The Nigerian
PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 38 NO. 393 •WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 . N 100.00
Enforcement of colour code
VIEW POINT
Transport fares rise
Page 14
Healing power of sound
By IFUNANYA ONYEKAOZURU
BENIN CITY – Commuters in Benin City are lamenting over
the increase in transportation fares following the scarcity of commercial vehicles on the roads, which was
occasioned by the enforcement of colour code by Edo State Government. The directive for all commercial vehicles to
comply with the taxi colour code which lapsed December 31, 2013 was announced by the State Commissioner for Continues on page 2
banned forthwith the sale of alcohols and intoxicants of any kind in and around the premises of motor
parks in the state. This ban is contained
Edo opens bid for...construction of 200 schools bans sales of alcohol By ADAMS OYIBOKE
MIDWEEK LEISURE Page 18
7 Mistakes you shouldn’t make this year!
BENIN CITY – Edo State Government is set to embark on rehabilitation/construction of over 200 public schools across the three Senatorial districts of the state, with over 317 contractors bidding for the jobs. presence of stakeholders The Chairman, State in the construction/building Universal Basic industry. Education Board Mr. Alao further said that (SUBEB), Mr. Steven public primary and Alao disclosed this secondary schools to be yesterday in Benin City. constructed/rehabilitated Speaking with “The would have Teachers’ staff N I G E R I A N rooms, toilet system and OBSERVER’, the other modern facilities. Chairman of SUBEB, Mr. The ceremony was Steven Alao said, “the witnessed by members of process is to ensure due the Board, Engineers in process and the building industry and transparency in contract other top government award.” functionaries. He maintained that the Meanwhile, Edo opening of the bids was State Government has carried out in the
in motor parks in a Government Special Announcement
Minister tasks new TCN board on improved power supply
ABUJA - The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has ordered the new board of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ensure improved power supply by June. Nebo, who gave the order yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of the TCN board, said it was in line with President Goodluck Jonathan‘s directive. “I wish to charge the principal sector players here today to ensure that power supply to our customers is significantly
and visibly improved by June this year as directed by Mr President. “ Much is expected of us all and the entire nation is waiting for us,’’ he said. He said the Federal Government had already committed a lot to the power sector and would not tolerate any excuses for non-performance from any of the stakeholders in the sector. He described the TCN as critical to the success of the power sector reform and the
TIT BIT “The things some persons are so passionate about, can easily bring about the conclusion that people could be so determined to fail as much as they can be so determined to succeed.” - Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama
transformation agenda for the sector. He specifically ordered the TCN Board Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, to reposition the company to ensure efficiency and professionalism. Waziri, in his response, thanked Jonathan for the opportunity given the members to serve the nation, especially at a time Continues on page 2
INSPECTION: L-R: Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. David Olukoga, Chairman, Edo State War Against Indiscipline and Hon. Orobosa OmoOjo, Commissioner for Transport during the Governor’s inspection of New Benin Market, in Benin City, yesterday.
signed by the State Commissioner for Transport, Ambassador Orobosa Omo-Ojo (JP) which was distributed to newsmen in Benin City yesterday. It emphasises that driving under the influence of alcohol is an offence that leads to traffic accidents and that sale of alcohol and intoxicants around motor parks encourages drivers to get drunk. According to the statement, “Security operatives will be on hand to comb all motor parks to enforce this ban and anyone found violating this order will not only be prosecuted, his or her drinks will also be confiscated and destroyed without compensation.” “Edo State Government through the Ministry of Transport is poised to ensure accident-free motoring in the year 2014,” it assures.
Edo, others record drop in crime rate - AIG
By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON BENIN CITY - Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States recorded 36 percent reduction in kidnapping and a considerable decline in armed robbery cases and major crimes in 2013. The states, however, experienced seven percent increase in arms and ammunition recovered from suspects during the period under review.
The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of the states (Zone 5), Mr. Hashimu Salihu Argungu disclosed this
JOS - The Plateau Police Command and the Special Task Force (STF) yesterday confirmed 16 persons dead in Monday attack on Shonong Village in
to newsmen in Benin City yesterday. “It has become
imperative for me to brief you on the activities of the Police in the zone in the year 2013. The year witnessed a
drastic reduction in crime and criminalities owing to the crime preventive strategies put in place in the three State Continues on page 2
Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Olakpe, who addressed newsmen in Jos, said that nine dead bodies were recovered
from the scene while seven others were burnt beyond recognition. “The figure we have at the police level is nine persons dead bodies that have been collected
and deposited in mortuary; seven other bodies charred beyond recognition that have also been packaged for burial. Continues on page 2
Police, STF confirm 16 dead in Plateau
News Transport fares rise
Continued from page 1 Transport, Mr. Orobosa Omo-Ojo. Investigations revealed that many commercial vehicle drivers plying various routes in Benin City metropolis had refused to comply with the government directive inspite of extension of the deadline. It was also observed that since Monday when many persons formally resumed
work after the Christmas and New Year Holidays, many prospective passengers have had to wait for longer time before they could get vehicles to board to their destination. Passengers who spoke with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER lamented over the hardship occasioned by the hike in transportation fare. Miss Florence Onyebule who resides in Aduwawa axis
of Benin City rued the difficulty she goes through to be able to get vehicle that took her to work since Monday, inspite of the fare increase. Folake Martins, who also rued the situation noted that if the situation persists, many people would continue to get to their workplaces late. Chairman, Oredo motor park, Mr. Ernest Aigbe told The NIGERIAN OBSERVER that government enforcement
of the colour code is greatly affecting them adversely, as most of them are engaged in commercial vehicle business on part time basis. He noted that most of the taxis are engaged on charter basis as they ply different inter and intra-city routes. Mr. Aigbe therefore, pleaded with government to re-extend the deadline for them to comply with the government directive.
“It is with a deep sense of honour and privilege that I humbly accept this important national assignment to serve as chairman of the TCN. “ I am grateful to God and to the president for the opportunity to serve our
country at such a critical and defining moment in the transformation of our power sector.’’ Waziri holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and an MBA from the University of Lagos.
He was the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, at the NNPC between 2003 and 2009.
revealed that 101 and 181 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers respectively were arrested in 2012 while 70 and 150 persons were equally nabbed for the two crimes in 2013, signaling 31 and 21 percent reduction. It also maintained that 52 and 70 kidnapped victims were rescued in 2012 and 2013 respectively by Police in the zone. However, 50 and 67 cases were said to have been charged to court in 2012 and
2013 respectively. The comparative analysis also showed appreciable reduction in cases of murder, arson, stolen vehicles and vandalisation. The Zonal Police boss however, thanked the Governors of the threes states, sister security agencies, members of the public and the Press for their support and cooperation. He assured that the zone would sustain and improve on the achievement so far recorded.
Minister tasks new TCN board on improved power supply Continued from page 1 the power sector was going through critical reforms. He described the sector as critical to the growth of the economy and pledged to fasttrack transformation of the sector.
Edo, others record drop in crime rate
Continued from page 1 Commands with effective supervision by this Zonal Headquarters, Mr. Argungu stated. A comparative analysis of major crimes recorded in the zone in 2012 and 2013, which the AIG presented to journalists, indicated that the 67 cases of kidnapping recorded in 2012 and 43 similar cases in 2013 translated to 36 percent reduction. The analysis further
No automatic tickets for PDP NASS JOS - The People’s members - Chieftain Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it would not offer automatic tickets to its incumbent national assembly members in 2015 in spite of the spate of defections from its fold. “There will be nothing like automatic tickets for anyone; incumbents and challengers seeking the PDP ticket must go through the normal process to secure it,’’ Mr Joseph Gumbari, PDP Chairman, Zone 3 of Kaduna State,’’ he said. Recent reports had quoted some federal lawmakers as insisting on automatic tickets for the 2015 race to stop them from joining others that defected to the rival Alliance for Progressives Change (APC). The ruling PDP has lost five governors, some key leaders and 37 House of Representatives members to the APC in the wave of defections that hit the party. But Gumbari, a former member of the House of Representatives, told newsmen in Jos that
conceding to the demand for automatic would “kill the PDP’’. “No one can blackmail the PDP into making such concessions; we shall give the party’s tickets to only those who deserve it. Those who have performed and are still popular should have nothing to fear. “There are many law makers today that cannot visit their constituencies for fear that they could be attacked by their constituents. “Such people have abandoned the people and had offered nothing to better their lots. You cannot impose such people on the electorate because that will endanger our chances,’’ he said. He expressed surprise at the lawmakers’ demand, instead of working to popularise the party. Gumbari said that PDP’s tickets would only be given to members that had been consistent in shoring up its image and strengthening it through effective representation.
The chairman said that the party was already “strategising to neutralise’’ whatever effect of the defections might be on its electoral fortunes. “The APC is new and obviously in a hurry to admit just all comers, but we are taking our time and shall move at the right time,’’ he said. He challenged the APC to focus on what difference the party would make to the lives of Nigerians rather than the “consistent chorus of seeking to replace the PDP at the centre’’. Gumbari said that the APC was not a threat to the fortunes of the PDP in Kaduna State, adding that PDP last weekend received some top politicians that defected from the APC. “APC members in their thousands, led by Mr Huseini Dembo, on Friday defected to the PDP; so while APC is receiving defecting PDP members in other states, we are equally receiving top APC members defecting to our fold in Kaduna State.’’
Police, STF confirm 16 dead in Plateau
Continued from page 1 “About 20 houses were razed down,” he said. Olakpe said that the number of persons injured in the attack was still being collated. He said that the attack would have been more devastating if not for the prompt intervention of the combined efforts of the police and men of the STF who repelled it. He said that no arrest had been made but assured that the police had spread its dragnet on Kaduna axis to ensure that the criminals were arrested. The commissioner assured that the state command was collaborating with the Kaduna State Police Command to arrest the attackers. According to him, the command was devising new strategies to check the spate of attacks in rural communities in Plateau. “We are going to take some strategic actions to ensure that more movement of the policemen to the hinterland will be effected as early as possible. “We are going to bring out new partnership with traditional rulers in particular, so that they will be part and parcel of the security apparatus. “So, we can talk with them and whenever they see people who come into their communities, they will be able to tell us who those characters are. “We are going to partner more deeply with the traditional rulers and the youth of the communities so that we will be able to fish out the miscreants,” Olakpe said. The Commissioner appealed to the people to report to any security agent any suspicious characters within their communities. Meanwhile, the STF in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, also confirmed nine dead bodies, seven charred bodies and five injured. The statement said that the injured persons were taken to Vom Christian Hospital. According to the statement, normalcy has returned to the area and the STF personnel are patrolling the area for any situation that may occur. “The STF Commander, Maj.Gen. David Enetie, accompanied by the Interim Administrator of Riyom Local Government were at the scene for on-the-spot assessment,” it said.
Oba Palace agog as Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa marks birthday By MATTHEW OKAGHA BENIN CITY – A section of the palace of the Benin Monarch was agog on Monday, January 6, 2014 as Oloi Evbagharu Eredianwa (Omo N’Obarisiuwa N’Eric) marked her birthday anniversary in grand style. The birthday celebration of the Queen was spiced with cultural dances, entertainment of guest and feasting. Another unique feature of the Oloi’s birthday celebration was the presentation of gifts to four orphanage homes and the children and staff at the pediatric ward Central Hospital, Benin City. The orphanages were project Charilove, Oronsage Maternity and Orphanage, Edo Orphanage Home and Iwinosa Orphanage. Representatives of the Oloi, Chief Osamwonyi Amos Amadi (the Idukpaye of Benin Kingdom) and Princess (Mrs.) Ivie Uwa-Igbinoba Spoke of the Queen affection
and compassion for the sick children in the hospital and the motherless babies at the various orphanage. They noted that being her birthday celebration, the Queen considered it expedient to share the joy of the day with the children whom she appreciates as direct gifts from God. The Director of Project Charilove, Mr. Chris Omusi who received the gift items on behalf of the inmates, described the act as a novelty, adding that many people in the society easily forget the less-privileged in the society in their moment of joy. The Secretary/Head of Administration, Central Hospital, Benin City, Mr. Edwin Ojieho and the proprietress of Oronsaye Orphanage Home, princess Kate Oronsaye both expressed appreciation to Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa and prayed for many happy returns for the Queen.
Omorotionmwan commiserates with Omagbemi family
BENIN CITY – Hon Josef Omoriotionmwan has commiserated with the family of Mr. Sunday Nelson Omagbemi on the death of late Madam Olegua Mary Omagbemi (AKA Odosun) at the rape age of 103 years. Hon. Omorotionmwan former Board Chairman, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL) in a letter of commissioner to Mr. Omagbemi On behalf of himself and family described late Madam Omagbemi as a woman of virtue and quality who exhibited discipline and candour. He urged the family to take solace in the good life lived by Madam Omagbemi and also to imbibe her good qualities, noting that God kept her up to a ripe age in order to fulfill her obligations on earth and to her children including all those who see her as a role model. According to the
programme of events, a vigil mass will hold at No. 9, Omegbemi Estate (By Bendel Breweries) Ikpoba Hill, Benin City on Thursday, January 9, 2014 with a requiem mass scheduled at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City on Friday, January 10, 2014. The events will close on Sunday, January 12, 2014 after thanksgiving mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ikpoba Hill and reception at her residence.
Late Madam Olegua Mary Omagbemi
Oba seals Ovbiogie Community ‘Oguedion’ By RAYMOND OSOGBE BENIN CITY – The traditional shrine (Oguedion) of Ovbiogie Community along Lagos road by Ekiadolor, has been sealed up on the order of the Benin Monarch, His Toyal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa. Chief Eguezigbon Obamwonyi, who led other chiefs and palace functionaries to the community, said the palace had at several times sent emissaries to the elders of the community to come and
defend themselves over alleged anti-palace activities levelled against them, including tampering and operating a burrow pit on the Oba’s parcel of land in the community. According to a statement by the Information Officer, Benin Traditional Council, Robinson Osayamwen, after the closure of the traditional shrine, the youths from the community numbering over 50 ambushed and attacked the chiefs, including a soldier who was on mufti. The youths were also said to have abducted some of the palace functionaries and seized the Oba’s properties in their possession.
Inside Edo
Egor LG Chairperson Donates To Orphanage BENIN CITY - The Chairperson, Egor Local Government Council, Mrs. Margret Enobakhare with her husband, Comrade Victor Osayande Enobakhare were at Abeni Ojo Orphanage to present gift items to the children of the home as part of the local government end of year party activities. Mrs. Enobakhare said hat she and her husband had decided that they will continue to use their resources to give meaning to the life of children of Abeni Ojo orphanage because the children are future leaders who should not be neglected. She urged other philanthropists to continue to assist other orphanages in this regard to give the orphans a sense of belonging. The Enobakhares were accompanied by All Progress Congress Party leaders, in Egor Local Government Area to share the joy of the yuletide with the children as well donate the gift items to the orphanage. According to Mrs. Enobakhare, “It is good to give to the motherless and
fatherless in the society”. In his remark, the Egor Local Government Council boss said that the purpose of his coming with his wife was to eat and dine with the children in line with the promises he made during his electioneering campaign to the orphans. He lauded the proprietress of the orphanage for donating the sum of N50,000 to the local government as part of her contributions to development projects in the area. In her response, the
proprietress thanked the council boss for identifying with the orphanage in the yuletide to give the orphans a greater sense of belonging. The chairperson later took the children to a get-together –party at the council secretariat where the children share in the joy of Christmas and new year with the father Christmas presenting gift items to them and other children in the Local Government Area.
R-L: Member, Lagos House of Assembly, Mrs. Lola Akande, Deputy Mayor, London Borough of Lambeth, Councillor Adedamola Aminu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, members, Lagos House of Assembly.
Dubril Oil Debunks Alleged Neglect By Host Communities
By MIKE OSASROGIAGBON
BENIN CITY: DUBRIL Oil Company Limited said it remained committed to discharging its Corporate Social Responsibility to all its host communities in Edo State. The Company’s Community Relations Officer, Mr. Clement Seweje who stated this when he debunked the allegation by Ughoton
Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo state that they have been neglected by the Oil firm. He stated that indigenes of its two host communities in the state, Gelegele and Ughoton, have benefited from Dubril Oil Economic Empowerment Scheme. Mr. Seweje listed some of the amenities Dubril
provided for Ughoton to include electricity, scholarships, Health Care Centre, town-hall, renovation of primary school, empowerment programme for 14 youths and provision of employment. The Company’s Community Relations Officer revealed that Dubril Oil was losing 200 barrels of crude oil per day out of its daily production of 340 barrels, following a rupture in one of its pipelines at Ughoton in Edo state, a
development which led to a shut-in of the oil well. He explained that the rupture which resulted in oil spill of less than one barrel, occurred on December 28, 2013 along the Udo-UghotonGelegele Road in the area but however, said that the ruptured pipe has been m e n d e d . Mr. Seweje said the Company would resume production when Ughoton community allows it to do so, adding that the oil spill did not
cause any damage contrary to claims by the Ughoton Community. The Community Relations Officer disclosed that Dubril plans to raise its crude oil production to 2000 barrels per day by the third quarter of this year and therefore appealed to Edo State Government and Ovia North-East Local Government Council for quick response whenever there is face-off between the company and its host communities. since Dubril Oil Company defaulted in the payment of taxes to them
EIRS Holds Mgt Retreat By VICTOR OMOALU
Distruction of Frozen Chicken and Turkey by Nigerian Custom Service, Oyo and Osun Commands in Ibadan recently.
BENIN CITY – The 2013 Annual Management Retreat of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has taken place in Benin City. The retreat was held for top management staff of the agency and was aimed at reviewing the
Edo Commissioner Gives Out Daughter In Marriage
APANA (UNAIRUE) : It was pomp and celebration as dignities from different walks of life gathered together to honour the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief (Hon) Lucky James as he handed over his daughter in marriage. Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the community head of Uzairue, Chief P. S. Adedion, Prince
Malik Afegbua, Alhaji D. M. B. Garuba, mother of the State governor, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole, Edo members of the state Executive Council, chairmen of local Government Councils, Rev. Solomon Ohonba, Permanent Secretary in the ministry and Directors. The traditional marriage which held at the commissioner’s home
town Apana Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state witnessed the couple, Precious James and Paul Osunde dressed in their traditional attires. Father of the bride, Chief Lucky James blessed his daughter ’s union with Paul Osunde after the bride price was paid. The couple took their vows
amidst cheers from quest at the St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, venue of the solemnization of their holy matrimony which was followed with a reception for guests. Highlights of the occasion was the cutting of the wedding cake by the couple and was presided over by the state Deputy Governor Hon. Pius Egberanmwon Odubu.\
operational activities of the agency throughout the year 2013. The event which featured the presentation of reports on the operational activities of the various departments of the agency for the year 2013 and was also aimed at evaluating the operations and to identify the challenges with a view to putting in place strategic blue print for the year ahead. Speaking with newsmen at the end-ofyear ceremony of the EIRS which climaxed the retreat, the Executive chairman of the EIRS, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah, asserted that the establishment can leave behind an enduring legacy without the human
capital development. He stated that the retreat was aimed at reviewing the operational activities of the agency for the year 2013, identify the challenges as well as proter solutions towards the year ahead. This he said is in line with the agency’s commitment to deliver on its core mandate. “All we are doing is to ensure we have the right personnels with the right mindset to be able to deliver on the objectives of the agency”, stated Chief Elemah. The ceremony also feathered the presentation of awards to some deserving staff for their dedication, determination and commitment to their duties.
South South New Vehicle Number Plates Available - EIRS Boss
Returnees from Central African Republic been attended to by officials of Anambra Emergency Management Agency in Awka yesterday.
BENIN CITY – The Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) said it has more than enough new number plates that can serve both private and commercial vehicle/motor-cycle owners in the state. In a press briefing in his office, the Executive Chairman, EIRS, Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah, said that no less than three thousand number plates are currently available. He said the state governor presently has about N50m credit line with the federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) for the purpose of procuring more number plates for the teeming applicants of the state.
Naval Boss Debunks Media Report By BETTY IDIALU WARRI - The Flag O f f i c e r Commanding(FOC),Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sidi-Ali Hassan Usman has debunked media report by a national newspaper of Sunday, January 5,2014 headlined, ‘Three feared dead as naval gunboats storms oil-rich Delta community’. Addressing a press conference Monday evening at the NNS Delta in warri, Rear Admiral Usman said that, contrary to the said report, the fracas was between Arotun and Madgho communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State in which the task force remained neutral.
