THE NIGERIAN
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The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968
OPINION Page 19 cmyk
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Odubu’s double celebrations
OBSERVERSPORTS
Page 31 Technical Chief Amodu Wants Car, House from NFF
• Vol. 38 NO.304• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2 013 • N100.00
Indiscriminate construction of Airports
FAAN cautions governors
ABUJA -The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Wednesday cautioned
against indiscriminate construction of airports by state governors. Mr George Uriesi,
Managing Director of FAAN gave the warning in Abuja in an interview with newsmen.
He said that before embarking on the airport projects, the governors should consider the Continues on page 2
year’s annual rainfall seasonal prediction which indicated that Bauchi State would
experience flood akin to 2012. “We have carried out advocacy in all the
Floods displace 7m Nigerians - NEMA
KIRFI - No fewer than seven million Nigerians were displaced in various floods recorded nationwide by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in 2012. which led to the Alhaji Sani Sidi, the displacement of 2.1 Director-General of the million people across the agency, announced this country and it affected to newsmen in Kirfi, Kirfi over seven million Local Government Area people. It led to the death of Bauchi State on of over 363 persons,” he Wednesday. said. Sidi was in the area to He said that 2.1 million inspect a relief camp persons out of the figure established by NEMA in were recorded at various anticipation of victims camps set up by the that might be displaced agency across the by flood this year. country to provide NAN reports that nine temporary shelter for the persons were confirmed Internally Displaced dead and property Persons (IDPs). estimated at N356 Sidi pledged to ensure million were in a recent that the ugly incident was flood that ravaged some not allowed to repeat parts of the state. itself. “We recall what He said that NIMET happened last year, the had since released this unprecedented flood
states and today we are matching our words with action as we are witnessing one of the
established self grounds for IDPs,” the directorgeneral said. Continues on page 2
ASUU insiststo on implementation Govt revive of agreement
technical education
By QUEENNETH A. OROBEDO BENIN CITY - Edo State Government says efforts are being intensified by the administration to revive technical education in the state. Secretary to the State Government (SSG) stated this yesterday in Government House, during a courtesy visit by the state chapter of the Nigerian Advance Party (NAP). The decision by government to revive technical education in Edo state, according to the secretary to the state government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, was borne out of the belief that technical education which created room for skill acquisition is major way out of the developmental challenges facing the nation. Acknowledging the
support the present administration has enjoyed from members of NAP, the SSG said the administration will sustain its earlier achievements in this second tenure, with special focus on policies that enhance the welfare of the people, including agriculture and employment generation. State chairman, NAP, Mr. Marvelous Imasuen said the visit was to show solidarity with the state government for the unprecedented developmental strides and appealed to government to consider more of their members for job opportunities. At a session with friends of Special Children Foundation, Prof. Ihonvbere who commended the initiative, enjoined the body to build a synergy with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of
Women Affairs and Social Development, and other organizations with interests in order to achieve their goals. The SSG noted that considering the challenges involved in running a foundation, it requires extra Continues on page 2
WORKSHOP: L-R: Commissioner for Engineering, safety and standards, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Mary Awolokun, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sam Amadi and Commissioner for Legal, Licence and Enforcement, Mr. Steven Andzenge, at a workshop on Nigerian Electricity Health and Safety Code in Abuja yesterday.
Edo set to begin SEEFOR
BENIN CITY - Edo state Deputy Governor and Chairman, state steering committee, State
Employment and Empowerment for Result(SEEFOR), Dr Pius Egberanmwen Odubu said the state government sufficiently mobilized and sensitized
all stakeholders towards the effective implementation of the various sub-components of indication during a meeting of the state
steering committee of SEEFOR. He gave the indication during a meeting of the state steering committee of SEEFOR in Benin City, on Wednesday.
BENIN CITY - The Conference of NonGovernmental Organizations (CONGOs) in Edo Sate, yesterday called on the
government to declare a state of emergency on Security and youth employment in the country with an appeal to the abductors of Chief
Mike Ozekhome to release him unhurt. The appeal which was contained in a statement issued in Benin City by the CONGOS, signed by
the President, Obasanmi Jude and Director of Publicity, Enabulele Destiny noted that the Continues on page 2
By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR
Ozekhome: Group wants state of By EYBALDUS emergency on security ENAHORO
The deputy governor noted that the state government appreciates the various engagements with the World Bank and other donor agencies aimed at deepening its capacity to deliver social; services to its citizens. He said the Edo State remains focused on having the expected reach to the greatest number of its citizens in the shortest possible time. Continues on page 2
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
News FAAN cautions governors
Continued from page 1
viability and economic implications on the resources of their states. “It is easy to build an airport, having built it though, it is a very onerous responsibility because whether an airport is small, whether it is big, it must have a runway that is like a big airport’s runway. “The runway must be maintained, if you have a terminal it must be maintained, if you have no flights coming in, you have no revenue, the government itself would have to keep putting that to make the airport usable. “It is only when these airports are built that they now know the consequences of building an airport. “There are a couple of state airports in the country, they are now coming to FAAN to say ‘what can we arrange to help make this airport a little bit more viable’ but more than that please help us manage it so that you keep the cost down. He said that FAAN could not stop any state government from building and owning an airport, but added that it was best to consider managing the airport before constructing it. “We are trying to do some good work in Akure to make it viable; Akure is one of the airports with the biggest land, we are going into agriculture there, it is one of our designated agro-airports. “We now have two airlines flying in and very soon as soon as people start getting used to flying into Akure, you will see the traffic will begin to grow; we
are very happy with the progress there. He advised that it was not usually necessary to insist on building an airport in a state when there is another airport close to the border of the neighbouring state. While taking into account the deteriorating state of airports in Nigeria, he said that FAAN was doing all it could to salvage the
situation and urged Nigerians to be patient “FAAN is keenly aware of our responsibility to Nigerians; we are aware that over the past few years our airports haven’t exactly been a monument of pride. “All I can ask for is patience and sacrifice because for the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA) in particular; it is going
to become a massive construction site shortly. “We are going to be building four multi storey car parks simultaneously, a new terminal, three new hotels, by October it would be a massive construction site. “By 2015, if you get to the MMA, you will wonder whether this is in Nigeria. Nigerians should please bear with us,” he said.
Earlier, Head of Operations, Gombe Operations Office of NEMA, Mr Apollos Jediel, said that the agency had established camps for about 105,700 estimated number of flood victims based on NIMET
Seasonal Rainfall Prediction Report. Jediel said that the camps were established in seven locations in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba to cater for the projected victims in the three catchments.
Floods displace 7m Nigerians
Continued from page 1 He called on state governments to match earlier warnings with action by identifying self grounds for various communities that might be affected by the disaster. Sidi explained that the agency set up such camps to shy away from the use of public infrastructure such as schools, churches and mosques used in the past. He said that the camps would be beefed up with mobile colleges and schools for IDPs to avoid disruption of school calendar as experienced in the past while security would equally be strengthened. The director-general warned communities still living in flood prone areas to relocate to such safer areas being established nationwide. He assured that food items and non-food items would be provided in the camps to ensure that IDPs did not lack such items.
Govt to revive technical Continued from page 1 education
commitment to understand, organize and care for children with special needs, just as he assured them of government’s support. He said such children should be given the
opportunities to achieve what others can. President, friends of Special Children foundation, Mr. Onome Otueroro, said the visit was to appeal to government for support.
ETSAKO EAST- It was fun and jubilation as the councilor representing the people of ward 9 (Imiegbai Hsokwi and Imiakebu) in Etsako East Local
Government Area of Edo State, put together a forum to witness the official flag-off ceremony of the Three Ibie Skill Acquisition Centre and Adult Education School. The project which is the brain child of Hon. Abdullali Sidi Yakubu is intended to improve the educational standard, small scale entrepreneurship of the people and their over all well being. According to the lawmaker, he made a pledge to have his input as a councilor to start a free of charge project which will be geared towards education and the development of small businesses in the community. Speaking further, Yakubu said that he hopes to organise other training in the area of soap making, fisheries, grass cutter farming and poultry and promised to pay enrolment fees for three best over all pupils in WASC and joint admissions and Matriculation Board examination in the next session as a reward for hard work. Earlier, the chairman of the occasion who doubles as Chairman of the Local Government Area Bar. Suleman Afegbua represented by Hon. Alokwe Boniface and Mallam Alli Suleman who was special guest at the occasion speaking separately praised the lawmaker for his vision and courage and urged others to emulate him. Dignities present at the occasion included representatives of HRH, J.B. Momoh the Ogieagah of Three Ibie Kingdom and members of Etsako East legislative arm.
Councillor flags off Skill Acquisition Centre for 3 Ibie communities
Edo set to begin SEEFOR
Continued from page 1
Dr. Odubu emphasized that the steering committee will continue to guide the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) of SEEFOR to ensure that objectives are met, in addition to strict adherence to work plans, throughout the duration of the project.
He appreciated the world bank for its continuous assistance to the state and appealed to the bank to speed up the take-off of the European Union grant element for the project, saying it would impact positively on the overall project development objectives of the intervention. The World Bank Team
leader, Jens Kromann Kristensen, said the bank is delighted to partner with the state government pointing out that Edo State is ahead of other states that are benefiting from the partnership in the country. He, however, urged stakeholders in the state to continue to ensure that SEEFOR achieves its aims and objectives in Edo State.
system. “Chief Mike Ozekhome has risked the better part of his life to ensure that all Nigerians particularly the young have a fair share in the wealth of this nation. Chief Ozekhome is a voice for the voiceless, hope for the hopeless, father to the fatherless, a man who believes that one Nigeria is achievable where people from the East and West, North and South come together to fulfill the dreams of our founding fathers,” the statement added. The CONGOs maintained that, “ it is sad that leaders of this great country Nigeria , a country blessed with rich human and natural resources have not been able to channel all these to the benefit of all. Issues of poverty, unemployment, falling educational standards, poor health and security systems, power, bad roads and near absence of basic
with reckless abandon.” While declaring that death penalty is not a solution, the group stated that rather government should spend time and resources to ensure that the various security outfits in the country are equipped with the requisite skills, equipment and motivation to be able to carry out their responsibilities, and the strategic roles of community policing and Neighborhood Watch cannot be down played . “It is time we come together to find ways and means of redirecting the innate potentials of our youths towards productive ventures and concerted efforts should be made to address the ever growing gap between the rich and the poor in our society. CONGOs unequivocally called on government at all levels as a matter of great national importance to declare a state of emergency on security and youth employment,” it added.
Group wants state of emergency on security Continued from page 1 infrastructures still pervades
issue of kidnapping has assumed a very frightening and disturbing dimensions in Edo state and Nigeria and this brings to the fore, issues of glaring moral deficit and social decay in the society. According to the group, this is, “with particular reference to the recent satanic and dastardly act that occurred on Friday August 23, 2013 in which Chief Barr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN ), a human right activist and a Board member of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organization was kidnapped. “Barr Ozekhome has been actively involved in championing issues and matters that benefits Nigeria and its citizens. We wish to lament that Ozekhome’s kidnap is a strong indication that Nigeria’s leaders have failed her people and should urgently address the economic and security lapses prevalent in the country to forestall a total collapse of the
Iuleha Queen mother passes on By INNOCENT OMOAKA OWAN – The Royal family of Iuleha Kingdom, Uzebba Iulela, Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State has announced the death of their Queen Mother, Mother, grand mother, great grandmother and widow of Late Oba Timothy OmoBaew 1 of Iuleha Kingdom, Her Royal Highness, Lady Florence Bamidele OmoBare Nee- Ojeifo Eguaikhide of Ojavun-Emai. Lady Florence Bamidele Omo-Bare who died on August 26, 2013, at Uzebba was the First Commissioner of Police of the former MidWestern region, first Indigenous Deputy InspectorGeneral of Nigeria Police, former federal Commissioner
of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation in Rtd General Yakubu Gowon’s administration. She was also the founder of Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in Lafiaji Lagos; member of Police Officers Association (POWA); founding Director of Ztimdels group of schools and Timdels foundation, and founder of Aunty Dele’s Children’s Club. Also, she was a knight of the Anglican Church and founder of Iuleha Women Move forward. A statement endorsed by Ayo Obuhoro indicated that the Christian wake in her honour is scheduled for September 6, 2013. while the traditional and family rites begins on September 9, 2013
Fidau prayer for Late Ebinme Oyahamoh holds By MERCY IYAHEN Saturday THE 40th day Fidau Prayer of Late Mrs. Ebinme Abadi Jessy Oyahamoh comes up on Saturday September 7th 2013. According to a release signed by Jimmy Zibril for the family, late Mrs. Eninme Oyahamoh passed on to the great beyond on July 23rd
2013 and was committed to mother earth on July, 28 2013. The prayer will take place at Jessy Oyahamoh residence, Sabo-Iyakpi, South Ibie, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State at 10:00 am prompt on Saturday September 7 th 2013.
Killing of officers will not deter us - Customs BADAGRY The Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, has said the alleged killing of a customs officer recently at Seme near Badagry, Lagos will not deter the service from fighting smuggling. Abdullahi gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, Mr John Moto, at Ibereko, near Badagry. He was represented by Mr. Victor Gbemudu, the Coordinator, Zone ‘A’ of the NCS. It will be recalled that a mob on August 29 allegedly killed Moto, a Superintendent of Customs in charge of the Aradagun Customs Checkpoint in Seme. Moto was said to be driving into the Seme Area Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for a meeting when he was attacked and killed. The mob was allegedly protesting the shooting of a suspected smuggler by the customs on the same day. Abdullahi said that it was worrisome that some people still engaged in extra-judicial
killing. He described the act as barbaric. “This setback will not stop us from discharging our duties; we will remain committed to anti-smuggling activities,’’ he said. The controller-general said that the deceased contributed to the development of the Ibereko Community. “I know that the controller of the command holds a customs/community parley with the people every month. “I do not know why this happened. As you can see, the officer lived in the midst of the people. “Our officers live and even build houses so as to be part of the communities where they work,’’ he said. Abdullahi said that some arrests had been made in connection with the alleged murder, and gave the assurance that the suspects would be prosecuted. He urged that the customscommunity relations should be more efficient to prevent breakdown of law and order. He said that the NCS would take responsibility for the education of the deceased’s children up to university level.
Edo to partner agencies to combat human trafficking
BENIN CITY-Edo State Government Trafficking has expressed its readiness to collaborate with relevant organizations to eradicate human trafficking in the state. The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation stated this in Benin City while receiving the new Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic In Persons NAPTIP Mrs. Ebilinga Cordilia Oluchi and her team who were in his office on a courtesy visit. Mr. Odion expressed worry
over the rising incidence of human trafficking in the country, noting that the state government has established Skills Acquisition Centres to train and employ youths who would probably have being lured to seek greener pastures abroad. Speaking through the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Dakpokpo, the Commissioner assured that the ministry will partner with the agency and key into its progammes in order to sensitize the people on the dangers of human trafficking.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Inside Edo Prepared Youths ’ll Succeed In Life By DAVID ONIMISI LAWANI
President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), Chairman, Board of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Phillip Foluso (right) and Agric Minister, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina at the Opening of the summit.
LG Boss Defines Administration’s Policy Thrust
AFUZE – Owan East Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. (Barr.) Jimoh Ijegbai has said that his administration is ready to partner with organizations or groups whose aims and objectives are geared towards impacting the youths, the unemployed and enhancing the general well being of people of the local government area. Barrister Ijegbai gave this indication while addressing members of Emerging Stars Theatre Group (EMSTAG), Afuze, who were in his office on a courtesy call. He commended the group for the initiative in coming together to form the EMSTAG, noting that the initiative would help keep them off crime and other vices that are detrimental to the youths as future leaders. The council boss disclosed that his administration has kept faith with his
electioneering campaign promises of restoring Owan East Local Government Area to the glorious days of Hon. Pally Iriase as chairman of the local government with the series of projects embarked upon by his administration in the last three months. He disclosed that as part of his restoration programme, he has awarded 16 primary school projects across the 11 wards of the local government area, which would soon be ready for commissioning and distribute of over 900 chairs and desks to primary schools with 2,300 being expected. Others, he said are the renovation of the Referral Medical Centre, addressing drainages to tackle the erosion problem of Afuze and the placement of order
ABUDU – The Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Chief Rowland Ibierutomwen has enjoined parents in the locality to invest more in the education of their children, saying education is the best legacy to bequeath to children. The chairman disclosed this in Abudu at the occasion of the presentation of the sum of N450,000 to pupils and students of primary and secondary schools children respectively, that won the 2013 spelling competition which was part of 2013 of the 2013 children’s National Day celebration in the area. The financial prize recipients in the primary school category were Ayemere Joshua who received N60,00.
Omoregie Osarugue, N50,000 and Osayande success, N40,00 as first, second and third prize respectively for the secondary school category, the recipients were Okunbor Doris, N120,00, Onome favour, N100,000 and Ehiorobo Aisosa N80,00 for the first, second, and third prize respectively. Speaking unbehalf of recipients, Doris Okunbor commended the chairman and his team for the positive change being experienced in the local government since assumption of office. Chief inspector of education in the area, Mr. Ernest Emokpae, represented by the Deputy Chief Inspector of Education, Chief Samuel
for 90,000 notebooks for distribution to school pupils next session which begins next week. According to the chairman, “I can pride my council as the only local government that pays staff salaries on or before 23rd of every month without waiting for allocation or taking overdraft or loan from any bank. “In fact, we are looking forward to September salary, Ijegbai remarked, attributing the feat to prudent management of resources and fiscal displine. President of EMSTAG, Mr. John Omiunu had acknowledged the developmental strides of Hon. Ijegbai as chairman since assuming office on April 22, 2013. He stressed that posterity
will never forget the council boss for making the dividends of democracy available to the people. He disclosed that the association, established in 2009 will be ready to partner with the Jimoh Ijegbai led administration by contributing its quota to the development of the local government area.
AUCHI – The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that youths who prepare themselves for the future will always make it in life. The governor made this assertion during the Afemai Youth Summit, an umbrella group in all that accommodate youths in the six local government areas that make up Edo North Senatorial District. The governor who was represented by the secretary to the Edo State Governmen t, Professor Julius Ihonvbere said: “youths should prepare themselves for the good days ahead”. On his part, the Guest Speaker, Prince Amen Edore Oyakhire, urged youths to be discipline and well behaved in their conduct. Prince Oyakhire represented by Mallam Nurudern Asunogie decried the inability of youths to live up to
-Gov Oshiomhole expectations in the society. “Weak elders now file behind indiscipline youths to inflict violence and pains on their communities out of inordinate and self ambition”, he said. According to him, “youths, whether defined from the context of age or state of mind, represent the harmony of society. They are the core prerequisites of beauty. They are responsible for the coherence and harmonious combinations of the different parts of the society. Society is sweet when it has the right youths”. The convener of the summit, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga who is the immediate past chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State advised youths to see themselves as tools for societal transformation. He said, “we need to develop the youths adequately to be part of the desired national rebirth and revival through a deliberate leadership training.
Council Boss Urges Parents To Invest In Children’s Education Imade commended the chairman for a new dawn which people in the locality are witnessing.
President Goodluck Jonathan, Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Phillip Foluso (right) with some Exhibitors during the opening of the summit yesterday in Abuja.
Benin Monarch Affirms Evbonaye As Evbotubu, attempted to impose as CDA Chairman. Iguedayi CDA Chairman appreciated the palace over
BENIN CITY – The Palace of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa has affirmed Mr. Sunday Osaro Evbonaye as duly elected and accepted chairman, /Iguedayi Community Development Association (CDA). A statement endorsed by Oronsaye Guobadia, Secretary to the Monarch indicated that the palace pronouncement was made on Wednesday, August 21, 2013
after much deliberation on the matter by the Oba and his chiefs. The statement advised the CDA chairman and his executives to respect elders of the community, especially the Odionwere (Community Head), Pa Edigin Evbonaye who was seen to be against their interest during the period of the election. The CDA chairman
the peaceful resolution of the crisis that trailed his election, promising to abide by the palace resolution. Prior to the resolution, he said Pa Edigin Evbonaye had dragged him before the police and the palace, over unsubstantiated allegations because of the community’s refusal to accept one Osamudiamen Edokpayi whom Pa Evbonaye
Mr. Sunday Osaro Evbonaye
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Inside Edo LG Organises Prayer Session For Staff UBIAJA: The Chairman, Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea has organized a prayer session at the council secretariat in Ubiaja, the administrative Headquarter of Esan South East Local Government Area. The session was presided
NUJ Congress Today
THE Nigerian Union of journalists, (NUJ), Edo State Council will hold its monthly congress today, Thursday, September 5, 2013. Venue is the NUJ Press Centre, No1 Reservation Road, GRA, Benin City. According to a statement signed by secretary to the union, Titus Akhigbe, the congress will commence at 4pm. The statement added that crucial issues will be discussed at the congress and therefore advised all journalists to be present.
over by Pastor Godeon Esuala and other ministers. The man of God Pastor Esuala told the congregation that they should put God first in anything they do. The session also featured songs ministration, exhortation with council chairman, his vice, Hon. T. Ijogbe, SLG; Hon. Solomon Oyedo; the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Barrister Osagiator Ojo; the TLG, Mr. Anthony Akhimen, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Personal Assistants and other Council Staffs in attendance. Hon. Ikpea enjoined all staff present to believe in God saying that there is nothing God cannot do. He urged as many who do not believe in God to have a rethink and return to God because he is the only way. The Chairman also told the congregation that in 2002 when he joined politics and vied for the office of Chairman, he was advised to join one secret cult or the other if he must be chairman. He further said that he chose to join God’s secret cult and now he is the chairman. Hon. Ikpea adviced all present to learn how to put their trust in God because all other gods are fake.
Hon. Joshua Osaigbovo Edward Councilor representing Ward 3 (Ewato) (right), Hon. Joseph Ikpea, Chairman Esan South East Local Government Council, his Vice, Hon. T. Ijogbe and the SLG, Hon. Solomon Oyedo during the prayer section organised by the council chairman in the council secretariat, Ubiaja.
Majority Leader Explains Speedy Passage Of Anti-violence Law BY RICHARD EWEKA
OWERRI – The Majority Leader of Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA), Hon. (Mrs.)
Hon. Solomon Oyedo, SLG Esan South East Local Government Council (right) Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Barr. Osagiator Ojo, the TLG, Mr. Anthony Akhmien and Hon. David Itepu, Councils Representing Ward 2 (Ewohimi during the prayer section organised by the Chairman of the council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea at Ubiaja
Flood Disaster: BY RICHARD EWEKA OWERRI: The Programme Director of Development Dynamics, a non-governmental Organization (NGO) Dr. Jude Chimdi Ohanele said the problem faced by Nigeria can be traced to ignorance and poverty. He gave the hint while
Adaku Ihuoma, representing Ahiazu/ Mbaise Constituency said the need to check the increasing rate of violence against persons in the state led to the speedy passage and signing into law of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPPB). She stated this while briefing the press on the implementation of the bill which has since been signed into law by the governor of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. According to her VAPPB law came about because of the need to protect the lives of people in Imo state. “As I speak to you now, there are violations happening in our society every minute and hour of the day. “We are here now, someone is been raped, abused and even traditional harmful practices is ongoing; we
need to checkmate these harmful practices by making provision in the law”. “The law has various sections and has a clear definition of rape, the various sections are explained in clear term for
their worth, not minding whether their action is negative”, according to him. Dr. Ohanele said the law has added a protective aspect and provision that prevent a violation of persons before the crime is carried out by the perpectrator(s). “Once you notice an intention of a person to carry out a violent crime against
his fellow citizens, all you need do is to involve the law by reporting such to the appropriate authority like the court of law which serves an order on the person intending to carry out the crime”. This, he said will prevent such perpetrators from going ahead with such crime.
