight at Fernando Right - Godin Torres’ return to Atletico
Diego Milito
Madrid, and stated that his signing has “generated great enthusiasm” around the club. The Spain international has returned to his boyhood club, arriving on loan from AC Milan following a failed stint at the Italian side as well as Chelsea. Torres is set to be presented as an Atleti player once again
yesterday, and Godin believes the 30-year-old will add a lot to the team as Diego Simeone’s men look to defend their Liga crown. “Fernando is a household name and he has generated great enthusiasm,” Godin said after his side beat Levante 31, with Torres watching on from the stands. “He has come to contribute
and he wants to make things right.” The 30-year-old enjoys iconic status at the Vicente Calderon, having debuted for the club as a teenager. Between 2001 and 2007, Torres scored 91 goals in 244 appearances for the Liga champions and is hoping to rediscover that form after four difficult years.
THE NIGERIAN
CMYK
32
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015
Should Celebrities Flaunt Their Wealth On Social Networks?
I
n spite of the controversies associated with its output, the social media has continued to be the veritable platform of choice for celebrities to air their views and all what not. Due to the burgeoning nature of the Nigerian entertainment industry, many celebrities now have the financial capacity to acquire state-of the-art vehicles, homes, embark on trips to exotic places, all these are usually uploaded on social media. The social media has willy nilly turned out to be the destination of choice for the nation’s celebrities in the showbiz circuit, through which they exhibit their wealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. Internet users, who regularly surf through the pages of social media platforms and blogs, get to see the way celebrities flaunt their new found wealth, which gives them the false impression of how celebrities should conduct themselves. The phenomenon has gone from the ordinary to the bizarre, where some of the celebrities display wads of cash, or even upload bathing shots taken in their Jacuzzis on social media. The recurrence of the trend has not only attracted fans of these celebrities to the different websites, but it has also highlighted the potency of the social media. Adelaja Temitope, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who claimed that she regularly browsed through the social media networks for celebrity gists and gossips, saw nothing wrong in what the celebrities were doing on social media. “Exactly, it makes
social media very interesting and it inspires young positive-minded individuals. It mustn’t be all about hate and beef. “People are getting obsessed over the luxury of celebrities; they want to be like them thereby doing lots of crazy stuff. “Celebrities should live their life to the fullest, do the unimaginable, do crazy stuffs like once in a while and don’t try to be perfect. “Don’t forget, we are still going to die one day and what are you going to be remembered for? “Please celebs keep on showing off. It makes the world go round,’’ she said. Interestingly, Paul Okorie, a businessman, was of the view that celebrities should be moderate in their activities on social media. “The way celebs oppress on Social Media is not necessary at times. “They create a wrong impression about themselves, and when people go to them for help and get disappointed, they see them as stingy. “Everybody has a right as to how he or she spends his or her money, especially when they worked hard for it. I don’t think it is anybody’s business but the truth should be told. “Why would they go all out to impress their fans
on such media?’’ A fan of the social media, who could not hide his anger over Davido’s recent picture where he was seen, holding bundles of dollar bills, revealed his feeling on twitter.
delved into the development on his blog which he titled “Flaunting it, Faking it’’. He expressed his anger at the trend and added that those that are disposed to such goingson are doing so from the
MATTERS IN FOCUS By BABAJIDE AWOYINFA statistics of income are not hidden. “You must be a daydreamer, especially when you try to hoodwink the public that you bought a house or a diamond watch. “Is it from the singing
Nigerian celebrities
“I love Davido but this attitude is so childish, so weird. Please Davido, grow up; you must not copy trash from people below your status. “You need to set standards for your evergrowing status. Talk and behave classic. Have people you look up to both in character and dress sense.” A renowned movie producer and critic, Charles Novia, also
wrong premise, especially over the fact that their movies could not make them as wealthy as they were portraying themselves. “Those musicians and actors who engage in such frivolities and deluding themselves on social media with this flaunting fad are not being true to themselves. “The entertainment industry is a coterie community and the
“The social media has willy nilly turned out to be the destination of choice for the nation’s celebrities in the showbiz circuit, through which they exhibit their wealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.”
and prancing on stage they made the so called millions in an industry where CD sales are dropping? “Or that you bought some house in Ikoyi just by being an unmarried actress, when we all know how much an actor is paid for a role is stretching the story a bit too far,’’ he said. In spite of the diatribe from Novia, he agreed that that some of the celebrities might be genuinely “wealthy’’ but still had his doubts on the authenticity of the wealth they display on social media. “Granted, these artistes might have other legitimate sources of income but such sources are negligible in turnover. “One day, very soon, those wealthy shady
barons and pimps using the artistes in the industry as cannon fodder might just move to another area of interest. “And don’t get me wrong, how people make their money is entirely their own business. “What I am pissed about is the deception; the whole stinking deception. “These artistes are hoodwinking the public that they made their money through their art when there is more to it. “Others that are not in the entertainment sector make money through these same avenues these artistes use, but they don’t come out shouting about it as such,’’ he wrote. Speaking on the raging issue Sidney Esiri, popularly known as Dr Sid, notes that there is nothing wrong with celebrities flaunting their wealth on social media. “I strongly believe there is nothing wrong with our celebrities showing off their wealth because it’s the reward of their hard work. “I know some of you will argue that foreign celebrities show off their wealth and we are happy to associate with such, why not our own celebrities. “This kind of culture is also acceptable here just like in the U.K. and in the U.S. but not fully acceptable in Africa. “It’s just that, everything we do in life should be done in moderation “When one’s hard work starts to pay off with success, one should remain humble and cautious. It’s not all clothes we dry in the sun.
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