“We wish to draw the attention of the media and the general public to the facts that till this moment, no naval gunboats were involved in any operations that led to the shoot out or the alleged loss of lives as reported by the newspaper”. He said. While appreciating the role of the media as partners in progress, the Rear Admiral Sidi -Ali advised media practitioners to always verify their reports as false and unverified reports would only heat up the polity. This according to the naval boss is not in the good interest of the Nigerian Navy and the nation at large”. Speaking further, the naval chief said, “such acts will not promote the partnership that exists between the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders,
particularly the media in ensuring security of lives and property as well as stamping out every form of criminality in the maritime environment for national development”. Rear Admiral Sidi-Ali who took time to explain the role of the task force in the community, said the task force comprising the Navy, the Air force, Nigerian Police and Department of State Security was put in place following Delta State security council meeting decision of December 30,
AFUZE – The chairperson of Owan East Women Development
Nigerian Postal Institute Hon. Victor Enobakhare disclosed this at Egor when the Director of the institute, Alhaji Diwa Musa led other officials on a courtesy visit to the council. Hon. Enobakhare disclosed that the training and retraining of the
President’s National Transformation Agenda, the FOC sued for the unflinching cooperation and robust synergy with the media, towards the realisation of the Chief of Naval Staff Strategic Guidance 02. Present at the media briefing were other high ranking naval officers, including the host, Commodre Mohammed Garba, Commander NNS Delta, Commodore V.C Okeke, Navy Captain Haruna Zeggo, and Navy Captain S.S Garba.
Owan East WDP Chairperson Urges Mothers To Enhance Immunisation
Training: Egor LG To Parner EGOR – Egor Local Government Council of Edo State is to partner with the state headquarters of the Nigerian Postal Institute in the area of training and retraining of the council staff in transmitting official nails. Chairman of the council,
2013 to provide security in the proposed site for the Federal Government multibillion dollar Gas City in Escravos as well as to keep open sea lanes of communication and secure Key and vulnerable points. He said the task force had no confrontation with any communities or group of persons. While thanking the media for their continued support of, the Nigerian Navy progammes and policies towards the realisation of Mr.
While asserting that the revenue service had been streamline such that all transactions are computed, Chief Elamah said; “It beholds on any applicant who wants to use the vehicle to personally visit our various motor licencing offices for this exercise to be done. Because, he said it requires all forms of capturing of both your photograph and biometric data.” Advising the prospective applicants of the new number plates to acquire theirs on or before the FRSC deadline of Monday June 30, 2014, the EIRS boss further disclosed that the state government procured over two hundred points of sale (P.O.S) machines through which prospective applicants can make payment for any service with the state government. For those who have acquired the numbers plate without their data captured and computed, he advised such persons to visit the revenue offices for regularisation. He used the medium to emphaise on the need for both individuals paying taxes and corporate bodies to file in their annual returns, while stressing the need for them to obtain the Tax Identification Number (TIN).
council staff was necessary for the overall development of the council. He told the Director of the institute of the local government readiness to rehabilitate the road leading to the institute with a view to making it motorable at all times.
Programme, Mrs. Florence Ijegbai has advised mothers to ensure that they take their babies to the nearest helath care for immunization and other childhood survived strategies. Mrs. Ijegbai gave this advised during the inauguration of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week, which took place at the Referral Medical Centre, Afuze. She said the target age group for the exercise is
between nine months to five years, stating that the exercise would run from January 6 – 10 2014. The State Technical Facilitator, Dr. Andrew Ifeanyichukwu Obi who spoke through Mrs. Juliet Igele, Owan East Local Government Nutrition Officer said that the week long integrated programme is timely and very strategic to addressing the aspects of health indices. Dr. Obi remarked that Nigeria has made several
efforts in the past to address her dwindling health problems saying that one of such efforts is the introduction of the maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, which is a biannual event by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. He commended the Owan East Council boss, Hon. (Barr) Jimoh Ijegbai for his support to the Health Department of the council towards making the programme a success.
South-South Delta To Sustain Its Micro-Credit Programme -Commissioner ASABA - The Delta Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr Antonia Ashiedu, has assured the people of the state of government’s determination to sustain its micro-credit programme. Ashiedu gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Asaba. She said that the state government had put modalities in place to guarantee the
sustainability of the programme, aimed at achieving the “Delta Beyond Oil’’ initiative of the current administration. The commissioner also said that elaborate plans had been made to consolidate on the achievements recorded so far on the Delta Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP) in 2014. “Some of such modalities include strict adherence to the blue print establishing the
NGO Promises To Monitor Budget Implementation In development in the Akwa Ibom enhance state. UYO - A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), The Niger Delta Anti-corruption Network (NIDAN), said it is poised to monitor budget implementation in Akwa Ibom State in 2014. The state coordinator of NIDAN, Dr Nse Udoh, disclosed this in Uyo in an interview with newsmen. Stakeholders had decried absence of strict budget implementation in the state during public hearing on 2014 Appropriation Bill at the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on December 30, 2013. The state government had proposed a total budget estimate of N469.4 billion for its services in 2014 now before by the State House of Assembly. Udoh said that budget tracking would form the bulk of the organisation’s activities this year. The NIDAN coordinator said that monitoring of budget implementation by the different ministries, departments and agencies of government at the state and local government levels was necessary to ensure accountability. She said that NIDAN had documented the failure of service delivery in Niger Delta states. “The funds allocated for the provision of quality education and healthcare delivery largely remain unaccounted for, whilst majority of the population live in poverty. “Elitist minorities generate vast wealth through corrupt practices from large scale embezzlement to petty bribery, thereby denying the citizens what ought to be their right,” Udoh said. Udoh further lamented that many of the citizens had never seen local government budget nor took part in planning, monitoring and tracking of such budgets. She called on the citizens to join NIDAN in the quest to hold public officers accountable and
Udoh regretted that lack of accountability had remained the bane of development in Nigeria. She said that the country had a poor rating of 144 out of 177 countries on the Corruption Perception Index 2013.
programme six years ago. “I can tell you, if we follow the road map of the programme, it will eventually transform Delta into an industrialised state,’’ she said. The commissioner recalled that 111,312 persons had so far benefited from the programme since its inception in 2007. She said that the DMCP had impacted positively on the lives of beneficiaries, adding that the impact had encouraged more people to embrace it. Ashiedu also said that the project had received national and international recognition as majority of the beneficiaries had moved from engaging in small-scale businesses to establishing cottage industries. “It is amazing to see what the people can do with fabrics, leather and even chemicals to produce detergent; those in agriculture are making waves too,’’ she said.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. John Jegede; Minister, Mr. Musa Sada and Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Rep. Isa Hassan at the media round table on review on Ministry of Mines and Stell Development Road Map in Abuja recently.
Electricity Consumers Lament Poor Power Supply In Calabar CALABAR Some Electricity Consumers in Calabar have expressed concern over frequent power outage in parts of the city since the beginning of the New Year.
Delta FRSC Records 504 Crashes, In 2013
ASABA - The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Delta said it recorded a total of 504 crashes involving 842 vehicles in 2013. The Sector Commander, Mr. Imoh Etuk, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba. Etuk said 1, 720 casualties were recorded from the crashes out of which 168 died and 1, 446 persons were injured. He attributed most of the crashes to over speeding, burst tyres, loss of control, over
loading and wrong overtaking. According to him, most drivers in the state do not always obey traffic signals whenever they are on the road. The sector commander said more enlightenment programmes were organised in the state in the year under review which helped in the reduction of the crashes. He said most of the crashes recorded in the state involved inter-state commercial vehicles, adding that 17, 398 motorists were apprehended for various traffic offences during the period.
Etuk said a total of 20, 353 traffic offences were recorded across the state last year, while 11, 364 vehicles were impounded. He identified seat belt violation, riding motor cycle without helmet, light signs and number plate violations as the prevalent offences during the period. The sector commander said 9, 118 of those arrested were enlightened on traffic regulations and made to pay fines of between N2, 000 and N50, 000 before their release.
The APC sensitisation rally in Port Harcourt recently.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Calabar, the consumers said they hardly had regular power supply since the beginning of 2014. A welder, Mr. Itorobong Inyang, said that the epileptic power supply in Ikot Ishi area of Calabar had adversely affected his business. “There is no light at all since the New Year and my generator set is under repairs, so, I am just managing to survive. “Sometimes, they bring the light in the night when people are sleeping and they will take it before morning and it will remain so until the following day,’’ he said. Inyang said that the problem was partly due to one transformer serving the area, adding that the situation had lowered the current being supplied to the area. “Even when they bring the light, the current is usually very low such that it cannot carry my welding machine, ‘’ he said.
Mrs. Alice Udoh, a hairdresser in the State Housing Estate, also told newsmen that the poor power supply had almost paralysed her business. “If not for the generator set that my husband bought for me, I would have since closed my saloon because I cannot rely on the public power supply anymore. “They bring the light and in the next one hour the light is gone and may never come back again till midnight or sometimes after two days; it is that bad. “Worst still, the power company people will bring bills and ask us to pay for the light we did not enjoy, ‘’ Udoh said. Mr. Effiong Effiong in Offiong Offiong Area, said that the only transformer serving the area had been bad since October 2013 which had left the whole area in darkness. “Our situation here is very pathetic. Our transformer was reportedly broken down and the former PHCN staff took it away for repairs and four months after, nothing has been done. “We have remained in total darkness since then with nobody saying anything about it. “We spent the Christmas in darkness and even as I am talking to you now, the situation remains the same, ‘’ Effiong said. People are complaining that the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, in charge of Calabar has not done anything to change the epileptic power situation in the city. In his reaction, Mr. Fred Obi, the Public Relations Manager of the defunct PHCN in Calabar district office, said that Calabar had had reasonable power supply since the New Year. “Unless the area have transformer problems, ‘’ he said. He, however, declined to speak further on the issue of faulty transformers, saying that he lacked the competence to comment on such matters.
South-West Auto Dealers Decry Hike In Price Of Second-hand Vehicles LAGOS - Some auto dealers have decried the new price hike on imported second-hand vehicles popularly called “tokunbo”. The dealers blamed the new price hike on the implementation of the new automotive policy being introduced by the Federal Government. The policy is aimed at encouraging the use of new vehicles and discouraging importation of second-hand vehicles. Mr. Yemi Savage, Managing Director, Royal Motors, told newsmen. The proposed hike in import tariff from10 per cent to 35 per cent would have adverse effects on auto business. ‘’We have beginning to experience the ripple effects. The prices of cars have risen to ridiculous amounts from dealers in Cotonou. ‘’It is becoming difficult to add our own commission to the price of the vehicles to make them affordable to our customers. ‘’I wonder what the experience will be by the time the policy is fully implemented,’’ he said. Mr. Chucks Egbunike, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Express Motors, expressed concern that the implementation of the policy might lead to increased smuggling of used vehicles.
Egbunike appealed to the Federal Government to create enabling environment for assembling and manufacturing vehicles in the country. ‘’Formulating a policy is not enough; government should give us affordable alternatives to “tokunbo vehicles”,’’ he said. President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that the implementation of the policy would not inflict pains on the people. Jonathan gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last weekend. He said that the policy would help to revive the local automobile sector.
Police Arraign Truck Driver For Manslaughter SANGO-OTA (OGUN) - The police has arraigned a truck driver, Sunday Joseph, in an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for
manslaughter and reckless driving. Joseph, 36, of no fixed address, is being tried for allegedly
driving his vehicle recklessly and killing one pedestrian, whose name and address were not known.
UNILAG Lecturers To Cover Lost Grounds, Hail FG Over Salary Arreas LAGOS - As academic activities have resumed at the University of Lagos on, the institution’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has promised to make sacrifices to make up for lost time. The Chairman of the university’s chapter of ASUU, Dr Oghenekaro Ogbinaka, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Bricklayer Remanded In Prison For Alleged Illicit Drug Deal LAGOS - A 25-year-old bricklayer, Kunle Adetoso, has appeared before a Federal High Court Lagos, for allegedly dealing in Indian hemp. Adetoso, who resides at the Ifako Area of Lagos, was arraigned on a count charge of drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty. The Judge, Justice Okon Abang, ordered the accused to be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons and adjourned the case to March 13, for a review of facts and sentencing. Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Kalu Orji, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 23, 2013, at Agbado-Oja in Lagos. Orji said that Adetoso was caught by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a tip-off. He also said that about 230 gramme of cannabis, better known as Indian hemp was recovered from the accused. According to the prosecutor,
L-R: Chairman, Committee on victims of Ikeja 2002 bomb blast, Comrade Nurudeen Onegbemi; members, Mr. Ise Christopher and Mr. Surajudeen Kareem, during a visit to NAN office in Lagos recently.
the offence contravened section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, 2004. The offence attracts a life imprisonment upon conviction.
Lecturers in public universities embarked on an indefinite strike under the aegis of ASUU on June 30, 2013. They called off the strike on December 17. 2013. The lecturers were agitating Federal Government’s full implementation of an agreement it entered into with the union in 2009. Ogbinaka told newsmen that the union was satisfied with steps the government recently took to ensure that the country’s university system was on the same pedestal with those of many other countries. He said that Unilag lecturers would ensure that areas that suffered during the strike were covered qualitatively. He urged students to work hard to make up for the lost time. According to him, the Federal
Government has demonstrated willingness to create a conducive teaching and learning environment in public universities. He said that it was necessary for lecturers and students to play their respective roles well. ‘ The government, as part of its efforts to encourage us, has paid all our salary arrears; we are indeed happy with the development. “The same government has set up a NEEDS Assessment Committee in public universities with members of other labour unions in the system well represented. “With the development, we are optimistic that we shall be seeing a system that will be able to compete favourably with its counterparts in other climes.” “Given this development, we
Traffic build up at Barrack bus stop in Lagos recently.
see a situation where, not only students, lecturers and parents will be happy, but where the entire country will be better,” Ogbinaka, said. He said that students of the university had started returning to campus in large numbers in readiness for resumption of academic activities. The unionist said that he was looking forward to a better and brighter future for Nigerian students, adding that the strike was a much needed sacrifice for improved university system and products.
The police prosecution, Cpl. Rosemary Brown, told the court that Joseph committed the act on December 23, 2013 at 1.30 p.m. at under bridge, Sango-Ota, Ogun. Brown said the accused drove a Scania truck with Lagos registration no. KJA 229 XA while committing the acts. The prosecutor said the offences contravened the Federal Highway Act, 2006. The Magistrate, Mr. Alliu Soneye, granted the accused bail for N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. He said one of the sureties must be a civil servant in Ogun as part of the bail condition. In addition, he said, the sureties should show evidence of gainful employment and tax clearance payment to the government. The magistrate said the sureties should reside within the jurisdiction of the court and their addresses should be verified by the police. The case was adjourned to March 6 for mention.
Tin Can Island Port Records Increase In Revenue LAGOS - The Tin Can Island Port Command of Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) said that it realised N240.16 billion revenue in 2013. Mr. Chris Osunkwo, Public Relation Officer of the command, told newsmen in Lagos the revenue was higher by N33.74 billion over the N206.412 billion recorded in 2012. According to him, as a vehicle port, the revenue came mainly from import duties paid on vehicles, levies paid on common external tariff , sugar, wheat flour, wheat grain and bulk goods. He said that the revenue generated from these goods in December was N20.06 billion. The command spokesperson attributed the increase to digitalisation and automation of the NCS activities at the port. Osunkwo also traced the increase in revenue to motivation
and hard work of officers, who he said, struggled to achieve the desired goals. He said that the command initially feared that the introduction of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) would create hiccups and cause reduction in revenue. “Any importer or agents who claimed to be delayed today in the port do not understand the new PAAR method. “It enables an importer to clear goods faster because the person would have processed his document electronically or online before the arrival of the cargo,’’ he said. The public relations officer said that the officers at the Tin Can Island port were motivated to work harder because of government’s circular on the introduction of PAAR to take care of all exigencies.
News Ekiti 2014
Jonathan Assures Of Fairness
L-R: Ozo Charles Onyia; ASUU Chairman, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Gab Agu; his EDNA, and Secretary Ubelenze Ozo Ngwo Clan, Ozo Egbuodike Onoh during the Coronation of Chief Agu as N’Eche Ibe of Ngwo Clain in Enugu recently.
FAAN Denies Preventing Plane Carrying PAC Chieftains From Landing theHebreakdown. said that it was still unclear IKEJA - The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has denied allegation that it prevented a chartered plane conveying some officials of APC, from landing at Gombe airport on January 2. The authority made the denial in a statement issued to media houses in Lagos. The statement, signed by FAAN General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati, said that it was a known fact to all stakeholders that Gombe airport not a ’24-hour’ airport. “The airport’s runway is not open for flight operations, both scheduled and unscheduled, for 24 hours,’’ Dati said. According to him, a Notice to
NMA Strike
Airmen (NOTAM) to that effect, is well known to concerned stakeholders in the industry. Apart from this, Dati said that the airport was undergoing maintenance and security surveillance operations in the morning of the incident. “With the permission of the control tower, maintenance and security surveillance operations take place on the runway at periods when the runway is not active. This is a standard practice in the industry. “One of such operations was taking place on the airport’s runway in the morning of the incident and unfortunately, the fire truck used for that operation, belonging to the Gombe State
Government, broke down on the runway. “While efforts were being made by our engineering staff to remove the truck from the runway, the control tower at the airport was notified of the incident and a new, specific NOTAM was issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). “The issued NOTAM was to alert airmen of that incident for the purpose of asking them to stay away from the airport for a specified period of that day, in the overall interest of safety,” he explained. According to him, the fire truck was removed from the runway in less than an hour after
LASG Promises To Meet State Chapter’s Demands LAGOS - Lagos State Government said it would soon meet the demands of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). Mrs Yewande Adeshina, a Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola, said this at a meeting with the NMA, government officials and the Committee on Health Services of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) . “The state government has promised that it will meet the demands of the medical doctors very soon. “All the issues on ground will be addressed and government will make sure that the promises are kept,’’ she said. Reports say that the state chapter of the association had, on Sunday called off the proposed strike due to the quick intervention of the state
government. Dr Ajibayo Adeyeye, the Majority Leader, LAHA, in his address to the medical practitioners, also assured the association that the state government would fulfil its promises. Adeyeye appealed to the association to find a way to resolve the pressing issues without embarking on a strike, stressing that anything otherwise would adversely affect the lives of Lagos residents. “We cannot afford another strike in the health sector. One minute of strike in the health sector by whatever body can be very disastrous to the State. “The ripple effect of a strike will be greater in Lagos, being the most populous state in country and even in West Africa,’’ he said. Mr Suuru Avoseh, the Chairman, Committee on Health
services LAHA, charged the Lagos NMA and the government representatives to have a cordial relationship on how to resolve their differences on a regular basis. “For the sake of patients, we should join hands’’ Avoseh said. Dr Francis Faduyile, the Chairman, NMA, Lagos State chapter, said that the intending strike was called off purposely for the sake of the patients in the various state hospitals. Faduyile also said that the prompt intervention of the state government, with the assurance of the House committee on health service, also gave the doctors the confidence to return to their duties. NAN reports that the national body of the association had also decided to suspend its planned strike which was to begin on Jan. 6.
to FAAN, why the pilot of the chartered aircraft did not receive the issued NOTAM until he got overhead Gombe Airport. The General Manager however said that the matter was being investigated by relevant authorities.