Cyber Crime: Internet
Group President Calls For Stiffer Penalty BY INNOCENT OMOAKA
BENIN CITY- The president, Nigeria Internet Group, Engineer Bayo Banjo has called for tougher sanctions on perpetrators of Cyber Crimes in Nigeria. Engr. Banjo made the assertion, while reacting to the recent propose bill on Cyber Crime by the Federal Government, during a morning radio
LG Sensitises Residents
delivering a lecture on Imo state Violence Against Person Prohibition Bill (VAPP) at IPAS reproductive health cluster meeting for the South Zone held in Owerri, the Imo state. Speaking on the Update on the VAPP law, Dr. Ohanele commended the Imo state House of Assembly (IMHA) for passing the bill as well as governor Rochas Okorocha
for signing the bill into law in 2012. He said, with the law in operation and well implemented, the issue of ignorance and poverty is a thing of the past and the nation is sure to survive and develop. “When you look down on people and make them feel less important, they tend to do the unimaginable to prove
all to understand. The bill took us about 6 months to pass. “We have made the law; it has been signed into law; we all should join our hands together to properly implement it for the benefit of all”, she said
programme monitored in Benin City. According to him, the passage of such a bill into law would not guarantee an end to the high rate of cyber crime in the country. He added that much needed to be done in the fight against cyber crime, stressing that there is need for serious clamp down on perpetrator. Banjo said, “convicted cyber criminals should be seen serving jail terms for their offences which would serve as deterrence to other offenders. The propose bill on cyber crime recently sent to the National Assembly for passage into law has provision of fine ranging from five to twenty-five million naira. While prison sentence for convicted cyber crime offenders rangers from two to fifteen years, upon conviction.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Inside Edo PEN Urges ASUU To End Strike
More participants at the workshop held at Economic Team Conference Room in Government House, Benin City.
Police Academy: PSC Releases
Names Of Successful Candidates By ISEMHENBITA FAITH/ UNACHUKWU OBIANUJU
BENIN CITY- The Police Service Commission (PSC) has released the names of successful candidates who were offered admission into the course I of the
degree programmes in the police Academy Wudilm Kano. A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary and member/Secretary of the commission, Salihu Aliyu Gusau said the successful candidates should report to the Academy in Wudil, Kano State on Sunday September 22, 2013 for
Madam Olaye’s Burial Commences Today By OYENMWEN OMOROGBE
BENIN CITY The burial ceremony of Late Madam Ayo Rose Olaye Alias Iye Nomose, mother of Augusta Ovbude, former Deputy Editor of The NIGERIAN OBSERVER commences today, Thursday September 5, 2013. A statement signed by Mrs.
Late Madam Ayo Rose Olaye
Augusta Ovbude and Mr. Ben Olaye stated that the ceremony would commence today at 9am with the body taken from the St. Philomena Hospital Morgue, Dawson Road, Benin City to her residence, No, 9, Akenuwa street, New Benin, Benin City for lying in state, to be followed with vigil mass at the same venue by 4:00pm on Friday September 6, 2013 at 10am. There with be a funeral mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City and thereafter interment at No. 24 Okhokhugbo Road, Useh, Egor Local Government Area. There will be social party at noon on Saturday September 7, at the social Center, Our Lady of Mercy Nursery and Primary School, Dawnson Road, Benin City. The burial ceremony will climax on Sunday September 8, 2013, with a thanksgiving mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral Mission at 10.30am and Reception at her residence.
orientation and registration and to come along with the originals of their certificates. According to the statement, candidates who fail to report by September 29 2013 will forfeit the admission offered them and will have their places taken by the candidates on the reserved list. Also candidates who have been offered admission, should check the PSC W e b s i t e ( w w w. p s c . g o v. n g ) regularly as it will henceforth be the main channel of communication with them. Letters of the successful candidates have been forwarded to the state Commissioner of Police, the statement added. The Director of recruitment, Mrs. G. Logams listed the successful candidates of Edo State origin to includes, Ehimare Sandra Otibhor, Ikoghode Winnie Zuma, Solo Joshua Haruna, Ahekohimbia Azamaimi Tana, Okoyomo Martins, Esebamen Creda, Emuze Nosa Emmanuel, Momoh Mohammaed Ali, Aruya Pius Enahoro and Buhari Sule Fred. Others are Osagie Michael Osaro,
Itulah Richard, Irumekhai Shaibu Usman, Inaede .I. Emmanuel, Okeisuwe Osanwere Elizabeth, Amahian Femi, Isaac Imoleayo Samson Osagie John, Ojehomon Shepherd Osemoje and Akhibe Kingsley.
BENIN CITY-The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged closure of public universities in Nigeria. In a press statement endorsed by the PFN National President, Rev Dr Felix Omobude yesterday in Benin City, the body said it was not unmindful of the seeming uncompromising stance of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) vis-a—viz the federal government’s failure to honour the 2009 agreements reached with ASUU. “While PFN salutes the Spartan courage of the leadership of ASUU for its positive position on the urgent need to revamp and reposition the education sector, PFN is of the strong view that the need has arisen to bring into sharp focus the crushing brunt the nation is now being made to bear for the continued closure of the universities”, Dr Omobude stated. PFN however appealed to the leadership of ASUU not to throw away the baby with its bath water but should
return to class soonest in the interest of parents, students and indeed the nation. In a similar vein, PFN urges the federa1 government to treasure integrity that goes with honouring agreements by implementing the said agreement with ASUU with candour and greater commitment as that will reposition and service the education sector on continuous basis instead of waiting to be stampeded into action by strike Also, Dr Felix Omobude called on the three tiers of government to urgently address the issues of insecurity and unemployment currently posing serious threat to millions of lives in the country. “We urge government at all levels to as a matter of urgency address the issue of unemployment in the country with particular emphasis on youth restiveness”, the National President of PFN added The PFN however called for constant prayers, supplications and fasting for enduring peace and for the perfect will of God for Nigeria and her people should prevail without delay.
Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea (third right) with some members of Ewatto Social Club of Nigeria Benin Branch who visited him in Ubiaja, the Headquarters of Esan South East Local Government Area.
Catholic Media Practitioners Meet Today
THE monthly meeting of the Catholic Media Practitioners (CAMP), Edo State, comes up tomorrow, Thursday September 5, 2013.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Oboh Sylvester, said the meeting is expected to take place at Edo Broadcasting
Service (EBS) headquarters, Aduwawa, Benin City at 1.00 p.m. The statement also enjoined members to be punctual.
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South West Housewife Commits Suicide
COMMISSIONING: The paramount-ruler of Uromi, His Royal Highness (HRH) Zaiki Anslem Eidenogie cutting the tape assisted by Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Barr. Chris Ebare (right), the Onogie of Ewu Kingdom (HRH) Razak Y. I. Ojie (left) and Vice President of Akugbe 1 International Inc. Las Vegas USA , Barr. Andy Ikhine during the commissioning of water project in Ubierumu Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.Photo: GEORGE OKOH.
IJEBU-ODE (Ogun) - A 25 year-old housewife, Sakirat Abdullai, allegedly committed suicide in IjebuOde, after allegedly taking a meal of pap, mixed with shaving powder belonging to her husband. Sakirat, who is mother of a five-year-old boy, was said to have taken the mixture while having dinner at No 33, Ereko St. Ijebu-Ode in Ogun. Ahmed Abdullai, her husband, a driver and member of the Epe Unit of the National Union of Road Transport Workers was said to be away when the woman took the action. A friend of the deceased, Isiaka Abdul, alleged that the woman had been vomiting in a bucket found by her side after taking the poisonous substance. Abdul, who was in tears while speaking to newsmen,
Commissioning: Prince Tony Osime (right), President of Akugbe 1 International Inc Las Vegas USA and the Vice President, Barr. Andy Ikhine during the commissioning of a water borehole project at Ubierumu Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Photo: GEORGE OKOH.
Oduduwa University Sets Up Disciplinary Records Department of the Committee school for implementation.
ILE-IFE (Osun) - The Oduduwa University IleIfe (OUI) has set up a fiveman committee to look into examination malpractices and other forms of indiscipline in the institution. This is contained in the university’s publication, Times Weekly, issued on September 2, 2013. The publication stated that the committee held its inaugural meeting on Aug 2, 2013 where it discussed its mode of operation and acquainted new members with their terms of reference. It stated that some of the guidelines include determining the number of students involved in examination malpractices and inviting them to face
trial. “The committee is also to determine the extent of punishment to be issued to students who were caught in the June 2013 examinations and submit its
report to the school management,” the publication said. It said the committee’s report would be forwarded to the Examinations and
ABEOKUTA - An Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded a 42year-old man, Sanmi Oyewole, in prison custody for allegedly raping his cotenant’s six-year-old daughter. The Magistrate, Mr. Anthony Araba, who did not take plea of the accused, said he should be kept behind bars till Sept. 9. The newsmen reports state that Oyewole was represented in court by a counsel, Mr. Adeyemi Adebayo.
The police prosecutor, ASP Paul Etusi, had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offence on Aug. 24 at his apartment at No. 16, Ayedi St., Isale-Ake in Abeokuta. He alleged that the accused lured the hapless little girl into his room to watch cartoons before he pounced on her to rape her. “Oyewole plays with the girl and sends her on errands. She was in the room of the accused when a vigilant
The publication disclosed that members of the committee include Mrs. Chika Adekunle as chairman and Mr. Kolade Adedoyin as secretary.
Man, 42, Remanded Rape
neighbour heard the cry of the little girl. “The neighbour called the attention of people to what was going on and when the girl’s parents rushed to the room, they caught the accused in the act,” Etusi said. He said the offence contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006. Further hearing in the case has been fixed for September 9.
accused neighbours of not coming to the aid of the deceased while she was groaning. He berated the neighbours for not coming to assist the lady, although her room was widely open. Abdullahi told newsmen that he was shocked when he returned home to see the wife’s lifeless body. “I forced the door open because she didn’t respond when I started knocking,” he said. The Chief Medical Director, Ijebu-Ode General Hospital, Dr Wellington Ogunsanya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that drinking shaving powder could not result to immediate death as
claimed. According to him, it will take a period of three or more days before death can set in, if the condition is not treat on time. Ogunsanya said that there might have been other underlying factors that led to the woman’s death. The Area Commander of the Igbeba Police Division in Ijebu-Ode, ACP. Abdullahu Mudasiru, confirmed the incident. Mudasiru said, however, that he was still waiting for full report on the incident. The remains of the deceased was later taken to Imobi in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun for burial.
IBADAN - Oyo State Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES-O) is to be revalidated in order to ensure its optimum performance. Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, the Oyo State Governor, disclosed this at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan while addressing members of scheme. “The State Youth Empowerment Scheme is to be revalidated in order to allow the members contribute meaningfully to the development of the polity,” he said. The reports state that of the 18,200 members, only 500 of the YES-O cadets have been employed permanently by the state government. Ajimobi said an interview would be conducted very soon for the permanent employment of members of the scheme, with each of them being employed according to his or her discipline. “The state government will
soon conduct an interview in the YES-O cadet scheme so that those who are qualified will be employed on a permanent basis,” he said. The governor said the YESO cadets, who would be retrained for better performance, would be handed over to the local governments to handle their salaries. Ajimobi disclosed that he had hitherto planned to disband the scheme because of some allegations levelled against some of those in the scheme. “However, on getting to the venue of this meeting, I realised the high level of the scheme’s numerical strength and I had to reverse the decision and reconsider my stand,” he said. The reports state that the state government inaugurated the YES-O scheme in order to use the cadets to prosecute its Urban Renewal Programme, aimed at ridding Oyo state of filth and decadence.
Oyo Govt To Employ More YES-O Members
Ekiti Tasks Agency On HIV/ AIDS Campaign ADO-EKITI - The Ekiti Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation on Monday urged the state’s Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS to intensify its awareness campaign against the spread of the virus. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kola Ajumobi who gave the charge while receiving members of the agency in Ado-Ekiti, said this was to further sensitise people at the grass roots. “This is with a view to reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state,” he said. Ajumobi urged the agency to reduce the scourge and take advantage of the newlyestablished viewing centres
at Ijero-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti to further sensitise the people. The agency’s Programme Manager, Dr Charles Doherty, said the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state stood at 1.4 per cent, according to the 2010 Sentinel Survey. He said the survey translated to additional 9,500 new infections. Doherty called for more collaborative efforts with the ministry to further enlighten members of the society on the need to curb the spread of the scourge. “I however want to advise people to avoid stigmatising those living with the virus,” the programme manager said.
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Lagos Go For Further Treatment, LSHA Advises Taraba Gov By SURAJU RAJI LAGOS - The Lagos State House of Assembly has advised the Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, to accept the position of the state House of Assembly and proceed for further treatment in order to ensure that his sound health is restored before assuming office. Speaking in his office, the spokesman of the Lagos House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Hon. Segun Olulade maintained that the position of the Taraba State House of Assembly remains the best approach, adding that the health condition of Governor Danbaba Suntai is more paramount than his reassumption of office as governor of the state. Olulade stressed “the sudden appearance of Governor Suntai in a commando manner, his subsequent dissolution of the State Executive Council as well as the swearing-in of a new Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff actually left much to be desired”, The lawmaker advised
Governor Suntai to accept the honest position of the State House of Assembly and those of well-meaning Nigerians to proceed for further treatment and ensure that his sound health is restored before assuming office.
Hon. Olulade, further remarked,‘’Instead of dancing to the tunes been played by some power desperadoes in the state, Governor Suntai should rather be grateful to Almighty God for sparing his life after the ill-fated
plane crash”. The Lawmaker added that so many people were involved in a similar incidence but not alive to tell the story today. He advised that the governor should consider his wife and children and the good people of Taraba
State who are well desirous of his quick recovery from the injuries and shock. The lawmaker commended the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) for their patriotic statement which was made at its Annual General Conference in Calabar, Cross River State capital during the week, saying that their insistence on the need to ascertain the health status of the
governor before he resumes office is to forestall an impending constitutional and political crisis in the state. However, Hon. Segun Olulade enjoined the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and other relevant professional institutions not to shy away from making their positions known on matters that have to do with the safety and security of life like this.
LAGOS - A Nigerian Pop Star, 2face Idibia, is introducing the ‘2face Peace Awards’ to promote peace and support young Nigerians involved in peace projects in their communities. Idibia told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that six winners would be selected for the awards. According to him, the six categories are Women-led Peace Building,Youth Peace Building, and Peace building in the environment (for those having conflicts over resources). Other award categories are Projects on urban violence and community peace building, the use of technology or Social Media for peace building and Mediation directed at reducing violence against women and girls. The pop star said that N1million would be presented to each winner, along with opportunities to attend key global peace summits and exchange programmes in 2014. Idibia said that almost a quarter of the world lived in areas affected by military or civil conflicts. He however noted that there were young people who were busy building bridges across communities. “These young people are mostly unnoticed but you will find them working hard in various places, educating people and helping to manage conflicts and promoting peace. “They have become community leaders in peace building, reconciliation and post -conflict reconstruction, thereby establishing themselves as the next generation of leaders. “As we march towards Nigeria’s centenary celebrations
in 2014, more than anything else, we choose to celebrate these young unsung heroes, who are active in their communities, promoting peace. “We want to celebrate them through the ‘2face Peace Awards’’, ‘’ Idibia told newsmen. The singer said he would mentor the winners, assist them in sourcing funds and add his financial donation for them to continue with the peace projects in their communities. Idibia said the judges would assess applicants, based on impact of their projects, innovative-ness and sustainability overtime. According to him, the winners will be announced during the UN Peace Day event, scheduled for September 21, 2013.
2 Face Initiates N6m Peace Awards For Youths
Traditional Barbers at work in mile 12, Lagos recently
Cross section of participants at the 56th National Council on Health meeting recently.
Give Youths Opportunity To Serve,
LAGOS - The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on government at all levels to provide youths with the environment conducive enough for them to serve the fatherland better. The Lagos State Chairman of the council, Prince Gbadebo Taofeek, told newsmen in Lagos that if the youth were not given the opportunity to serve, there was no way they could learn leadership skills. Taofeek was reacting to reports on August 13, which quoted former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Ibadan as saying that the younger generation of leaders in the country had failed the nation woefully as they lacked integrity and probity. “The problem is not Nigerian youths the problem is the Nigerian Governments who failed to provide the enabling
environment for Nigerian youths to strive in their fatherland. “Statistically, go to the Internet and search for Nigerian youths that have excelled in different profession across the globe, their numbers are numerous. “You will now wonder why are these youths not coming to their fatherland to operate, it’s because our government does not recognise the potential in them; it does not give them the opportunity to serve their fatherland.’’ Taofeek called on the National Assembly to amend the section of the constitution that gave the youth the right to vote and yet denied them the rights to be voted for. “That is why we are saying ‘NO’ to it; enough of this discrimination against us; even our constitution gives Nigerian youth discrimination; rights to
NYCN Advise
vote but not to be voted for. “But go to other countries, if you are 18 years and above you can vote and be voted for. “We have raised an issue with
the National and State Assembly that they should allow 18 years to vote and be voted for, they said No they only want 18 years to vote and 50 years to be voted for.
Studies, Standard Aviation and Maritime Training Institute, Ojuelegba, Lagos State, has called for collaboration between the government and private sector to boost tourism industry. Ayanyemi, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that such cooperation would expand the revenue base of the government and enhance
the wealth creation potentials of the citizens. He said the collaboration would also give investors the opportunity to establish more institutions, training centres and create job opportunities. The director said that although establishing tourism institutions could be capital intensive, the investment would pay off in the long term. “Tourism can improve the
“And we are saying in a global world enough of this; lets encourage our younger ones, let’s give them the opportunity to serve, they will learn, they will crumble, they will fall and they will perfect the system.’’
Develop Tourism Industry, Lecturer Urges LAGOS – Mr. Barnabas Govt, Private Sector Ayanyemi, the Director of
economy of the nation through employment generation,“ he said. He urged the Federal government to develop the tourism policy into a business blue print and use it as benchmark for tourism businesses. “Government should constitute a panel to evaluate and determine the kind of development needed for tourism industry,“ he advised.
Use Of Antibiotics
Director Cautions Fish Farmers
LAGOS - Ms Foluke Areola, the Acting Director, Federal Department of Fisheries, has urged fish farmers to make proper consultations before using tetracycline antibiotic to treat disease outbreak on their fish farms. Areola told newsmen in Lagos that the major obstacle to the exportation of Nigeria’s fishes was the wrong administration of tetracycline. She said that fish farmers should be knowledgeable on how to administer medication on sick fishes because of the drug residue on the flesh of the fish, which often lasted from the time of administration to consumption. She said that the department had always warned farmers to be wary on dosage of drugs administered. “There is nothing wrong in using the right quantity of the medicine, but if you have done a wrong consultation with a quack, then there will be the issue of residue.’’ Areola stressed that only specialists such as veterinary officers could give the exact dosage of whatever medication to a particular fish disease. “That is why there are laboratories that are specialised for testing such diseases. Some can be multiple infections, or an injured fish could have microbial infection.” Areola recalled that early this year, the department in conjunction with FAO, consulted a specialist who enlightened stakeholders on fish disease and management.
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Across The Nation Flood Management: Dickson
Seeks Strategic Approach YENAGOA - Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has underscored the need to utilise existing disaster management process in handling the anticipated flooding across the country. Dickson said this at the opening session of a flood preparedness and management workshop in Yenagoa. He governor advised states to avoid duplication of responsibilities among response agencies. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief John Jonah, Dickson said that the 2012 flood disaster had provided a benchmark for better preparedness for future occurrences. He noted that the military was well positioned to provide support for the civilian population during disasters as most of their facilities were designed for conflict scenarios similar to disaster situations. Chief Francis Doukpola, the Chairman, Bayelsa Post Flood Management Committee, had said the workshop was organised to harness the views of experts in the academia and disaster management agencies in its preparation for expected floods in 2013. Doukpola said that the committee was collaborating with the Niger Delta University and the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa, in seeking solutions to mitigate flooding in the state. In his remarks, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, the Vice-Chancellor, said that the institution was compelled by the 2012 flood incident to establish a flood research group to find lasting solutions to mitigate future flooding. “Our experience last year was what forced us to seek solutions, within the first month of commencement of
academic activities, we were forced to close down the school and send our students home. “So, the history of our university and the flooding of last year are linked together and when we inaugurated the flood research group, we learnt of the efforts of the Bayelsa Government in setting up the flood management committee and it became imperative to collaborate” Aluko said. Aluko said the university was involved in the flood research as part of its efforts toward the development of its neighbouring communities. He expressed regret over the ongoing ASUU strike, saying that it had deprived temporarily denied the nation of the expertise of the universities and called for the involvement of the academia in national development initiatives.
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau (left) with the representative of U. S. Ambassador, Amb. Martin Brennan, who paid him a courtesy visit in Jos recently.
Kano Procures N1.2bn Water Pipes
L-R: Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger and Chairman, Board of Directors, New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), Prof. Halidu Abubakar, at the NNDC Management strategy Retreat in Kaduna recently.
GEZAWA (Kano State) - The Kano State Government says it has procured 600mm ductile water pipes worth over N1.2 billion for the supply of water to Yan’kaba area and other parts of Kano metropolis. The project is under the second phase of the state government’s water supply programme. The Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Yunusa Dangwani, made this known while taking delivery of the first batch of the consignment at Danja in Gezawa Local Government area. “As you can see, the first batch of the consignment has arrived and the laying of the pipes will commence very soon from Joda to Kawaji and Yan’kaba. “I am sure in the next few months, the pipes will be laid and the problem of potable water in
Mark Advocates Stiff Punishment For Vandals
ABUJA - Senate President David Mark has advocated stiff punishment for anyone caught vandalising national assets and infrastructure irrespective of status to serve as deterrent. Mark made the call in a remark at the opening of a two-day Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja on “Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).” The forum was organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for stakeholders to interact and come out with measures to protect state assets. Mark, however, noted that some of those charged with the responsibility of handling and protecting the assets colluded with vandals to destroy such infrastructure for selfish reasons. The senate president, who was represented by Sen. Mohammed Magoro, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said that the most critical asset of any nation was its human resource. According to him, protection of
assets must start from within not from without and the critical asset of any nation is its human resource. “When you put these assets and infrastructure, they are handed over to certain persons but we have had experience in this country where internal connivance has brought down a number of them. “Attack on them (assets and infrastructure) should be seen as an attack on Nigeria national interest; these are things that we will break or make us,” he said. He called for adequate remuneration for security forces and others saddled with protection of the infrastructure to motivate them as some of them compromised due to poor pay. Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, the Speaker of House of Representatives, called for review of the national security policy to enable security agencies to adequately deal with vandalism of infrastructure and other challenges. Tambuwal, who was
represented by Rep. Umar Bature, Chairman, House Committee on Interior, noted that the policy had not been reviewed since 1986. According to him, our greatest challenge now is how to respond to vandalism of assets and terrorism.
In his opening remark, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, the National Security Adviser (NSA), said that vandalism of infrastructure and terrorism were the two current prominent threats to national security. “The potency of threat of terrorism, militancy, oil theft, vandalism and sabotage of
Attempted Homicide:
MAKURDI - A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court has ordered two students to be remanded in prison for alleged attempted culpable homicide. The police prosecutor, Insp. James Owenye, said the accused, Taver Anyambula and Maurice Aluma, allegedly conspired to rob and attempted to kill a taxi driver, Titus Agbua. He told the court that Agbua reported the attempt on his life at ‘E’ Division Police Station on August 18. Owenye said the complainant
critical national assets and infrastructure has now become unprecedented,” he said. He noted that vandalism of infrastructure including oil facilities, telecommunication and power supply equipment was affecting government’s ability to provide adequate power and essential services to the citizenry.
the areas will be a thing of the past.’’ He said the pipes would be laid on a distance of 32 kms for the supply of water to Gezawa, Nasarawa, Gabasawa and parts of Minjibir Local Government. According to him, the state government has also procured additional power generating plant to boost water supply to Kawaji and other parts of the metropolis. The commissioner said that as soon as the pipes were laid, the people of the areas would start having water supply from Joda Water Treatment Plant which was recently expanded to meet the growing demands. He said that when the project was completed, the area would be receiving between 30 million and 40 million litres of additional water per day from the treatment plant. Earlier in his remark, the Contractor, Alhaji Awwalu Ilu, said his company was given the contract to supply 4,000 pieces of the pipe. He said the pipes which were ordered from China, had arrived in the country and that they would all be transported from Lagos to Kano before the end of this week.