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan has promised neutrality in the choice of PDP candidate for the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti. The Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, disclosed Jonathan’s position to State House correspondents in Abuja. Olubolade spoke after the First Sunday Service in 2014 attended by the president at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Abuja. He said the president made his position known at a closed door meeting he held with all the party aspirants for the elections at the Presidential Villa at the weekend. “What the president said is that he has not endorsed anybody. That means every aspirant can be the governorship candidate and that is good for democracy. “I think what we need to do is to take it in good faith and learn the lessons that he has offered and use it not to make mistakes of the past so that the election will be free and fair under a peaceful atmosphere. “This is what is important for all of us. Definitely, a governor will emerge,’’ he said. Olubolade commended the president for convening the meeting, noting that it would prevent acrimony in the party primary elections. “All the aspirants embraced it and they were happy. That is good leadership and I think we should commend Mr President
for that,’’ he said. The minister said he was optimistic that the police would do its job professionally in protecting lives, property and general security in the forthcoming elections. On police funding, the minister said the police have been adequately funded by the administration. According to him, Mr President has funded the police more than what we have always had in the past and we will start to see the effect. “The Police Academy is now degree awarding, young graduates will be there and undergo training so that they will be able to manage the rank and file of the police. “By this they will be better skilled than before, and when they are better skilled, they will be able to show leadership and direct the rank and file to do what is right.’’ Olubolade said the reform in the police would end the clamour for state policing in certain quarters. He said with the reform, the police have somehow decentralised, adding that “whatever is needed in a state for the police is being given directly to the state. “The state governors preside over security of their states in conjunction with the commissioner of police, and they will collectively secure the state better,’’ he said.
Jigawa CP Assures Politicians Of Neutrality
Council Poll: DUTSE Mr Kayode Theophilus, the Commissioner of Police in Jigawa has assured politicians of neutrality of the police in the January 18, local government elections in the state. Theophilus gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Dutse. The police boss warned his men against taking sides during the election, adding that their role
was to enforce law and order, as well as protect lives and property. Theophilus , who promised to deploy adequate number of police personnel for the exercise, further warned that any police officer who engaged in activities than ran contrary to his schedule of duties, would be penalised.. “The Inspector-General of police (IG), has warned against such act and my men will be
neutral in all elections in the state. “The police will protect all the citizens in the state during the election because that is our mandate,” he said. The police boss said that he had met with relevant stakeholders across the state, adding that he stressed the need for them to play the game of politics according to the rules.
Winner of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) 10th Open Amateur Golf Championship, Malam Bala Abdullahi of Kaduna Golf (left), receiving a trophy from the acting Managing Director, KRPC, Dr. Balfred Enjugu at the closing ceremony of the championship in Kaduna recently.
News Poor Services: NCAA
Cautions AERO Contractors
IKEJA - The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has told Aero Contractors, an airline outfit, to comply at all times with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR). The NCAA in a letter to Aero Contractors said it viewed the poor handling of passengers on its Abuja-Calabar flight on November 8, 2013 as gross disregard to aviation rules. The letter, made available to aviation correspondents, was signed by Mr Pollie Okoronkwo, NCAA’s Secretary on behalf of the Director-General, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu. The letter reads: “On 8th November 2013, our Consumer Protection Officers in Abuja reported a disruption of your flights. “Specifically, our investigation showed that you failed in exercising the duty of care owed to passengers in the event of delay or cancellation. “This failure is a violation of Part 19.4 and Part 19.5 of NCAR 2012. “‘Having taken into consideration the totality of circumstances surrounding the incident, the corrective action taken by you as well as the mitigating factors regarding the matter; we hereby commit the legal enforcement action to a
warning. “By this notice, you are seriously warned. This letter will be made a matter of records in accordance with extant law. “We expect strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations and your Disruption Management Manual in future.’’ The NCAA also urged passengers to be patient and tolerant in the event of unavoidable delays or cancellations of flights in the interest of safety. It advised pilots to adhere strictly to specified weather minima, especially during the prevailing harmattan period. The statement said NCAA was committed to strict compliance to safety regulations in the interest of safe flight operations and that violations would be viewed seriously.
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno (middle) accompanied by other officials inspecting the CHAD Basin Development Authority Bump Station in New Marte in Borno yesterday.
PDP Tasks Elected Officials On Wastes
ABUJA - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised its elected and appointed officials at all levels, to redouble efforts and work harder to curb all wastes in 2014. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, gave the advice in a statement in Abuja.
Metuh also tasked the party’s officials to keep on being prudent in handling the nation’s resources. This, he said, was critical to ensure that Nigerians not only continue to enjoy the benefit of having the PDP in power, but also vote for it enmasse in the forthcoming general elections.
Cashless Policy
He commended the steadfastness of President Goodluck Jonathan in pursuing his transformation agenda Metuh said that the president remained steadfast in spite of efforts by the opposition to distract and take him off the course of developing the nation. He noted that the president’s initiatives had resulted in the
World Gate Boss Urges FG To Improve Communications Network ABUJA - The Chairman, Worldgate Group Ltd, Dr Anaebo Okekenta, in Abuja urged the Federal Government to improve the communications network in the country for its cashless policy to succeed. Okekenta made the call in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the 32nd anniversary celebration of the group. Reports say that Worldgate Group is a privately-owned conglomerate comprising eight companies with combined staff
strength of over 300. He observed that the current inadequate communications network had limited transactions and the attainment of the policy’s desired success. “We are talking about a cashless society when at the moment you make a call it will be saying the number you are trying to call is not available. “This is not supposed to be so. “Again, you are expected to make use of your ATM card to
buy things; after purchasing the items and it is time to pay, you give them your card to swap, what you get is no network. “Do you sit down there and wait till network comes or do you carry the goods to come back and pay later; so it is a problem,’’ he said. Okekenta noted that the cashless policy was a good development because it was geared toward modernisation of the payment system and reducing the cost of banking services.
“The idea of a cashless society is very good because it will help to reduce crime in Nigeria, reduce corruption and the burden of carrying cash up and down. “It will also reduce the cost of producing currency which is very expensive. So, it is good we go cashless. “But at the moment, there is no sufficient infrastructure to effectively carry out this cashless policy. “The government needs to improve on the infrastructure that will help achieve this important milestone in our economy, ’’ he said.
accelerated development of key sectors of the country’s economy. The party spokesman also applauded Jonathan, particularly for his initiatives toward the technological advancement of the country. He cited the establishment of the National Institute of Construction Technology in Uromi, Edo, the new National Automobile Policy and the implementation of power sector reforms, among others. Metuh urged Nigerians to continue to support the PDP, noting that PDP remained the party that could guarantee “a government committed to the national interest and the welfare of all at all times’’. The spokesman said in spite of the party’s challenges in 2013, it remained the most organised party in the country “with genuine followership’’ across the country. He also said the PDP remained the pre-eminent party, well ahead and better than the opposition, adding that this was why more people were eager to join the party’s fold. “The PDP is a party founded on democratic ideology by worthy and respectable leaders. “It is the only party committed
to the national interest, in which no person, group, tribe or religion can claim to play dominant role,’’ he said. Metuh further said the party remained strictly committed to its ideology based on the principles of patriotism and service to the people. This, according to him, explains why; self-centered and undemocratic elements find it very difficult to adapt to the dictates of the party. He added that the challenges that faced the party in 2013 would enlarge rather than shrink its support-base. Metuh added that while the opposition exercised their penchant for propaganda and hollow claims in the media, but lacked true followership among the people. He added that Nigerians had become better informed following the development, stressing that the nation would soon witness a galore of entrance into the PDP. Metuh also commended Jonathan for his steadfastness in delivering on his transformation agenda and not allowing himself to be distracted by the antics of the opposition.
to criticism. The cleric said he foresees a better and greater Nigeria and urged Nigerians to pray for the president and those in leadership. “Challenges are all over the world, even as a father, I have the challenge of running my house, there is challenge in ruling a small community. “As the Prelate of Methodist Church, I know the heat that I am facing whereas I am only managing about six million people. “If you compare it to someone managing the whole country it is not easy.
“Jonathan is not responsible for all the challenges confronting us as a nation. “If he (Jonathan) needs to know what is happening to the people at the grass roots, he should consult credible religious and traditional rulers and they will tell him the truth,” he said. The cleric urged the Federal Government to create jobs for youths to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country. “The rate of unemployment is very high and as an alternative, people are creating odd jobs for themselves which is the major cause of insecurity.
Prelate Warns Jonathan Against Sycophants
Entrance to Iseyin District Grammar School locked in compliance with the directive of the government to close all public school in Iseyin LG to avert crisis yesterday.
LAGOS - The Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Uche, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to beware of sycophants. Uche gave the advice during the church’s Covenant Service at the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos. “Some people in the corridors of power do not understand the problems of the country and that’s why they are not advising the president appropriately,’’ he said. The prelate urged Jonathan to improve the standard of living of Nigerians and pay less attention
Abuja CAR Evacuees Seek Federal, State Govts Assistance ABUJA - Some Nigerians who were evacuated recently from the troubled Central African Republic (CAR) have appealed to the federal and their state governments to assist them to “temporarily settle down”. Some of the evacuees told newsmen at the Hajj Camp in Abuja where they were kept that life had been difficult for them as they lost all their property in CAR. Mr. Raphael Udom, one of the evacuees, said he had a hotel and workshops in Bangui, but had to leave all the family laboured for in Bangui. Udom, who was the Patron of the Igbo Patriotic Union in Bangui, appealed to the government to evacuate its indigenes from the camp as some state governments had done. “I abandoned my workshop, house and hotel because there was so much shooting. I couldn’t go back home or to my businesses before I was evacuated from the embassy to Nigeria with my wife, children and grand-children. “We need just a little help to sustain us for the time being before we can think it is safe enough to go back to CAR and recover our properties. “I do not think the problem in CAR will end in a month’s time, and we need to live; I have a house in my hometown but I came to Nigeria without any money. “I will need to feed my family of around 10 persons and we know as Nigeria is now; nobody can feed you and your family for more than one week. “So the help we urgently need now is financial and material. We did not collect our clothes, and as I am talking to you now, this is all I have on me - a shirt and a pair of trousers,” he said.
Another evacuee, Mrs. Uneeka Udoji, who was holding a little girl crying for food, said she and her children had not eaten since morning, and appealed to government for help. “We could not stay in Bangui again because of fear of being killed. It is good that our country evacuated us. “Since we arrived on Saturday, NEMA brought some food but it went round very few people; you can see how the children are crying. “We expect government to know about our sufferings because some of us lost everything we laboured for in Bangui. “I think it is better for each state government to come and evacuate its indigenes before they die of hunger; I want government to take care of everybody temporarily here at the camp,” she said. Udoji urged her state government (Enugu) to come to the rescue of its indigenes and resettle them. Hajia Samira Umar, an indigene of Kaduna State, said the living conditions of the evacuees at the camp is “traumatic”, and complained particularly about the coordination of feeding and sleeping arrangements. “This place (camp) is very far from the town. We cannot buy water and we cannot buy even biscuits to give our children. “We were told that NEMA will give us food but up till now (12.30 p.m.), we have not seen the food. The same thing happened yesterday. Some of our children did not get food until late last night. “The relevant authorities should communicate with each state government and arrange to transport its citizens and save us from hunger.” Mr Igwenyere Iheanyi, one of
the evacuees who said he was a businessman in Bangui, complained that he returned without any money on him. “Most of us were successful business men and women in Bangui; we had warehouses and shops but see us here doing nothing. “We came back empty-handed because we did not know that the crisis would break out when it did. Many of us just returned from Nigeria and Dubai and had just stocked our warehouses and shops. “I travel to Nigeria every three months to buy goods or go to Dubai. Before this crisis broke out, I had invested all my money in buying goods. I came to Nigeria empty but I have my life. “As a family man who just came back unexpectedly, government should assist us financially so that we and our children will not die of hunger. “I was controlling millions of CFAs in Bangui and when you change it into naira, you can guess how many millions it will be. “But look at me coming back home with nothing. So we need something to start life afresh and we want government to help us settle down before the situation in Bangui stabilises and some of us can return to our businesses. The Federal Government has evacuated 1,424 Nigerians who took refuge in the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui. The evacuation became necessary following the political crisis that engulfed the country.
Sarkin Matasa Youth leader of Mubi Emirate Council of Adamawa, Alhaji Ahmadu Usman being turbaned in Mubi yesterday.
Screening For Prostate Cancer Should Begin At 40-45Yrs -Expert ABUJA - A Urologist with Kelina Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Celsus Undie, has advised men aged between 40 and 45 years to screen for prostate cancer as a preventive measure. Undie told newsmen in Abuja that some men have one form of prostate cancer or the other without knowing it. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. According to him, people are scared to carry out the screening because of the side-effect of treatment, not knowing that the symptoms may take more than
10 years before manifesting. “Up to 20 percent of men you see on the street who are more than 50 years old may have one form of prostate cancer or the other and they do not know. “And they are going about their normal lives, enjoying their lives, going to work and living like any other person. “It may take more than 10 years before the cancer begins to cause symptoms. “So, some people will argue that screening for prostate cancer is unnecessary because you are going to diagnose so many cancers very early when you would have left the man alone to
Group Sensitises Frontline States Desentification Threats ABUJA - The African Desertification Control Initiative (ADCI) Nigeria, an NGO, said
Hoodlucks extorting money from drivers on the bridge-head in Onitsha, Anambra yesterday.
that plans were underway to sensitise the 11 frontline states worst hit by desertification in northern part of the country. The states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara. Mr. Umar Dahiru, the Executive Director of the organisation, told newsmen in a telephone interview that the move was necessary to enlighten people on the causes of environmental degradation. Dahiru said that the sensitisation programme would also focus on educating people on threats desertification posed to the socio-economic wellbeing of human beings. He said that ADCI was collaborating with sister agencies in Niger Republic and that the sensitisation campaign was scheduled for the first quarter of 2014. Dahiru, who did not mention a specific date for the commencement of the programme, however, said that it would feature road shows, workshops, demonstrations and radio jingles.
He said that the campaign was designed to re-orientate people on the importance of reducing manmade activities that promote deforestation. Dahiru added that the programme would form part of ADCI’s initiative towards contributing to the country’s efforts to ensure ecological restoration. ‘’Desertification can be controlled but we need this sensitisation programme to achieve results. ‘’Because it is only when people are enlightened that they can refrain from activities like bush-burning, cutting of trees and others things that contribute to environmental degradation.’’ Dahiru said that ADCI was collaborating with the Kano State University of Science and Technology to promote research activities crucial for desertification control. He said that the centre donated an automatic weather monitoring station to the university, to enhance capacity building towards curbing environmental degradation, especially desertification.
enjoy his life. “Now you are going to diagnose cancer, the man is going to have the psychology of living with cancer; he will be unhappy and so on. “And if you start treatment early of course you are going to have side effect from the treatment and so on. Undie said that if prostate cancer was diagnosed early that it could aid healing and urged men to go for screening to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He said that it was important to screen early, as treatment would be effective and could cure the victim of the cancer. The doctor also said that it was necessary for men who had family history of prostate cancer to screen at the age of 40. “Many people will argue that it is not necessary to screen the general population for prostate cancer. “But on the other hand, there is an argument that prostate cancer if it is not diagnosed at the right time can kill, treatment will not be effective. “ So, if you can make a diagnosis early enough, the treatment you give will be effective, it can even cure the patient of cancer. “And so, many people will argue that, it is very important to screen for prostate cancer, irrespective of your side of the argument, irrespective of your position. “The truth is that, if a man has prostate cancer in his family, if his father died of prostate cancer, or his uncle has prostate cancer or their relatives that have prostate cancer, the chances are higher that he will develop prostate cancer in his life time. “For that reason, it is advisable that such a man should get himself screened for prostate cancer and he should start at the age of 40 or 45. “Some people will say 50 years, 50 years is not good for Africa because we have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the whole world. Undie, therefore, advised men with family history of prostate cancer to start screening at the age of 40.
Business + Economy Capital Base: Brokers Challenge SEC On New Minimum
LAGOS - Some capital market operators have challenged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prove that the new minimum capital requirements for operators were based on market consultations. Some of the brokers, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos maintained that they were not consulted by SEC. A source close to the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) said that the new capital requirement was a clear departure from earlier agreement reached between SEC and operators two years ago. He said that the commission and market operators agreed that the recapitalisation should be risk based with less emphasis on money. He said that they agreed that
the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) should provide specifications on office standards, human capital and the technology to be deployed by the operators. According to him, the new capital requirements do not reflect the reality of the market and can overheat the system. “Over capitalisation is very dangerous for the market because too much funds will be chasing few stocks and can lead to what happened in 2008,’’ he said. The operator said that the brokers decided not to make the recapitalisation an issue in order not to overheat the system. He said the new capital requirement would be detrimental to retail investors because brokers would make
better money trading for themselves instead of buying and selling on behalf of investors. Mallam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds in Lagos, however, said that there were consultations, but brokers expected lower capitalisation.
Kurfi also urged brokers to embrace mergers and acquisitions to meet the minimum capital requirement as announced by SEC. SEC, had on December 31, 2013, said that the new minimum capital requirements were the outcome of extensive
consultations with stakeholders within and beyond the nation’s bourse. The commission said that the new capital regime was the outcome of a process which commenced in 2010 with the setting up of a technical committee chaired by its former Executive Commissioner (Operations). The committee, SEC said, featured representatives of the
NSE Market Indicators Appreciate By 0.14% LAGOS - Equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) opened for the week on the upbeat with the market indices growing marginally by 0.14 per cent. The All-Shares Index rose by 56.82 points or 0.14 per cent to close at 41,507.30 against 41,450.48 achieved on Friday, January 3. The market capitalisation, which opened at N13.265 trillion, appreciated by N18 billion or 0.14 per cent to close at N13.283 trillion. Analysis of the price movement chart showed that Dangote Cement recorded the highest gain to lead the gainers table by N4 to close at N224 per share. It was followed by Guinness with a gain of N2.95 to close at N239.95 per share. Nigerian Breweries appreciated by N1.99 to close at N167.99, while Union Dicon gained N1.23 to close at N13.31 per share. Conversely, Nestle topped the losers’ chart, losing N12 to close
at N1, 170 per share. Forte Oil trailed with a loss of N2.64 to close at N90 per share. Oando depreciated by N2.59 to close at N24.07, while CAP lost N1.75 to close at N46.70 per share. Reports say that the volume of shares traded decreased by 37.83 per cent with an exchange of 326.06 million shares worth N2.91 billion traded in 5,365 deals. This was in contrast to the 524.46 million shares valued at N4.21 billion traded in 5,496 deals on Friday. NEM emerged as the most traded stock with 37.43 million shares valued at N33.72 million. It was followed by UBA with 36.17 million shares valued at N340.14, while Japaul Oil traded 29.28 million shares worth N19.29 million. ETI sold 28.53 million shares valued at N493.85 million, while Unity Bank accounted for 22.46 million shares worth N11.23 million.
Director-General, National Sports Commission, Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye (left), with the Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi at the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee for Bash Ali Guinness World Book of Records title fight in Abuja yesterday.
Student Dev Websites To Share Nigeria’s Achievements, Cultural Values Centenary:
ABUJA – As Nigeria celebrates its centenary, a student of the University of Abuja, Mr. Chukwuemeka Okafor, said he has developed a website to showcase Nigeria’s achievements and cultural heritage. Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Okafor, the National President, Nigerian Association of Computer Science Students, gave the domain name of the platform as “www.naijja.com.”
According to him, the website is an interactive platform for people to showcase their different landscapes, tribes, religion and demography and contribute positively toward the growth of the country. “I strongly believe that Information and Communication Technology can be used as a veritable tool to bring about peace and national development. “This belief, and many more has led me to develop an online
platform, www.naijja.com, where Nigerians within and outside the country can sign up for free and make their own contributions. “This platform which is currently royalty free and advertisement free was developed and launched by me. ‘’It is with the hope that as Nigeria turns 100, Nigerians will be able to share what we might have missed by reliving the past. “It will also be useful in celebrating our achievements,
FRC Applies For IF/AR Membership LAGOS - The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) says it has applied for membership of International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) to boost its audit control. Its Chief Executive, Mr. Jim Obazee, made this known to newsmen in Lagos. Obazee said that being a member of the IFIAR would boost the council’s capacity to monitor audit control. Reports say that IFIAR was established on September15, 2006. “It is to share knowledge of the audit market environment and practical experience of independent audit regulatory
activities “It is also to provide contacts with other international organisations which have an interest in audit quality. Obazee said that the council’s international audit attestation would be ready by the first quarter of 2014.He said that Nigeria would be the first country to require attestation to publish financial statements of individual and joint liability companies with relevant external auditors. He said that it was wrong for members of any organisation to be a member of audit committee to review the company’s financial report.
capital market industry trade groups such as ASHON and the Chartered Institute of stockbrokers (CIS). The new minimum capital regime was recently announced after a board meeting of SEC on September 2013. Reports say that SEC, on December 19, issued new minimum capital requirements for capital market operators with December 31, 2014 as the deadline. A breakdown of the new capital requirement showed that broker/dealer now requires a minimum capital of N300 million, an increase of 328.57 per cent over the current minimum capital base of N70 million. Broker is now required to increase its capital to a minimum of N200 million from N40 million, while a dealer ’s minimum capital now stands at N100 million from N30 million. A issuing house now requires minimum capital of N200 million from N150 million, while underwriters are now expected to have N200 million as working capital from N100 million. A registrar should have a minimum capital of N150 million from N50 million. Trustees capital requirement has been raised to N300 million from N40 million, while a rating agency is to have a minimum of N20 million to N150 million.
L-R: Political Coordiantor, Permanent Mission of Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Laro; Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Joy Ogwu and from Permanent Mission of Nigeria, Mr. Martin Adama, after the UN Security Council meeting in New York recently.
expressing our displeasure and more importantly, sharing solutions. “Also useful in sharing ideas on how we can move ahead as a nation and as a people in all the sectors.’’ He expressed optimism that the platform, if well used, could play a major role in sensitising people on the way Nigeria and its people should evolve. Okafor, therefore, urged the public to sign up on the platform to discuss issues that affect the country. He said members of the platform could make contribution by creating a page, blog or uploading videos and photographs on issues that affect Nigerians and ideas to improve the country. He noted that this would provide information that could be archived for another century for future generations, adding that the platform was also designed to celebrate and reward Nigeria’s unsung heroes and celebrities. The student said that in the light of recent security breaches around the world, measures had been taken to ensure that the biodata of users were secured. “Extra security is put in place with the ‘Term of Use’ and privacy policy, to ensure that users’ biodata cannot be easily compromised,’’ he said.
NIGERIA is blessed with abundant human and natural resources which nature has endowed her with. The country’s climatic conditions favour wide variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of wheat. Additionally, Nigeria is the most populous country in the Continent of Africa, with abundant economic resources, which, when properly harnessed, may enable the country to achieve the status of a rich and developed nation. ALTHOUGH its industrial sector is underdeveloped due, in part, to inadequate capital for investment and lack of technological knowhow, yet the country has prominent industrial concerns such as giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical companies, food processing Industries, car assembly plants and so on. Although most of these Industrial concerns are not functioning optimally and many of them depend on imported inputs, they can serve as a basis for industrial take-off, if we put our acts together this New Year 2014. HOWEVER, despite Nigeria’s extensive landmass, growing population, agricultural and industrial potentials, the country remains economically backward, indeed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had at a time classified Nigeria as a heavily indebted country with difficulties in meeting debts servicing obligations; Certainly, these attributes are a minus in our national drive towards socio-economic and political development. THERE are divergent opinions on the relationship between effective leadership and the economic organization of Nigeria, and how to expand the productive base of the country. Literally, economics is the distribution of scarce resources for optimum development of a society. Thus, successive governments had pursued vigorously, policies that will strengthen economic growth and development in Nigeria. But despite the economic efforts of past and present governments, Nigeria is yet to achieve basic economic aspirations. LITERATURES on the Nigerian economy have cited leadership problems as a major cause of the
THE NIGERIAN
Need To Boost Nigerian Economy In 2014 country’s inability to effectively mobilize her resources. Critics have shown quite clearly effective leadership is a great obstacle to development in Nigeria. Leadership problem has hampered the country’s progress in the political, economic, military and socio-cultural sectors. Poor leadership lies at the root of our continuing social, moral, economic and political crises. Practically, all our misfortunes in Nigeria have been due to poor leadership. It seems, therefore, that the Nigerian leadership structure determined to place the blame for the unstable situation the frustration and difficulties confronting them on their leaders. THUS, in contemporary Nigeria, we have observed and rightly too, that there is a great yearning for the total transformation of the process of producing appropriate leadership. This yearning, which grows more urgent by the day, is both legitimate and understandable. After decades of hopes raised and hopes dashed, it should not be surprising that Nigerians are wary and weary. HAVING gone through decades in which their faith in their national leadership have been abused and affronted, Nigerians impatience with their leaders and almost total distrust of government functionaries can no longer, be-dismissed as mere cynicism. AT independence, expectations throughout Nigeria were high and the possibilities for greatness were almost limitless. Considering her vast resources, the country appeared set for good attainments, and fulfills what the international community saw as her destiny to lead the black race into the main stream human and technological civilisation. REGRETABLY, the Nigerian economy has hit an all time low. There is massive under utilization of
resources. What is more painful is that our industrial sub-sector is not producing at full capacity. Despite being blessed materially and humanly, our cost of production remains high with growing unemployment. Also only crude oil is being seriously tapped, and production was negatively affected by the Niger-Delta crisis, thanks to the amnesty programme which has largely restored the oil sector. Our concern here is that outside oil, resource mobilization efforts are rather disappointing. In our estimation, if the attention given to crude oil had been extended to other minerals and the agricultural sector, definitely. Nigeria would have attained desirable and sustainable development. THERE is no doubt that Nigeria is richly endowed. The country has all It takes to become a super power. Somehow, our major problem is the leadership question, which has inevitably impaired our ability to mobilise our resources. However; we believe that our system of government has contributed to this poor leadership problem. Our political structure especially the adoption of a warped federalism has combined effectively to deprive Nigeria of a sound process of getting the right leadership Even democracy which is expected to produce effective leaders is now, a major political problem in Nigeria. WE believe that problems such as corruption, and inter-ethnic wars and suspicion, which have contributed a lot to the failure of leadership, can be adequately tackled, particularly as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has braced up to the problem in recent times. AT independence in 1960, the international community amazed at the economic potentials of Nigeria, was quite certain that if our resources were appropriately managed, Nigeria would one day become the giant of Africa. Unfortunately, due to the failure of our leadership to strategically mobillise our resources for political, socio-economic and cultural advancement of our nation and people, Nigeria is yet to make appreciable gains in development, worsened by a very poor infrastructure base.
Human Reflections
Unkind Postures Of The Boss By ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE
SOME of our ‘Ogas at the top’ behave as if they do not need love from their ‘Boys at the bottom’. They loathe showing kindness to their boys. What they see as the showing of kindness is the pittance they give to their boys, even when the boys must be working tirelessly for recognition and upliftment. The boys exhibit the most kindness, but are rewarded
treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” Another has it: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of
amassing wealth and owning conglomerate of cartels and business empires. To be an Oga does not mean to have a large crowd of boys, who do your works for you, but to also be kind, considerate and generous to them, so that they could enjoy the legacy of having their own boys by tomorrow,
with a lot of pain. This act demoralises the boys, showcasing their Ogas as persons, who do not need love and do not recognise love, when given them. The boys are the ones who take care of the Ogas’ every need, but are not taken care of in the appropriate manner that would make them to smile, when no one is around. Many of the boys have only been rewarded with tears they shed, when no one is around them. In the relationship between the Ogas and the boys, the former see it as something that the boys alone must be giving, without them showing love, forgiveness, kindness, compassion to the boys, when they need them the most. The Ogas eschew the advise that was credited to one Og Mandino, who remarks, “Beginning today,
kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” The life the Ogas live is the continuous keeping of the boys at the level they were picked; the Ogas prefer feigning a life of completeness and purity, by only helping those of their friends and cronies, who already have enough; they do not help the boys, because the boys have not helped them financially. The Ogas would prefer to hurt the boys, because of preferences. The Ogas are knack in showing friendship in words alone to the boys, without their hearts burning with loving-kindness for all the boys, who crossed their paths, for a change to come their ways. The Ogas have refused to be lectured to understand that kindness means the quality of being kind and not, the quality of
whom they would in-turn show kindness, generosity towards in order to become Ogas. Being an Oga should go with Kindness and meaningful generosity, not for political or cheap publicity, but also for virtue to foster humanity. It was written: “Little deeds of kindness and little words of love make the earth pleasant like the heavens above. A part of kindness involves in loving people more than they deserve. Everyone responds to kindness.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), German writer, philosopher and scientist, was it who said, “If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be.”
The Ogas are much interested in making more money and rich friends and not, in becoming really interested in the affairs of their boys and trying to get them uplifted. The Ogas are ready to go for the kill if reminded of the prudent saying of a George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Irish
They go for this kill to remain at the top. And while the Ogas make progress by the efforts of their boys, whom they hardly take to cognizance are smarter than them, they do not create positive force field of attraction that repels the anguish of the boys, so that the boys would one day be like them. They prefer to create a negative work force against the boys by creating fear, lavishing blame on the boys, instead of wealth. And they forgot that when the boys are not happy, the work is internally not given the best. The attitude of the Ogas to their boys shows that they are only interested in self, and not group. They are suspicious, always showing unlovely traits. Even when the boys are on their best behaviours, the Ogas have bad behaviours echoed all about them. The Ogas want to be understood at all the time by the boys, but hardly understand the plights and desires of the boys. From childhood, Yours Truly has been told that “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. As an adult, many kindnesses shown to many persons seemed wasted, because they misplaced them and took Yours Truly as a fool they have tricked and dumped. In this aspect, such reward from those shown the kindnesses is what makes some persons become wicked and begin to
be citizens of the world. Let the Ogas learn to show kindness to their boys for their direction in life. The Ogas should understand that “a single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees”. (Amelia Earhart, Magic City Morning Star, Jun. 1, 2005). They should not be making their boys to regret that their efforts of kindness are wasted. The Ogas should know that there is no law in the world that is greater than kindness. In “Helps to Happiness”, Nicias Ballard Cooksey, says: Kindness is helpful to the happiness of both recipient and giver. Who does not feel happier on showing kindness to others, and who does not feel happier on receiving the manifestation of kindness? Deeds of kindness shown in the little things of life constitute man’s chief happiness. Many are not able to do any great things for others, but all can find abundant opportunity of showing little deeds of kindness which will add much to the happiness of mankind. “The Healing Power of Kindness” by Jean Maalouf says: More than anything else, kindness is a way of life. It is a way of living and walking through life. It is a way of dealing with all that
“The attitude of the Ogas to their boys shows that they are only interested in self, and not group. They are suspicious, always showing unlovely traits. Even when the boys are on their best behaviours, the Ogas have bad behaviours echoed all about them. The Ogas want to be understood at all the time by the boys, but hardly understand the plights and desires of the boys.” playwright and journalist thus: “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”
reward the world with wickedness evermore. In their families, they would become the fingered, when the word wicked was mentioned and are, not ready to be cordial and well-mannered to strangers. Conversely, it pays to be kind. This makes persons to
is ourselves, our bodies, our dreams and goals, our neighbors, our competitors, our enemies, our air, our earth, our animals, our space, our time, and our very consciousness. Do we treat all creation with kindness? Isn’t all creation holy and divine?
View Point
ACCORDING to Father Anselm Adodo, director Paxherbals he said that the world was created through sound and the world can be understood only through sound. Sound is the master key to unraveling nature’s mystery. The big bang theory of the evolutionist school of thought maintains that at the beginning, the world was a huge ball of fire then suddenly, this ball of fire exploded with great ferocity. It was a tremendous bang. The ball of fire scattered in all directions thus the world came into being, this primordial sound still resounds at the heart of creation and is the fore behind the cosmos. The big bang theory of the evolutionist schools or the creative world of the creationist schools of thought are simply re-affirming the widely held idea that the world came into being through sound. For the Traditional African, the Drum is the carriers of the world, the primordial sacred sound by which the world came into being the Drum is to the Traditional African, like what the Bible is to the Christians. The drum is the supreme symbol of God’s incarnation of God among us, Logos. It is the sacrament of the divine in the human, of spirit in matters, sacred in the profane, sound for the African is an emotive and creative force. We see this even in the infant responding to the lullabies of the mother, or of the snake or paying mantis swinging to the vibration of sound or of the monkey swaying to tune through the medium of sound the African is able to evoke and manipulate potent psychic forces. In Yoruba language, there is a clear distinction between mere spoken words and potent speech. The former is called Ofo. The Hebrew equivalent in Dahbar, while the Greek is Logos. Ofo refers to words, which have the power of becoming an event in life simply by being uttered. When an Ofo is uttered, it goes to actualize itself. This power of making events happen through utterance is what Yoruba call Afose. For means speak or alter with force so means to come to be, to make, to happen: A – fo-se, when you remove the fo, what you have is “ASE.” The Hebrew
Healing Power Of Sound that one would be tempted to agree with them. These patients are given injections and chemical drugs. However, the fact is that this type of mental illness cannot be treated just with drugs. This is a fact, which not many psychiatrists are willing to accept. What is the cause of this type of mental illness? The origin of these illness lies in what a French Philosopher
shallow and leaves them unsatisfied. The society says be rich, acquire money at all costs, have pleasure and enjoy yourself, cat and drink for you know now tomorrow. Not satisfied with this answer, the youth look up to religion for answer. But atlast, there is so much confusion and discrepancy in the answers provided by religion. Each religion supplies different answers, perhaps to suit its own taste. Most young
and subtle kind of therapy. This therapy is music. Our environment has been polluted not just with toxic wastes but also with unhealthy noise. We could hardly listen to pure sound. This is because the music played in our churches is nothing more than cacophonies of organs, guitars and Jazz bands, which give immediate gratification but does not satisfy. Go off to the riverbank, to
called “existential anguish.” This refers to a frustration with life because of the inability to find answers to the question of life. What is life all about? What is the meaning of the cosmos? Many of our youths are looking for answers to these fundamental questions, they look to the society for answers, but the answer provided by the society is too
people are able to absorb these complexities of life and live a normal life. But there are some, especially those of a more sensitive and subtle temperament like the poets, the artists who react by losing touch with reality, medical examinations will not reveal anything wrong with them. Neither drug gives them much relieves. They need a special
the forest, to the valley, away from the noise of television, radio and could sit still in a secluded place and listen to your heartbeat, your breath and your circulation, you would note that your body is governed by a certain rhythm. Music permeates your being. You are nothing but music. The body is a living entity, an intelligent being with its own laws. The wisdom of the
By OKEKE IFEANYICHUKWU FRED
equivalent of ASE is MiSewah; which means commandment, incantation or authority. To give somebody ASE is to give him/her authority, power, Force. In Igbo tradition, the Ofo is religions authority. The man who holds the ofo stick in his hand becomes ASE, potent psychic force, power, command, more powerful man than gun shots. When sound is organized into rhythm, it is called music, music is a powerful tool, no one can resist the lure of music. Over the years scientist and mystics alike have researched deeply into the place of music in human life. The conclusion is that music is indispensable to promoting physical, emotional and spiritual health. It is scientifically proved that music influences the circulation of blood pressure to rise and fall, we know that variations in blood circulation depend on the pitch, intensity and timbre of the sound around us, music increases metabolism directs muscular energy, increases or decreases respiration, controls blood pressure and influence emotions. In some American companies, it is customary to have a cool and gentle music played throughout working hours on some working days. The manager of the companies noted that workers work with better contraction and productivity on these music days while lower productivity are recorded on days when no music is played clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and meta physicians know how important music is to health. I am of the opinion that music is necessary to the treatment of mental disorders in Nigeria. It has been noted that cases of mental illness is on the increase in Nigeria, especially among the youth. Our psychiatrists, hospitals are filled with young men and women suffering from mental disorders. Many of them are students or graduates. This is a peculiar kind of mental disorder. The patient suddenly becomes absent minded. He/ she talks to no one but simply stares into space. The patient does not accept that she has a problem. Some could argue so locally about their condition
cosmos is reflected in the body is a musical composition. The different forms of sound;the human voice sound of nature, sound of music, carry waves for certain kinds of energy, which they impress on us. If these energies are negative, we become sick, if positive, we become harmonious. It is no wonder that today many people are sick. Medical examinations always reveal that nothing is wrong with them, yet they feel tired, weak an sickly continually, such people need a physician who would help them to discover and maintain a triangular equilibrium of their energies. When sound is sustained, the vibration begins to create a corresponding pattern. This pattern is reflected in the mood and behaviour of people present. Sound affects the pulse, breath, blood pressure, body temperature and muscles and tissues of the listeners. Even if the ears do not perceive the sound, the skin and bone pick up the vibration and transfer it into the system. No one can make him/herself. Immune to the influence of sound. This applies to humans, animals and plants, animals such as frogs, lizards, snakes, rabbits and snail are very sensitive to music. Even though snakes have no ears, they can perceive the vibration of sound through the skin. Modern men and women need to re-discover the value of silence. It is only in silence that real communication can take place. True enough, we are in the age of information. But what we have is much information with little communication, because everyone is talking while no one listens. It is only when we learn to be silent that we can hear the creative sound of creation, restoring us to harmony, peace and contentment, values that no money can buy.
“When sound is organized into rhythm, it is called music, music is a powerful tool, no one can resist the lure of music. Over the years scientist and mystics alike have researched deeply into the place of music in human life. The conclusion is that music is indispensable to promoting physical, emotional and spiritual health.”
Perspective
Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Eyes EYES may be the windows to the soul, but how much do you really know about them? We are aware that they are pretty irreplaceable (there’s no such thing as an eyeball have to do with vision? The best that a human eye has been recorded to see is around that means that a person can see at 20 feet what the rest of us need to stand at 10 feet to see. The term for having two different -colored iries is called heterochromia iridis. Heterochromia iridis is hereditary, meaning it runs in the family. However, if you grew up having the same colored eyed but then notice later in life that one eye has changed color, that could actually be a sign of sickness and you should get your eyes checked out by a doctor. In addition, babies born with different-colored eyes but who don’t come from families where heterochromia Iridis is known to exist, should also be checked out by a doctor in case the difference in eye color is a sign of sickness. There is a word for fear of eyes. And it’s c a l l e d Ommatophobia As painful as it is to get poked in the eyeball, our eyes actually heal quite quickly. Some abrasions can heal within 24 to 48 hours. However, that incredible, unbearable pain when your eye gets infected, it could partially lead to blindness. So if you experience any sort of injury to your eye, you should see your doctor in case you need antibiotics to stop infection. It’s possible for your eye to get sunburned That why it is so important to wear sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays. Sunburn to the eye isn’t the same as sunburn to the skin, where
By UDOCHUKWU ANYAOHA
the effects are relatively immediate with pain, redness and peeling. When sunburn occurs to the eye, it’s over a long, gradual period of time: the
your vision to the print where you went from being a +3 to a 0. The bottom line: if you are noticing a big change in your vision, you should see a doctor to find
prolonged sun exposure will eventually lead to thickened tissue within the eye, which might necessitate eye surgery. Yes, it’s possible for your eyesight to get “better” with age. But that’s not necessarily a good thing, because it could be a sign that something larger is amiss with regard to your health for instance, if you started out as having a+3 prescription (where 0 is normal vision, + 1,2,3, etc means far sightedness and –1-2,3 etc. means near sightedness), but then were to develop a condition that would affected vision, such as diabetes, and make you more nearsighted, that could end up correcting
out what’s going on. Your eyeball is slightly smaller than a gumball A gumball you’d get from a grocery store gumball medicine gumball is about 27 to 28 millimeter wide the average human eyeball is 24 millimeters wide. The lens in your eyes is about as big as an M& M candy. The lens, which focuses from the eye like a lens would focus for a camera, sits right behind the pupil. H’s almost exactly the same size as a plain M & M candy. The encased in a capsule just like an M & M. And developing a cataract in your eye is kind of like developing a peanut
in that “M&M” Think of it as the “chocolate” in the M&M getting harder and developing a little peanut. Having 20/20 vision isn’t the same thing as having “perfect” vision. To have “average” vision it means that you can see at 20 feet what an average person can see at 20 feet.
begins at the back of the eye and, through a series of connections, relays the usual images to the occipital cortex in the very back of the brain. The length of your eye helps determine what kind of eyesight you have. In addition to the eyes’ lens and corneal function the
The “visual centers” in your brain are actually located at the lower back part of your head, that why if you were to fall very hard on the back of your head, it is possible to go blind temporarily, the optic nerve
length of your eyeball as a lot to do with whether you’re farsighted or nearsighted. People who are nearsighted have a longer-than-normal eyeball, while people who are farsighted have a shorter-
than-normal eyeball will change the prescription for that eye. Your eyeballs get bigger as you grow up When you are born, your eyeballs are each 16 millimeters wide. But by the time you turn three, they will grow to each be 23 millimeters wider. Your eyeballs will reach their maximum size when you hit puberty … around 24 millimeters wide. Think of an eye as a house with two rooms. There’s the foyer and the back room. The foyer a.k.a. the anterior chamber, is where your cornea is (where you put your contacts) and a fluid called aqueous humor that contains nutrients that are good for the eyes and bathes the iris of the eye. Behind the iris sits the lens of the eye. Behind the lens of the eye is the “back room”, a.k.a. the vitreous chamber. In this chamber is jelly called vitreous humor, which has the consistency of egg whites (but is really made out of water and hyaluronic acid). Not all eye floaters are alike One person’s eye floater is not always the same as another person’s eye floater. For people over age 55, eye floaters are often caused by posterior vitreous detachment which is when the retina and vitreous membrane separate. But eye floaters can also be pigment, or blood, or inflammation. If you have an eye floater, go see your eye doctor to get it checked out.