2 Students Remanded
reported that the first accused, Anyambula, approached him at Taxi Park in Wurukum to take him to behind ‘E’ Police Division to pick two of his friends. He said the complainant agreed and they picked up Aluma and one Ushahemba Imo, from where they headed for Judges’ Quarters to pick one of their girlfriends. The prosecutor said the complainant told the police that before they could get to their destination, Imo stopped him
on reaching Terwase Agbadu Village and brought out some chains. He said others joined Imo and chained him and cellotaped his mouth before he was robbed of his vehicle with registration number BF 477 NSR valued at N400,000 at gun point. Owenye further informed the court that the complainant told the police that the accused also robbed him of his Nokia phone. He said that during police investigation, two of the accused were arrested, while Imo escaped and was still at
large. The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to the Penal Code, and the Armed Robbery and Firearms Act. When the case came up for mention, the accused did not take pleas for want of jurisdiction. The police prosecutor, however, said investigation into the case was ongoing and asked the court for adjournment. The Magistrate, Mrs. Franca Yuwa, adjourned the matter to October 22, for further mention.
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Abuja
Training Of Diplomats ’II Strengthen Nigeria, ABUJA- The Federal Government said that the training programmes for midcareer diplomats of Nigeria and Switzerland would boost the bilateral relations between the two countries. Dr Martin Uhomoibhi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said this at the Reciprocal Training Programme for mid-level Swiss Diplomats in Abuja. Uhomoibhi said that in 2011, the Swiss government trained diplomats from Nigeria, adding that the training opportunity for young career diplomats would promote an understanding of both cultures. He also said the exchange programme with the theme; “fostering greater understanding and cooperation”, would better equip diplomats in line with global best practices. “Some of our young officers have benefitted from a similar programme organised by the Swiss government in 2011. “The training programme came out of the realisation that for young career diplomats to cope adequately well in discharging their duties against the backdrop of recurring global developments with attendant challenges. We need to fortify them with appropriate capacities. “For the 36 plus one training programme of the ministry, a programme which we have devised to select the very best of our young officers for each state of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory to send them out on training programmes to acquaint them with global best practices.
“This current training programme that we are hosting is specifically designed to further uplift our friendly relations. “We live in a fluid and dynamic world in which events and developments in one country have real and potential ramifications for all others. “It is, therefore, important for states and the international community to have greater perspective, greater understanding and a wider appreciation for these events as well as determine how they impinge on the interests and welfare of other states.” The permanent secretary said that the programme would also assist international community and stakeholders to fashion appropriate responses to global challenges in “a wellinformed manner”. In his address, the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Hans-Rudolf Hodel, said the training would promote understanding among citizens of both countries. “Good relations between two countries depend on relations between people of the two countries. “In order to have good
diplomatic relations, we need people who understand each other’s country; we need diplomats who understand the other country’s customs, its culture and politics; who can explain the other country to our constituencies back at home thereby create an understanding.“ He said that both countries maintained dialogue in areas such as politics, human rights and migration, adding that several projects were on ground to enhance cooperation in such areas. “The five diplomats, I see them as the Switzerland’s next generation of Nigerian specialists, of Africa’s specialists. “They do not only represent the Swiss federal department of foreign affairs, we also have representatives from the federal office of migration and one from the federal office of police. “This variety of backgrounds shows how broad the links between Nigeria and Switzerland have become; it also shows how important Nigeria is to the Swiss government overall.“
Switzerland Relations The ambassador also advised participating diplomats to share experiences during the
programme. The 10-day training has 10
diplomats participating, with five coming from each country.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar (right), Niger State Governor, Aliyu Babangida and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi during a press briefing to announce the formation of new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja recently. Photo by Omoye Aminu.
Minister Seeks Civil, Military Aviation Partnership
ABUJA- The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has called for collaboration between Civil and Military Aviation (CMA). Oduah, who made the call in a statement issued by her Media Adviser, Joe Obi in Abuja, said
the collaboration was necessary to guaranty safety in the Nigerian airspace. The statement said the minister
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Niger State Governor, Aliyu Babangida, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi Adamawa State Governor, Muritala Nyako and Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatai Ahmed during a press briefing to announce the formation of new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja recently. Photo by Omoye Aminu.
spoke when the Chief of the Air Staff; Air Marshall Alex Badeh, visited the ministry. She said it was crucial for CMA to have proper collaboration to ensure peace, efficiency and hitch-free operations in the nation’s airspace. The minister called for regular meetings between the CMA to deliberate on issues and take actions when necessary. “It does not speak well of us as a country that the Air Force Commandant, Airport Manager or Director of Operations would be giving contradictory directives. “This is not good for our passengers because we also deal with international passengers; therefore, we have to work as a team. “We must have a collaboration platform in all our airports to narrow the command and control centres to know who is giving the instructions and why they are
giving the instructions, so everybody has to be on board. “We need each other for the nation’s airspace to be safe and have an efficient aviation sector,’’ she said. The minister said there are some potential that the civil can learn from military aviation, especially in the fields of maintenance and engineering. “It is only when we collaborate that we can achieve this, I therefore want to call on all stakeholders to put hands on deck,’’ she said. According to the statement, Oduah thanked the military personnel for building an aircraft hangar that may generate more funds to the nation. “These hangars have commercial values and through collaboration, the Air Force will earn additional revenue and we can have the technical back-up that we need in the industry. “Our intention is to be the maintenance hub in the region.
The event organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) was aimed to inform the public at the grassroots about the changes and transformations that has occurred in the sectors since 2011. It also aimed to give Nigerians a clear understanding of the administrations achievements so far. The event gave stakeholders and the public the opportunity to discuss, observe and give recommendations to various sectors with the view to achieving sustainable
new legislation on evidence, there was room for an improvement as ‘it is part of life to experience challenges’. He therefore scored the administration 70 per cent for achieving great success for the sector in two years. Mrs Medina Nadabo, a Journalist and Human Rights Activist, scored the government 70 per cent for its efforts at improving the employment rate of women and the youth in the country. “Transport is now more organised, the park and pay
system is working and this has created employment for youths who would have been jobless and idle,” she said. She said with the introduction of the community-based health insurance scheme in the FCT a pace was set for other governments to follow. Dr. Bayo Aluko, a Consultant and Facial Surgeon, National Hospital, Abuja, commended the achievements of the administration for providing primary health care and a trauma centre in the FCT.
Stakeholders Score FG High
ABUJA- Stakeholders in various sectors have scored the present administration 70 per cent for achieving great success in governance in the last two years. The commendation was made during a stakeholders’ conversation on the mid-term report (MTR) of the administration. The sectors included: Health, Environment, Security, Human Capital Development, Information and Communication Technology, Justice and the FCT administration.
-FG
development for the country. Mr Joe Gadzama, a Constitutional lawyer and member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said there had been radical success in the justice sector as the rights of citizens were more protected than before. Gadzama said Nigerians now had confidence in the system and in judicial pronouncements as the administration had put into office individuals who ensured that justice was served. He noted that although there were a few inadequacies in the
If we are going to accomplish that, definitely we are going to need your help,’’ she said. The minister said that approval had been secured to rehabilitate the Mubi and Kaduna air strips after a full assessment of these and other challenges facing airstrips across the country. She thanked the Air Force authorities for granting the request to use part of the Makurdi Air Base as one of the 13 approved Perishable Cargo terminals in the country. Oduah said the cargo had the potential to holistically transform the nation’s economy. She promised that the 13 perishable terminals across the country would be ready by December. According to the statement, Badeh has earlier commended the minister for the ongoing remodelling of the 22 airports across the country. He thanked the government for the approval for Mubi and Kaduna airstrips, saying, it would help the military operations in the fight against security insurgency in the country. The Chief of Air Staff, according to the statement applauded the intervention of the minister in the airports rehabilitation. He described it as huge relief to passengers, adding that, it had redeemed the image of the nation. He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his Transformation Agenda, saying that it had brought about the facelift given to the airports and making it functional.
THE NIGERIAN
10
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Business + Economy
Expert Wants ICT Equipment Manufactured Locally LAGOS – Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Chief Executive Officer of Teledom Group, urged the Federal Government to encourage local manufacturing of ICT equipment. Ekuwem told newsmen in Lagos that manufacturing such equipment locally would promote the development of ICT products in the country. He said that the rapid growth so far recorded in the sector would not be sustained if every ICT component was being imported. ‘ICT local content still remains grossly under developed in Nigeria. ‘Many reasons are adduced for this situation including the high cost of production and scarcity of expertise. ‘Currently, there is over dependence on foreign importation of software and hardware and this has diminished opportunities for economic empowerment. “Its absence has contributed to limited capacity building in ICT,” he said. Ekuwem said that the absence of local content in the ICT sector could halt the country from moving from technology-
consuming nation to technologyproducing nation. The expert said that developing local content and leveraging ICT for higher productivity, good governance and global competitiveness would enable the country to meet its Vision 20:2020 “Efforts should be made by the current government to ensure that certain aspects of ICT components are manufactured locally. ‘Though the industry has recorded tremendous growth over the years, what remained for the country to actualise is to develop local content in the ICT. “It will generate employment, boost our economy and check capital flight, among other things,” Ekuwem said. He suggested a policy that would attract multinational companies to set up assembly plants to produce ICT products in Nigeria. Ekuwem, however, said that the power sector must be fixed, security issues must be addressed and other relevant infrastructure must be put in place to attract local and foreign investments.
Flood caused by the overflowing Gubi Dam in Bauchi recently.
Aviation: Compliance With Rule Of
Law, A Major Challenge - NCAA
IKEJA - Fola Akinkuotu, Director-General (DG), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has identified compliance to rules and
regulations in the Nigerian aviation industry as a major challenge facing the sector. Akinkuotu said this during a two-day seminar on Aviation Laws organised for judges and other stakeholders in Lagos. It was organised by the agency in collaboration with the Socioeconomic Rights Initiative (SERI). He said that there were laws to safeguard the sector, adding that the challenge with the industry was compliance to the laid-down rules by its
stakeholders. The DG noted that NCAA would ensure full compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). kinkuotu explained that the essence of the seminar was to educate judges and lawyers on the intricacies of aviation industry practices. “When I took over this job, I was asked what the problems were in the sector. “My candid response was that we have enough laws, but what
we need is compliance. If we comply, we will have a very save environment, despite the changes in the laws. “I beg all of us to comply with the laws. If we comply, we will have a better and a safer society. “Our primary job is promotion and enforcement of safety in the sector with the compliance of the eight critical elements as being promoted by ICAO, “ he said. The DG noted that the aviation industry as international business, required standard legal framework to function properly in any environment.
ABUJA - The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has said that the country had lost about 35 per cent of its capacity to generate electricity to vandalism resulting in damages to power installations. “Currently, we have lost about 35 per cent of our capacity to generate power simply because of vandalism,’’ he said at the opening of a two-day Stakeholders Forum on
“Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure ’’. Nebo equated vandalism of national assets to declaration of war on the country. “I have always considered vandalism of national assets and infrastructure as a moral equivalent of war, it is as if vandals are declaring war against Nigeria. “We are bleeding from the effects; one way or the other as the economy bleeds as result of vandalism of critical assets and infrastructure, all of us suffer. “When the power sector lose in that fraction, virtually all the other sectors are affected; when transmission sub-stations are hit, our capacity to transmit power that is actually generated falls below expectation,’’ he said. The minister, who said that gas supply was the most affected by vandalism, called for concerted efforts to check the act. He said that as a result of such damages, the economy suffered a lot with the manufacturing and industrial sector suffering untold hardship and degradation. “The small- and medium-scale enterprises encounter all kinds of problems, including stunted growth,’’ he said. In his contribution, Mr Andrew Yakubu, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, said assets and infrastructure in the oil and gas sector had suffered more from sustained vandalism than
any other sector in the country. “ I want to observe that infrastructure and assets in the oil and gas sector have suffered vandalism not only more but longer than other sectors in the country. “The oil and gas industry remain the fulcrum of Nigeria’s economy and for many years, has sustained large scale social and economic development programmes for the benefit of all Nigerians. “Any threat to the sector is a threat to us all and it must not be taken lightly or allowed to persist,’’ he said. Yakubu commended President Goodluck Jonathan for intervening to check vandalism in the sector, saying that the intervention had resulted in the boosting of oil and gas production. “Already, the president intervention in recent months is already yielding positive result in the recovery of lost oil and gas production. “As a major direct beneficiary of this unique and strategic conference, we wish to thank the President for his resolve to address vandalism and to ensure the protection of assets,’’ he said. He urged the forum to devise a comprehensive strategy that would include political approach, use of relevant technology and community engagement to protect critical assets across the country.
Power: 35 Percent Generation Capacity Lost To Vandalism - Nebo
National Orientation Agency (NOA) Chief Mobilization and Orientation Officer in Iseyin Local Government, Mrs. Fatimo Adigun, sensitizing traders and market women in Iseyin on the importance of FOI.
Isekhure Lauds Inauguration Of IMAN By IJEOMA UMEH
BENIN CITYChief Noaskhare Isekhure, the Isekhure of Benin Kingdom has lauded the inauguration of the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) and its strategic location in Benin City He described the development as highly commendable and a welcome initiative considering the incessant rate of smuggling of contraband through the nation’s porous borders, sea ways and ports. Isekhure made the commendation when the executive members of the association paid him a sensitization visit in Benin City Describing the association as an initiative which every responsible Nigerian should applaud, Isekhure noted that it is a
matter of national integrity for such strategic organization to be set up due to the serious risk posed by hazardous goods and products being brought into the country, including the developed countries. While pledging his support to the association, the Isekhure enjoined the executives to discharge their duties with utmost integrity. He stated that the location of the IMAN in Edo state could not have come at a better time when more advanced counties including America are taking proactive measures in giving due attention to internal security. According to him, any country without legal frameworks to
combat illegality is doomed. The Isekhure also enjoined importers to collaborate with IMAN to ensure that importation of goods and services are done in accordance with stipulated standards and regulations as applicable to developed countries. While pledging his support to the association, the Isekhure enjoined the executives to discharge their duties with utmost integrity. In his address, the chairman of IMAN, Edo State chapter Dr. Nosa Ighodaro informed the Isekhure that the sensitization visit was to houour him as a patron as well as intimate him with the association’s aims, objectives and modes of operation.
He also stated that in the event of seizure of goods or containers, the body will intervene for every registered importers. Dr Ighodaro highlighted IMAN’s role and guidance to Importers to include right import to be involved in as well as opening vistas of opportunities for them to be involved in legitimate international businesses. It also includes guaranteeing the protection of their business from point of entry to their final destination. While enjoining Importers in Edo state to register with IMAN, pay their dues and enjoy the benefits of membership, Dr. Nosa Ighodaro however warned those who still involve in illegal Imporation to desist from it to avoid any form of embarrassment and litigation by IMAN.
THE NIGERIAN
11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(04/09/13) Stocks
Open
Close
Change
Deals
Units
Value
MBENEFIT
0.5
0.5
0
7
293,000
146,500.00
7UP
72
72
0
15
19,851
1,296,214.80
MCNICHOLS
1.5
1.5
0
1
3,635
4,907.25
ABCTRANS
0.78
0.82
0.04
6
155,529
127,518.55
MOBIL
112
112
0
30
38,938
4,332,842.04
ACADEMY
1.9
1.9
0
1
4,022
6,917.84
MORISON
2.01
2.01
0
2
17,061
30,880.41
ACCESS
10.36
10.36
0
167
10,136,332
105,012,399.52
MRS
36.14
36.14
0
12
21,850
710,780.50
AFRINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
500,000
250,000.00
MULTIVERSE
0.5
0.5
0
2
1,000
500
AFRIPRUD
1.85
1.84
-0.01
52
2,406,630
4,287,002.67
NAHCO
6.35
6.22
-0.13
37
368,075
2,313,313.19
281,834.50
NASCON
11
11.15
0.15
35
333,640
3,718,634.00
AGLEVENT
1.7
1.55
-0.15
6
181,390
AIICO
0.87
0.79
-0.08
60
8,315,542
6,650,261.28
NB
164.09
161.29
-2.8
173
841,402
136,185,542.93
AIRSERVICE
3.44
3.1
-0.34
9
679,408
2,167,105.89
NEIMETH
1.11
1.11
0
9
161,428
179,475.08
ALEX
10.5
10.5
0
1
200
1,890.00
NEM
0.72
0.7
-0.02
28
1,433,300
1,007,610.00
ASHAKACEM
20.26
20.3
0.04
31
222,212
4,499,494.01
NESF
552.2
552.2
0
4
5,020
2,495,350.00
AVONCROWN
1.71
1.71
0
1
6,673
10,276.42
NESTLE
935
935
0
50
14,973
13,863,368.79
BERGER
8.7
8.7
0
11
10,000
86,904.10
NIG-GERMAN
7.36
7.36
0
1
625
4,143.75
BETAGLAS
13.18
13.18
0
1
500
5,935.00
NNFM
28.49
28.49
0
2
22,900
596,810.00
BOCGAS
6.5
6.5
0
6
27,251
159,932.35
OANDO
11.37
11.7
0.33
177
2,537,121
29,051,216.47
CADBURY
50
49.02
-0.98
49
349,960
17,299,311.81
OKOMUOIL
46.02
46.07
0.05
67
1,185,057
54,745,519.89
CAP
43.65
43.68
0.03
33
363,297
15,655,670.56
PAINTCOM
1.95
2.13
0.18
7
230,300
490,137.00
CCNN
8.9
8.62
-0.28
20
389,678
3,375,203.04
PHARMDEKO
1.85
1.85
0
1
5,000
8,350.00
CHAMPION
17.03
15.33
-1.7
6
162,800
2,505,240.00
PORTPAINT
5.01
5.01
0
5
104,903
531,215.00
CHELLARAM
4.41
4.41
0
2
100
397
PREMBREW
0.68
0.68
0
1
700
518
CONOIL
28.8
28.8
0
21
38,601
1,082,470.66
PREMPAINTS
10.93
10.93
0
1
520
5,116.80
CONTINSURE
1.24
1.22
-0.02
15
50,499,700
62,629,427.00
PRESCO
37.5
37
-0.5
28
248,334
9,217,639.73
CORNERST
0.5
0.5
0
7
653,545
326,772.50
PRESTIGE
0.6
0.54
-0.06
4
561,000
302,950.00
COSTAIN
1.15
1.21
0.06
40
1,578,475
1,888,038.41
PZ
38.9
41.99
3.09
50
227,545
9,185,121.06
COURTVILLE
0.71
0.68
-0.03
12
469,000
311,920.00
REDSTAREX
4
4
0
12
904,307
3,617,228.00
CUSTODYINS
1.39
1.51
0.12
25
1,200,520
1,705,963.41
REGALINS
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,960,896
980,448.00
CUTIX
1.69
1.75
0.06
7
179,429
316,891.25
ROYALEX
0.55
0.56
0.01
7
1,178,981
650,949.55
DAARCOMM
0.5
0.5
0
3
18,000
9,000.00
RTBRISCOE
1.39
1.38
-0.01
25
595,598
826,686.14
DANGCEM
190
190
0
115
4,991,564
965,648,692.96
SCOA
5.32
5.32
0
2
4,397
21,061.63
DANGFLOUR
9.01
9.01
0
34
226,661
2,043,529.52
SKYEBANK
4.01
4.04
0.03
85
3,556,013
14,295,054.21
DANGSUGAR
10.6
10.6
0
80
1,091,342
11,581,966.53
SKYESHELT
100
100
0
2
5,000
500,000.00
DIAMONDBNK
6.1
6.18
0.08
40
718,458
4,409,842.76
SMURFIT
1.28
1.28
0
1
1,000
1,400.00
0.5
0.5
0
1
5,000
2,500.00
DNMEYER
1.72
1.88
0.16
7
123,182
221,980.48
SOVRENINS
DUNLOP
0.5
0.5
0
2
42,500
21,250.00
STANBIC
17.07
18.07
1
69
1,259,307
22,480,977.72
ENAMELWA
32.27
32.27
0
4
5,000
145,250.00
STDINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
1
2,600
1,300.00
EQUITYASUR
0.5
0.5
0
6
340,000
170,000.00
STERLNBANK
2.4
2.4
0
46
3,436,696
8,338,995.55
ETERNA
2.61
2.75
0.14
26
931,905
2,595,667.65
THOMASWY
0.73
0.73
0
3
99,205
72,419.65
ETI
14.35
14.36
0.01
104
2,494,264
35,583,113.55
TOTAL
157.9
157.9
0
14
15,021
2,361,383.28
EVANSMED
3.13
3.13
0
13
207,435
624,408.47
TRANSCORP
1.35
1.28
-0.07
121
16,111,251
21,419,564.93
FBNH
15.72
15.25
-0.47
619
13,894,614
213,258,084.79
TRANSEXPR
0.91
1
0.09
11
2,061,418
2,061,418.00
FCMB
3.8
3.9
0.1
84
1,492,104
5,798,051.02
UAC-PROP
16.18
16.18
0
28
439,745
6,816,348.25
FIDELITYBK
2.75
2.75
0
123
8,652,879
23,420,888.87
UACN
56
56
0
49
228,200
12,692,588.83
FIDSON
1.98
2.01
0.03
28
1,090,976
2,185,556.24
UBA
7.35
7.5
0.15
310
18,052,534
133,881,789.03
FIRSTALUM
0.5
0.5
0
1
1,000
500
UBCAP
1.35
1.28
-0.07
118
11,857,606
14,602,381.39
FLOURMILL
83.78
83.78
0
75
132,556
10,787,180.07
UBN
10.8
10.8
0
112
519,144
5,622,945.36
FO
35.7
35.7
0
58
286,401
10,247,702.13
UNIC
0.5
0.5
0
1
193
96.5
GLAXOSMITH
60
63.45
3.45
29
166,741
10,423,800.20
UNILEVER
61.05
61.05
0
55
126,915
7,642,962.54
GUARANTY
24.9
25.1
0.2
478
21,379,024
535,610,019.31
UNIONDAC
0.5
0.5
0
1
7,000
3,500.00
GUINEAINS
0.5
0.5
0
7
312,422
156,211.00
UNITYBNK
0.53
0.51
-0.02
53
8,772,311
4,515,364.37
GUINNESS
250
250
0
52
39,959
9,857,824.03
UNIVINSURE
0.5
0.5
0
19
3,362,829
1,681,414.50
HONYFLOUR
3.02
2.96
-0.06
48
1,692,306
5,087,795.28
UPL
3.74
3.71
-0.03
21
444,669
1,627,746.52
IHS
2.3
2.33
0.03
4
600,000
1,365,500.00
UTC
0.65
0.65
0
10
193,448
126,432.22
IKEJAHOTEL
0.82
0.8
-0.02
19
610,500
497,320.00
VANLEER
12.68
12.68
0
1
5,000
57,100.00
INTBREW
21.49
21.49
0
30
108,366
2,233,592.45
VITAFOAM
4.02
4.41
0.39
27
1,215,299
5,099,185.14
INTENEGINS
0.89
0.93
0.04
32
763,718
649,427.65
VONO
1.06
1.16
0.1
5
104,500
121,220.00
IPWA
0.69
0.69
0
7
119,189
83,149.86
WAPCO
90.5
92
1.5
76
888,022
81,582,951.25
JAPAULOIL
0.5
0.5
0
38
996,773
498,446.50
WAPIC
0.99
1.05
0.06
25
34,586,861
35,616,373.27
JBERGER
74.71
74.71
0
38
317,890
22,275,290.90
WEMABANK
1.1
1.02
-0.08
29
2,745,057
2,853,277.01
JOHNHOLT
1.26
1.26
0
2
10,277
12,815.78
ZENITHBANK
19.85
19.85
0
328
13,291,839
263,946,843.01
JOSBREW
3.54
3.89
0.35
4
87,960
342,164.40
LASACO
0.5
0.5
0
6
313,000
156,500.00
LAWUNION
0.5
0.5
0
3
30,645
15,322.50
LEARNAFRCA
1.5
1.5
0
9
50,145
81,522.90
LIVESTOCK
4.09
4.2
0.11
36
745,438
3,066,211.70
MANDRID
5.94
5.35
-0.59
1
50,000
267,500.00
MANSARD
2.2
2.2
0
17
773,620
1,702,875.03
MAYBAKER
2.12
2.2
0.08
30
776,590
1,674,820.26
TOP 10 GAINERS Stock GLAXOSMITH PZ WAPCO STANBIC VITAFOAM JOSBREW OANDO GUARANTY PAINTCOM DNMEYER
Close 63.45 41.99 92 18.07 4.41 3.89 11.7 25.1 2.13 1.88
TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain 3.45 3.09 1.5 1 0.39 0.35 0.33 0.2 0.18 0.16
Stock
Close
Loss
NB CHAMPION CADBURY MANDRID PRESCO FBNH AIRSERVICE CCNN AGLEVENT NAHCO
161.29 15.33 49.02 5.35 37 15.25 3.1 8.62 1.55 6.22
-2.8 -1.7 -0.98 -0.59 -0.5 -0.47 -0.34 -0.28 -0.15 -0.13
THE NIGERIAN
12
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
THERE have been growing cases of insecurity in Nigeria over time with the increasing incidence of religious extremism by members of the Boko Haram sect. The continued Kidnapping of citizens in the country is also worrisome as this have grave consequences on Foreign Direct Investment and development as a whole. Mother of Finance Minister was kidnapped, three primary school teachers also and now, Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. WE are disturbed over the security situation in the country as some foreign countries based in Nigeria are restricting the movement of their citizens within some states in the country. WE are even more worried over the implications of corporate citizens’ perceptions of our security on larger businesses and in particular, growth and development of the country. Unfortunately, efforts by Nigerian security to address the challenge have not yielded the desired results. IT is an incontrovertible fact that there could be no meaningful development in any society where security of lives and property is heavily under threat. Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative reports have exposed loss of colossal sums of money through oil theft by criminals who, in our view act in concert with powerful and well connected Nigerians including even some unscrupulous officials of the nation’s security organisations. THE sad situation the nation finds itself
THE NIGERIAN