“As painful as it is to get poked in the eyeball, our eyes actually heal quite quickly. Some abrasions can heal within 24 to 48 hours. However, that incredible, unbearable pain when your eye gets infected, it could partially lead to blindness. So if you experience any sort of injury to your eye, you should see your doctor in case you need antibiotics to stop infection.”
Midweek Magazine IF I do not go on heaping praises on our leaders for what they have done for the growth of our democratic enterprise, it is because I believe that the truth can only empower us to do better. The reality in which we live of course tells much of the content and context of governance, leadership and democratic values in our country today. At the end of the day, democracy is about people. It is also about quality leadership, constitutions and constitutionalism, the rule of law, political discipline, the construction and nurturing of democratic value, building strong and viable political institutions and giving hope to the ordinary person that there is indeed a collective future to work for. Democracy is also about human, especially socioeconomic and cultural rights, due process, accountability, fiscal discipline, transparency and the careful but targeted deployment of scarce resources to meeting basic needs of the majority of the people. Let me add that democracy is about ensuring a steady and qualitative improvement in the lives of people, in their socioeconomic, political, cultural and spiritual development, the protection of their environment, the decolonization of their minds, and putting the people in the middle of holistic and sustained growth and development. The question therefore is: are we moving solidly visible, seriously, and in a focused manner in these directions? Let me hasten to add that we have witnessed since 1999 some Islands of performance, good leadership and commitment to democratic institutions and ideals. But like in other distorted, disarticulated, deformed, underdeveloped social formations, such points of progress are often distracted, disregarded, diverted, confused, and rendered impotent by their non-performing colleagues or structures and by the contradictions within the system. This means that we cannot expect sustainable, people-centred, peoplefocused and people-driven development without dealing with the structural challenges of the entire nation. The Realities Saying that our country Nigeria is blessed in every respect is saying obvious. What is it that we do not have in this country? Well, we do not have natural disasters that make some nations around the world feel jinxed or cursed. Imagine, and God forbid it, that we experienced
Nigeria’s Democratic Enterpris Assess
recent disasters in Chile or Haiti? Maybe this is also why we have tended to take things for granted. We just believe that things will be alright if we keep quiet, and don’t rock the boat, It is best to be patient; your time to chop will come. Others have gone as far as drawing up a pseudophilosophical road map to what they call “you chop I chop’ Yet, others go to the extent of leaving everything in the hands of God; they bother God with everything, while they sit down and do very little or nothing. They do not reflect, organise, think, mobilise, or act anything. They forget that heaven only helps those that help themselves, but you and l know that no country has ever made progress without discipline, focus, responsible and creative leadership, planning, investment, savings, productivity, stability, and good governance. We cannot continue to hail ex-convicts and criminals and hope that the younger generation will take our preachments seriously. Today, we are all shouting Obama! Obamal! Obama!! We even claim that a black man has taken over the most powerful country in the world. Someone on TV said that visas would now be available to all Nigerians to go to America: what a silly dream. They fail to look at who Obama his, his antecedents, networks, investment in the people and community, fund raising strategy, organizational strategy, courage, vision and the environment in which he operated. If Obama were a Nigerian would he win a Councillorship seat? How many godfathers did you notice in his election? How many Ghana must go bags full of dollars did you see? How many thugs did you see? How many political’ clashes did you see? How many policemen did you see going about with Obama during the campaign? Did you see electoral officers announcing results? Can you tell me the equivalent of their INEC in America? Was there a broadcast by the Police Chief warning people on how to behave? The questions are endless.., but let us leave that matter for now. America was not always like this and Nigeria is not America. But, can we draw lessons? We do not need to reinvent the wheel! I recognise that we were colonised before and our neocolonial structural arrangements, institutions and relationship are largely responsible for our present predicaments. But there are
countries that were equally colonised and less endowed in human and material resources that have done much better than us. Are we fools? Don’t we have eyes to see how they did it? Why do we always seek excuses for our self-imposed limitations? Were we the only ones colonised? How long ago did we become politically independent? Why can’t we use political power to restructure the society and become a better society? Is our experience responsible for ethnic and religious massacres? Is it responsible for criminal corruption at all levels? It is the cause of violence, election rigging, lack of internal democracy in parties, the neglect of roads and education, inability to fix the power and health sectors, and general disregard for truth, justice and fair play? Is neo-colonialism responsible for the political rascality amongst the elites, disregard for the constitution, bureaucratic inefficiency, waste, plan indiscipline, the arrogance of power, and the general celebration of corrupt persons in our society? Is our history responsible for the failure of our refineries, high cost of living, children hawking on the streets, distorted housing policy, millions of our people living in slums, armed robbery, high infant and maternal mortality rates, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and lack of a serious policy on the girl-child? Is neo-colonialism the reason why religion has become more of a business and the media finds it impossible to be consistent in their modus operandi? The list of our failings is endless. Even if we inherited certain distortions almost 50 years ago, if by now we have not found viable, consistent and visible ways of dealing with them, then we must declare a failure. As a teacher, I cannot declare a student that has consistently failed to score even 40%; a good or successful student. We continue to experiment— indigenization, privatization, stabilization, structural adjustment, war against indiscipline, operation feed the nation, new states, new capital, new uniforms for the police, new anthem, new constitution, development plans, rolling plans, reform agenda, new breed politicians, military rule, parliamentary and presidential systems, return to old breed politicians, constitutional reform, and 7Point Agenda just to name a few. No nation makes it with
a left, right, left, centre, back, forward, roundabout, sit, stand, run and stop policy almost at the same time We deliberately ignored and underdeveloped the Niger Delta while draining its natural resources to feed foreign private bank account and we expected the people to be silent, docile and orderly in their neglect, oppression and poverty. We put our children in the best private schools in and outside the country and ignore public education. We abolished bursaries, loans and scholarships for students while our kids live abroad in luxury with enough money and time to think of terrorist acts. We neglect agriculture and import everything from toothpicks to water. We ignore the broken healthcare system and patronise foreign medical centres even for heath checkups. We even neglect the police and rely on private security outfits, thugs, and juju men. Our best holidays are abroad und we cry tourism to the high heavens. We buy the most expensive cars and don’t care about the roads. Our ministries are littered with broken down typewriters, computers and air conditioners. We do not fix. We replace. Everything is contracts; sometimes inflated to unbelievable levels. Abandoned projects are everywhere. Were the contracts awarded by spacemen? Who did? When, why and who s monitoring? We don’t care. Just re-award the contract! No nation can make progress in this way. We do not invest in human capital development or technology. We are still in the manual era and believe that the future will take care of itself. We believe in government by panels or committees but have no regard for the report from such committees. Their reports are dumped as soon as they are presented. Everything for us is based on quota, religion, ethnicity, cults, cabals, opportunism and nepotism. We look for excuses and scapegoats everywhere. How come many governors are always in Abuja? Is this no more a federation? Why are those huge government lodges in Abuja? Take a moment to think of all the developmental challenges we identified in the study of economics or social studies in the 1960s and tell me which one we have solved after almost after 50 years of independence, different forms of leadership and governance, massive deployment of public funds, and all sorts of
planning methodologies. The truth is that we have not done well. We must tell ourselves the truth. Why have we failed? Simple. The leadership, at all levels. failed us woefully. Again, that is not to say there have been no good professors, permanent secretaries, commissioners, military officers, policemen, ministers, governors and presidents or party leaders. But they have been few and lonely at the top. We have managed to contaminate and corrupt the souls and visions of our people and today the entire society is one jungle of people desperately trying to understand where they are. I believe that it is not too late to get out of the jungle. How do we do this? 1. Strengthen the Nigerian State For any nation to move forward, the state must enjoy a relatively high degree of hegemony to control contending forces, build strong structures, promote accumulation, and create an environment for selfsustained growth and development. The Nigerian state does not control the various pockets of power that challenge its power and authority even if it can use violence in the final instant. Political and other forces, be they politicians, militants, religious extremists, even students and armed robbers are not necessarily afraid of its pronouncements and institutions. Its failure to improve society and the lot of the majority leaves the state at the mercy of political adventurers. Because its hegemony is weak, its custodians cannot enjoy relative autonomy and cannot build discipline or some degree of harmony within arid between social classes. So conflicts and competitions go on formlessly. This condition explains the inconsistency in policy and performance and constrains the ability of institutions to function. Few believe the government, an arm of the state when it says “your security is assured, go about your normal business.” Many see the budget reading or presentation as mere ceremony. Many more believe that all government officials and politicians are nothing but thieves. In short, the Nigerian state has very limited hegemony. This has to be reversed through deliberate growth and nurturing of leadership, purposeful policy making, constitution review, constitutionalism, and respect for democratic values, promotion of equity, due process, social justice, and the
By PRO
basic needs of the people. This is much better than a nebulous re-branding project that is like climbing a tree from the top. Build the people, build their communities, promote their interests, build confidence in the state and promote state hegemony and democracy will flourish. 2. Redefine and strengthen leadership at all levels A year of bad leadership can
of ser put build them vang televi perso appo praise recyc medi Such relati estab and l peop
Prof Julius Ihonvbere
cost the nation ten good years of development. The predicaments of Nigeria are largely the result of bad leadership. Very arrogant and ignorant leadership for that matter. They do not read and are technologically challenged. They waste so much time talking, meeting, and inventing or pursuing enemies that they have little or no time to build real leadership qualities. They do not prepare successors and any other rising star is an enemy that must be framed, harassed, crippled financially, and eliminated or chased far away. They build false popularity profiles by paying for and receiving useless honorary degrees, chieftaincy titles, and awards from useless organisations. Awards that have no real meaning in the eyes of the people. No award goes for nothing. They lack the qualities of compassion, vision, education, capacity, capability, dignity, exposure, hard work, consultation, ability to listen, and a clear and real track record
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Midweek Magazine
se Since 1999: A Preliminary sment
OF. JULIUS IHONVBERE
rvice to the people. They up billboards, name dings and roads after mselves, set up youth guards, turn the local ision and radio into their onal newsletters and oint opportunists and e singers into positions to cle the same culture of iocrity and eye service. h a leader cannot build ve autonomy, hegemony, blish lasting institutions, live in the hearts of the ple for ever. Cheap
opularity, not anchored on rvice, honesty, integrity and erformance is a waste of oney and time. We must uild new visions, new voices, ew hopes, news onstituencies and new aderships at all levels. 3. Build political will, on’t ignore humanity If Nigeria is going to grow nd our democracy onsolidated, our overnments and leaders must uild the required political ill to take the nation out of nderdevelopment. Some overnors and federal inistries are doing a lot but nless these efforts are tegrated within the larger velopmental environment ey will precipitate skewed owth. Hence; when the olice in one state receive upport and wage and fective war on criminals, ey simply move to the next ate to cool off. When one ate declares a scholarship ogramme, indigenes from e next state adjust their
names and villages to enjoy the benefits. The will to terminate poverty, pursue justice and equity, provide accountable leadership, build bridges of tolerance and accommodation, and ensure respect for the rule of law must guide our individual and collective determination to move Nigeria onto the path of sustainable, people-centred development. Tough decisions must be taken but built on consultation, dialogue
and a smile does not hurt 4. Reform and Reposition Political Parties for Democracy No matter how we look at it or pretend, politics is still war in Nigeria. It is a business in which you or a sponsor invests and look forward to reaping huge returns within a short time. Campaigns are not necessary, platforms or manifestoes are not necessary and you do not need to have the best profile or qualifications. Just have a godfather, sufficient wildlooking thugs, money- the source is not relevant-, and strategies on how to influence the electoral commission, the police and the media, and pronto you are “elected” into office. Don’t worry about the election monitors. They will not go beyond their reports, AIT or Channels television and press releases. When did these ever influence the Election Tribunals, Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court? If your opponent
appeals, get some good lawyers, preferably Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and some money. If you cannot win the case out fight, you can delay it till you finish your term. These are realities. As I once said at another forum, politics in our country “is costly. Diabolical, unsteady, uncertain, and announced results hardly ever reflect what took place on election-day. Only in few cases are the best candidates presented for political office and aspirants are almost bankrupted before they get elected. This in itself lays the foundation for the arrogance of power, executive recklessness and unbridled corruption until our political parties become truly and fully reformed, Nigeria cannot move forward. Until the parties begin to respect their own rules, Nigeria cannot produce credible, capable, courageous and visionary leaders that will build the political economy and consolidate democratic institutions and practices. The parties must begin to perform some of the basic functions of political parties — identify and train leaders, develop policy platforms, present the best aspirants and candidates for office, regulate office holders, conduct research on party and political development, encourage public discourses, and commit openly to the sustenance of democracy in every regards.” If you pick an unpopular candidate, you must rig the elections for “victory.” That is just the plain truth. As I have said elsewhere, “Office holders that emerge from a dubious and diabolical process cannot be expected to respect the constitution or liberties. They cannot be expected to distinguish between the public and private treasury. That is why we must never tire of the struggle for democratic practice and social justice. Political parties in Nigeria must be bastions of fair-play, justice and freedom. Unless this happens they would be contributing directly to the consolidation and reproduction of poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment in Nigeria.’ 5. Let the Private sector find and define its true mission We must commend the efforts of the private sector thus far. However, it needs to do much more. Because it is relatively better organised, it has been able to attract some of our best minds out of the
public sector. Yet, it has become more or less stagnant. The recent revelations about the corruption and squander mania in the banking sector are, to say the least embarrassing. It has also played a major role in corrupting and contaminating the public sector and debasing all known economic rules and regulations. No wonder it has resorted to all sorts of quack opportunistic, emergency, underhand, superficial and down right fraudulent ways of making profits. These include cooking up the books to jack up profits and give a false impression of assets, capacity and position at the echelon of industry” In this context, the overall national economy suffers. Hence we see the importation of sub-standard products at the expense of local producers and safety of consumers as well as the culture of charging customers all sorts of fees and levies at times for unsolicited services as many banks tend to do. Many in the private sector, do everything possible to penetrate the government just to have an opportunity at the national cake irrespective of the consequences. Until recently, some private sector executives were more visible in the newspapers and on television than state governors! The private sector needs to be more creative in its approach, invest in technology, news ideas and the development of human capital. The emphasis should shift to production as against distribution and they must help in strengthening the economic foundations of politics and our democratic enterprise. This sector must define its interest and position in our political economy. Does it want to be a spoiler, a parasite or partner with other stakeholders to promote development and a democratic context for progress. 6. Oppose Defederalisation, support Refederalisation The debates on fiscal federalism, true federalism, constitutional amendment, state police, revenue sharing formula, resource control, women in politics, electoral reforms, political appointments, the location of local infrastructure, corruption, state and local government creation, and infrastructural rehabilitation are endless. It is good that such debates take place so we can have a better understanding of national priorities. As is typical, the debates are at times very narrowly focused; often
looking at Nigeria with little or no comparative perspectives. But in Nigeria, the debates are informed more by narrow primordial interests that often contradict or undermine national interests and the collective good. Just like the diabolical and sometimes pedestrian debates on the health of President Yar’Adua. At the end of the day, the national and local interests are compromised and contained if not totally undermined. People cannot be insisting on absolutes and we must all work hard to return Nigerian to federalism. The Governors in particular must recognise that they were elected by their people and not by Abuja and they must see their states as federating units. Unless we return to true federal arrangements, our governance will remain distorted; we will continue to dissipate energy and resources on managing the symptoms of a unitaryfederalism that will not produce people-centred results. We must unite to oppose every effort to defederalise Nigeria by the forces of reaction and oppression. 7. Review the Constitution: Build it on the people The time wasted thus far in fighting over the chairmanship and timetable of the constitution review committee and process by the National Assembly is sufficient to have concluded the exercise. That both seats of legislative authority could not agree on the process is disappointing and makes one to wonder whose interests they truly represent on this issue. Past constitutional reviews have cost the nation billions of naira with very little to show. We have lost opportunities to give the people a living document that could be deployed in the defence of individual and collective liberties. If we must be sincere for once, the constitutional review is “not one man’s show and it must not be an ego trip. It is not senators versus the representatives. It is not the National Assembly versus the rest of the nation. Rather, it is one more golden chance to give ourselves a living document, a true peoples covenant, a road map to show us how to organise and deploy power in the collective interests of our people. It is an opportunity to correct historic& injustices against women, the youth, the poor, microminorities and minorities. It is an opportunity to stop oil theft, kidnapping, illegal-bunkering, arson, assassinations, money laundering, hostage taking and other forms of violence in the much neglected and exploited Niger Delta. It is an opportunity to produce the document that will engender. peace, stability,
dialogue, tolerance, diversity, unity, democracy and progress in Nigeria. This will riot happen if the process is opportunistic, elitist and complicated. We must draw lessons from Uganda, South Africa, Eritrea. Ghana and other parts of the world by adopting a truly open, consultative. transparent, accountable, process-driven and people-led approach to constitution-making. This is the only way to produce a constitution that we can all understand and all own and defend with our lives. This is the way to build the architecture to deepen, widen, promote, sustain and reproduce democracy and democratization. The process of refederalisation will be possible and much more viable with a true constitutional consultation and process that brings our people together and restructures our political compact. It is also the only way to build culture of constitutionalism, through a process publicises the constituent as our document, mobilises the people, and wins buy-in from the people. If we do not get the politics of constitution-making right, we can never get our development right. Political uncertainty, contradictions, distrust, violence and instability will continue to challenge wellintentioned programmes and policies and thus reproduce underdevelopment to it. Conclusion Allow me to conclude here. I have said nothing about corruption, because there is nothing to say. If we do the things recommended above, the environment and institutions to question and correct the widespread corruption in our society will be possible. Civil society has a major role to play and once again, we are already witnessing their rejuvenation due to the arrogance, intolerance and insensitivity of the power elite. Civil society must continue to refine, redirect, reposition and reorganise itself to face contemporary challenges. Have no doubt in my mind that the elections of 2011 and 2012 will spell doom in Nigeria unless we wake up to the realities before us and unless we take our democratic enterprise seriously and commit to fair-play, institution-building, democratic practices and values. The old generation must admit their failures, reform or give way. If they continue in their old ways that have mortgaged our present and squandered our future, the people, in their organisations, communities and constituencies will force them to change or give way. In today’s world, a word is more than enough for the foolish not to talk of the wise. I don talk my own!
Midweek Leisure
7 Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make This Year!