Worsening National Insecurity is an attestation of the lack of political will by government over the years to deal decisively with the various security challenges that have arisen with one leading to the other, some of which now have ethnic, and religious colourations. Kidnapping of multinational oil workers in the Niger Delta went on for too long unaddressed until it metamorphosed into kidnap of innocent low income earners, a situation which speaks volumes of our unpreparedness to tackle the menace of kidnappers until the mother of the Finance Minister and Head of the economic team of Mr. President was kidnapped by hoodlums to the utter embarrassment of the whole nation. TERROR groups in Northern Nigeria have, since the inception of the Jonathan administration unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in most parts of the region with security agencies and the presidency promising almost on a daily basis to deal with the insurgence without any lucid headway till
date. CLEARLY, the Nigeria Police Force has failed woefully to live up to its responsibility as from every indications, the police themselves, including the high authorities are themselves either involved in criminal activities or are pre-occupied in shielding perpetrators of criminal offences. THE political class have equally not helped the situation as most of them are involved in arming youth groups to do their political billing who in turn go back to the trenches with such arms to perpetrate criminality against the people and the state. WE are strongly of the view that if Nigeria must attain its national goals and objectives, the present administration must take proactive steps to fight insecurity in the land and restore hope and confidence amongst all stakeholders. BUT in all, we believe the President needs to exercise the political will to make this happen. Mr. President needs to throw away ethnic, sectional and other sentimental garbs and wear his nationalistic apparel to deal with insecurity in the country. GOING forward, we recommend a well organised, multi-stakeholder approach to dealing with insecurity in the country. The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air force, Department of State Security Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Customs and most importantly, the Nigeria Police Force need urgent overhaul. All outfits need better coordination to arrest the situation and make the country safer for all.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Coping With Childlessness In THIS piece is dedicated to everyone who wants a child: the childless couple, the older women who are still single and feel their biological clocks is ticking, the ageing bachelors, and the ones who have had one child but can’t seem to conceive another! Life is funny…and sometimes seems unfair. Most people go through phases in life. When they are young, they can’t wait to get older. When they get older, they can’t wait to finish school. When school ends, job hunting becomes the bane of our existence. After that too, especially for women, getting married becomes an obsession. It seems like there is always something to want, need, do. It is a vicious cycle. But I think, of all things that people would wish for, the most devastating not to attain is procreation. Conceiving and giving birth to another human being such as you is the most special of all. Nothing compares to it. The challenges that childless married couples face are daunting and numerous. No other married couple can feel the sadness and pains they endure on a daily basis than childless couples themselves. Even women, who think that, not being married is the end of the world, try getting married and still remain childless. It causes so much heartache and pain. Even though men desire children as well as women, society (Nigeria specifically) has made it natural to assume the fault is the woman’s. Men are generally left out of the picture. And, especially in the rural areas, it becomes acceptable for the husband to remarry. According to a recent scientific study, the cause of infertility can be divided into following ratios: about a third due to problems with the male; about a third due to problems with the female; and the remaining third with unidentifiable problems in either the male or the female. Couples who are not able to have children may experience a wide spectrum of feelings—jealousy, despair, envy, isolation, and bitterness. They may feel singled out for an ordeal few others seem to experience, and they might find it difficult to fit into social circles where everyone else has children. The anguish can go so deep that seeing a baby can feel like a knife in their hearts. Men and women tend to react somewhat differently to infertility. Women often experience profound grief and sadness. They tend to cry a lot and to reduce their anxiety by talking about what they’re experiencing. Men, on the other hand, express fewer anguished feelings and seem to be less affected by being childless. They generally don’t feel as free to talk about their feelings and tend to have less opportunity to discuss them with friends. Here’s a story from a childless woman describing her life: “I was just wondering the other day why there is no recognition of the pain and suffering of infertile women – those who want to have children – of their own and were not able to. My own story is that I was married at 34 and just assumed that my husband and I would have at least 4 children by age 40. It never crossed my mind preparing for my wedding that it was a possibility that I may not be able to conceive. “By age 40 I stopped trying, i.e., pills, monitoring ovulations, etc. I did anything and everything that did not involve invasive surgical procedures. My husband, who was also in his 30's, talked so much before our marriage about carrying on his family because he was the only son. He was tested and found not to be at fault. I was told that there could not find a reason for me not getting pregnant. Sometimes it seems it’s more acceptable to find a reason than not to find a reason at all. When there is a reason, usually there is a solution. “For some reason, my husband did not want to adopt. I tried for foster children, because I did not want to live my life without children in it, but he never followed through with the entire process. Then in my late 40's I was diagnosed with a chronic illness – which meant that, by this time, the foster care agency would not accept me as a foster parent. My husband never talks about it – he just says it was not God’s will. “The lack of children in my life is a pain that’s always there. Just seeing my sisters and nieces with their families is painful. My husband’s sisters and nieces all have many children and always have family get-togethers, family vacations, reunions, etc. We are the only couple on both sides of the family who don’t have children and I feel as if we stand out like a sore
Marriage (Pt1)
thumb. The holidays are hard to get through. We’re in our 60’s now and our house is so quiet. We should be enjoying our grandchildren now, if we had them. I’ve often wondered how other couples who don’t have children (not by choice) handle their childless life. Do they ever get over it?” Couples struggling with childlessness need support from family members and friends. However, it’s important not to be intrusive into this very private dimension of a marriage but find a way to show support and care without being too forward. Christian couples are not necessarily spared the pain and suffering that usually accompanies childlessness. In fact, they may have to endure even more ridicule from fellow Christians who may regard the childless couple as faithless or weak in prayer. The ones who are not so born again are subjected to various disrespectful suggestions; Asked to go for ‘deliverance’ sessions, being pitied, having people praying for you just
because they see you have no kids, the spiritual husband or spiritual children under the sea theory, the embarrassment is endless and despairing. Here are a few tips in dealing with a loved one whose is childless ; ? Show understanding and acceptance. ? Listen without giving advice. ? Let the couple know you are there for them. ? Don’t ask a woman if she is pregnant. ? Give the couple respect and privacy. ? Don’t offer false hope. ? Don’t joke about infertility. ? Don’t suggest solutions, such as infertility treatments, adoption, or foster parenting. These are options that should be privately discussed between couples. ? Don’t offer the commonly repeated misinformation that a woman who adopts often gets pregnant soon after. ? Learn about infertility so you can be an informed listener ? Don’t ask her what she’s waiting for to give birth, is your husband cool with you guys not having kids or any other stupid question like that Family dreams can be more complex. One couple longs for a baby girl after giving birth to four sons. Another couple -
“The suspicion of infertility and the eventual validation of that suspicion are always traumatic. Disappointment and the prospect of unrealized expectations occur often in life, but never quite to the degree that they do with infertility.”
Relationship With IMOISILI EDITH 07089364470 infertile - dreams of cradling just one infant they can call their own. If the first couple’s hopes are shattered, they are still thrilled to take home a baby boy. But what about the infertile couple’s shattered dreams? They have spent time, money, and emotional energy on infertility treatments and adoption pursuits. What if a bolted door that says KEEP OUT is the only thing waiting for them at the end of their quest. For them, watching other families from the sidelines hardly seems like an acceptable alternative. How will they cope? A rocky road Infertile couples travel the rocky road of uncertainty. They find themselves asking, “What can we hope for?” Some couples see infertility as a malady and become consumed with it. Their longing for a child swallows up the joy in their lives. Money and time are no object in their pursuit
to adopt or become pregnant. They will do anything; make any sacrifice, to have a child. They may have uncomfortable feelings toward those who are blessed with children. They may find fault with each other or become angry with themselves. They may doubt God’s wisdom as it applies to their lives. These are intense feelings and is very real. Infertile couples often spend many years seeking medical treatment. Sometimes their pursuits are successful, and they eventually conceive. At other times treatments are unsuccessful. It may not be clear even to a physician why a couple cannot conceive. Coping with infertility isn’t easy The suspicion of infertility and the eventual validation of that suspicion are always traumatic. Disappointment and the prospect of unrealized expectations occur often in life, but never quite to the degree that they do with infertility. Finding comfort and hope Infertility is indeed a rocky road, but it is never hopeless. The extent of a Christian’s earthly hopes is always, be it as God wills. God has a plan for all of us, even the infertile. In Ephesians 1:11-12, we read, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” There is much comfort in those words. They remind us that God has chosen us to be his own in and through the work of Christ Jesus. They remind us that everything is in conformity with God’s purpose and will, even infertility. A couple’s infertility will somehow serve God’s purpose and bring glory to the Savior’s name. Coping requires that kind of comfort. How wonderful to know that our lives are not off track. Within God’s plan everything fits together perfectly. To be continued
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Issues
His Own Worst Enemy Rotimi Amaechi:
IN a recent interview on an online channel TV360, the current Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi stated that President Jonathan and his wife were bent on removing him from office as Governor of Rivers State. As indigenes of Rivers state and people who understand the origin and nature of the current crisis in Rivers State, We were in awe and were rudely shocked. We could not believe that the elected governor of our state and one who is supposed to be the political leader of the ruling party in Rivers state would denigrate himself to so lie during a recorded media interview. It was a shameful thing to watch and more than anything else, gave us another reason to add to many others that Amaechi was not fit to be a political leader who should have built the political skills to manage men and relationships. Even though many of us have known that his strategy was to rope-in the President and win cheap sympathy from a section of the media in the South-West and Lagos specifically, this direct affront on the President was clearly a no-brainer and a dirty below the belt hit which portrayed Rivers people in poor light as being run by a very flippant governor who does not think before he talks. We have listened to some of his colleagues such as Jigawa’s Sule Lamido and Ekiti’s Kayode Fayemi and none of them talks as recklessly as our Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Ekiti’s Kayode Fayemi is a lot more cultured, intellect founded and careful with words. Not so with the Governor from Rivers State who incidentally graduated with a degree in English Language from the University of Port Harcourt. We have heard Amaechi
gave just too many reasons why he thinks the Presidency is fighting him. We have heard him say it is because he had previous disagreements with the President’s wife bordering on the demolition of certain waterfronts in Rivers State. We have also heard him say that it is because the President’s wife wants him to confer with her on certain state policies. We have also heard him say that it is because of his stance on establishment of the sovereign wealth fund. We have also heard him say that it is because of his stand of the over bloated fuel subsidy claims. We have also heard him say that it is because of his decision to run for NGF Governorship. Not done yet, we have also heard him say that it because the Presidency suspects that he intends to run for the Presidency or is Vice Presidency in 2015? How many reasons will Amaechi give on why he thinks the Presidency is fighting him? Curiously, in all his vicious and nauseous attempt to ropein and incriminate the Presidency in the crisis in Rivers State through his very reckless rhetoric, we have never for once heard Governor Rotimi Amaechi explain to Rivers people or Nigerians why he is at war with his former Chief of Staff and now Minister of State for Education Chief Nyesom Wike. Rotimi Amaechi has cunningly and deliberately refused to tell Rivers people and Nigerians why there is lost love with his former confidant Nyesom Wike. Neither has he ever explained why Nyesom Wike is bent on bringing him down in spite of Nyesom Wike’s very loud and defiant media briefings where he has directly attacked Amaechi. The question is, why is Amaechi scared of hitting at Nyesom
By THE NEW RIVERS ALLIANCE
Wike? What is he afraid of? It was at a youth program in Ekiti state that Governor Amaechi said that Nigerians are too timid for a revolution and that the nation is almost in a dictatorship. How ironic. Are Rivers people also too timid for a revolution? Does he think that Rivers people are happy about the tens of billions of
N20 bn already spent on the Rivers Monorail for a less than 5 km stretch and just pillars to show thus far? Aren’t these good enough reasons for Rivers people to begin a revolution? How many people know that the initial PPP partner for the monorail project, a company called STI Group
to Mile Three and then Old GRA and even the New GRA are over burdened with bad internal roads even though billions of naira had been previously budgeted for these roads. Isn’t this a good enough reason for Rivers people to begin a revolution against Governor Amaechi’s government? Whatever happened to the hundreds of millions earmarked for the Operation Zero Pothole Project? Did Amaechi punish the Commissioner of Works who was responsible for such a scam? No. Instead, the Commissioner was sent to the house of representatives where he is now House Chairman overseeing the
Gov Rotimi Amaechi naira wasted so far on the proposed Rivers Mega Hospital which is yet to get off the ground? Does he think that Rivers people are happy about the fact that a project which was supposed to be a (Public-Private-Partnership) PPP project has suddenly become a contract awarded to the supposed PPP partner Clinotech Canada? Does Governor Amaechi think that Rivers people are happy about the more than
and facilitated by a former Governor of Rivers State General Anthony Ukpo had chickened out of the project because they felt Rivers State was not yet ready for that kind of heavy financial drag down and the existing support infrastructure constraints? More than 90 per cent of internal roads in Port Harcourt are at various stages of hopeless disrepair. From Mile One Diobu to Mile Two
“Curiously, in all his vicious and nauseous attempt to rope-in and incriminate the Presidency in the crisis in Rivers State through his very reckless rhetoric, we have never for once heard Governor Rotimi Amaechi explain to Rivers people or Nigerians why he is at war with his former Chief of Staff and now Minister of State for Education Chief Nyesom Wike.”
Downstream Commitee. Infact, Governor Amaechi had himself told a group of clergymen at the Royal House of Grace Church or so that the Operation Zero Pothole was used as an opportunity by some to embezzle money. The question again is, did he punish those who were responsible? Again, NO. Visitors to Port Harcourt have seen some fancy model school buildings strategically located at visible parts of Port Harcourt township. They look very good. They were built at the cost of One hundred and twenty (120) million naira each and there is one in almost each community in Rivers State. The truth is that apart from those in Port Harcourt metropolis and its environs
such as Tai & Eleme, the others (in the hinterlands) are at varying levels of decay and abandonment. Some have been abandoned while others were improperly completed and left to decay. Some have even been overrun by grasses and bushed. I am sure the people in these communities are a little too timid else they would have begun their own revolution by now. At the Ekiti Program, Governor Amaechi also used the opportunity to tag the Jonathan administration as some sort of dictatorship. Some of us find that funny coming from a character such as Governor Amaechi. It was Governor Amaechi who suspended local government chairmen because they were having a meeting with someone who he considered his opponent. It was Governor Amaechi who revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of buildings that he perceived were being used by opposition elements for meetings in Rivers State. It was Governor Amaechi who suspended a local government chairman for being loyal to the Minister of State for Education. So how can an Amaechi call a Jonathan a dictator? It beats us. We have other questions. Infact too many to list out here. Was it President Jonathan or his wife that caused Amaechi to fall out with his former confidant and Chief of Staff? Was it President Jonathan or his wife that caused Amaechi to be at war with many of the elders and key stakeholders of Rivers State PDP? If the President is behind the crisis in Rivers State, would he have just five (5) house members behind him? We believe that Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi have set out to gravely undermine the office and person of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and this is not a good thing. It is not in the nature and tradition of Rivers people to disrespect, undermine or malign those who have set to provide leadership over us and if Governor Amaechi does not retrace his step and apologise to the President immediately, we will have no choice but to mobilise Rivers youths to publicly disrespect, undermine and disgrace him. The truth is, time will tell if Amaechi is his own worst enemy.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Child Health And You
Blood Donation And Its Benefits By B.C. OGBOGHODO
INTRODUCTION
BLOOD is a living tissue. It is the most donated tissue in medical practice and is a veritable tool in many life-saving situations, if used appropriately and judiciously. Advances in medicine and technology have increased the need for blood in cases of road traffic accidents, complications of pregnancy and child birth, various anaemia and surgical emergencies. As much as blood can be life saving, its misuse can be dangerous and life threatening. Blood is specie-specific which means that we can only use human blood for human beings. We depend on other humans for it, hence, we need to encourage the spirit of voluntarism in our people to ensure a regular supply of this important commodity – BLOOD. A good blood transfusion policy should facilitate the provision of safe and adequate blood and as well as blood products for Nigerian population. WHAT IS BLOOD MADE UP OF? An adult human has about 4 – 6 litres of blood circulating in the body. Among other things, blood transport oxygen to various parts of the body and remove carbondioxide from the blood. Blood consists of several types of cells floating around a fluid called plasma. The cells are: red blood cell, white blood cell and palette cells. The red blood cell contains hemoglobin that bids oxygen. The differences in human blood are due to the presence or absence of certain protein molecules called ANTIGENS and ANTIBODIES. The antigens are located at the surface of the red blood cells while the antibodies are in the blood plasma. Individuals have different types and combinations of these molecules. The blood group you belong to depends on what you have inherited from your parents. There are more than 20 genetically determined blood group system known today, however the ABO and Rhesus system are the most important ones use for blood transfusion. Not all blood group are compatible with each other. Mixing incompatible blood group can lead to blood clumping or agglutination, which is dangerous for individuals. The ABO blood group was discovered by L.K Landsteiner in 1901 and the Rhesus blood group in 1937. ABO BLOOD GROUP SYSTEM: There are four different kinds of ABO blood group namely; A, B, AB, and O. BLOOD GROUP A: If you belong to the blood group A, you have antigen A on the surface of the red blood cells and B antibodies in your plasma. BLOOD GROUP B: If you belong to blood group B, you have the B antigen on the surface of the red each and A antibodies in your blood plasma. BLOOD GROUP AB: If you belong to the blood group AB, you have both the A and B antigen on the surface of your red cells and A or B antibodies in your plasma. BLOOD GROUP O: If you belong to the blood Group O, you have no A and B antigens in the surface of your red cells but you have A and B antibodies in your plasma. ABO Antigen Antigen Antibody Antibody Blood Type A B Anti-A Anti-B A Yes No No Yes B No Yes Yes No O No No Yes Yes AB Yes Yes No No RHESUS FACTOR BLOOD GROUPING SYSTEM: Just as 85.0% of the world populace have the D antigen in their red blood cells and RhD positive in Nigeria, however, it is 95.0% D antigen to 5.0% RhD. The remaining 15% lack the D antigen and are Rhesus negation. Your blood group is defined by your ABO and RhD group. The chart below explain the nation blood Groups. ABO Blood Group Rh (D) type Blood Group O + O Positive O O Negative A + A Positive A A Negative B + B Positive B B negative AB + AB Positive AB AB Negative DONATING BLOOD BY COMPATIBLE TYPES: Blood types are very important when a blood transfusion is necessary. In a blood transfusion, a patient must receive a blood type compatible with his or her own blood type. If the blood types are not compatible, red blood cells will clump together, making clots that can block blood vessels and cause death. BLOOD TYPE DONATE BLOOD TO RECEIVE BLOOD FROM A+ A+ AB+ A+ A- O+ OO+ O+ A+ B+ AB+ O+ OB+ B+ AB+ B+ B- O+ O AB+ AB+ Everyone AA+ A- AB+ ABA- O OEveryone OBB+ B- AB+ ABB- OAB AB+ ABAB- A- B- OWHAT TO EXPECT WHEN DONATING BLOOD: Donating blood is a life saving gift for anyone who has suffered a near fatal accident, or watched a friend or family member cling to life, they will tell you that the gift of blood is the ultimate gift of oneself. If you want to donate there are some questions and answers that you need to know: (1). Donating blood is completely safe. All the needles and bags that will be used are brand new and are used only once, to ensure that you are safe from potential infection. (2). When you register, you will have to show identification. If you frequently donate blood, you will be given a blood donor card. If it is your first, you will fill out a consent form and questionnaire. (3). When you go to donate blood, you will be given a brief examination, where a Medical Laboratory Scientist will take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood for blood count. (4). You must be 18 years old and above and not have donated blood in the last 8 weeks. (5). A Medical Laboratory Scientist will prick your finger and test for blood iron levels and packed cell volume (PCV) if the iron level is not high enough, you will come back in 56 days to try again. PCV must exceed 38% before you can donate. (6). You will be asked if you have HIV, AIDS infections, syphilis, Hepatitis B or C, TB or any disease, etc. If yes, you cannot donate if you are on antibiotics, you will be asked to come on a later date after completing the antibiotics. (7). Before donating blood, make sure you eat a healthy and balanced meal, drink plenty of liquids (especially juice or milk)
and take your medications as prescribed, eat iron- rock food like meat, fish, green leafy vegetables. (8). Relax as you are donating blood. If you are scared of needles, tell the person draining your blood, they will help talk you through the process. (9). Wear short sleeve tops, or clothing that can be raised above the elbow that will not constrict you. (10). Generally the medical laboratory scientist withdrawing your blood will clean the area they are about to draw from with methylated spirit before inserting the needle. They will attach the tube they are using to a bag. Normally it takes about 7-10 minutes for a pint of blood to be drawn. However don’t worry if it takes longer. As soon as a pint is collected, they will remove the needle and place a small cotton wool and put a bondage over the area of the arm. The blood is collected into a bag with acidatriate dextrose to prevent your blood from clothing. (11). Once donation is completed, you will be directed to an area to enjoy refreshment, sit down, hydrate and eat to allow your body time to adjust to the slightly lower volume of blood. NOTE: You will be able to enjoy your day as .you would normally do. Your body will replace lost plasma in about 24 hours and you body will take 2-3 weeks to replace the red blood cells, 6 -8 weeks to replace the lost iron. Blood donation is a simple process that takes little time and save countless lives. BENEFITS OF BLOOD DONATION – Be the Life Saver: There is no substitute for blood donation. Giving blood regularly saves lives. If you donate blood, you can help in saving lives of many patients. Blood donation is not hazardous. It proves to be a healthy habit that helps blood renewal. The volume of blood donation is 370:400ml, almost 7.5% of the adult blood volume. It is compensated in a short period of time. Blood donation is beneficial not just to the person receiving the blood, but also the donor. IMPROVES HEART (CARDIOVASCULAR) HEALTH: Donating blood improves your overall cardiovascular health. Increased level of iron in the blood raises the chance of heart disease. Regularly donating blood helps males in particular to reduce the amount of iron in the blood. This can reduce the chance of heart attack by 88%. Additionally, regular blood donation can lower the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as stroke by 33%. ENHANCES THE PRODUCTION OF NEW BLOOD CELLS: When blood is withdrawn, the donor’s body immediately begins to replenish the lost blood. New cells are produced by marrow within 48 hours of donation, and all of the red blood cells the donor loses during donation are completely replaced within one to two months. Therefore, donating blood helps to stimulate the production of new blood cells. This process of replenishment can help your body stay healthy and work more efficiently.
BURNS CALORIES: Donating blood on a regular basis can also improve fitness. Donating one pint of blood (450ml) burns 650 calories in donor’s body. ENHANCES FEELING OF WELL BEING IN ELDERLY PEOPLE: Many elderly people who are in good health have reported feeling invigorated and reenergized by donating blood on a regular basis. REDUCES CANCER RISK: Give blood to help lower your risk of cancer. According to the Miller-Keystone Blood Centre, consistent blood donation is associated with lowered risks of cancers, including liver, lung, colon, stomach and throat cancers. Risk levels drop in correlation with how often participants donate blood. FREE HEALTH SCREENING DONE: In addition to all of these benefits, a donor receives a free prior health screening plus mini blood test. There will be an HB level test, as well as a blood pressure and body check. Blood is also tested for some major diseases and the donor is immediately informed in strict confidentially if any of these tests show positive results. SAVES LIVES: By donating blood, many lives are saved and hope is given to many whose situation may otherwise be hopeless. Blood donors give such patients a second lease of life. BRINGS JOY TO MANY: When you donate blood, you impact not only the patient whose life may depend on your donation, but also all those who depend on that patient. The entire community will benefit from the spirit of generosity. MRS B.C. OGBOGHODO Research Fellow II, Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City Edo State, Nigeria. ***************** ‘CHILD HEALTH AND YOU’, a Weekly Thursday Feature, is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, and the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), Benin City. Comments on this page should be forwarded to The Editor, Observer newspaper or Director, Institute of Child Health University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Spotlight Being A Paper Delivered by Professor (Mrs) A.O. Aisien, consultant Obsterician and Gynaecologist at Council of Nights Health Symposium INTRODUCTION Health is a treasure and of all temporal possessions, is the most precious. Many people think that they are healthy if they feel no pain or fever but real health is more than this. Definition of Health Health is defined as a state of complete physical and mental well being and not merely the absence of disease. The price we pay for ill heath? Ill health is a burden with many faces: • Financial cost: Increasing cost of treatment for ill health can create financial burden • Reduced productivity: Ill heath will reduce time spent at work and hence affect output Ill health can result: • In the anguish of suffering terminal illness • The agony of enduring chronic pain • The sadness of seeing others who are seriously ill • The despair of experiencing the loss of a loved one. These experiences are traumatic How can we keep good health? There are natural steps to keep good health and these consist of: • Exercise • Drinking plenty of water • Breathing deeply fresh air • Rest • Abstinence from toxin • Good mental attitude • Sunshine • Avoid stress • Eating the right kinds of food EXERCISE Our body is designed for movement. Lack of exercise is one of the greatest causes of weakness of body and feebleness of mind. “Our Lord God took man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2: 15). A sedentary lifestyle is a direct route to an earlier grave. A healthy lifestyle can hold back the aging processes as much as 3Oyears. • Exercise help us FEEL GOOD. LIFE becomes more fun • Exercise strengthens the head. This is important in a culture in which every second a person dies of heart and vascular disease • Exercise lowers blood pressure • Exercise lowers LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol level in the blood and often raises HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol again decreasing heart and vascular risk (LDL is the bad part of cholesterol: HDL is the good part). • Exercise strengthens bones by helping them retain calcium and other minerals • Exercise lifts depression • Exercise relieves anxiety and stress. • Exercise helps maintain desirable weight levels. It builds muscles and burn fat • Exercise improves circulation, and that makes for clearer minds, better sleep, and faster healing of damaged areas It has been demonstrated that people who dedicate at least 4 periods of 40 minutes each to physical exercise every week run a smaller risk of circulatory disease. Exercise prevents hypertension, obesity and keeps the body in good condition. Available Exercises Walking The best physical exercise for everyone which may be done without restriction is walking. Walk faster with longer strides. Many great men including statesmen and world leaders have been devoted walkers. Many peop1e have solved their problems or developed their ideas and plans while walking. Jogging Most efficient way for cardiovascular Fitness Swimming Swimming exercises all major muscles in the body, keeps the joints flexible and gives virtually all the cardiovascular benefits as jogging. It is recommended for people with arthritis, back problems and weight problems. Bicycling Bicycling is a very effective form of exercise. If done in the street, be careful to prevent accident
Role Of Diet And Lifestyl Health, Longevity And K Gardening and golf: These are other good exercises for keeping fit and healthy • DRINKING PLENTY OF WATER Water makes up of 60% of our body. The body takes in food and water and passes out what it does not need as stool and urine. The kidneys are the special cleansing filters for the blood and water is important for this job. The digestive system needs water so that the faeces are not dry or hard, causing strain. The skin needs water to maintain itself firm and healthy. The bone should contain an adequate proportion of water to maintain their elasticity and hardness. We need water externally for personal hygiene as well as internally. Every day at least 6 glasses of water should be taken. Two glasses are taken before breakfast, making sure the water is not too cold. This will cleanse the stomach from all the mucus that accumulates during the night. Drink one or two more glasses of water before the noon meal and another one or two glasses before the evening meal. Water applied externally has a great healing power. The techniques of hydrotherapy, such as jets, sauna, may lessen or even heal many illnesses. Even if it is once in a while, we should try to take hot bath with bath salts and relax before going to sleep at night. • BREATHING DEEPLY FRESH AIR Oxygen is the most vital thing the body uses, and it is obtained by breathing. One can live several weeks without food, several days without water but we cannot live more than three or four minutes without breathing. The part of the body which needs oxygen most is the nervous system. The brain suffers permanent damage if deprived of oxygen for more than 5minutes. The oxygen in the air is necessary for food to be burnt in our cells to produce energy for living. There is only one way to obtain this oxygen and that is by breathing. Many people have a habit of shallow breathing— not feeling up the lungs when they breathe. Disease in the lungs occurs in those parts of the lungs which are not used because of shallow respiration. Deep breathing should be practiced several times a day, preferably outside the house. The kind of air we breathe also matters. Many germs too small to be seen can be carried in the air, and often cause disease. Germs thrive and grow well, in stale, damp air found in houses that are closed up with many people in them. Germs do not live well in fresh air and sunshine. Infact, sunshine kills germs. Houses should have windows that allow air to pass easily in and out especially in sleeping rooms and in the kitchens. General cleanliness also helps the air. The best and purest air is found in the country, away from smoke, fumes, and smells of the city’. • REST Along with exercise, comes rest. Incidentally, the person who exercises most, is the one who is able to rest. The Bible says and 1 quote “The sleep of a labourer is sweet.” (Ecclesiastes 5: 12). Rest is important for all parts of the body. The brain and nerves profit from rest most. Sleeping is the best medicine for tired nerves and aching muscles. To be able to rest well, a person must be warm and comfortable. The bed should be firm. It is well to place the bed and beddings out in the sun for several hours at least once a week. A minimum of seven hours of sleep is ideal for an adult daily. Our body, apart from daily rest needs other periods of rest: at least one day per week of rest and an annual rest. Many adults also find that a midday rest of 3Ominutes is a big help in increasing their health. “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (Genesis 2:3). • ABSTINENCE FROM TOXINS (ALCOHOL, SMOKING) Alcohol is not just a problem for young people, it is the greatest drug problem in the world for all ages. It is regarded as second to tobacco on the list of the “The most Deadly Drugs.” Despite the dangers, everyone in our society comes into contact with alcoholic beverages in one way or the other. We are exposed to commercials on television, radios, singing the praises of one brew after another. How alcohol affects the body Brain
By PROF (MRS) A. O AISIEN Alcohol, even in small amounts, causes irreparable damage to brain cells. Some die and others are altered Heart Alcohol increases the risk of hypertension, stroke and damage to the heart muscle. Lungs Alcohol depresses respiratory functions Reproductive system
In men, alcohol can damage cells in the testes causing impotence and sterility. In women, alcohol can cause irregular menstrual cycles and malfunctioning of the ovaries (female egg). Alcohol ingestion in pregnant women can cause birth defects, infact, regarded as alcohol fetal syndrome. Liver Because the liver must filter alcohol from the blood, alcohol affects it more than any other organ of the body. Excess calories in alcohol are stored as fat in the liver Functioning liver cells die from alcoholic poisoning. Scar tissue replaces dead cells, causing cirrhosis. Immune system Alcohol weakens the body’s immune system against infection and breast cancer. Alcohol is virtually linked with every negative aspect of society: “suicide, violent crime, birth defects, industrial accidents, domestic and sexual abuse, disease, homelessness and death. It knows no racial, ethnic, social or economic barriers. The bible has information for us about this toxin alcohol: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise’’ (Proverbs 20; 1) “Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things” (Proverbs 23 31 -33). “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) Smoking
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THE NIGERIAN
17
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Spotlight
le In Maintaining Good Knowing Health Status
oking is hazardous to health. The lung’s air passages are ed with cilia. The cilia act e little brooms protecting the air tubes by sweeping dusts, and other foreign materials gradually upward until they can spit out, Every time a blast of tobacco smoke hits these a, they slow down and soon stop moving. As a result, the pped tars from the tobacco smoke begin boring into the cells ng the air tubes. Over time the constant irritation turns some he cells cancerous. This Transformation takes many years. once it begins, the cancer eats its way deeper into the lung.
the time it is discovered, it is too late. • Smoking is also responsible for heart attack and stroke. The nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke are the main culprits that promote vascular disease. Nicotine constricts small arteries depriving the heart, brain, lungs and other important areas of oxygen. Nicotine also produces a sense of relaxation and well being; smoking main appeal. But nicotine is also addictive. • Carbon monoxide interferes directly with the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. This causes, shortness of breath, lack of endurance and acceleration of arteriosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of arteries) • Smokers have much more cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, pancreas. bladder, kidneys and cervix than nonsmokers • Emphysema gradually destroys lung tissue, producing death by suffocation. • Ulcers of stomach and duodenum are about 60% more common in smokers • Smoking pulls calcium out of the skeleton, accelerating the bone thinning process called osteoporosis (loss of bone density) • Smoking during pregnancy has adverse effect on fetal development and increases the risk of death after birth person has smoked heavily for a long time, does it pay quit? out 85% of lung cancer and 50% of bladder cancers could
be prevented if people simply stop smoking. Smokers who quit begin to heal almost immediately. As the nicotine and carbon monoxide leave the body, the smoking related risk for heart disease decreases dramatically. Although the risk for cancer decreases more slowly, the danger lessens as the weeks and months go by. There are other payoffs to quitting: • A sense of victory • Increased self-esteem • Pleasant breath • Better tasting Food • Increased endurance • Improved health and energy • A feeling of well being • Freedom from an inconvenient, unpopular costly habit • Wallets are fatter • Age is longer • Life is sweeter Caffeine addiction Caffeine is in our Tea and Coffee in excess and as a drug of addiction Does caffeine damage the body? • Most obvious is an over stimulated nervous system with tremors, nervousness. anxiety and keep problems. In time the symptoms give way to chronic fatigue, lack of energy and persistent insomnia • Caffeinated drinks stimulate the stomach to excrete excessive acid. This may aggravate ulcers • Caffeine has been found to interfere with calcium and iron absorption associated with osteoporosis and anaemia • Caffeine increases energy by raising blood sugar • Caffeine can increase blood pressure • GOOD MENTAL ATTITUDE Courage, hope, faith, sympathy and love promote health and prolong life. A contended mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine’ (Proverbs 17:22). • SUNLIGHT The sun is the main source of energy for our planet. Solar light is absolutely necessary for life and for the maintenance of health. Its presence produces vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D enables the body to pick up calcium from the intestines for use in building healthy bones. • Sunlight alleviate pain from swollen arthritis joints. • Lowers blood cholesterol levels • Enhance the immune system • Sunlight is an efficient germ killer. That’s why it is important to sun and air our blankets and other items that are not washed regularly “And God said, let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from darkness” (Genesis I: 3. 4) AVOID STRESS We live in a stressful world, it is a fact of modern living. It cannot be entirely avoided. The Bible says we are living in perilous times (2 timothy 3: 1-5) Stress is defined as any physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. A mild degree of stress and tension can sometimes be beneficial. Feeling mildly stressed when carrying out a project or assignment often compels us to do a good job and to work energetically. However, stress becomes a problem when it is overwhelming or poorly managed and its negative effect appear. For example, picture a man walking to work in the pouring rain, cursing all the way. What is going on inside this man? Now picture three delighted children playing in the same rain, what is going on inside these children? The difference is not in the circumstances, but the attitude towards those circumstances. Sources of stress; • Work- source of stress • Finances: When the available money is not sufficient to cover expenses in the home • Health problem
• Concern about armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, cause fear engendered by insecurity • Indiscipline, lawlessness of vehicle drivers, Okada drivers and other antisocial behaviour on the road • Fear, worry and anxiety over anything at all which robs one of tranquil mind. Fear and anxiety lead to worry and worry leads to stress The price of stress: A medical writer explains: that the stress response of the body is somewhat like a plane ready for take off. When we feel stress: The heart rate and blood pressure increase The blood sugar rises. Hormones are released All parts of the body (the brain, heart, lungs, Hood vessels and muscles) become chronically over or under activated. This may produce physical or psychological damage over time. The list of illnesses in which stress may play a role include: • Heart disease • Stroke • Immune disorder • Cancer • Musculoskeletal disorder • Diabetes • Hypertension • Peptic ulcer Healthy way to face stress Stress is a modern day fact of life. We cannot avoid it. We can, however, learn to cope with it. Give your body sufficient rest each day. This includes a good night’s sleep and regular times for relaxation and recreation • Maintain a reasonable diet. Avoid over eating. The result is increased energy, efficiency and endurance • Engage in proper and regular exercise, such as walking for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise produces endorphins the feel good hormones that protect the body against stress. Sunshine and fresh air also produce endorphins, so outdoor exercise is doubly beneficial. • If something worries you, talk to a friend about it. The Bible says “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18: 24) Don’t bottle things up. Talk with a mature friend or with your marriage mate • Spend more time enjoying your family Know your own physical and emotional limitations • Set realistic goals; do not be a perfectionist • Be organized; have a balanced reasonable schedule • Cultivate Christian qualities such as mildness of temper, patience and kindness (Galatians 5:22, 23; I Timothy 6:11) • Set aside some time for yourself, this can do wonders, even if it is just a few minutes in early morning so you can enjoy a cup of tea. Read, pray or meditate in peace • Commit to a cause that helps others and is approved by God, Isaiah 58 is one of the Bible’s most sublime prescriptions For health • EATING THE Right KINI) OF FOOD Without health, life is not life; it is only a sa1e of languor and suffering— an image of death. Inspite of the achievements of science, medicine and public health, many people still suffer from coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer, diabetes. Osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity etc. Studies are unraveling the mystery that most of these modern killer diseases are lifestyle related. They are basically disease of affluence. Many of us have been digging our own graves with knife and fork. Eating is a habit which affects our health more than anything else. Not only the kind of food we eat but also the time and manner in which it is eaten. Diet and Appearance Diet greatly affects our general appearance. An adequate diet may even make us appear more attractive as it increases the firmness and glow of the skin, face and body in general. The Skin Many people try to solve the problem of oily or scaly skin by using products which are applied externally, without taking into consideration the fact that skin cells are formed, as are others from foods that are ingested. Eating an abundant quantity of fruits and vegetables which provide vitamins A and C. The elimination of foods overloaded with spices, abstinence from alcohol and replacing the use of animal fats with vegetable oils, may be sufficient to restore health to an abused skin. Let us not forget that a balanced diet is the best beauty treatment. To Be Continued
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Security Issues National Security:
THE readiness of Nigeria’s security establishment to adequately protect the lives and properties of the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was put to another stern public test some days ago by a teenager, Daniel Oikhena, a Nigerian of Edo State origin On this fateful day, this young man performed what qualifies as arguably one of the greatest feats of the 21 Century — an act that qualifies to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records - when he defied the entire security system at the Benin Airport to unofficially board a Lagos bound Arik Air flight. In the midst of all the shocks emanating from across the country and beyond, consequent to the airport drama, in tandem with the media hype that have been generated by the daring actions of this young man, the immediate security imphcations of this national disgrace should be of topmost significance, especially in the light of the current state of insecurity in the country. The questions brought to the fore by the airport saga are: How did a mere teenager manage to outfox the entire security arrangement at the Benin Airport, proceed to the tarmac, and board a Lagosbound plane? What is the current security arrangement at not just the Benin Airport, but in all the airports in Nigeria, especially in the wake of the recent upsurge in the activities of violent groups across the country? How appropriately have the authorities reacted to the events of last week? What is the way forward? The answers to these questions may be located within the alleged damning inefficiencies and inadequacies of Nigeria’s security system; a system that is garbled from inside-out; a system that is contradictory in both the planning and execution of its operational strategies; an archaic system that is no longer in tune with the realities of contemporary times; a system that has proved incapable of checking
With Obuseh Jude 08033510173
The Case Of Daniel Oikhena
the general culture of violence that continues to accelerate all over the country on a daily basis; a shameful sham that has become the country’s albatross. It is heartbreaking to note that despite all the noise being made about government’s preparedness to protect the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens, very little concrete work has been done to achieve this most sacred objective. One wonders what would have been the fate of all the passengers on the said flight if Daniel was a terrorist on a suicidal mission: What if his mission was not just to board a flight out of Benin, but meant to sabotage all the aircrafts on ground by rigging them with explosive devices with the intention of blowing them up as soon as they were airborne? What if he had other more sinister, more horrendous motives that would have cost the lives of several more Nigerians in another orgy of violence that has become a natural order in these parts? What if he just wanted to use Benin as a launch pad to strike at targets located in other parts of the country? These and other worst-case scenarios are better not imagined. The truth is that there is no solid security arrangement in virtually any of the airports scattered across the country, a fact so annoyingly demonstrated by Daniel. A casual visit to some of our airports will reveal the sordid and porous state of security in the aviation industry. Our arports are simply disaster areas where anything is possible; mighty laboratories waiting to explode. From the lack of proper surveillance systems to monitor the activities of the thousands of visitors that throng the departure and arrival halls of our airports on a daily basis; the highly corrupt tendencies of most aviation workers, who help facilitate most criminal activities at our airports; inadequate security checks at the various access points to limit shady characters from gaining entrance to high priority areas
such as tarmacs, luggage sections, aircraft hangers etc; limited number of security personnel to patrol the halls day and night to deter criminal elements from operating; to several other shortfalls that have conspired to make our airports very unsafe. For most of us who have been privileged to visit other climes, the first impression that hits you on arrival at these international gateways is the tight security arrangements at the points of entry. From when you disembark from your flight until you leave the airport premises, you are constantly under the close
I was at the same Benin airport some weeks ago to see off a South African friend, who was flying to Lagos to connect a flight to Johannesburg, and was appalled at the lackadaisical attitude displayed by some of the security personnel on duty, who were more preoccupied with collecting bribes from the several touts lazing around the departure hall, than doing the jobs they are being paid for with taxpayers money; taxpayers whose lives were been jeopardized by their carefree attitudes. My foreign visitor couldn’t help but take note of the very relaxed and
in their security arrangement is completely unacceptable. It was reported that the mother of Daniel, Mrs. Evelyn Ehikhena was immediately arrested by the FAAN officials when she came to identify herself as the boy’s mother and handed over to operatives of the State Security Services who have been quizzing her on her supposed complicity in the whole affair. Agreed that this move aught be standard security procedure, the manner it is being conducted is highly unprofessional. Regardless of the young man’s misdeamenour, the buck stops on the table of the
casual demeanour of the few uniformed security operatives on ground, juxtaposing it with the highly efficient and professional arrangement in his country. I wanted to question his obvious disdain for our security system, but thought it wise to refrain from contesting what was an incontrovertible fact. However, the manner both the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the security agencies have attempted to divert attention from what is an obvious laxity
head of airport security and the entire members of his team to tell Nigerians how a little boy was able to outsmart them all. They must be bold enough to answer for their inexcusable incompetence. In the wake of the damning revelations spurred by the aforementioned incident, the immediate and most far reaching steps that must be taken by all concerned stakeholders to prevent a reoccurrence of such an ugly episode in future is for a comprehensive enquiry to be launched into this incident. Government’s security agencies in conjunction with the in-house private security organizations working in the Benin Airport, and the top hierarchy of FAAN must work together to unravel the mystery behind this national embarrassment. Anybody found wanting must be summarily discharged and, if possible, prosecuted if found
Daniel Oikhena
scrutiny of uniformed and plain clothed security operative, together with all the several high-tech Close Circuit Television Cameras scattered all over the premises; nothing is given to chance. This is the standard practice both in countries where serious security challenges such as terrorism, armed militancy and other acts of violence exists side by side, and those with lower threat indicators. The scenarios at Nigerian airports are highly appalling.
“The truth is that there is no solid security arrangement in virtually any of the airports scattered across the country, a fact so annoyingly demonstrated by Daniel. A casual visit to some of our airports will reveal the sordid and porous state of security in the aviation industry. Our arports are simply disaster areas where anything is possible; mighty laboratories waiting to explode.”
guilty of incompetence or complicity in the affair, This should be followed by a complete purge of the security arrangement in all the country’s airports — local and international. This is meant to avoid the possibility of copycats attempting to replicate or even surpass Daniel’s escapade, or of diehard violent groups latching unto this seemingly harmless incident to introduce a new dimension to their already mind- blowing tactics. No efforts should be sparred to expose the inadequacies in the current security networks at the nation’s airports. All available facts must be properly analyzed and appropriate measures put in place to improve the state of security in the country’s airports. Again, the stowaway, Daniel should not be treated as a common criminal which he obviously isn’t. Rather than make a show out of an act of sheer bravery, as exhibited by a maladjusted teenager, a psychological evaluation of the young man should be conducted to ascertain his state of mind as at the time he embarked on his mindbending adventure, with a view to resolving the intrapersonal conflicts ravaging him. This is how it is done in saner climes. The young man is just 180 degrees out of control and simply needs a little nudge back on course. He strikes me as a highly intelligent, gifted and fearless genius in need of adequate attention and guidance. In all, the Daniel Ohikhena saga should be seen from a more objective standpoint: a chance occurrence that has exposed the general porosity and slackness that has for so many years defined the workings of Nigeria’s security establishment. It is a wakeup call to all those constitutionally charged with the task of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians that it is not yet Uhuru! There is so much more to be done by the authorities to put the minds of Nigerians at rest wherever they go in this country. The recent sad occurrence was just a spark out of the general state of decay in a sector that has never lived up to its billing; a flash from a system that has continually failed to justify the huge funds that have been continually pumped into it. That it took a trifling of a boy to reveal this fact should be accepted with humility by all concerned. God save Nigeria!
THE NIGERIAN
19
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Opinion
Odubu’s Double Celebrations ON Saturday July 6, 2013, the Edo State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu celebrated his 56th birthday and 25 years marriage anniversary. It was double celebration for the Odubu family. The attendance at the ceremony speaks volume of the wide acceptability and goodness of the state deputy governor Dr. Pius Odubu to the generality of the people. Guests came from the North, East, South and Western parts of the country to honour a man that they believed in and respect in the political arena. The members of House of Representatives were led by the speaker Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, some senators, former Governor of Edo State Chief John Odigie Oyegun, former Deputy Governors of Edo State, Rev. Peter Obadan and Chief Lucky Imasuen, the crown prince of Benin Kingdom, Eheneden Eradiauwa, Palace Chiefs led by the lyase of Benin Kingdom Chief Sam lgbe, and the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, Politicians from different political parties and religious leaders. The various social-cultural groups, markets women and youth organizations rolled out the drums to identify and celebrate with the un-assuming Deputy Governor. The Edo State Executive council was led by Comrade Governor Adams
By DESMOND AGBAMA
Aliyu Oshiomhole, while the state legislators were led by the speaker, Hon. Uyi Igbe. The defunct Action Congress of Nigeria was led by its Chairman Hon. Thomas Okosun. In the various goodwill and congratulatory messages, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu was described as an astute politician, a lawyer per excellence, a dedicated, committed and active party man. Many viewed him as a loyal Deputy Governor who has worked harmoniously with the Comrade Governor to bring the desired development to Edo State. Dr. Odubu who is well known in the political circle as the ‘OKAKUO” that is, soldiers of Edo Politics is a grass root mobilizer, whose political nexus cut across the three senatorial districts of Edo State and beyond. This explains why the speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, a P.D.P stalwart had to lead other federal legislators to the double celebration of the Edo State Deputy Governor. Indeed, It was not just an honour, but a clear attestation to the fact that Dr. Odubu is a team player in the political circle of Nigeria. Moreover, Dr. Obudu being a man with political sagacity has connections across political, ethnic and religious divide. He is a progressive in thought and ideas. As a leader Dr.