THE new year started on a very clean note; there was an onrush of rain in several parts of Nigeria and the world at large. There was even deluge in some parts. The maddening rush of flood swept the filth of the outgone year away. God Himself was in a haste, so to speak, to cleanse the world and make it start on a clean slate in the new year. Perhaps, too, 2014 has been predestined to be a greater, better, more promiseoriented and fulfilling year than the year before. For that reason, those who are in this new year and already geared to live the life that is exploitsdriven should equally be geared up for the packages within. Attitudes must have to change if they didn’t change negatives the year before. If they did, there could also be improvements. Resolutions may be common place and cheaper by the dozens, but subtlety in personal reappraisals would go a long way in helping individuals get the best out of the year. You may not call them “Resolutions” but you may regard them as personal resolve to cause change. I have therefore identified some simple, but basic tools, or personal resolves that would help you chart a new course and cause a paradigm shift in your fortunes this year. (1)Learn to take a stand: Don’t be a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ individual just for the sake of making a statement. Let your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ send the your ‘yes or ‘no’ send the right signals. Mean it as you say it. Don’t go out to please someone just because you couldn’t take a personal stand on an issue. In the common parlance, let your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ be it! (2)No African Time, please: The concept of African Time,
for crying out loud, who brought it about? One person came late for an event and the others follow suit, isn’t it? So, it has become a tradition, right? How has it favoured us as individuals? There is absolutely nothing positive to write home about “the African time”. Put mildly, it has made us lose what we would have gained wherever it was practised. Those who came late always stayed lost until time out, except someone volunteers to bring them back into the fold: yet, all they eventually got were mere summaries or left overs. Being on time is invaluable. Time management is an asset. Get an alarm set on your bedside and be ahead of the bunch. You will remain ahead of the pack! (3)Don’t lie about your whereabout on the phone or whatever. A colleague told me a short story about a ride on the ‘Oshiomhole Bus’ just before the close of the yuletide. Her dear friend was at the back end of the bus while she boarded and sat just behind the driver. She never knew her friend was in the bus, behind her. The friend, just by way of playing a prank or pulling a joke, dialed her number and lowered her voice and whispered: “How far? Where are you?” At that moment, several lies came to he mind, all based on her stress and the desire not to prolong the conversation at that moment, but she wiped them all away and replied, “I am in Oshiomhole Bus. What’s up?” “Okay Look behind you and you will see me” The friend said, now laughing loud. And she looked back, and also laughed. Lesson learnt? She told me that she vowed there and then never to lieto anyone about her where about, no matter
By IJEOMA UMEH
who was involved or the circumstances that pervaded. Trust could be compromised and relationships that had spanned several years could be in the line of fire. (4) Don’t get involved in money matters that you cannot explain, or business
business deal. (5) You have heard about diversification of interests, but it has not changed the fact that some jacks still do all trades yet master none. Two key areas of interest or priority may be all you may need to focus your resources on to do the desired exploits.
that you don’t fully understand. Seek expert advise before investing any amount of money in a
Don’t ‘scatter’ your resources abroad. Gathering them doesn’t keep them in one
piece anymore. Do something and do it well! Keep reappraising it to get a masterpiece. (6) Don’t let people’s opinion you weigh you down. You are a good spirited person; but a snag in your development as a human being could upset your course and rattle you a while; don’t let that snag keep you down. Dust off the spot
where you hit the ground zero and run! Keep running! Run! There is the target ahead!
(7) Don’t trust everyone, but trust someone! I haven’t heard of someone who succeeded by totally closing the ‘bank of trust’ and shutting their doors to hands of fellowship whether as offered by friends, or by foes. Keep the door of trust a little
ajar, shut it if you smell a rat, but open it again to let the smell the dead rat ooze out. Trust God, self, others!.
“Resolutions may be common place and cheaper by the dozens, but subtlety in personal reappraisals would go a long way in helping individuals get the best out of the year. You may not call them “Resolutions” but you may regard them as personal resolve to cause change.”
ADVERTISEMENT NO. 1 OF 2014 EDO STATE OF NIGERIA LAND USE DECREE OF 1978 The underlisted applications have been received under the Land Use Decree of 1978 for grant of Statutory Right of Occupancy. 2.
Any member of the public who may wish to object to any of the application(s) below should do so within 21 days (Twenty-one days) of this publication.
3.
Notice of objection should be accompanied with the copies of Sworn Affidavit, Evidence of Title of ownership and a non-refundable fee of N5,000 (Five thousand Naira) for each objection and addressed to the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Housing, P.M.B. 1072, Secretariat Building, Sapele Road, Benin City. Any notice which does not conform with the above stated procedure will be ignored.
4.
Signed: Henry Enabulele Secretary Land Use and Allocation Committee Edo State
EKSAKO WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA S/N NAMES OF APPLICANTS 1. Mr. Osaro U. Eguavoen LUC 3370
S/N PARTICULARS Parcel of Land at ward 33/E, Oka Evbohire Vil1. lage Area, Benin City, transferred by John Odeh shown on survey plan No. lSO/ED/1061A/92, Area: 548.726 square metres and Beacons Nos.BDAD8120 to BDA08125 Residential –Developed
2.
Parcel of Land at ward 36/A, Ugbor Village Area, Benin City, transferred By Mr. Vincent Akpokomua shown on Survey Plan No. OSYI/ED2013/41B, Area: 567.215 square metres and Beacons N o s . SC/EDK9906AB, SC/EDK9909AB, SC/ EDK9910AB, SC/EDK9907AB Residential — Undeveloped
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Mr. Collins Tunde Iyere LUC 7853
Sata Motors LUC 7911
Parcel of Land along Akpakpava Road Near Oando Filling Station, Benin City transferred by Osasuyi Agbontean shown on Survey plan No. GEO/2572/ 013, Area: 942.089 square metres and Beacons Nos. L2948ZG to SC/EDL2951ZG. Commercial-Developed.
Dr. Martins Obasohan & Barr. Mrs. Eunice O. Obasohan LUC 7913
Parcel of Land at Egbirhe Village Area 36/A, Benin City, transferred by Mr. Douglas Osabuohen lgbindu shown on survey plan No. KS/ED/030/ 2013, Area: 3713.472 square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/EDL334E to SC/EDL337E Residential —Undeveloped
Dr. Martins Obasohan and Barr. Mrs. Eunice O. Obasohan LUC 7914
Parcel of land at Egbirhe Village Area 36/A, Benin City, transferred by Mr. Douglas Osabuohien Igbinidu shown on survey plan No. KS/ED/040/ 2013 Area: 1854.828 square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/EDL1332E to SC/EDL 1335E. Residential — Undeveloped
Miss Uwaila Jennifer Alonge LUC 7918
Parcel of Land at 36/A Ugbor Village Area, Benin City transferred by Mr. Solomon Osagie Alonge shown on survey plan No. ISO/ED/856/94, Area: 941.894 square metres and Beacons Nos. EDAP/ 111to EDAP/114 Residential — Undeveloped.
Mr. Francis Ehi Omorodion LUC 7923
Parcelof Land at Ebo Village Area, Benin City, transferred by Mr. Otaru Adeniyi Shown on Survey Plan No. ASS/ED/052/2013, Area: 462.934 square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/EDL2435AC, SC/EDL2426AC, SC/EDL2427AC to SC/ EDL2428AC. Residential – Undeveloped.
IKPOBA - OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA S/N
NAMES OF APPLICANTS
1.
Mrs. Mary Oghogho Ogunbor LUC 7910
2.
Mrs. Martha Aze Monye LUC 7917
2.
Parcel of Land at Ogheghe Community Off Sapele Road, after Bypass, Benin City transferred by Hon. Idehen Osagie Nosakhare Shown on Survey Plan No. GEO/1619/2013, Area 870.618 square Metres and Beacons Nos. SC/EDL771ZG to SC/ EDL774ZG.
Petrodion Company Nigeria Limited LUC 7920
PARTICULARS Parcel of Land at Usokwili Village Etsako West Local Government Area transferred by The Plot Allocation Committee thro His Highness, the Otaru of Auchi, Auchi Shown on Survey Plan No. GOA/ ED13/124, Area 920.585 Square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/EDL841ZR to SC/EDL844ZR Residential — Undeveloped.
Parcel of Land Along Benin Okene Road, SaboSouth Ibie transferred by Abu Jimoh Ayoboh, Musah Jimoh Ayoboh and Ramanu Jimoh Ayoboh shown on Survey Plan No GO/2750/2013, Area 1.673 Hectares and Becaons Nos. SC/EDL2040ZG to SC/ EDL2043ZG Commercial - Undeveloped
OVIA NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA S/N
NAMES OF APPLICANTS
1.
Mr. Nga Efamdi Perkins LUC 7912
Parcel of Land at ward 11/K Isiohor Village Area, Benin City transferred by Mr. Akinnibosun Henry Adewale shown on Survey Plan No. GEO/2541/ 2013, Area 464.227 square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/EDL2511ZG to SC/EDL2514ZG Residential — Undeveloped
2.
Mr. Aghafua Orobosa Marvin LU C 7528
Parcel of Land at ward 11/K Evbomore Village Area, Benin City transferred by Mr. Michael Ekpenike shown on Survey Plan No. GE/ED/709/ 2008, Area 1068.168 square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/EDC8596ZK, SC/EDC6979ZK, SC/ EDC6726ZK, SC/EDC8595ZK. Residential – Undeveloped.
PARTICULARS
UHUNMWONDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA S/N
NAMES OF APPLICANTS
1.
Professor Ebewele Robert LUC 7916
Parcel of Land at ward 8, ldokpa Village Area, Benin City, transferred by Mr. Paul Osazuwa lkhui shown on survey Plan No. SNL/EDO1O/2013 Area: 3687.066 Square metres and Beacon Nos. SC/EDK9043ZN to SC/EDK9046ZN Agricultural
2.
Petrodion Company Nigeria Limited LUC 7921
Parcel of Land at Ahor Ne- Uselu Village Area, Benin City transferred by Mr. Thomas Edenazogie, shown on Survey Plan No. GO/213/2010, Area 5496.768 square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/ EDH4584ZG to SC/EDH4587ZG Commercial — Undeveloped
PARTICULARS Parcel of Land at Ihinmwinrin Village Area, Benin City transferred by Mr. David .A. Edobor shown on Survey Plan No. NSK/ED/240/2013, Area 504.095 square metres and Beacons Nos. SC/ EDD6378K, SC/EDL3250ZC, SC/EDL3251ZC, SC/EDL3252ZC. Residential – Undeveloped.
NAMES OF APPLICANTS Sir Akpata Oare Gideon LUC 7915
PARTICULARS
ESAN NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA S/N
NAMES OF APPLICANTS
1.
Mr.Ebosereme Divine Okojie LUC 7909
PARTICULARS Parcle of land at Idijie Quarters, Off Uwalor Road, Uromi, transferred by Mr. Victor Omonzokpia lyoha shown on survey plan No. JAA/ED/79/2013, Area: 403.903 square metres and Beacons Nos. MK4094, SC/EDJ9613C, SC/EDJ9625C, SC/ EDJ9626C Residential — Undeveloped
New Horizon
IN our last discourse we began looking at the Power of Good Habits. We established that most of the stuff we do and the way we behave-the choices we make the way we organize our work routines, and even the meals we order-are all products of habits. We also established that if imbibing the wrong habits or bad habits can bring about grave consequences, for instance, a wrong spending habit can lead to lack of savings and being broke, and a smoking habit can cause lung problem and death, would it not be wise we develop good habits that can bring about great results in our lives? Charles Duhigg wrote a remarkable book-The Power of Habits. The book is a must read for all who desire to know habits and how they are developed. No Permission Sought The down side about habits is that they don’t seek your permission for their development. Though we are the ones who build them, we often do so ignorantly. A young student unwittingly seeks fun stuff rather that read his books and this attitude adds to an already appalling “lack of reading cultured we contend with in the society. With each practice of neglecting his books, he develops a bad habit of lack of reading which inadvertently affects his overall performance academically and in life. Today most graduates are unemployable because of lack of reading in our society. Build Good Habits We can chose to develop good habits just as we unwittingly build bad habits. You can chose to make good habits a part of
Power Of Good Habits
your daily routine. One good thing about habit is that, though it is required for you to take some time to practice it at first, when it becomes a part of you, the habit takes hold of you like a machine set on auto –pilot and controls you from then on until you decide to break such habit. Imagine if we all have good habits in our live, how easy it will be for us
Successful people all have one thing in commonHabit. They chose to develop certain habits that increase their likelihood to succeed. You must discover and develop certain habits that increase
sometimes 80! Despite his gruling schedule, Grisham wanted more than anything to write a novel. However Grisham had countless readymade excuse why he could not write a book. Excuses like he had no
to live healthy and achieve the levels of success we seek. You Can Chose the Habit You Want Often we hear people give lame excuses about failure and shortcomings. While we all know that failure is a part of the success process, every man who sells himself short has no one else to blame.
their likelihood to succeed. You must discover and develop such habits too. John Grisham is today a best-selling author of several fabulous books and a millionare too. But he didn’t start off like that. Before becoming a fulltime writer, Grisham was a lawyer. Like most lawyers, he put in long hours at the office, often 60 hours week,
creative writing experience, that he had obligation to his wife and two kids, that he didn’t have the time to write because he was working 10 hours daily six days a week and that he was under incredible stress at work. But Grisham knew that when it was all said and done, he had a choice. He could either find reasons
By ADO ERHIRHI
to write a novel, or he could find reasons not write a novel and justify himself why he couldn’t do it. Fortunately for those of us who have become ardent readers of Grisham books, Grishm chose to find reasons to write his first novel.
He wrote his first book, A Time to kill, by making one simple adjustment in his life. He change his morning habits. He started getting up at 5.00am to work on his novel. Why Because he didn’t have enough time in his day to write, so he made the time by getting up a couple of hours earlier each day. Less than one year later,
Grisham had a complete manuscript to send to publishers. Grisham’s travail of getting his book published and his triumph is a story for another day, but his decision to pick up a new habit in order to create time to write his novel is a classic example of how anyone can choose a good habit that will aid him to succeed. What Habits Do You Want? No one’s ever too old to pick up new habit that will help him succeed. Hulda Crooks began mountain climbing, a sport that requires immense strength and agility at age 70 and put her name in the Guinness Book of Record as the oldest person to climb Mount Fuji. Colonel Sanders began his business Kentucky Fried Chicken at age 65. He would have had to learn new habit to aid him succeed in his because he was in the military prior to that time. What habits do you think you need in order to succeed in the pursuit of you dreams? Identify the habits you need and the ways you can practice and apply them to your daily life. If you fall short, don’t despair. It takes determination and consistency to develop habits. Go on and build good habits that can help you succeed. Till we talk again Ado Erhirhi is an insightful speaker and writer, he coordinates Mirrorview Services a Human resource development oufit. Contact for him your training and speaking engagements.
“We can chose to develop good habits just as we unwittingly build bad habits. You can chose to make good habits a part of your daily routine. One good thing about habit is that, though it is required for you to take some time to practice it at first, when it becomes a part of you, the habit takes hold of you like a machine set on auto –pilot and controls you from then on until you decide to break such habit.”
Continued from page 20 From HL 36L HL 35L HL 34L HL 33L HL 32L HL 31L HL 30L HL 29L HL 28L HL 27L HL 26L HL 25L
Bearing 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’
Length (m) 200.02 205.11 200.91 200.00 202.10 220.00 257.80 205.01 245.94 202.99 219.05 200.00
To HL 37L HL 36L HL 35L HL 34L HL 33L HL 32L HL 31L HL 30L HL 29L HL 28L HL 27L HL 26L
From HL 24L HL 23L HL 22L HL 21L HL 20L HL 19L HL 18L HL 17L HL 16L HL 15L HL 14L HL 13L
Bearing 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’
Length (m) 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 20000 200.00 198.60 203.75 205.85 198.31 202.76 200.88
To HL 25L HL 24L HL 23L HL 22L HL 21L HL 20L HL 19L HL 18L HL 17L HL 16L HL 15L HL 14L
From HL 11L HL 10L HL 09L HL 08L HL 07L HL 06L HL 05L HL 04L HL 03L HL 02L HL 01L HL 00L
Bearing 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 149°35’ 108°51’ 123°30’ 116°21’ 116°21’
Length (m) 200.76 200.80 200.94 200.83 210.08 200.59 201.62 133.64 129.18 103.37 234.84 193.06
To HL 12L HL 11L HL 10L HL 09L HL 08L HL 07L HL 06L HL 05L HL 04L HL 03L HL 02L HL 01L
(the starting point)
All property beacons are concrete pillars All bearings and lengths are approximately and All bearings are referred to National North. 1. Any persons claiming to have Right of Occupancy, Estate, Interest or and other Right in the said line are required within six (6) weeks from the date of the service of this notice to send to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Lands and Surveys, Secretariat Building, Sapele Road, Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria, a statement of his/her interest of right. 2. The Government is willing to treat the revocation of Right of Occupancy of the said lands. 3. Land in respect of which no statement is received is liable to be dealt with as an unoccupied/undeveloped land. 4. Notice is hereby given that Government intends to enter possession of the said lands on the expiration of six (6) weeks from the date of the publication of this Notice in Edo State of Nigeria Gazette, and any of the National Dailies that circulates widely in the State. 5. Any person who shall willfully hinders or obstructs the Government or any person employed by the Government from taking possession of the said land or any part thereof is liable on conviction under the provision of the law above mentioned to a fine as stipulated by law or 12 months imprisonment or both. 6. A plan showing the sites is available for inspection during of hours at the office of the Director of Lands, Ministry of Lands and Surveys, Secretariat Building, Sapele Road, Benin City. 7. By virtue of the provision of the law and subject thereto, no claim to any estate, interest or right in land affected by the notice made at the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of publication of the notice in Edo State of Nigeria Gazette shall be entertained by any public offices whose duty it is to received claim or by any court.
IF you haven’t heard this before, then you are very lucky. I’m talking about a parent who hasn’t had a teenager say to them “you can’t make me”. The problem most parents go through is that they do not know how to respond effectively to such outburst. When children are little, they believe that they have to do what their parents tell them. That is just the way of life for kids. However, as they grow older they learn that they don’t have to do what their parents tell them all the time. This comes with the realization that their parent are not perfect and don’t make right decisions all the time either. “You can’t make me,” is your teenager letting you know and discovering for themselves that they want to be in control of their own lives and therefore things need to change in the parent child relationship. Firstly, you need to acknowledge it for what it is, which is part of growing up.
Instead of taking it as an unpleasant character, remind yourself that your baby has to grow. Your teenager is exploring their natural desire to control their own destiny. The actual problem is that the desire to grow up and take control of their own destiny will usually come well before the capacity to properly achieve such a goal. When your teenager presents that attitude to you, he or she is laying a challenge to you, trying to question your authority figure in their life. But most parents lose the battle even before it starts by responding in confrontational or adversarial manner. Responses like “1 can and will” or “you are very much mistaken” are usually empty phrases because you really can’t make someone else do anything and you have only succeeded in escalating the conflict because you just said “1 accept your challenge, let’s have a fight and see who wins”. Then very fact parents accept the challenge satisfies the
Parenting You Can’t Make Me!
teenagers play for power because the parents has surrendered their position of authority into a conflict on the teenager’s terms, about the teenager’s agenda and at a time of the teenager’s choosing. The best way to handle this problem is by
By ROHI ENAIGBE
refusing to respond to the challenge that is put in front of
you. Defuse the situation by
simply agreeing with your teenager, something to remove a stand up confrontation from the agenda ilke “You are right, I can’t make you do anything” or “I’m not trying to make you do anything”. Then you follow with a statement, like “You have the right to make choices and part of making choices is accepting that how you choose to behave will have consequences for yourself and affect the choices we make”. As you speak, point out the consequences. In a few sentences, the conflict has been diffused and your authority still intact as your teenager has learnt about making choices, consequences, taking responsibility for their actions. When another issue such as this arises, all you need do is talk calmly and make the agenda about considered decision making not futile plays.
International Snowden Has More US-Israel Secrets To Expose - Greenwald JERUSALEM - Former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden has more secrets to reveal that relate to Israel, the journalist who first brought his leaks to the world’s attention said. Among allegations aired by Snowden last year were that the U.S. National Security Agency and its British counterpart GCHQ had in 2009 targeted an email address listed as belonging to then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and monitored emails of senior defense officials. Israel played down the disclosures. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the matter examined and that “there are things that must not be done” between allies. CHANGE OF NAME
VINCENT – I, formerly called Vincent Friday Warri is now known and called Mr. Vincent Friday Omonigho. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
Glenn Greenwald, who as a writer for Britain’s Guardian met face-to-face with the fugitive Snowden and has written or coauthored many of the newspaper’s stories based on his material, was asked in an Israeli television interview whether the ex-contractor had more secrets to tell that related to Israel. “Yes. I don’t want to preview any stories that aren’t yet published, but it is definitely the case that there are a huge number of very significant stories that are left to report,” said the Brazilbased Greenwald, speaking to Channel Ten TV by video link. “We have only had these documents for seven months, which, given their volume and complexity, is not a very long time. There definitely are stories left that involve the Middle East, that involve Israel. The reporting is going to continue at roughly the same pace that has been happening.” Last month, several Israeli cabinet members and lawmakers said news of U.S. spying on Israel was an opportunity to press Washington to free jailed Israeli agent Jonathan
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
RABIU – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mariam Rabiu now wish
ILEKHUOBA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebuwa Faith Ilekhuoba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebuwa Ilekhuoba Igbinosa. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mariam Sehid Umoru. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.