Odubu has very close affinity with the culture and tradition of his people. Little wonder he was bestowed with the traditional chieftaincy title of “Ogbudunerinmwin” by the Elders and people of Ekpedo kingdom in Edo
towards politics and governance. As a former member of the House of Representatives and now deputy Governor, Dr. Odubu has what it takes to assume higher political positions in the state and
divert his attention from that. Loyalty and humility are important virtues a leader must posses. That of course has remained a binding force between Governor Adams Oshiomhoie and
“However, Odubu’s Major concern for now is how to ensure the successful end of the second mandate given to Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole to lead Edo State to progress and development. In otherwords, Odubu is more focused on achieving the vision and mission of the Oshiomhole’s administration for the good people of Edo State than anything else.”
Dr Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor
State, barely few weeks after he celebrated his 56th birthday and 25 years marriage anniversary. Charity they say begins at home, and as a leader Dr. Pius Odubu is conversant with the problems, yearnings and aspirations of his people, that was why
he. Ensured that development does not elude his kingsmen Urhomehe in Orhionmwon local Government Area. Rt. Hon. Dr. Odubu is not just an experienced politician he is also a detribalized Nigerian with nationalistic posture
“Charity they say begins at home, and as a leader Dr. Pius Odubu is conversant with the problems, yearnings and aspirations of his people, that was why he. Ensured that development does not elude his kingsmen Urhomehe in Orhionmwon local Government Area.”
indeed Nigeria, if he so desire. However, Odubu’s Major concern for now is how to ensure the successful end of the second mandate given to Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole to lead Edo State to progress and development. In otherwords, Odubu is more focused on achieving the vision and mission of the O s h i o m h o l e ’ s administration for the good people of Edo State than anything else. Therefore, no amount of political intrigues, blackmail or calumny anyone may institute at this stage would
his Deputy over the years. And there has been no crack in their more or less father to son relationship, leading to the smooth administration of Edo State and the monumental achievements recorded by Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the various sectors. As Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu takes another leap into the future, there is no doubt that more fruitful celebrations await him in the years ahead. Sail on the indefatigable and dynamic Deputy Governor of our time.
THE NIGERIAN
20
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Motoring
FEED BACK
Solutions To Motoring Problems
SIR, I am a regular reader of motoring page every Thursday. I want to buy a fairly used car. Please, kindly advise me on what I should look out for before buying. (JOHN UHUNAMURE (BENIN) For most people, buying a second hand car is their introduction to pleasures of motoring and for others it is a sharp lesson learnt from the trouble free period enjoyed in the first two years when you buy a new car is lost and beginning of trouble period. Used car dealers or sellers know the worth of their cars. If car is offered at substantially below the ruling market rate, there is probably something wrong with it. Before you take a final decision on whether to buy or not, look into the following areas. 1. OIL LEAKS: test drive the car for 20-30 minutes, then stand the car on a clean surface, severe oil drops indicate that a costly repair may be needed. 2. MILEAGE: most motorist cover on average 20,000- 24,000 km a year. Check the kilometer reader to have an estimated age of the car or how the car has been used. 3. CRASH DAMAGE: look along exit side of the car for poor repair work or spraying. 4. RUST: Examine the sides and bottom of the doors, body and the front and rear wing joints and surface areas for rust. Extensive rusting is costly to repair. 5. BRAKE: the brake pedal should feel firm when pressed down. A spongy brake pedal may need bleeding or complete overhaul of the brakes. 6. WARNING LIGHTS: start the engine and check all the warning lights on the dash board. All should go out immediately, the engine starts, except the hand brake warning light, which will go out when the hand-brake is released. 7. BONNET SAFETY CATCH: makes sure it is operating properly; cause the bonnet to fly open while driving resulting in a serious accident. 8. TYRE: uneven tyre wear is sign of mechanical defects of harsh use
9. FIOOR: lifts the carpet to examine the floor for damp or rust. 10. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM: Examine fluid level in brake and clutch hydraulic Reservoirs. Some cars a mechanical clutch in which case there is no clutch hydraulic reservoir; inspect flexible brake hose and pipes, also check for leaks between hose and pipes. Brake back plate especially when the brake pedal is depressed. If you are satisfied after inspecting these areas, you can now buy a car that will serve you for the next three to four year. Sir, I am a student presently studying automobile technology in one of the technical colleges here in Nigeria. Tread motoring page in THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER always. This has helped me to pass my professional (NABTEB) examinations. Pease, keep it up. ISA MOMOH (AUCHI) Thank you for your appreciation. Such recommendation serves as encouragement to do more. Sir, I read you motoring page in The NIGERIAN OBSERVER on Thursdays. I like reading the maintenance corner. I just bought a new car, advice me on how best I can make my car durable, OKORO OVIE
(WARRI) You must “serve it for it to sevre you”. By this, I mean you must follow the service schedule of your car as strictly as possible. DAILY CHECKS 08023412452 1. Check tyre With condition and OSAGIE AIFUWA pressure 2. Check door Locks and windows winder 3. Check engine oil level and condition 4. Check radiator water level and its condition 5. Check fan belts tension and condition 6. Check brake oil level. 7. Inspect battery connection 8. Check power steering and automatic transmission oil level (if fitted) 9. Check wiper and windscreen washer water level 10. Check handbrake and foot brake operation 11. Clean interior and exterior of the car bus. WEEKLY CHECKS 1. Carry out all daily checks and; 2. Check\inspect engine for oil or water or water leakage 3. Check battery water level and general condition 4. Check spare tyre, tools and lifting jack. 5. Check steering free— play. 6. Check brake performance. 7. Check fire extinguisher, “C” caution signs and vehicle particulars. 8. Check electrical system and accessories. 9. Washing underneath the vehicle every two weeks especially during rainy season. MONTHLY 1. Carry out comprehensive daily and weekly checks and effect necessary clean up 2. Check speedometer reading and compare to “next service” label figure and sure regular maintenance service. 3. Secure all tools and equipment in the respective positions. 4. Inter-change the tyres in the order specified in the owner’s handbook. 5. Check and keep car particulars and of book up to date. If all these checks are carried out as specified the car will be in good condition always, free from breakdown, unnecessary stay in the repair workshop and prolonged service life. REQUIREMENT AS A LEARNER: • My vehicle is properly licensed. • My insurance is in order. • My learner’s permit is not out of date. • A licensed driver is by my side. • When driving, letter “L” in front and back. • No passenger at all.
“For most people, buying a second hand car is their introduction to pleasures of motoring and for others it is a sharp lesson learnt from the trouble free period enjoyed in the first two years when you buy a new car is lost and beginning of trouble period.”
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
View Point
“WILL all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red” (SHAKESPEARE: MACBETH). WE need not be adepts in the art of synthetical hermeneutics and titular nomenclature to be able to put in proper perspective the ethical, physical, spiritual and structural builders of man’s god-like idiosyncrasies, mind and character. Perfection is not an attribute of mortal man; therefore, in our daily activities we make mistakes, step on toes and err in multidimensional ways. But a little apology of “I AM SORRY” goes a long way in making amends. But how many people can show remorse by apologizing which brings out the sublimity and nobility in the homosapien. An apology is a conscientious, remorseful, contrite and formal acknowledgement of error, wrong, offence and incivility etc. Within the context of usage; it is regret, pity and being sorry for our wrong doing. Indeed, he who offers an apology admits, himself at least emotionally, technically and seemingly to be wrong. The attitudinal orientation of most people tilts toward arrogance, shame, pride, braggartlike mien, braggadocio and rodomontade conduct-a potpourri of the messiah, goliath, inferiority, superiority complex and the solus lpse syndrome. These psychological make-ups determine to a large extent why some people tender and or refuse to tender apologies when wrong. Some tender apologies out of contriteness, because they are broken in spirit precipitated by a sense of sin, penitence sorry out of a deep and sincere sorrow for wrong doing. In theological submissions, perfect contrition is a feeling of apology and repentance for sin with an intention to amend, arising from
reverence, love of God and consideration of his goodness. But imperfect contrition is apology and regret stimulated by base, mundane and selfish motives. In all, an apology brings out the bliss, beauty and sublimity inherent in man. The late Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI used apologies as veritable instruments of crises management and schism resolution in their various dealings with sexually abused men and children by pedophile, pederasty and homosexual Priests. Recently, NATO apologized for the inadvertent killing of some children in Afghanistan
etc. In the proverbial “Toronto Certificate Saga”, the former Speaker and Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Salisu Buhari in his resignation speech, gave a Homeric and Philippic treatise on the mechanics and dynamics of apologies. He said” I am bound under all circumstances, to live above suspicion. It was wrong therefore, for my conduct to be open to justifiable suspicion as it has been. I apologise to you. I apologise to the nation, I apologise to my family and friends for all the distress I have caused
The Sublimity And Dialectics Of Apologies By CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE
them”. Buhari, who understood the power of perfect and imperfect contriteness as a formidable weapon of penance and rabble-rousing said, “I was led to error by the zeal to serve the nation. I trust therefore, that the nation will forgive me and give me another opportunity. I still have faith in the nation and my commitment to her is greater now, seeing that I
you that there is no truth in the story. My integrity is very much intact as I have already briefed my lawyer Chief Rotimi Williams who is taking it up with Publishers of this Magazine”. In murderously diabolical remorselessness Hon. Buhari said in an interview on BBC Hausa Service, July 16, 1999, “it is the handiwork of a few inconsequential enemies of democracy, people who are not happy with the progress
have wronged it …. Permit me to use this opportunity to express my regrets and offer my unreserved apologies to all Nigerians at home and abroad for the embarrassment this controversy has generated”, Before all these sumptuous and profuse apologies, Buhari had said when reacting to “THE NEWS MAGAZINE” publication on the floor of the House of Representatives on July 14, 1999 that “my attention has been drawn to a false publication against my person in the News Magazine. I wish to assure
being made by the present government. They are the people fanning this fire and using their money to bribe journalists to publish all these. There is no iota of truth in it “…… I wish to unequivocally state that as a result of the unwarranted media intimidation I will never step aside or be cajoled into resigning my election as Speaker of the House of Representatives”. But when push came to shove, Buhari was forced to resign with ignominy and with profuse apologies to all, thereby vindicating THE NEWS MAGAZINE,
“The Nigerian leadership has an uncanny predilection and knack for socio-economic and political catalepsy and idiogliossia that has reduced the vast majority of Nigerians to the comrades of Ulysses who luxuriated in their state of slavish penury. We have, through systematic indoctrination become energumens, bovine and dunderheaded noodles.”
N I G E R I A N JOURNALISTS, THE TRUTH AND NIGERIANS IN GENERAL. He went on to buttress the assertions of Martin Luther king (JNR) that “it is still one of the great tragedies of human history that the ‘children of darkness’ are frequently more determined and zealous than the ‘children of light” and that “we shall have to repent in this generation, not so much for the evil deeds of the wicked people. But for the
appalling silence of the good people”. The institution and establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions in South Africa, Nigeria and other Nations of the world is with a view to ensuring peace and forgiveness after a cataclysmic turmoil through apologies. At domestic levels, fathers forgive their wives and vice versa through apologies to maintain continuity and stability in matrimony and at various strata of life apologies are being used as bulwark and bastions of solidarity to ensure a peaceful world. But the overwhelming ambition and Luciferous adacity for power by Macbeth and his wife consumed them beyond the apology index. The Nigerian masses have been subjected to unspeakably horrid spiritual brutality, horrendously wicked leadership corruption
and eidritchly genocidal poverty right from independence in 1960 till date. Our politicians and leaders in the past and present contributed to the sordid theatrics of oppression against the Nigerian people. But the leadership has not thought it fit and proper to apologies to the Nigerian people through verbal acknowledgement of wrongdoing and the establishment of projects to alleviate scorching poverty amongst the citizenry. The Nigerian leadership has an uncanny predilection and knack for socioeconomic and political catalepsy and idiogliossia that has reduced the vast majority of Nigerians to the comrades of Ulysses who luxuriated in their state of slavish penury. We have, through systematic indoctrination become energumens, bovine and dunderheaded noodles. The menace of police brutality, extra-judicial killings, gross food insecurity, kidnappings, assassinations, grave unemployment, psychotic corruption, no drinkable water, bad roads, no light, no houses, the production of certificated illiterates from our educational institutions, religious fundamentalism, fuel scarcity and dilapidated hospitals etc still prevail after over 52 years of our so-called independence. Don’t Nigerians deserve an apology through a reevaluation of our developmental strategies and a leadership verve reorientation? An apology is the locus classicus and the initium et finis of our leadership and National Renaissance in Nigeria. The greatly suppressed anger is already ascending the combustibility height for the Nigerian revolution and the present leadership must heed the admonition of Charles Spurgeon that “The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is knowledge of our own ignorance”. NIGERIA BEWARE! Chief Bobson: Gbinije Mandate Against Poverty (M.A.P) WARRI – 08023250378.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
NIGERIAN communities have continued to evolve beyond local clans and hamlets since the nation had her independence from the shackles of colonialism in 1960. However, one of the gains of that pre-independence era was the free-will, albeit muted by checks and balances, that was not taken from the local clan heads by the colonial powers, which enabled them to be directly involved in issues regarding their wellbeing, a popular feature of the African cohesive spirit.
Community Watch With IJEOMA UMEH
e-mail : ladywithegoldenpen@yahoo.co.uk Tel : 08102954489
Demand Driven Intervention Edo CSDP: Prioritizing, Assisting Communities Realise Their Dreams
Since the present democratic experiment began, governments at all three tiers of government – Federal, State and Local – have continued to forge and expand frontiers, form international alliances and coalitions which have bearings on their development agenda for the people, and in most of these alliances, modalities are advanced in ensuring that members of the local communities participate adequately in their own developmental processes, even in ways that are more direct than would be ordinarily imagined. In Edo state, government would be said to have achieved this community- participatory approach to development at well over 80 percent, where lessons learnt from the activities of a major community-based organization (CBO) and a formidable instrument by which government orchestrates this participatory governance at the grassroots, are weighed on the scale of balances. The Edo state Community Social Development Project (CSDP) metamorphosed from the Community Based Poverty Reduction Project (CBPRP) assisted by the African Development Bank (ADB) in 2008 with the World Bank’s interest to have a project that it would directly have a major stake in, phasing out the CBPRP and forming a new frontier on June 29, 2009, with full legislative backing, assented to by the governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. According to Barr. Gbenga Daodu, a Political Sociologist, and if we would dare add, a Social Dynamics Strategist and Administrator par excellence, who is the General Manager of the EDO State CSDP, the agency became credit effective in the World Bank on July 1, 2009 after meeting all the stipulated terms and conditions, which included the recruitment of staff, payment of N100million entry fee, securing an office accommodation in a convenient place accessible to World Bank officials, and so forth. “Thereafter, we did a project launch in the state to create awareness that Edo CSDP had come on board. We started to receive expression of interest from communities and work began in earnest.” Since then, development at the communities have been fast-paced. Social amenities and services – health centres, schools, boreholes, electricity, even good roads, etc are seen springing up in various places in addition to state government’s and other organisation’s and interest groups’ efforts, too. How does the Edo State CSDP carry out these functions in partnership with communities? The General Manager made salient clarification in this regard.: “Essentially, the community should be able to contribute ten percent of the cost of the project they are demanding from us. They should be willing to implement it themselves and not through contractors. They should also be willing to own and sustain the micro projects.” He stated. How then does the organization click on the particular community that needs what at each point in time when there are hundreds of communities pressing on? Hear the GM: “Communities are selected based on poverty mapping of Edo State. The map shows the relative poverty rates of communities and by the design of these projects, we usually go for the poorest of the poor. We have a pool of communities that have expressed their interests; more than 500 now; but we have been able to use the scale of that mapping to attend to well about 140 communities.” The GM further stated: “There are other attributes that are usually considered too, but the bottom line is equity and fairness would have been seen to be engaged because the money belongs to the people. Where poor communities have approached us and unable to meet the ten percent, we usually encourage the local government councils to support them.”
He noted that Ovia North East, Akoko Edo, Uhumnwode and Igueben are good examples of this support in that order, but added, “ Basically, we don’t choose, rather we emphasise on participatory rural appraisal which is a technique for identifying the needs of communities in order to prioritise them. These communities need light, water, electricity and so forth, so, we usually come up with three areas of needs, the we give them the benefit of electing their own
Gbenga Daodu, GM, Edo State CSDP.
representatives. About 17 representatives with varied functions are elected. The first eight, including a chairperson, secretary, treasurer, auditor, PRO, women leader, etc, are executives. Three sub-committees with three members each– for procurement, mobilisation and supervisory functions make up the Community Project Management Committee. Above them is the Community Development Association (CDA) to oversee the CPMC, but the day-to-day execution of project rests with the CPMC while the CDA has to ensure there is no crisis. On the part of the CSDP, it gives training for both CPMC and CDA. Therefore, the entire process is organized from the start to finish of any project. It is a demand-driven intervention. The communities are the drivers of the CSDP.” Responding to the issue of how the drivers know the project specification, the GM stated that if a school is to be built for instance, a prototype of the school would be taken from the Ministry of Education, and added that same obtains with the primary health care. If a government agency has to provide a prototype, where then is the independence of the CSDP with regard to having its own policies/specifications in variance to government’s policies? How do people tell each project apart? Daodu was quick to reiterate that CSDP is communitydriven and does not compromise quality, even when it works
to align some of these policies with that of government, the latitude of the communities themselves and streamline the budget based on the needs of the communities. He stated that while government’s projects are contractordriven, CSDP’s is community-participatory. In differentiation from government’s red roof schools, he noted that CSDP’s is green coloured and that the colour is also significant, enables the World Bank identify the projects. He noted that twenty-eight states of the federation are executing CSDP, with each state having their own colours for ease with project. identification. The General Manager noted that there is basically no limit to the extent of work the CSDP could be involved in, so long as it is a special need expressed by the communities themselves, making reference to Iyamho where the CSDP Science laboratories, including libraries engaged 160 students in the study of the sciences, even up to tertiary levels. “There is no community that is not poor in Edo State, from our findings. They all need basic amenities. We are no longer emphasizing output, but outcomes. We are interested in how many students have been able to utilize these labs to study science; the emphasis is not the red roofs now, but the number of students that are in school, gaining enrolment to these schools; the increase in passes of major examinations , up to tertiary levels; the conducive atmosphere, etc. If we are to make a statement on the Comrade Governor’s red roof schools, we should be able make a clear blast from the past when students studied under horrible conditions, under mango trees; when schools were crumbling structures with leaky roofs, haven of rodents, without desks for students and teachers; now all the good things are there; schools have become high tower structures, students are qualifying and entering tertiary institutions, they are passing English and Maths. That should be our focus and that is our focus.” Now, would there be a time in history when people would point fingers at some dilapidated structures and say, ‘Those are CSDProjects’ due to quality and sustenance? “That is only when we do not make them community or people-driven. That is why we make the people have a stake – ten percent, while the 90 percent as grant makes it 100 percent theirs. The ten percent is symbolic- imputes ownership. They contribute; that is the matrix for sustenability. Then the training also serves as guide for owners. We teach them how to have a doctrine of maintenance; have a common purse to take care of spoilage, etc. Sustenability is very crucial and as for quality, it starts with inclusion, that community-driven ideology of the CSDP which is meant for poverty reduction generally. The basic tenets of this agency that put it above others is that we make use of best practice. We are very finicky. We pay attention to details, from the level of the World Bank, communities and staff. We lay emphasis on accountability and exclusiveness and democratization is assured.” With all the projects in its kitty, the CSDP still has hundreds of communities in waiting while the fund is limited. How is the agency contending with this? “Yes, like Oliver Twist, we are still asking for more to enable us have more structures that would translate into people. We thank our Comrade Governor for all the support and we ask for more funding so that this well over 500 communities that are still waiting can benefit. A French proverb says small by small the bird builds its nest. So small by small we are able to deal with the infrastructural deficits. We aim to build a Cathedral of happy communities!”
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Religion
With REV. DR. A. A. OPARA
Let My People Go Continued from last week
HEAR, this no man of God anointed of the spirit, full of the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit should ever boast of himself but of God because he is under grace not by his own This verse above shows clearly that due to personal error satan can torment the flesh of a believer mean a born again. This is oppression of the first level or material oppression where satan can torment the body but not the spirit or the soul (mind) of the born again. To this extent, lam of the opinion like some theologians have asserted that Satan can torment only the body of a born again believer not the spirit or the soul. Oppression means simply torment; arid this usually occurs at four levels: First level oppression where only the body is tormented, Second and third levels of oppression where the spirit or soul may be subjected to torment without affecting the body like most people suffer from spiritual ailments but physically you think they are alright. Such persons are under spiritual bondage ultimately if not handled in good time it would reflect on the body. The fourth level of torment or oppression is the total oppression where spirit, soul and body are tormented by the devil Unbelievers are usually and very much easily subjected to this level of demonic oppression. Is the concept “oppression”, biblical? Yes it is biblical. It bears its root literally from the affliction and bondage of the Israelites in Egypt under Pharaoh (Ex. 1:11,2:23). From this literal experience the concept has been spiritualised to mean any form of affliction, torment or bondage of satan. The Prophet Isaiah recommended a fast to overcome satanic oppression. “Is not this the fast that I
have chosen?, to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free and that ye break every yoke” Isa 58:6. Jesus says to the oppressed” “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” Matt. 11:23. Can the righteous be oppressed? In other words can a believer in Christ be oppressed? I have had many deliverance sessions even for born again Christians; they manifest the symptoms of oppression. Some Christians deny or refute the opinion that a born again can be oppressed I don’t mean possessed because they are two different concepts. The experience of Paul clearly shows that due to error a loophole can be created and Satan can capitalise on it to oppress a Christian, bodily. A Christian who is born-again, cannot experience total oppression but partial or bodily oppression and God readily intervenes through a deliverance ministration to release such a Christian from being tormented in the flesh. Remember Pauls experience, a thorn was laid on his flesh (body) not the soul or the spirit (2 Car. 12:7). That brings us to the types of oppression. There are four main types of satanic or demonic oppression viz: Oppression of the soul: Your mind can be placed under satanic bondage. In most cases science calls it psychological or psychopathic problems. It is more of demonic oppression of the mind when satan pollutes the mind of the individual. Melancholic depression, obsession, phobic fear; and generational suicide, fall clearly into this category. You hear people talk often of the Sickness of the mind’ This is a kind of demonic oppression.
(ii) Oppression of the Spirit The real you is the spirit! I have explained that in earlier chapters of this book biblically. For without the human spirit, the human body is dead (Jas 2:26). Now satan can afflict that part of the human system. Your mind may not be affected; your body may not be affected but your spirit is hindered. If you
against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord; and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord” Isa. 54:7. Believe this: that the forces of darkness operate via spiritual means and target the human spirit of the individual because they know its influence over the human
ask witches and wizards where they attack an individual it is not your body but your human spirit. But the human spirit is sanctified by the spirit of Christ when you give your life to Christ, and invite the Holy Spirit into your life (Rev. 3:20); and this is why powers of darkness cannot afflict the spirit of a believer. They cannot invoke or destroy you by any spiritual means; This is the dear message of the Prophet Isaiah who said of the righteous: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise
body. When Jesus was tempted of Satan and he said; “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that praceedeth out of the mouth of God’ Matt. 4:4. He meant n essence that while bread is good for the body, the word of God is good for the spirit. While bread is food which sustains the body, the word of God is food which sustains the spirit friend believe this statement as true when your spirit is fortified by receiving Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and personal Saviour; no powers of darkness can overwhelm your human spirit; but when you leave
“The experience of Paul clearly shows that due to error a loophole can be created and Satan can capitalise on it to oppress a Christian, bodily. A Christian who is born-again, cannot experience total oppression but partial or bodily oppression and God readily intervenes through a deliverance ministration to release such a Christian from being tormented in the flesh.”
yourself empty without Christ; then your human spirit is simply at the mercy of demonic attacks (1 Jn. 4:4). Some ladies who have been unable to bear Children; who medically are declared fit and their husbands also given clean medical bills; yet cannot have children should cheek up themselves spiritually for a deliverance ministration Do they eat in
Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before” Job 42:10. Total Oppression This is where the spirit soul and body are totally held captive by satan. Satan is oppressing the totality of the individual; the mind is affected; the spirit is affected; and due to delay or negligence or not going to the right source who is Jesus for solution; then the oppression
the dream? Do they find themselves involved in sexplay in the Dream? Do they have children in the dream state or husbands in the dream state’, Do they see oil or red cloth often in the dream’, such a lady has a spiritual problem. lam not by this example saying every case of infertility in couple with a clean medical bill is spiritual, it may not be in all cases, noting the example of Isaac and Rebekah who stayed for twenty years without children until God intervened. (Gen.25:20, 26). Oppression of the Body I have explained this earlier. It means affliction on the body alone. The example of Paul suffices. Job was also afflicted bodily by satan for he was a righteous man, (Job 1:8-12) and the Lord did Job’s deliverance ultimately from satan. “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed and also the
on the individual which might have started with the affliction of the spirit goes beyond, and the person begins to manifest the symptoms of the spiritual sickness physically. Look at a case like this which involved a young lady under total demonic oppression handled by my deliverance team. The parents complained she was going to Church and all of a sudden she lost interest in going to church claiming she was seeing apparitions. By this her spirit had been afflicted: Then later she went secondarily berserk and her mind had been affected: Lastly after some months unattended to spiritually the girt became physically dumb, before she was brought to the church for deliverance ministration Thank God she was eventually restored in the name of Jesus and she was healed
THE NIGERIAN
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THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
International Features FRENCH President Francois Hollande and German counterpart Joachim Gauck on Wednesday pay a landmark visit to the ghost village of Oradoursur-Glane where 642 people were massacred by Nazi troops during World War II. Gauck is the first German leader to visit the site in west-central France, where ruins from the war have been preserved as a memorial to those killed there by members of a unit belonging to the 2nd SS Panzer Division, “Das Reich.” At a joint press conference Tuesday ahead of the visit, Hollande praised Gauck’s visit as a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation. “You have made the choice (to visit the site), it honours you, and at the same time it forces us, once the past has been acknowledged, to go boldly into preparing the future,” Hollande said. Gauck said he had accepted the invitation to visit the site with “a mixture of gratitude and humility”. He said he would not shy away from pointing out to others during the visit that “the Germany that I have the honour of representing is a different Germany from the one that haunts their memories”. The ruins they will visit include a church where women and children were locked in by soldiers from the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment “Der Führer,” before toxic gas was released and the building set on fire. Some 205 children aged under 15 were among victims of the
Three men work pass, in the ghost village both leaders visited
French, German Leaders In Historic Visit June 10, 1944 atrocity which left deep scars in France. After the war, French General Charles de Gaulle, who later became president, decided that the village should not be rebuilt but remain a memorial to the barbarity of Nazi occupation. A new village was built nearby. In 1999, French president Jacques Chirac dedicated a memorial museum which includes items recovered from what became known as the ‘Village of Martyrs’. They include watches stopped at the time the owners were burnt alive, glasses melted from intense heat and other personal items. The highly symbolic visit follows a 1984 commemoration when then French president Francois Mitterrand and former German chancellor Helmut Kohl joined hands while
attending a memorial service for fallen soldiers at Verdun. The Battle of Verdun (February-December 1916) claimed the lives of more than 700,000 soldiers and came to symbolise the horror of war for both the Germans and the French. Hollande and Gauck will make speeches and visit the village square, where the residents were rounded up by German troops ostensibly to have their identity papers checked. The women and children were then
locked up in the church while the men were taken to a barn where machine guns awaited. They will be accompanied by two of the three living survivors, including Robert Hebras, 88. Hebras, who was 19 at the time of the massacre, survived as he was buried under the corpses of others who were machine-gunned. “I was consumed by hatred and vengeance for a long time,” he said, adding that Gauck’s visit came at an opportune time.
“Any earlier would have been too soon,” he said, adding: “We must reconcile with the Germans.” Germany in 2010 reopened a war crimes case into the attack when a historian discovered documents implicating six suspects in their 80s. The suspects, aged 18 and 19 at the time, allegedly ordered the inhabitants to assemble in the village square. Prosecutors eventually identified 12 members of the regiment who were still alive after trawling through files of
the Stasi secret police in the former communist East that came to light after German reunification in 1990. A case has been opened against seven of them. The other five have already served sentences in France. Gauck, a former East German human rights activist, has already paid two visits to the sites of Nazi mass killings in Europe; the Czech village of Lidice near Prague in 2012 and the Italian hamlet of Sant’Anna di Stazzema in March this year.
“Hollande and Gauck will make speeches and visit the village square, where the residents were rounded up by German troops ostensibly to have their identity papers checked.”
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
International Features Plans For New Indian State Spark Demands For More INDIA, a nation of 1.2 billion people, has 28 states. Some would rank among the world’s most populous countries. So when India’s ruling coalition endorsed a 29th state last month, millions of people who have felt ignored and marginalized living far from their state capitals had the same reaction: Why not us? In West Bengal State, for example, tens of thousands of indigenous Gorkhas demanding their own state — Gorkhaland — have barricaded streets in Darjeeling, the town best known for its prized tea gardens. Strikes have shut down businesses. Police arrested dozens of activists and clamped a curfew in the worst-hit districts last week. Demands for more than two dozen new states have burst into mutinous life, and the strikes and protests could redraw India’s political map. There are no immediate signs of widespread instability, but the localized rumblings could deflect government attention from its most pressing task: improving the struggling Indian economy. It’s unclear whether the ruling coalition will accept more states. Even the proposal it endorsed, for carving the state of Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh state, is a long way from implementation. India has always been a political patchwork of astonishingly diverse humanity. Since independence from Britain in 1947, the sprawling country of different religions, distinct cultures and hundreds of languages has been bound together into a cohesive if chaotic democracy. The Indian system gives broad power to states,
which were drawn broadly along linguistic lines, most of them by a state reorganization commission in the mid1950s. But many states are so large they have become difficult to govern, leaving politically marginalized regions out of India’s economic boom. Some larger states have already been split apart, most recently with the creation of three new states in 2000. If Telangana clears numerous legislative hurdles, it will become the country’s 29th state. Telangana would be composed of the mostly poor, inland districts of Andhra Pradesh state. While its people are ethnically the same as most in Andhra Pradesh, they have long felt ignored by a state government that appeared to divert most resources to the more prosperous southern and coastal districts. For years, the region has been churned by violent protests and hunger strikes. People in Telangana celebrated when New Delhi backed the creation of the new state, but the decision also triggered counterprotests from supporters of a united Andhra Pradesh. A key point of contention is that the proposed Telangana would include Hyderabad, a wealthy IT and industrial hub. In New Delhi, angry lawmakers on both sides of the Telangana debate repeatedly disrupted the lower house of parliament this week, and nine parliamentarians were suspended. The decision on a new state faces several hurdles. The home ministry must decide how to divide Andhra Pradesh’s resources, waterways and
employees. The federal Cabinet, India’s president, the state assembly and parliament would have to approve the plan. Parsa V. Rao, a political analyst in New Delhi, said the process will take several months at least.
coastal areas around Mumbai. In central India, economically deprived Bundelkhand, currently split between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states, has convulsed with demands to separate. The western
we have Bodoland? We want a similar kind of justice,” said S.K. Bwismuthiary, a member of parliament from the remote northeastern state of Assam. “Our struggle for a separate Bodoland will be
part of Uttar Pradesh wants to break away to form Harit Pradesh, a prosperous enclave close to the national capital. In India’s northeast, a cauldron of ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity, calls for a multitude of separate states have been simmering for decades. Apart from the Gorkhas, there are demands from the Bodo, Karbi, Dimasa, Kuki and Naga ethnic groups, all seeking new states. The Gorkhaland and Bodo movements, two of the most prominent splinter groups, are much older than the efforts to create a Telangana state, and the leaders of those groups see the Telangana decision as nothing short of a betrayal of their own dreams. “If they can give Telangana, then why can’t
relentless,” said Pramod Boro of the All Bodo Students Union. The demand for smaller states is spurred by hopes that they would bring more government funds and better governance. Behind the scenes are the corrupt politicians and hangers-on anticipating the money that flows when entire state governments are created. But the status quo carries its own consequences in large states such as Uttar Pradesh, which has 200 million people and some of India’s worst literacy, health and poverty statistics. Uttar Pradesh’s main opposition party has demanded that the state be carved into four smaller units. It was a demand that Mayawati, a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and now the
Indian Prime Minister, Sing
The abrupt decision on Telangana by the Congress party, the most powerful member of the ruling coalition, was made with next year’s general elections in mind, but it has given new life to other longstanding demands for new states based on ethnic or linguistic lines. Claimants to more than two dozen potential states feel their demands now stand a greater chance of success. Aside from Telangana, however, the government has answered most demands for new states by suggesting exploratory talks but making no commitments. Activists in the Vidarbha region in Maharashtra state are demanding statehood, arguing that the impoverished, waterscarce region has been ignored in favor of the
opposition leader, made during her tenure as head of the state. Mayawati’s critics, though, say she’s not seeking better governance, but a way to extend her party’s influence to four states rather than just one. Her five-year term as chief minister was marred with charges of corruption and graft. Political analysts, though, say past attempts to create smaller states have paid off. Ajit Kumar Singh of the Giri Institute of Development Studies, a think tank in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, says newer, smaller states have all performed well and their economic growth has been relatively fast. “The general evidence is that all the newly created smaller states show average growth rates that have been much above the national average,” Singh said. But, he added, the government cannot give in to every demand for a new state, and should not be steered by electoral agendas. “A rational approach should be followed,” Singh said. “It is time for a second state reorganization commission to look at the claims of all stake holders and provide equitable outcomes.” Fighters for statehood are willing to talk but say their patience will eventually run out. The Bodoland protests have stopped but could be restarted at a moment’s notice, Boro said. “For now, we have agreed to put our agitation on hold after the government said it is willing to talk about a separate Bodoland state,” he said. “We have waited for so long.”
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The Pure Divine Power
THERE is no getting round the law and Nature, no man can defy them, God is the Power that activates the Natural Laws, the Power that nobody has yet grasped or seen, but whose effects every one, daily, hourly, indeed in every fraction of a second, must see, intuitively sense and observe, if only he wants to do so in himself, in every animal, every tree, every flower, in every fibre of a leaf swelling and bursting its sheath to come to the light. Christ according to Abdru-shin the author of the grail message in the light of Truth brought redemption from the darkness by pointing out the way to the Truth, by showing as a man the path to the humorous Height. And with his blood shed on the cross He set the seal to His conviction. Truth has never what it was even than and is today and still will be tens of thousands of years hence, for it is eternal. Therefore, learn to know the laws contained in the great book of the entire means. To love God, for then you will bring no discord into the harmony, but will help to bring the resounding chord to bring its full magnificence. The power Abd-ru-shin says is there and you recognize it, you simply must acknowledge it, because as soon as you reflect a little, there is nothing else you can do and thereby, you acknowledge your God, the Creator. The power he says also, operates within you when you are thinking. Therefore, do not misuse it to evil purpose, but think good thoughts. Never forget that when you are producing thoughts you are using Divine Power, with which you can achieve the purest and highest. Try never to forget here
that all consequences of your thoughts always fall back upon you in proportion to the power, importance and extent of the effect of the thoughts for good or evil. Since thought is spiritual, however, the consequences will return spiritually. They will thus, affect you no matter whether here on earth or later in the spiritual after your departure. Being spiritual, they are by no means bound to the material either. Thus, it follows that the disintegration of the body does not prevent the consequences from taking effect. They requital in the reaction will surely come, sooner or later, here or hereafter with all certainty. Abd-ru-shin says the spiritual link with all your works remains firm, for indeed earthly, material works also, have a spiritual origin through the creative thought and will remain in existence even when everything earthly has passed away. It is therefore, right said. Your works await you, in so far as the effect has not yet reached you through the reaction. If you are still here on earth when a reaction is due or if you are again here, the consequences coming from the spiritual will exert their fore according to their nature either for good or for evil, through your circumstances and your environment or directly on yourself, on your body. Here it must once more be specially emphasized. The true real life takes place in the spiritual. And that knows neither time nor space and therefore, no separation either. It stands above earthly conceptions. For this reason the consequences will strike you. Wherever you may be at the time when according to the Eternal Law, the effect returns to its starting point.
Nothing is lost in the process it is bound to come. Thus man bears spiritually the responsibility for everything he does. This responsibility beings and already with the making of the resolution, not just with the accomplished deed, which is simply a consequence of the resolution and the resolution is the awakening of an earnest volition. There is only one creator,
that he resembles a lens. Just as a lens collects the sun’s rays streaming through it and passes them on in concentrated form, so that, the heat giving rays, united on one spot singe and set on fire, so man by virtue of his specific nature collects through his intuitive perception the power of creation streaming through him and passes it on in concentrated form through his thoughts.
one God and hence, only one power, which streams through all that exists, animating and furthering it. This pure, creative power of God flows continually through the whole creation, lies in it and is inseparable from it. It is to be found everywhere, in the air, in every drop of water, in the growing rock, the struggling plant, the animal and naturally also, in man. There is nothing where it would not be. Just as it flows through everything, Abd-ru-shin says so it also, streams unceasingly through man. Now the latter is constituted
Abd-ru-shin says according to the nature of this intuitive perceiving and the thoughts concerted with it, he this guides the selfacting creative power of God to good or evil effect. And that is the responsibility which man must bear. Therein, also, lies his free will. Evil is brought about with the same pure Divine Power as good and it is the kind of use made of this uniform power of God, left to the free choice of each one, that bears within it the responsibility which no one can escape. Therefore the admonition to everybody.
“There is only one creator, one God and hence, only one power, which streams through all that exists, animating and furthering it. This pure, creative power of God flows continually through the whole creation, lies in it and is inseparable from it.”
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Man And Nature With O.C. MADU 08056379608
“Keep the hearth of your thoughts pure, by so doing you will bring peace and be happy.” Do not forget that the pure self creating Power of God also, streams through you and that you too, as human beings area enabled to give a definite direction to his power
case. Realise in pure joy that through your simple, good willing intuitive – perceiving and thinking, you are able without effort to guide the one and mighty power of creation. The power will then take
through the nature of your inner intuitive perceptions, that is of your volition, for good as well as for evil, destructively or constructively, bringing joy or sorrow. If you guide the power of God to the good, it remains undimmed in its original purity and thereby, develops a much greater force, whereas, with the dimming into there impure, a weakening takes place at the same time thus, it is the purity of the power which in any final struggle will always work effectively and be decisive. When schools and churches speak of Heaven and hell, of God and the devil, this is right. It is wrong, however, to explain it as good and evil powers. That must at once plunge every serious seeker into error and doubt, for where there are two powers, there must also, logically be two rulers, hence, in this case two gods, a good one and an evil one. And that is not the
effect exactly according to the nature of you intuitive perceiving and your thoughts. It works by itself, you need only guide it. It is given to each of us in the same degree. So, you may rejoice over this. May be proud of it, when you use it for the good. But trouble if you fritter it uselessly away or even employ it for impure purposes. For you cannot escape the laws of reciprocal Action that rest in creation. And if you had the wings of the morning, the hand of the Lord whose Power you thus, misuse would strike you through the automatic reciprocal action, wherever you wish to hide. Consider that it lies, with your simple intuitive perceiving and thinking. Whether this mighty power will evoke good or evil. What a furthering or destructive power is thus, given to you.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Premier League Breaks Transfer Record THE Premier League has led its European rivals on a record-breaking summer spending spree with British clubs outlaying £630 million in the transfer window. The previous record set by English teams was in 2008 when a combined £500 million was spent on transfers. But led by the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool and, right at the death, Arsenal, the Premier League again underlined its status as the world’s richest national competition. “As the financial rewards for participation and success in the Premier League increase, so it follows that clubs are investing on the pitch to ensure they continue to benefit from the remarkable Premier League
growth story,” Deloitte’s Dan Jones said. However, European clubs have not faltered in their pursuit of investing in the market with clubs from the continent’s major leagues not shying away from big pricetags. But the big buys from the continent came from Spain where Barcelona nabbed young Brazilian starlet Neymar while Madrid again broke the world record with the purchase – reported to be in the vicinity of 100 million Euro – of Gareth Bale. The massive influx of money into the transfer
market has raised eyebrows as clubs are now under the governance of the Uefa’s new Financial Fair Play rules. But Simon Chadwick, a professor of sports business at England’s Coventry University, said despite the big deals, clubs were indeed
complying with the new restrictions. “A lot of English clubs have gone on a spending spree but they haven’t breached the Financial Fair Play rules as they are only spending what they have earned,” said Chadwick.
NEWCASTLE United manager Alan Pardew has explained the side’s lack of signings, which saw them only manage to bring in one senior squad player during the summer transfer window. Pardew was desperate to strengthen his squad during the window, but only managed to bring in Loic
Maroune Fellaini Delight At Dream Move MAROUANE Fellaini said his dream came true when he completed his £27.5 million move to Manchester United. The midfielder said he did “everything” to ensure he could sign for United after submitting a transfer request to Everton before finalising a deal right at the end of the transfer window. And Fellaini, who became the fifth most expensive player in United’s history, revealed it was his boyhood ambition to become a Red Devil. He told MUTV: “It’s the biggest club in the world so of course I wanted to join this club. I tried everything to join the club. When I was young it was a dream to play for Manchester United. I waited for a long time, I’ve worked hard for this and I’m very happy to join this big club, this great club. Now I’m here so I’ll try to give my best to the club. I want to win trophies. That’s the
Maroune Fellaini
most important thing.” Fellaini was signed by David Moyes for the second time, after the Scot took him to Everton in 2008 and the United manager was delighted to finally make his first major signing and to eventually bolster his midfield. Moyes said: “He’s a very good footballer and a good technician. He has the ability to score goals and play in several different positions in the midfield. I think that’s an area where everybody felt we could do with strengthening.” He believes United will see the best of Fellaini and feels the 25-year-old can get better, adding: “He’s still young and improving. For me, he’s been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the last few seasons.” Moyes usually fielded Fellaini just behind a sole striker last season and feels his versatility will benefit United, but suggested the Belgian is likely to be used in the centre of midfield. He explained: “He can play higher up, if we need it, behind the striker or as a defensive or holding midfielder. In any position in the middle of the field he’s comfortable. Because of that I think it’s definitely a position where people have said we’ve been short of numbers, with the likes of Paul Scholes [retiring] and [the injured] Darren Fletcher not ready to come back just now. I felt we needed to strengthen there and I’m glad we got him.”
Aguero
Pardew Explains Lack Of signings Remy on loan from Queens Park Rangers and youth player Oliver Kemen, much to the dismay of the Geordies. Director of Football Joe Kinnear was heavily criticised by the Magpies fans for failing to bring in a few fresh faces. Alan Pardew defended Kinnear, explaining that financial constraints were behind the club’s lack of summer activity. “Joe has worked hard on numerous targets, particularly an additional offensive player,” said Pardew. “However, some of the options available within our financial means were not as good as the players we already had. There is no point bringing in new players unless they can improve us and take us forward,” said Pardew on the club’s website. The Tyneside club, who narrowly survived the drop last season, at least held on to star player Yohan Cabaye despite a bid from Arsenal.
-City Must Learn From Failure
SERGIO Aguero believes Manchester City must admit and accept their own shortcomings if they are to avoid repeating the mistakes of last season. The Argentina international feels City have to be honest with themselves about where they went wrong as they
failed to retain their Premier League title and finished bottom of their Champions League group in the 2012/13 campaign. Aguero scored the goal that made City champions in 2011-12 but they came 11 points behind Manchester United and the forward is
adamant he and his teammates have to take responsibility for a disappointing campaign. He said: “Acknowledging where we went wrong is the first thing we must do to solve any problems. It’s our duty to recognise our mistakes and then not to repeat them
I was Not Given A Chance
GARETH Barry revealed that he was informed he had no future at Manchester City before the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad. The midfielder, who was part of the deadline day scramble which saw him leave City for Everton, admitted he was disappointed not to be given a chance under the new coach. “Initially, I was told before the new manager had even arrived,” Barry was quoted in the Telegraph. “Txiki Begiristain [City’s director of football] rang my agent and said regular football wasn’t guaranteed. That was the first time the button was pushed. “I was still keen to meet the new manager and try to impress him because I wasn’t going to just roll over and look for a move without him even seeing me play and watching me closely. But it
just didn’t happen throughout the pre-season and it was definitely time to move on. “The club hasn’t pushed me out. I had a normal preseason, I was part of the squad, got minutes in the games and trained every day. But then when the squads started getting announced and I wasn’t travelling for friendlies, the writing was on the wall very early. The 32-year-old added that he pounced at the opportunity for regular football at Goodison Park, suggesting he would have been ‘grumpy’ spending his time on the bench. “Once I’d been told I wasn’t going to play regular football I’m experienced enough to know the club were looking at other players and I wasn’t part of their plans,” he added. “I would not have been a happy person sitting there. Even in pre-season friendlies
- Barry
when I didn’t travel to play I was a bit grumpy. “I have seen players who sit around not playing but picking up their wages and you can make a joke of it being an easy life, but generally footballers who aren’t playing are not happy. “The manager told me he had two in every position and I wasn’t even one of those.”
Gareth Barry
- Aguero
again.” City were runners-up in both the Premier League and the FA Cup, losing the final to underdogs Wigan. Aguero added: “I think the end result was fair because we didn’t play our best, and that’s what hurt the most. We failed when we should have been at our best.” City have yet to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, enduring two difficult campaigns after being drawn in tough groups. And Aguero said: “We also have to learn from our past two experiences in the Champions League that saw us getting eliminated fairly quickly. We didn’t enjoy that at all, but that’s what should motivate us.” While City suffered an early exit in Europe last year, their new manager Manuel Pellegrini helped Malaga reach the quarter-finals, which encourages Aguero that he can repeat that success with the English club. “I really hope that Manuel Pellegrini, who has proved he can take teams into the latter stages in Europe, will bring the best out of us this season and take us as far as possible in the competition,” the former Atletico Madrid player said.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Isco Accepts Competition For REAL Madrid in the team. There Places place midfielder Isco is resigned are many good players in to taking his place on the bench in Spain’s friendly against Finland this weekend, but is hopeful of impressing Vicente Del Bosque. The 21-year-old received another call up to play for La Roja and appreciates the stiff competition for a starting place in Spain’s midfield, having earned
just one senior cap despite his impressive performances for Malaga last season. “We are all proud to come and play for Spain,” he said. “The match against Finland is an important one. I would like to play but there is a lot of competition in the squad and it is difficult to get a
GIAMPAOLO Pazzini wished his former Milan teammates good luck after the close of the transfer window on Monday evening. The Rossoneri had a busy close to the transfer market in which Riccardo Kaka made his return to the club from Real Madrid, while Kevin-Prince Boateng signed a deal with Bundesliga outfit Shalke.
Pazzini took to his official Facebook page to wish both the new and departed faces good luck for the new season. “The market is over! I want to wish good luck to those who have left for new challenges this summer,” said the Italian international. “And I want to give a welcome to new players now that they’re here! “Come on guys, we expect a great season!”
Pazzini Wishes Departed Player
my position.” Isco has also praised the arrival of new recruit Gareth Bale, insisting the Welshman can help Real continue their perfect start to the La Liga season. “I am happy that we’ve won all three games this season,” he added. “That’s what matters the most. I have played in three games and have the confidence of the coach and my teammates. “Bale? It was about time he came. Everybody knows he is a good player. He’s a great player and can come to help.”
CESC Fabregas believes his former club Arsenal have managed to prise away Real Madrid’s second-best player with their dramatic deadline-day capture of Mesut Ozil. Arsenal completed what is understood to be a clubrecord £43million swoop for Ozil on Monday evening as Arsene Wenger finally landed a big-name signing after what had become a frustrating summer on the transfer front. Many of Ozil’s former team-mates at Madrid have since expressed their surprise and disappointment that the Germany international was allowed to leave the Bernabeu, and Fabregas
two years at the club. Because of El Shaarawy being included in that list, it subsequently resulted in Niang being left out of the Champions League entirely. Milan released an official statement on Monday evening from director Umberto Gandini, who took ‘full responsibility’ for the error.
Gennaro Gattuso
had no intention of selling the 26-year-old, while the midfielder sought to end the speculation last month when he declared he wanted to remain at the Nou Camp. Touching back on that subject, Fabregas insists he could not have been tempted away from Barca, even if he had been offered the chance to double his wages or the promise of regular first-team football. Fabregas has struggled to tie down a starting spot at the Catalan giants, but he said: “The tougher the challenge the better I like it and Barcelona was the biggest and most difficult, and I want to finish in a happy manner and if I can retire at Barca, then so much the better.