Pollard. Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, was sentenced to a life term in 1987 in the United States for spying for Israel. A succession of U.S. presidents have spurned Israeli calls for his pardon. In what appeared to be a bid to calm the clamor, Netanyahu said Israel constantly sought Pollard’s release and did not need a “special occasion” to discuss his case with Washington. Greenwald voiced understanding for the Pollard linkage. “I think you are absolutely right to contrast the Jonathan Pollard case with revelations of American spying on their closest allies within the Israeli government, because it does underlie, underscore exactly the hypocrisy that lies at the center of so much of what the U.S. government does,” he said.
Attacks In Iraq Kill 4 As Siege In Anbar Continues
BAGHDAD — Officials said attacks in Iraq have killed at least four people as government troops continue their siege of two cities overrun by al-Qaida in western Anbar province. Maj. Raid Emad Rasheed says a suicide bomber rammed his explosivesladen truck into a police station in the northern city of Kirkuk, killing two people there and wounding 55, some critically. A police officer says a roadside bomb struck an
Turkey Dismisses 350 Police Officers In Ankara
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s state-run news agency said some 350 police officers have been removed from posts in the capital Ankara, as the government continues to battle a corruption scandal that has ensnared former Cabinet ministers.
Claiming that it is the target of a conspiracy, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has dismissed hundreds of police chiefs and officers since police launched raids
Egyptian policemen detain a Muslim Brotherhood supporter (centre) after a demonstration in Cairo.
targeting close Erdogan allies on December 17. He has alleged that followers of an Islamic movement led by U.S.based cleric Fethullah Gulen have infiltrated the judiciary and police and are using their powers to attack the government.
Iraqi soldiers monitor a checkpoint east of Baghdad on January 6, 2014.
army patrol southeast of Baghdad, in the Madain area, killing one soldier and wounding another. The officer says another bomb hit a patrol of pro-
government, Sunni militiamen in Baghdad’s southeastern suburb of Jisr Diyala, killing one fighter and wounding four. A medical official
BEIRUT - Syrian rebels have killed 34 foreign fighters from al Qaeda-linked groups in the northwest of the country over the last three days, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday. The killings in the Jabal alZawiya region appeared to be part of the wider confrontation by an alliance of rebels against the Islamic State in Iraq and
the Levant (ISIL), across rebelheld territories of northern and eastern Syria. Observatory director Rami Abdulrahman said most of the 34 dead were ISIL fighters, along with some others from an allied group called Jund alAqsa. They were captured, separated from Syrian fighters, and killed, he said. It was not possible to verify the report independently due to
BANGKOK Thailand’s National Counter-Corruption Commission is to press charges against 308 politicians, most from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s Puea Thai Party, for trying to change the constitution to make the Senate a fully elected chamber. “Altogether we will press charges against 308 lawmakers ... Prime Minister Yingluck will not be charged,” Vicha
Mahakun, a director of the commission, told a news conference on Tuesday. A court ruled in November that a government bill to amend the constitution was illegal but rejected an opposition request to dissolve the ruling party. Parliament was dissolved last month. It was not immediately clear whether the charges will affect the candidacy of those standing in the upcoming February 2 election.
confirmed the casualty figures. Both spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to talk to media.
Syria Kill 34 Foreign Fighters In Northwest - Monitor
Thai Anti-Corruption Body Charges Members Of PM’s Party
reporting restrictions in Syria, where President Bashar alAssad’s forces have been battling rebels in a nearly three-year conflict which has killed more than 100,000 people. The latest infighting between Assad’s foes erupted four days ago in the northern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, fuelled by resentment against ISIL’s radical Islamist agenda and a turf war near the Turkish border for strongholds which control supply routes into northern Syria. The fighting has also spread to the eastern city of Raqqa, the only Syrian city under full rebel control. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, another opposition monitoring group, said on Monday 71 ISIL fighters, 20 rival rebels and 26 civilians had been killed in the fighting to oust ISIL in Raqqa and other parts of Syria since Friday. The fighting took place as ISIL fighters seized Sunni Muslim towns hundreds of miles away on the Euphrates in neighboring Iraq, challenging a Shi’ite-led government in Baghdad which they see as allied, like Assad, to Shi’ite Iran.
INCREASED globalisation has made markets depend more on each other for exchange of resources. The more globalization continues to play an increasing role in the world economy, the more businesses will continue to prudently seek to expand their operations through franchising. Yes, Franchising has proved to be a well working theory for companies. For our consumption today, there will be brief introduction of the concept and a narration of how it came into existence. More on this important model will later unfold. The word ‘franchise’ is of Anglo-French derivation and comes from an Anglo-French word that means liberty. In Middle English, the term denotes a grant of legal immunity. In Old French, the term is “franc” or “franche” meaning free. The word franchise is also related to the English term “enfranchise” meaning to empower those who have no right. The linguist origin of franchise is very telling and points to some advantages of the franchising business model: economic freedom, economic opportunity an empowerment. The history of franchising will provide a platform for our understanding of the concept. Going down in history, franchising as a business concept was fully established in the USA in the 1850s when Isaac Singer wanted to increase the distribution of his sewing machines. But franchising gained acceptance as a type of business at the beginning of the 20th century. Franchising operations as we have seen from are not too old. The boom in franchising did not take place until after World War II. Nevertheless the rudiments of modern franchising date back to the Middle Ages when the Catholic Church made franchise-like agreement with tax collectors, who retained a percentage of the money they collected and turned the rest to the church. The practice ended around 1562 but spread
Echoes Franchising The Model: Working
For Business Globally (1)
to other endeavours. For example, in the 17th century England, franchisees were granted the right to sponsor markets and fairs to operate ferries. There was little growth in franchising though, until the mid 19th century,
machines without first being taught how to use them, which required efforts most traditional retailers could not provide. The Singer
introduced franchising into their bottling and manufacturing areas in other to reduce financial risk. However, the Singer
when it appeared in the United States for the first time. The researches bordering on the history of franchising all laid claim to the fact that the earliest signs of franchising began in the 1850’s when Isaac Singer invented the Singer Sewing Machines. During Singer’s search for an effective and affordable way to distribute his products for his company, the Singer Sewing Centre, he ran into problems that prevented his company from being successful. His first problem was a lack of capital for manufacturing his
Company implemented a franchising plan to distribute the sewing machines. Singer’s solution was to charge licensing fees to business people who could own the rights to sell his machines in certain geographical areas. They would also be responsible for teaching consumers how to use his machines, thereby creating sales opportunities using the licensing fees to fund his newly formed distribution network. Singer’s ideas got noticed, and over the next several decades, many other companies like Coca-Cola
operation failed, even though the machines sold well. The dealers, who had exclusive rights to their territories, absorbed most of the profits because of deep discounts. Some failed to push Singer’s products, so competitors were able to outsell the company. Under the existing contract, Singer could neither withdraw rights granted to franchisees nor send in his own salaried representatives. So the company started repurchasing the rights it had sold. The experiment proved to be a failure. That may have been one of the first time a franchisor failed, but it was by
By EMMANUEL IRIOWEN
“The history of franchising will provide a platform for our understanding of the concept. Going down in history, franchising as a business concept was fully established in the USA in the 1850s when Isaac Singer wanted to increase the distribution of his sewing machines. But franchising gained acceptance as a type of business at the beginning of the 20th century.”
no means the last (even Colonel Sanders did not initially succeed in his Kentucky Fried Chicken franchising efforts). Fortunately, the Singer venture did not put an end to franchising. One of the most successful franchising operations was started by an enterprising druggist named John S. Pemberton. In 1886, he concocted a beverage comprising sugar, molasses, spices, and cocaine (which is no longer an ingredient). Pemberton licensed selected people to bottle and sell the drink, which is now known as Cola-Cola. He was one of the earliest-most successful franchising operations in the United States. Other companies tried in one form or another after the Singer experience. For example, several decades later, General Motors Corporation established a somewhat successful franchising operation in order to raise capital. Perhaps the father of modern franchising, though, is David Liggett invited a group of druggists to join a drug cooperative. He explained to them that they could increase profits by paying less for their purchases, especially if they set up their own manufacturing company. His idea was to market private label products. About 40 druggists pooled $4000 of their own money and adopted the name, Rexall. Sales soared, and Rexall became a franchisor. The chain’s success set a pattern for other franchisors to follow. Although many business owners did affiliate with cooperative ventures of one type or another, there was little growth in franchising until the early 20th century, and what franchising then was and did not take the same form as it does today. As the United States shifted from an agricultural to an industrial economy, manufacturers licensed individuals to sell automobiles, trucks, gasoline, beverages and a variety of other products. The franchisees did little more than sell the products though. The sharing of responsibility associated with contemporary franchising arrangement did not exist to a great extent. Consequently, franchising was a growth industry in the United
States. It was not until the 1960s and 1970s that people began to take a close look at the attractiveness of franchising. The concept intrigued people with entrepreneurial spirit. Later companies such as McDonald’s and Burger King took franchising to whole new level by creating some of the largest networks in the world. Ray Kroc took over a small chain of food franchise in the world (McDonald’s). He established his franchising operation in 1955, after obtaining exclusive franchise rights from Dick and MacDonald who started the chain. Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, believed that McDonald’s hamburgers were skimpy and decided he could improve the basic hamburger. In 1968, Thomas received $1.7million as his share of the sale of four chicken stores by Hobby House Restaurants, for whom he was a manager. He invested most of it into a new chain of hamburger stands. To checkmate the franchising industry and eliminate con artists, some franchisors formed the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 1960. This was necessary at a time in the United States where there were cases of abuse by hucksters who took advantage of lack of regulation (prior to the advent of regulation of franchising). With this primary trade association, franchising became a respectable word again. The practice flourished, aided by the efforts of early franchisors like Ray Kroc and Dave Thomas. From the foregoing one can deduced that franchising gained acceptance as a business in 20th century. Applicable to the Nigerian business scene is that petroleum industry was among the first to franchise the gasoline (petrol) service stations as have been already spelt out. The automobile and soft drink industries also adopt the so-called product franchising. Franchising is not only associated with business format franchises the popular in the Nigerian scene of which are fast food businesses as most people only know. This will be expanded on a later date. Thank you!
Issues
OBVIOUSLY, patriotism is a love for one’s country and desire to make her better. It is contrasted with simple Nationalism (or jingoism) in that Nationalism and Jingoism represent a blind loyalty to one’s country even when it’s wrong an example will be people of Nigeria. Patriotism, on the other hand, recognizes when it’s Nation is wrong and rights to correct the wrong even as it supports that Nation. Patriotism is important in the lives of youths of today for several reasons. One of the reasons is because the youths of today will inherit the Nation tomorrow. If yours do not become involved in making our nation better, they may not receive a nation worth inheriting. Secondly, the nation built by today’s youths will be the nation they pass along to their own children, if young people today wish their children to have a Nigeria of freedom, the young people of today must protect and defend that freedom by supporting our country’s greatness and working to make her ever better.
The third reason, the youths of today owe a debt to those of the past who sacrificed, worked hard, and even died to build us a free nation. To keep faith with those who have gone before and upon whose toil and sacrifice the nation was built. In other words the youths of today needs to show patriotism regardless of age, we should all be proud of our
Moral Value Of Patriotism By GLADYS ALONGE
country, no matter what the country is. But we also need politicians running the country who will make us all feel proud to be citizens and for the past years, for instance many persons have not been proud to be Nigerians. But one thing is certain no matter what, I love my country Nigeria. And I will not stop preaching to the citizens of Nigeria to always love their country, our great country Nigeria, we shouldn’t stop being patriotic to our country simply because things are not being done rightly in the country by our leaders the way it ought to have been done. But this is for sure that Nigeria is a great nation. Nigerians
are great people, Nigerians are indeed patriotic. Each time I recite the National Pledge, I usually found new sense of obligations and responsibilities to my nation! For the sake of knowledge, below is our national pledge. “I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all my strength, to defend her unity and uphold her
“If yours do not become involved in making our nation better, they may not receive a nation worth inheriting. Secondly, the nation built by today’s youths will be the nation they pass along to their own children, if young people today wish their children to have a Nigeria of freedom, the young people of today must protect and defend that freedom by supporting our country’s greatness and working to make her ever better.”
honour and glory, so help me God.” The above words are simple, but very powerful! There are the words that form the basis for our co-existence as one people, with a common dreams and aspirations in a united, indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation called Nigeria. However, the untoward actions of some Nigerians against the glue that hold us together have really called for the proper definition of the word “patriotism.” According to John McCain, the man President Obama defeated in the 2008 US Presidential Election, “patriotism means more than holding your hand over your heart during the National anthem. It means more than walking into a voting booth every four years and pulling a lever. Patriotism is a love and a duty, a love of country expressed in good citizenship.” Patriotism and good citizenship are intertwined, and to give credence to this, McCain said: “Patriotism and citizenship, should not only motivate the conduct of public officials, but also thrive in the communal places where government is absent.” Patriotism is a countless acts of love, kindness and courage that have no witness or heraldry; it is an action that takes place where nobody is watching, and it is specially commendable, because, there are unrecorded. Nevertheless, the nefarious activities of some persons against our beloved country, especially the outrageous terrorist attacks by Boko Haram on the government, people and institutions in Nigeria, have really called for common sense questions of: where is the spirit of patriotism in your actions?” where is patriotism, when your fellow country men and women are dying before their times just because of your actions? Where is patriotism, when your action brings shame and embarrassment to Nigeria, instead of upholding her honour and glory? Look, you can bomb Nigeria to pieces, but you can never bomb her to peace! Peace can only come through genuine dialogue and not through terrorism. You have no any justification for your actions, conscience is an open wound only the truth can heal it, where then is the conscience when innocent Nigerians are dying because of your activities? A true patriot must not only take the responsibility, but also owns the responsibilities of protecting lives, properties and the idles that gave birth to our beloved country Nigeria. A good citizen and a patriot must honour the duties and obligations as describe or ascribed to him by the constitutions. A good citizen and a patriot must be faithful and loyal to the constituted authorities, and not opposing every government policies and proposing nothing. A good citizen and a patriot is not one who finds fault with our country and does nothing to correct them. A good citizen and a patriot must heed the warning of mahatma Grandhi to his country men and women about the eight deadly monsters.
EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 26, 2014 LUCKY 1.2. X SELECTIONS 7 INTERNATIONAL NOS. HOT PAIRS 11 26 15
27 28 33 34
BANKERS
27
28 33 OUTLOOK
N 26
} }
26 27 28 33 34 37
1. PLAYMOUTH
46 HOT
2. OXFORD UTD
45 TIP
3. LEYTON O.
27 BBC
4. NEWCASTLE
7 UKB
TRANMERE
33
5. BOLTON
13 NAP
WOLVES
34
6. TRANMERE
33 007
7. WOLVES
34 PAY
LEYTON ORIENT
27
8. TOTTENHAM
10 NAP
9. STOKE
9 XOX
10. BLACKBURN
11 PXT
TRANMERE
33
11. BLACKPOOL
12 PXT
BRISTOL R.
37
12. PORTGHTON
14 PXT
13. OXFORD
45 999
}
14. BRISTOL R.
37 OKP
15. NORTHAMPTON
44
16. BURTON ALBION
38 CBK
17. MK DONS
28 XXX
18. LEYTON O.
27 XCB
19. COVENTRY
26 CBK
20. OLDHAM
30 XXX
CBK
MK DNS
28
} } }
XOX
XOX
CCB CCB TOP TOP
BIG BELLS LEYTON ORIENT
27
ACB
BOLTON
13
BXX
9
CBK
WOLVES
34
DEP
BLACKPOOL
12
EAT
STOKE
By SAM EHEBHA GSM:08056626091
SATURDAY RITUALS
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GOSSIP NAP
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PAIR
IF NOT NOW WHEN?
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EVERY WEDNESDAY, WEEK 26, 2014 WATSON WEST 1.2.X FORECAST
By SAM EHEBHA GSM:08056626091
Your Star
EDITOR’S NAP
RICHWELL NAP
NAP 27 XX 27 XX 27 NAP 10 XX 10 XX 10 PAIR 23 Vs 31 PAIR 37 OR 41 GOODLUCK LET IT BE
PAIR 33 OR 35 WATCH OUT
OKUNS NAP
NAP 20 XX 20 XX 20 PAIR : 38 or 44 BE A WINNER
PAKER NAP NAP 13 XX 13 XX 13 PAIR 23 OR 24 FOR SURE
ODION NAP
PAUL NAP
NAP 11 XX 11 XX 11 NAP 9 XX 9 XX 9
PAIR 35 OR 37 THERE IS HOPE
NAP 12 XX 12 XX 12 PAIR 15 OR 16 EXECUTIVE
J. B. NAP
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NAP 7 XX 7 XX 7 PAIR 21 OR 26 BE MY GUEST
GUESSING GAMES
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3 6 8 16* 17 24*
4 25 29 * 32 34 * 35 44 FOR THREE DRAWS?
Arsenal Now Getting More Respect From Rivals - Arteta MIKEL Arteta has said he believes Arsenal are being shown more respect by their rivals this season after they bounced back to form following a dip in results in December. Four wins in a row since the goalless draw against Chelsea just before Christmas have seen the Gunners return to the top of the
Arsene Wenger
Spurs Eye Juve Duo JUVENTUS have been linked with a double swoop for Bianconeri attacking pair Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella in the January transfer window. With Jermain Defoe looking likely to leave Spurs for the MLS, the White Hart Lane outfit are in search of a new forward to help lead the line. Technical Director Franco Baldini is said to be looking in Italy and believes that Vucinic is the former Roma director’s primary transfer target Spurs are looking to find a suitable fee for the Montenegrin, whose contract expires in 18 months. Both strikers have found playing time hard to come by this season, with Vucinic managing eight appearances, while Quagliarella has made just three Serie A starts.
Premier League and progress in the FA Cup. And Arteta told Arsenal’s official website: “I think teams are showing us more respect because we are the most consistent team in England through the last year. “That’s what we have to keep doing now through the last three or four months of the season. “We are where we deserve to be. We had a little spell where we had a difficult time but we’ve come back, we’re on four wins in a row and we’re feeling good.” He said the fixture schedule had been “crazy” in the spell that saw them held to a home
draw by Everton and suffer defeats to Napoli and Manchester City. And he added that he felt Saturday’s convincing 2-0 FA Cup third round win against North London rivals Tottenham was a sign of growing belief in the Arsenal ranks. “We want to continue in the FA Cup as we were so disappointed last year after what happened here against Blackburn,” he added, reflecting on their shock fourth round exit. “It’s another opportunity to win a title and one that we wouldn’t want to miss. It gives the whole club a lift. It shows the things we’re doing are good, and we want to continue like that.”
GARETH Barry has backed Everton teammate Ross Barkley to force his way into the England squad for next summer’s World Cup finals. Barkley has emerged as one of the rising stars of the English game with his energetic displays and fizzing free-kicks this season, with the experienced Barry believing he can also become a star at Brazil 2014. “Ross should absolutely be nailed on to be on that plane for me,” Barry told reporters. “I’m sure the England manager knows enough about Ross to know that he could go out there and surprise a lot of teams, because he has that natural ability. “Ross has just grown in confidence as the season has gone on. I think working with this manager is going to have that sort of impact on him. The more he learns about the game and his position, the more he’s going to improve. Confidence will come with that. “He has got that natural ability
and as he learns the game and his confidence grows and grows, he will turn into a better player.”