GENNARO Gattuso will not be sacked by Palermo should they lose at Padova in Serie B on Sunday evening. The former Milan midfielder was only appointed over the summer, but he’s already under pressure after picking up just one point from a possible six this term. “The Padova game will not be decisive for
Gattuso,” president Maurizio Zamparini told Stadio News. “But it is a match we can’t get wrong. “This is what Serie B is, it’s a division where you need time to find the right blend and set-up.” Palermo are favourites for promotion following their relegation last term. However, they drew 1-1 at Modena in Week 1 and then lost 2-1 at home to Empoli at the weekend.
Bale Start Not Guaranteed
REAL Madrid assistant coach Paul Clement has warned Gareth Bale he will not automatically be guaranteed a starting berth for the Spanish giants irrespective of being the most expensive player in history. Madrid’s summer-long finally concluded on pursuit of Bale was Monday when the Wales international was officially presented by Franck Ribery Sets Sights On Ballon the nine-time European FRANCK Ribery believes sense, it gives me confidence. d’Or he can win the FIFA Ballon “Perhaps it puts more champions after passing “The Super Cup did a lot of d’Or after beating Lionel pressure on me, but I manage his medical and signing Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo good to the club. There’s not to handle that sort of situation a six-year contract at the to the UEFA Best Player in much time left [before the well. I mustn’t get carried Bernabeu. award is voted on]. I have to away. It’s up to me to keep Europe award last week. The transfer is Not since Zinedine Zidane continue without asking working, enjoy myself, and understood to be worth myself too many questions, in 1998 has a Frenchman won help my team, be it Bayern 100million euros the prize, but Ribery, 30, and still try to enjoy myself.” or France.” Ribery, who has managed a could end that wait after he Bayern president Uli ( £ 8 5 . 3 m i l l i o n ) , helped Bayern lift the UEFA goal and two assists from the Hoeness also offered his surpassing the Super Cup last Friday, off the opening four Bundesliga backing to Ribery, telling £80million fee Madrid back of their Treble glory in games this season, added: BILD: “Who else but him paid Manchester United “It’s always flattering, and should win it? I doubt there the 2012-13 season. “Of course I believe in it. particularly with this kind of is anyone in South America for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. Last year I did what had to trophy. who has a better chance.” “To be elected the best However, that does not be done on the pitch and off The attacking midfielder, it. I was very professional, I player ahead of Messi and who signed a contract necessarily mean Bale is had a great time with my team Ronaldo, that’s amazing. It’s extension with the European assured of a place in and we really enjoyed it,” he true that I’m really enjoying champions through to 2017 in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, told the French media from myself right now. This award June, has regularly stated his his national team’s training is a plus for me in a sporting desire to end his career in Clement has said. camp just outside Paris.
However, the Spain midfielder, who spent eight years at Arsenal before returning to Barcelona in 2011, also feels the Gunners have got themselves a top player. He told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: “I was really surprised by Ozil’s departure. He seemed to me the second-best player at Madrid, after Cristiano (Ronaldo). “He’ll be great for Arsenal.” Fabregas was also the subject of transfer interest from the Barclays Premier League this summer, with champions Manchester United hoping to bring him back to England. United saw two bids for Fabregas rebuffed by Barca, who always insisted they
Gattuso Safe From Sack
Milan Apologise For Niang Omission MILAN have apologized for a mistake made in their UEFA Champions League list which cost M’baye Niang a place in the tournament. The Rossoneri included Stephan El Shaarawy in the A list, even though he is eligible for the B list which is reserved for players born after 1 January 1992 with at least
Only Ronaldo Better Than was also taken aback by the Ozil - Fabregas news.
Bavaria.
- Madrid
“There’s a lot of competition for places no-one will be guaranteed anything,” Englishman Clement told BBC Sport. “Coach Carlo Ancelotti has a clear idea how to use him but things can change.” The prospect of Bale lining up alongside the prolific Ronaldo is a mouth-watering one for Madrid fans, but it remains to be seen just how Ancelotti will choose to utilise the Welshman, who could make his debut for his new club against Villarreal on September 14 when the Primera Division resumes after the international break.
Clement, who worked alongside Ancelotti at Chelsea and Paris St Germain, added: “Carlo is flexible enough to use Gareth and other players in different capacities “At Southampton, Bale played at left-back which he also did at Spurs where he became a more left-sided player. “He recently became more central. He’s got that versatility. “It’ll be interesting to see how players fit in together. We’ll be trying to find their best position and what’s best for the team as quickly as possible. “Gareth has the goalscoring talent and ability to set up goals for others.”
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
2014 World Cup Qualifiers
Ghana Confident Ahead Of Zambia Showdown GHANA have assembled their strongest squad to face Zambia tomorrow for a play-off spot in the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifiers. assist the four-time African But the Black Stars are champions to another sweating over the fitness of appearance at the World captain Asamoah Gyan, Cup. who limped out of training “It is a game we have to on Tuesday morning after win for the nation because complaining of thigh pains. the Zambians are talking too Also, in-form Norway- much and they must be shut based goalkeeper Adam down,” the 23-year-old said. Larsen Kwarasey pulled out “I missed playing for the of the 26-man squad due to nation and giving of my best a groin injury. to make sure we get to The Black Stars have been where we want to go. It is a bolstered by the return of great feeling to be back into trio Andre Ayew, Kevin- the squad and see the guys Prince Boateng and Michael again.” Essien. Boateng and Essien also Ayew took a temporary ended self-imposed exiles break from international and want to help Ghana football in February this reach the World Cup for a year after he was axed from third consecutive time. the 2013 Africa Cup of Zambia beat the Black Nations squad after failing Stars twice last year – the to meet the reporting first was in February at the deadline for pre-tournament semis of the 2012 Nations camping. Cup with a 1-0 win and they The Olympique Marseille replicated that scoreline in ace made himself available Ndola in the corresponding and said he was ready to
fixture of the qualifiers. Head coach Herve Renard is likely to miss the services of injured attackers Collins Mbesuma and Jacob Mulenga. The duo suffered injuries during club assignments and second-choice goalkeeper Danny Munyao
E/Guinea Seek History In Freetown The reverse fixture in Malabo in June last year finished 2-2, while the teams also meet in the qualifiers for the 2010 finals in South Africa. Each recorded home wins there. The match is also a battle to avoid the wooden spoon in the group, though Equatorial Guinea would need a to win by four clears goals to overhaul Sierra Leone in third.
Drogba Hits Out At Ivorian attacks on the 35-year-old, Media DIDIER Drogba has hit back at Ivoirian journalists who blame him and the squad for the Elephants’ woes. The Galatasaray striker will be playing in his first official match for Ivory Coast since the end of the 2013 African Cup of Nations, when they turn out against Morocco on September 7. Drogba returned to the national set-up in last month’s friendly against Mexico, a 41 defeat which saw him rekindle his criticism of the media. Local media laid on several
Congo, Masters Of Their Own Destiny CONGO face Niger on Saturday in Niamey for a spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs. Leaders of their group E, with just one day remaining in the Group phase, one point ahead of Burkina Faso and three of Gabon, the Red Devils have control over their own destiny and will book their ticket for the last round of qualifiers if they win, regardless of the outcome of the game between the Stallions and The Panthers in Ouagadougou at the same time. But a draw or a defeat against the Mena will put Kamel Djabour’s men within reach of the Burkinabe, who will throw everything to cash the three points before their home-crowd against Gabon to have no regrets at the time of the final count. Defeated 3-0 in a friendly by the “Aigles de Carthage” in Tunis in August with a diminished side, the Congolese welcome the return of Dynamo de Moscow’s defender Christopher Samba and Olympiakos’ midfielder Delvin Ndinga. And for the Red Devils it is out of the question to fail so close, since they have never
has a thigh muscle injury. The Chipolopolo need to beat Ghana to qualify from Group D into the final qualifying round, which will feature ten teams. Zambia lie second in the pool with 11 points; one less than Ghana’s 12. The match will be played at the Baba Yara Stadium where the Black Stars have not lost a match in eight years.
SIERRA Leone host Equatorial Guinea in a deadrubber 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Freetown on Saturday. Both teams have already been eliminated from qualifying for the showpiece finals in Brazil, but could gain a morale-boosting victory to end off. The Guinea side could make some history too having lost both their previous away matches against the Leone Stars, who they have beaten just once in their previous five meetings.
competed in a FIFA World Cup finals. “This game opens or closes the doors to a participation in the World Cup. And a World Cup would be exceptional for Congo. We have to be up to it. “We can only win such a game as a team, with 200% motivation, concentration and eagerness. We have to go for the challenge, fight for
each ball harder than our opponents, » assured Guingamp’s international striker Ladislas Douniama to the “Dépêches of Brazzaville”. At the bottom of group E with three points, Niger cannot hope for much more than a gallant last stand before their fans in Niamey.
AHEAD of their 2014 World Cup qualifier against Morocco on Saturday in Abidjan, in the sixth and last day of the Group phase, Côte d’Ivoire’s coach has justified his choices during a press conference held at the Hotel Ivoire. On the call-up of defender Bamba Souleymane, who has been side-lined by his club Trabzonspor in a context of dispute, the Elephants’ coach said: « Bamba Souleymane is part of the national team’s project. He is an important player who has a lot of experience within this squad. «We know that he has some difficulties at club level. We have to help him to benefit
from more game time. It is important. However I work to build the best possible team for Côte d’Ivoire. » Regarding the exclusion of Kolo Touré, absent from the Séléfanto since the qualifier against Gambia in March this year, and Emmanuel Eboué, left out since the 2013 African Cup of Nations, Sabri Lamouchi wanted to be clear. «There is no issue with these two players. They are part of the project. Kolo Touré was supposed to be in the team to play against Morocco. Unfortunately he is injured. I am in touch on a regular basis with Emmanuel Eboué. And I have no problem with him. «The national selection is
Yaya Toure and head coach Sabri Lamouchi, suggesting there isn’t much of a future for the team should the trio remain on board. “The problem is that each time the team fails somewhere in a competition our own journalists tear us down and expose us to the world,” Drogba told reporters as Ivory Coast prepare for their World Cup qualifier against the Atlas Lions. “They say we are worthless, unpatriotic, arrogant, etc. They forget that we don’t come to play for our country because of money. They forget we are more frustrated than fans and officials each time we lose. They forget that no player will intentionally miss a penalty or deliver a bad assist. It hurts us when we read or hear these things,” he concluded. Drogba reaffirmed his stance that the team will do their best for the national team, but demanded that the press stop being pessimistic.
Lamouchi Justifies His Choices
open to all. You have no idea how many phone calls I receive from Ivoirian players who want to join the team. » As for the new generation of Elephants, the FrenchTunisian is more than willing to give them a chance against the Lions of Atlas. «Diarrassouba Viera is a player who has shown excellent frame of mind. He is fully integrated in the group. Since he joined us we have noticed a great progress from his part. He could have his chance on Saturday. «It is not only Diarrassouba. A boy like Gohi Bi Cyriac had a good start. He is also fully integrated. But we want him to first improve with his club, » he explained.
Didier Drogba
Gambia, Tanzania Look For Big Finish GAMBIA host Tanzania in a dead-rubber 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bakau on Saturday. Both teams have already been eliminated from qualifying for the showpiece finals in Brazil, but could gain a morale-boosting victory to end off. Cote d’Ivoire have already claimed top spot in the pool, while it has also been decided that Gambia will finish last. The carrot being dangled for Tanzania is the opportunity to finish above Morocco in second, something that would
be seen as an excellent achievement for the East African side. The only previous meeting between the two sides was in the reverse fixture in Dar es Salaam in June last year. On that occasion Gambia took an early lead through Momodou Ceesay, but secondhalf goals from Shomari Kapombe and Erasto Nyoni (penalty) handed the Tanzanians the win. Gambia have managed just a single point from their five games so far and anything they can get out of this one will be a bonus.
Benin, Rwanda End In Porto-Novo BENIN host Rwanda in a dead-rubber 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Porto-Novo on Sunday. Both teams have already been eliminated from qualifying for the showpiece finals in Brazil, but could gain a morale-boosting victory to end off. Algeria have already claimed top spot in the pool, but Rwanda could yet leap-frog Benin into third if they win by more than two goals in this encounter. The carrot being dangled for Benin is the opportunity to finish above Mali in second, though they would need the
Maliens to lose their final match in Algeria. The record between the two sides is even, with a win apiece and a draw in their three previous meetings. The reverse fixture in this qualification campaign ended in a 1-1 draw in Kigali last June. Razak Omotoyossi gave Benin the lead with 14 minutes to play, but a late penalty for Labama Bokota equalized for the Rwandans. The teams also met in the qualifiers for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. On that occasion both recorded away wins, including a 1-0 success for Rwanda in Cotonou.
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Ogunjobi Says Kayode Transfer Panel Political
Rabiu Ali Emerges Nigeria League Star Of The Week KANO Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali is the MTNFootball.com top star of Week 29 of the Nigeria League. The Super Eagles ace scored a brace to help hosts Pillars beat Rangers 2-1 at the weekend. The mercurial midfielder was picked ahead of Mfom Udoh, who scored a brace in Akwa United’s 4-0 bashing of Sunshine Stars and Ebele Obi, who was outstanding in goal to ensure Heartland beat hosts Wikki Tourists. Other nominees were Chinedu Efugh, who was solid in the Heartland defence and
ABS FC goalkeeper Jonah Usman, who made sure his team ran away with a precious point from Ibadan against 3SC. A has now netted 10 goals this season from his midfield position and he is still counting. The Wayne Rooney admirer told MTNFootball.com he hopes to get more goals. I thank Allah for giving me the strength to score goals, I hope for more. I will keep doing my best for my team to keep winning,” he assured. “I want to score at least 15 goals this season.”
WARRI Wolves have appealed against a decision for them to replay a Week 29 match against Kwara United which was not conclusive. Match officials were attacked by half time at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin with scores at 0-0 before the game was eventually called off. The League Management Company has ordered for a replay on Thursday in Abuja. However, in a letter signed by the Wolves secretary, Lawrence Omowho, and sent to the Nigeria Football Federation, Warri Wolves condemned the decision by referring to articles 3.7(1), 3.7 (20 3.7(3) and 4.3(10 to support their claims that Kwara United have erred and should face the music hundred percent. According to the letter, Warri Wolves argued that the rules which were given to every club at the beginning of the season serve as the arbiter that governs the league and should not be set aside in what they described as “selective justice”. Warri Wolves claimed in the said match, it was glaring that
the match officials were beaten by the home fans just like what happened between El Kanemi FC and Wikki Tourist and at the end, the same body awarded three points and three goals to El Kanemi. The letter further said whereas the LMC applied section 3.7(1) of the rule by asking Kwara to pay five million Naira, what happened to the remaining two sections which says the team will forfeit three points and three goals?
Wolves Appeal Replay Ruling
Amodu Shaibu
Technical Chief Amodu Wants Car, House From NFF
NIGERIA technical director Amodu Shaibu has asked to be provided with a car and a house as part of conditions for his job. Tuesday, said The former Eagles coach, “There were some grey who was a guest of the areas that needed to be Nigeria Football resolved before I started Federation (NFF) on
work. “You know I am a consultant for the Edo State Government for youths and sports development and I needed to inform my
Era Of Sports Federations’ Concessioning regular all the same and we THE era of concessioning in Nigerian sports may have ended Now Over, Says Official manage it as best as we can. “We organise a tournament with the expiration of the first four-year arrangement, a sports official said on Tuesday in Abuja. Mr Tunde Popoola, the Director of Organisation of Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it appears concessioning had come to an end. Popoola, whose federation was one of those concessioned in 2009 by the National Sports Commission (NSC), said the commission was now thinking of ending the arrangement. “The idea then was to give the comatose sports associations the opportunity of being funded and administered by the private sector, which was perceived by government to have the resources to run the federations. “Consequently, some sports federations were concessioned to private individuals. These federations include hockey, rugby, swimming, golf, rowing and yatching,’’ he said. Popoola who is also the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) however said a review of the situation had led to the NSC looking towards reverting to the old order. “The issue of concessioned sports was extensively discussed at a meeting between the federations and the officials of
the Federal Ministry of Sports on Tuesday. “The idea to change and revert to the old order of all federations being run by the democratic way of election stakeholders into the executive bodies was discussed. “This will be in line with international best practices, and according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines. “We just finished discussing this at a meeting today with the Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, and I am happy to say that concessioned sports no longer exist as from today. “We have come to the conclusion that it is not right to concession sporting federations.
Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi
“So, we are going to go democratic. Sports administrators will be chosen in an electoral process, but that process will be worked out shortly,’’ he said. The NOC secretary-general however said some federations, in spite of being under the control of concessionaires, had been doing very well. “The concessioning has been successful in a sporting federation like hockey, because the people who run the sport are interested in its growth. “They have been able to get sponsors, because whatever money comes in is used for the players and to organise tournaments. “The board also ensures that we go for international tournaments every year, which increases the country’s rating,’’ he said. Popoola said the Patrick Ukahled board of the NHF had reached out to the International Energy Insurance (IEI), which had been backing the concessionaire with funds to sponsor tournaments. “IEI has been sponsoring our tournaments since the last three seasons, with this season’s edition expected to kick off soon. “In the last three years, we have been able to organise three tournaments from what we get from IEI. “Even though the funding has been ‘just enough’, it has been
for teams in the South (Atlantic Conference) and another for teams in the North (Savannah Conference), before bringing together the best eight teams to compete in the grand finale,’’ he said. The NHF official said he hoped the relationship between IEI and the federation would continue even after the end of the concessioning regime. “Our relationship with IEI has come to stay, because it’s their name, it’s their sport.
comrade Governor Adams Oshiomole about the appointment from the NFF as a matter of respect and honour to a man who gave me succour. “And now that he has given me the go ahead, I thought it right to return to the Federation and inform them that I am ready to resume duty. “However, I only gave them two conditions. Since I have taken appointments in the last 20 years I have had an official car, so it would not be too much for them to give me an official car and a house to discharge my duties. So, it’s now over the technical committee to act.” Amodu is to be assisted by James Peters and Kashimawo Laloko.
EX-NFF secretary general Taiwo Ogunjobi has described a panel to probe Olanrewaju Kayode’s transfer logjam as politically motivated. Nigeria U20 striker Kayode has accused Ogunjobi of standing between him and a transfer to Europe. The Osun FA boss said “The purported panel set up by the NFF is a clear case of persecution and it is not unconnected with August 2014 NFF elections,” Ogunjobi pointed out. “The letter, if it exists, has not been forwarded to me for my comments. I eagerly await the letter, if it exists and then, react. For now, I will siddon look.” NFF president Aminu Maigari on Monday inaugurated a committee headed by technical committee chairman Chris Green, who will work with another NFF executive committee member, Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’, Professor usa Garba Yakassai of the Bayero University, Kano, Edith Nwakire and Calistus Ebare. The committee have two weeks to submit their findings to the NFF leadership.
Kayode Olanrewaju
Emenike, Ameobi Keep Eagles Onazi, Austin Ejide E M M A N U E L Waiting Ogenyi and Uche Nwofor. Emenike and Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi are among the five players still expected in the Eagles training camp ahead of Saturday’s match against Malawi. According to Eagles top official Emmanuel Attah, the others are Elderson Echiejile, John Ogu and Emmanuel Emenike. Emenike has moved to Turkish giants Fenerbache, while Ogu has been held back at his
Portuguese base by flight connections. Ameobi is set to make his home debut for the African champions as his two caps have been won in the United States of America and South Africa. Attah disclosed that 18 players have so far reported at the team’s training camp in Calabar. These players include Mikel Obi, Vincent Enyeama, Obinna Nsofor, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Nosa Igiebor, Efe Ambrose,
“The spirit in camp is very high and there are no injury worries,” said Attah. Nigeria lead Group F on nine points, two points more than closest rivals Malawi, who need to win on Saturday to advance to the next stage of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. The Flames of Malawi, who lost 1-0 ro Botswana in a warm-up match on Tuesday, forced a 1-1 draw when both teams clashed in the reverse fixture in June 2012.
CMYK
THE NIGERIAN
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Stop The Blames Games THIS column today is dedicated to two Nigerians – Master Daniel Ohikhena, that wiz kid that flew from Benin City to Lagos without paying a kobo; and Alhaji Danbaba Suntai, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, who travelled to hell and back. The blames game has always been with us. We blame everybody and everything for our failures. Until recently, there was no natural death. Every death was attributed to witchcraft. Meanwhile, these people have never seen a stethoscope and no matter how ill they were, as long as they still had some breath in them, they still struggled to the cassava farm, sometimes after swallowing two tablets of expired panadol. Yet, when we come face to face with actual wizardry, we throw away all its advantages. The penultimate weekend, 13-year old Daniel Ohikhena hid inside the wheel of an Arik Airplane from Benin City to Lagos. This is a great feat for which that wiz-kid deserves an award. Were he an American, the following day, he would have been in the White House, early enough to have lunch with the President. From there, he would have been dispatched to the best school around where he would have been carefully nurtured to greatness. But here we are, the little boy is at the very centre of the blames game and his mother is being hunted all over the place. The mother has given enough lead on him to enable us discover his latent qualities. He tries his hands on everything electrical. This JSS I student started his early education in a private school, but because of lack of funds, he has found himself in the public school system. Under a good system, the boy would have been whisked off to the Federal Government Academy for gifted
children or even the Defence Academy, for further development. But here, he must be punished for attempting to expose the porous nature of our security network. The blames machine is now on him and his mother.
Constitution. Section 190 requires that “Whenever the Governor transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office,
In sharp contrast, this is where we have a profound admiration for President Goodluck Jonathan. While the Abuja-induced war raged in Bayelsa State, he remained calm and
President Goodluck Jonathan
Master Daniel Ohikhena Meanwhile, no one is talking about the Nigerian Airports Authority and its security lapses. It is possible that rather than face the task of providing security at the airport, the security officers were elsewhere looking for small-small “paje”. Why are we challenging God? As it were, Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State fell from the sky. Others who fell like that died but Suntai did not die. Is it not clear that God has a purpose for sparing his life? Even in his illness, Suntai has kept clearly within the letters and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution. A combined reading of Sections 189 and 190, which deal with the incapacitation and subsequent absence of the Governor, will show that Suntai has fulfilled every aspect of the
House of Assembly is doing, is ungrateful to God. That is why the Assembly is now going outside the Constitution to make the extra demand that he must come and address them as a precondition for his resuming duty. We expected the Deputy Governor, Umar Garba, to welcome his boss wholeheartedly and assist him to serve out
until he transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor” Clearly, anything that is amended is patched. All those who expect Suntai to still be as strong as he was before the accident, as the Taraba State
the remaining part of his tenure but rather, having tasted the office, Garba started nurturing private ambition on how to unseat the man. It is undermining of faith in our system for a man to be kind enough to bring you on board to serve as his deputy and as soon as he has an accident you begin to wish him dead.
calculated and did not move near the door to the office of Governor D i e p r e y e Alamieyeseigha until he was finally evicted. When late President Umaru Yar’Adua became critically ill, Jonathan remained a reliable ally, even when the man was virtually vegetable. We are sure that if Yar’Adua had returned to Nigeria
“Whenever the Governor transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor”.
half as healthy as Suntai is now, Jonathan would have faithfully assisted him to serve out his tenure. Like Shakespeare, Jonathan believes that “If fortune would have me king, let fortune crown me without my stir”. And it is paying off, isn’t it? Why is the Taraba State House of Assembly becoming over-bearing to the extent of standing the Constitution on its head? They certainly cannot feign total ignorance of the provisions of Section 189(1) (a), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Constitution, which set out the full procedure for declaring a Governor incapacitated. Why are they jumping the gun? Is it not clear that the antics of the House of A s s e m b l y , notwithstanding, Suntai remains the duly elected Governor of Taraba State? Garba must wait for his turn. And the back door is locked. The Suntai case has parallels elsewhere: As President of the US, Woodrow Wilson became incapacitated by partial paralysis and was unable to cope with the responsibilities of his office. His wife took over effectively and the country was able to survive the simmering crisis. Again, President Dwight Eisenhower was twice disabled between 1955 and 1957 by a heart attack and a stroke. A Presidential Assistant, Sherman Adams, took over his responsibilities. However, in 1967, the 25 th Amendment was ratified and this gave the Vice-President definite roles, including the assumption of the President’s office in the event of incapacitation. Suntai is on course and we wish him well.
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