Gareth Barry Backs Ross Barkley To Shine
Reds, Gunners After Kalou PREMIER League clubs Liverpool and Arsenal are considering an approach for Lille forward Salomon Kalou. According to Sky Sports, Premier League ever since he the table-topping Gunners opted to make a switch to Lille and the Merseyside outfit seem to be keen admirers of ARSENE Wenger may be the Ivoirian wide-man who has been frequently forced to re-evaluate Arsenal’s January transfer plans following monitored by the duo. Kalou spent six years at the loss of Theo Walcott to a knee Chelsea between 2006 and injury which will rule the England forward out for the rest of the 2012 - netting 60 goals for the season and shatter his World Cup club- and his experience on dream. English soil will prove to be The Gunners confirmed on a valuable asset for the clubs Monday evening tests had who hope to better their squad revealed the 24-year-old had damaged the anterior cruciate for the title race. The 28-year-old has been ligament in his left knee during linked with a return to the the closing stages of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Tottenham and, after surgery, he will need at least six months of rehabilitation. Initially it had been hoped Walcott, who had scored five impressing in a formidable goals since returning from a strike partnership with Luis stomach muscle injury earlier in Suarez. the season, would only be out for Manager Brendan Rodgers a matter of weeks after appearing is hoping to reunite that to jar his knee when making a pairing for Sunday’s Premier defensive tackle. League trip to the Britannia Indeed, the forward did not Stadium. appear to be in severe pain as he Liverpool have started the was carried off the field and even New Year with two 2-0 home signalled ‘2-0’ in the direction of wins, against Hull in the the 5,000-strong Spurs fans, while league and Oldham in the FA missiles - including coins and Cup, and Rodgers — whose plastic bottles - were seen to hit side are fourth in the Premier medical staff as they lifted the League — is looking to build stretcher around to the tunnel on on those victories to the halfway line. strengthen their push for a However, following further Champions League place. tests and specialist examination, Liverpool are waiting to the club’s worst fears were discover the extent of the confirmed just a few hours after injury that forced vice- the Football Association decided captain Daniel Agger to limp the player would face no off against League One side disciplinary action for his hand Oldham on Sunday. gesture. The Danish centre-back “The club regrettably was diagnosed with cramp, announces that Theo Walcott has but has been sent for a scan sustained a ruptured anterior as a precaution.
Sturridge Set To Return For DANIEL Sturridge is on course to return to Liverpool Liverpool’s attack at Stoke City on Sunday after stepping up his recovery from ankle ligament damage. The England striker, 24, came through an intensive training session on Monday, increasing hopes that he is over the injury that has forced him to miss his side’s last
Daniel Sturridge
nine games, sources told ESPN FC. Sturridge has not played since suffering the injury during a training session on Nov. 29. Before then, he had scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for Liverpool this season,
Solomon Kalou
on a free transfer back in 2012. It is said that both teams
are hoping to lure Kalou as soon as the January transfer window.
Walcott Injury Could Force Arsenal can be notoriously difficult to To Buy push through. cruciate ligament of his left knee,” Arsenal said in a statement. “Theo will have surgery in London in the near future and is expected to be out for at least six months, therefore missing the remainder of the season and the World Cup in Brazil in the summer. “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Theo a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on a football pitch as soon as possible.” The full diagnosis of Walcott’s knee problem is now likely to have a knock-on impact to Wenger’s plans on how best to bolster his squad during the January window in an attempt to last the distance in the battle for honours. The attacking options of the Barclay Premier League leaders were already depleted, given Nicklas Bendtner is expected to miss all of January with the ankle problem he picked up while scoring a late goal in the 2-0 win over Cardiff on New Year’s Day, while France Under-21 forward Yaya Sanogo is also way short of match sharpness. Wenger, though, concedes a big-money signing during January
A move for Dimitar Berbatov was last week played down, but the Fulham forward would appear to fit the bill in terms of price tag and experience, while 21year-old Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid could prove a stop-gap loan option. Walcott, meanwhile, is now set to miss what could have been a third opportunity to represent England at the World Cup finals. The former Southampton forward is yet to play in a World Cup match, having been a shock selection as a raw talent in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s 2006 squad for Germany, while his omission by Fabio Capello four years later was equally surprising. Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsey - who recovered from a double leg break in 2010 was quick to offer support to his friend. The Wales midfielder wrote on Twitter: “Gutted for Theo, he’ll come back stronger after this. Been fantastic for us so far this season. Have a speedy recovery mate.” Following their hectic festive schedule, Arsenal now have an extended break until the next Barclays Premier League match, when they travel to Aston Villa on Monday 13 January. Wenger has been impressed with the resilience of his squad.
Give Bayern Some Respect - Sammer
Kaka Delighted To Reach Milan Century KAKA scored his 100th and 101st goals for AC Milan as they beat Atalanta 3-0 on Monday and said he felt he had started 2014 in “the best way.” The Brazilian midfielder told a news conference that reaching the landmark was something he had been waiting for “for so many games.” He added: “I’m delighted to be part of the history of this club. Every single goal is an emotion. “It was an incredible emotion today — the best way to start 2014. Right now, I’d set my aim on scoring 200, but let’s think first of 110 and 120. I want to be an example for anybody who gets to wear this shirt.” Meanwhile, Milan midfielder Antonio Nocerino said he hoped the win was a sign of things to come for the Rossoneri after a difficult final four months of 2013. “We’re in a league position which is not worthy of Milan, and we need to get a move on after a bad start to the season,” Nocerino told Milan Channel. The victory lifted Milan to within 10 points of the top five, even though they remain 17 points adrift of a place in the Champions League. “I think the year has started in the best way possible, and a new season starts here,” Nocerino added. “We need to do the best we can to take Milan where they belong.”
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo Hits Milestone As Real Labour To Beat Celta
CRISTIANO Ronaldo netted his 400th career goal in Real Madrid’s nervy 3-0 win over Celta Vigo as they closed the gap at the top of La Liga to five points. Ronaldo scored a brace in the victory although it took Carlo Ancelotti’s side until after the hour mark to open the scoring through Karim Benzema,
Guardiola Professes Love To Robben BAYERN Munich head coach Pep Guardiola has professed his admiration for Arjen Robben and is hoping to see him returned from injury along with Bastian Schweinsteiger. The Dutchman, 29, missed the latter stages of the first half of the Bavarians’ season with injury, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has struggled with injury throughout the campaign. “I’m in love with Arjen!” the former Barcelona boss told reporters on Monday. “I hope he
Arjen Robben
BAYERN Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has urged the public to pay the club some respect rather than criticising their transfer policy. The Bavarians confirmed on Saturday that Robert Lewandowski will arrive at the Allianz Arena on a free transfer at the end of the season, a move that has received a mixed reception. Robert Lewandowski will become the second Borussia Dortmund star to join Bayern Munich in a year after Mario Goetze’s move. While most outlets recognise that Bayern have achieved a major coup in acquiring one of the Bundesliga’s finest attacking talents on a free transfer, some have questioned their motives in depriving Borussia Dortmund of one of their best players for the second season running, following the signing of Mario Goetze last summer. On Tuesday, the Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung joked that to avoid bad signings, Bayern have now outsourced their scouting department to Dortmund,
comes back as soon as possible and keeps his good form. “I hope that Bastian and Arjen can train with the team before the returning rounds start. Bastian’s condition is much, much better, he can run without problems.” It is also exciting times for the Bavarians who agreed a precontract agreement with Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski on Saturday, which will see the Poland international move to the Allianz Arena when his contract expires at the end of June.
following a number of clear cut chances for the visitors. Gareth Bale started the game on the bench as he recovers from injury, with Real Madrid playing their first game since the winter break Ancelotti’s men took in Qatar. In what was an especially sluggish first half from Real Madrid it was the visitors who passed up the best opportunity to break the deadlock, with Charles Dias breaking the offside trap to bear down on Diego Lopez. However, the Madrid keeper touched the shot round the post with his defence missing. Benzema had the first genuine sight of goal for Real Madrid, but he saw his side-footed shot from eight yards out deflected wide of the post by the outstretched leg of David Costas. Ronaldo and Luka Modric also had sights of goal before Borja Oubina came close to finding the net, craning his neck to meet a bouncing corner kick delivery just yards from goal. However his header drifted over the bar. As the first half came to a close Madrid were being pressed on to the back foot and Lopez had a real heart in mouth moment when Rafinha’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected inches past the target, with the keeper wrongfooted. Real Madrid continued to look rusty after the restart, with Ronaldo especially subdued and Celta Vigo passed up another glorious opportunity, with Charles chipping a shot past the post after breaking the offside trap for the umpteenth time. But the home side finally found the net after 67 minutes when
Benzema flicked home a low cross into the box by substitute Jese Rodrguez, who made a positive impact following his introduction off the bench. Celta Vigo continued to enjoy a degree of freedom in the final third but couldn’t level the score before Ronaldo added Real Madrid’s second, turning into the
net at the back post from Dani Carvajal’s cross from the byline. And Ronaldo scored his 400th goal as a senior player and his 29th of the season in stoppage time, getting himself on the end of Gareth Bale’s pass across the face of goal to cap a performance that betrayed the generous scoreline.
commenting: “Lewandowski changing sides marks a turn of eras. After decades of laughable transfer business Bayern have now found something every lottery player dreams of: A surefire system!” A number of other publications have echoed that sentiment but Sammer has told Bild that he sees no reason why the signing of Lewandowski should adversely affect Bayern’s popularity. “We have to be firm and sustainable,” he said. “Why should that be unlikeable? One could also pay us some respect and say: ‘They don’t do a bad job.’” One of the greatest fears in Germany is that Bayern’s dominance of the Bundesliga will continue unabated — a kicker poll on Monday showed that nearly half of players in the German top-fight fear that the league will turn into a one-horse race. “Sure, you can discuss this, but not with us,” Sammer said. “I am only interested in what we do and how good we are at it. And we should not be lured away from our determination. Our determination is exemplary.”
Robert Lewandowski
Pedro Says Barca Have Five Difficult Months Ahead BARCELONA forward Pedro Rodriguez says the next few months will be crucial for his side as they chase silverware. The Catalans are currently at the top of the La Liga standings but tied on points with Atletico Madrid, whom they face next in the league on Saturday. Gerardo Martino’s side have also reached the Last 16 stage in both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey and still on
Pedro Rodriguez
course to claim a treble. Pedro scored one goal during Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Elche on Sunday and he is hoping to continue contributing in the coming months. “We played a good match from the start and I’m happy that I’m scoring goals and helping the team,” he told the club’s official website. “But we have five difficult
months ahead and need to be at our best level. We play Atleti this coming weekend but we need to take things one step at a time. They are a difficult opponent.” Pedro is Barcelona’s jointleading goal scorer in La Liga with 11 goals, the same number as Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, who netted a hat-trick against Elche.
Serena Will Win 20 Grand Slams,
WORLD number one Serena Williams shows no sign of slowing down with age and should win more than 20 grand slam singles titles, former great Martina Navratilova has said. The 57-year-old powerful game proving Navratilova who won 18 difficult to defuse for many grand slam singles titles, counterparts on the WTA and 41 in women’s and tour. mixed doubles, is also The American, however, confident the 32-year-old has also been hampered by a Williams will equal her number of serious injuries, singles haul at the including a knee injury in Australian Open, which 2010 and cut foot that forced begins next week in her to miss almost a year on Melbourne. the tennis circuit in 2010“If she can stay healthy 2011. there is no doubt she can go Paradoxically it was those into the 20s, the sky is the injury-enforced layoffs that limit,” Navratilova told could be helpful in reporters in Adelaide where prolonging her career, she will play in the World Navratilova suggested. Tennis Challenge exhibition “At age 30, she had played later on Tuesday. about half the tournaments “I know how hard it is than I had played at 30, so once you get to 30, all those she is fresh in tennis terms,” little niggling injuries get she said. worse and it’s much easier “She seems to be playing to have an off day. her best tennis right now.” “But still, she is in her 30s Former world number one ... she is eager and winning Tracy Austin echoed is very contagious - once Navratilova’s sentiments and you get really used to it, you said she felt Williams, who don’t want to let go of it.” beat rivals Maria Sharapova Australia’s Margaret and Victoria Azarenka to win Court holds the overall last week’s Brisbane record of 24 grand slam International, was being singles titles, while motivated by the record Germany’s Steffi Graf won books. 22 titles in the Open era. Williams poignantly Williams is widely saluted compatriot Billie considered the best player of Jean King when she won her her generation and has been fifth, and latest, Australian virtually unchallenged in Open title in 2010 to join the modern era, with her King on 12 grand slam titles
CHAN For Senior Players, Not U20s - Igesund
BAFANA Bafana coach Gordon Igesund says the CHAN tournament is for senior national team players and had he selected the national Under 20 players for this event he would have ruined them. Igesund was responding to an outcry by some football fans in South Africa who hold the view that Bafana should have created a chance for the country’s Under 20 (who recently won the Cosafa U20 event) or Under 23 players to play in CHAN and use it as a developmental exercise. “I think it’s important to acknowledge that this is a tournament for senior national teams and therefore a place to call on senior international players,” Igesund said. “I know some people suggested I must put in the Under 20 players, but that would be the biggest mistake I could make because I would
ruin those players. They are not physically strong enough and not ready for a tournament like this. “You have to bring them (new players) in slowly like we have done over the past year. As I said the average age of the team that beat Spain was 24. That mans by 2018 the average age will be 28, how much younger do you want me to go? “These young players will get their chance and in due time they will come through. When we played Zimbabwe and lost, we used some new players and they were deflated after losing because of the pressure put on them after the loss. “This is part of bringing new, young players through and we got a chance to see them against Zimbabwe. But we lost and this adds pressure and players then lose their winning momentum. “So we’ll take our time to bring guys through and make sure the players are ready before throwing them in.”
saying at the time that she had told King ‘I tied you’ after her victory over Justine Henin. “I love the fact that she’s 32 years old and still seems to be as hungry, if not
Says Navratilova
hungrier, than she has ever been,” Austin said. “At 32, and realising
that she is towards possibly the end of her career, she is now playing
for history. “Serena likes to be the best at everything and I think she wants to be the greatest player of all time on the women’s side.”
Players Say Ribery Is Season’s Star
Serena Williams
Ronaldo To Attend Ballon d’Or Ceremony
REAL Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will go the 2013 Ballon d’Or award ceremony on Jan. 13. Ronaldo, who is nominated for the award along with Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi, had previously refused to say he would attend amid speculation that he would only go to Zurich if he was sure he was going to win. The Portugal international, who is now the favourite to take a second Ballon d’Or trophy after FIFA extended the voting period late last year, told reporters after Monday’s 3-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo that he would be at the event next week. “That subject is closed and I do not want to talk any more about it,” Ronaldo said in AS. “I can only say that I will go to the gala. If I win then very good, and if not then life goes on.” Ronaldo was quieter than usual for the first 80 minutes of Monday’s game at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but clinically scored two late goals to ensure the win. He dedicated the double afterwards to Portugal legend Eusebio, who had been honoured inside the stadium before kickoff with a well-observed minute’s silence following the news of his death at the weekend. “I appreciate the tribute that the stadium and Spain have paid to him,” Ronaldo said. “To feel the warmth of Spain and the rest of the world is very important. I was very close to him and he helped me a lot. He is a legend for me and today is a sad day and, obviously, the goals were for him.” Asked for his views on Xabi Alonso’s ongoing contract situation, meanwhile, Ronaldo
said that was for Alonso and Madrid president Florentino Perez to sort out. “That is the president’s problem — I do not want to know anything about it,” he said. “And all these problems have a solution. The only problem that cannot be solved is death. [Alonso] is 32, he does not need me to say anything. I hope he stays with us.” Ronaldo was also diplomatic when speaking about teammate Angel Di Maria, who was criticised for an apparent offensive gesture to whistling Bernabeu fans as he was substituted during Monday’s game. “I did not see anything strange,” Ronaldo said. “Nothing special. He looks good to me, helping the team.” Di Maria was being replaced at that time by Gareth Bale, who returned from a recent calf problem and helped the team come through a tricky game in which Celta had the better
chances at 0-0. The Welsh winger told Real Madrid TV — in comments reported by AS — that the issue had been quite difficult to recover from, but he felt 100 percent fit now. “It is fine — it was quite a bad dead calf that I had in training,” Bale said. “Just one of those things that happen. But I feel back to full fitness now. I feel great and looking forward to the rest of the season.” On providing the assist for Ronaldo’s second goal with a driving run past his full-back and cross, Bale said he had been happy to play a part in getting an important three points. “That is part of my job,” he said. “It is important to score goals and, if not, to create them. It was nice to get an assist and nice to get the win. It is very important to get off to a good start. It was difficult for most of the game, but nice to come away with the victory and the three points. A good start to 2014.”
A vast majority of Bundesliga players have named Bayern Munich’s Ballon d’Or candidate Franck Ribery as the best player of the first half of the season in a poll conducted by kicker magazine. Ribery, 30, has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or shortlist alongside Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. The award winner will be revealed at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich next week. In the meantime, the France international midfielder has been lauded by his fellow professionals in Germany. Of the 238 players who took part in the poll, 56.4 percent named him as the star of the first half of the season. His Bayern teammate, Arjen Robben, received 11.4 percent of the vote. The poll also asked whether Bayern would be able to repeat their 2013 Champions League success this season — and 59 percent backed Bayern to become the first ever team in the competition’s history to win back-to-back Champions League titles. And with the Bavarian giants already seven points clear of Bayer Leverkusen, 48.9 percent believed they would make the Bundesliga title race boring in the seasons to come. Only 10.8 percent said they believed Bayern would win fewer than five titles in the next 10 Bundesliga seasons, while 63.7 percent said they would win seven or more.
Rousseff Hits Back At Blatter
BRAZILIAN president Dilma Rousseff used her Twitter account to hit back at FIFA chief Sepp Blatter’s attack on her country’s lack of sufficient World Cup preparation. “Brazilians start 2014 confident that they are going to host the World Cup of World Cups,” Rousseff wrote. “In Brazil, the World Cup is going to be at home because this is the home of football.” Six of the nation’s 12 host stadiums failed to meet FIFA’s Dec. 31 deadline, while work on hotels, airports and roads have also been affected by delays. And when asked if Brazil realised the scale of work involved, FIFA chief
Blatter told Swiss newspaper 24 Heures: “No. Brazil has just found out what it means and has started work much too late. “No country has been so far behind in its preparations since I have been at FIFA even though it is the only host nation which has had so much time — seven years — in which to prepare.” Following Rousseff’s rebuttal, the Blatter also took to Twitter to claim: “I concur with the comments of dilmabr (Rousseff) about the World Cup. The whole world is awaiting the Cup of Cups. Brazil will be a great host. Brazil 2014 will be a great success.” Three of the stadiums are not likely to be finished until April,
including the Itaquera Arena in Sao Paulo, which will host the opening match between Brazil and Croatia on June 12. The Brazilian government said it would be completed in February, only for FIFA to confirm another deadline of April 15. However, Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo assured that Brazil would be ready in time. “Brazil has been working in preparation for the World Cup since it was chosen to host the tournament. Ticket sales, the biggest out of any World Cup, shows that fans all over the world are confident that the World Cup of 2014 will be the best ever,” Rebelo told the Associated Press.
Nigeria Benefits From World Cricket League In 2013
THE high point for the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) in 2013, was the promotion of the country’s national team to Division 5 of the World Cricket League (WCL) from Division 6 in Jersey. of Dr John Abebe. Jersey, an Island off the coast The competition which held in of the U.K. literarily became July, 2013 had Nigeria, host the springboard from which Jersey, Kuwait, Vanuatu, Kuwait, Nigeria got launched into Bahrain and Argentina jostling world cricket reckoning; so to for honours. speak. The national team had to It is pertinent to note that negotiate its way through the Nigeria gained international pack, with brilliant performances reckoning from the late 1990s that earned them the second and became an associate position. member of the International By virtue of the remarkable Cricket Council (ICC) in 2002. feat, the national team qualified The ICC formerly based at to participate in the WCL the Lords in London then, has Division 5; which is the highest now relocated to Dubai, United division ever attained by the Arab Emirates. country. Then federation achieved It would be recalled that that status under the leadership Nigeria got promoted to the WCL
Division 6 after emerging as champions at the Division 7 competition in Botswana, in April, 2012. The promotion to Division 5 was received with much jubilation by stakeholders in the cricket community. It is believed that the performance of the national team at Jersey would spur them to up the ante at the forthcoming Division 5 championship slated to hold in Kuala Lumpur in February this year. The Team Manager of the national team, Okon Ukpong, said that the country’s
promotion to the WCL Division 5 rekindled public interest in the sport. “So many people spoke to me in Jersey in terms of supporting cricket and helping it to grow in Nigeria. “People now believe we have the population and that there is no reason why we cannot be a strong cricket force like South Africa. “The playing tour and promotion actually exposed us because people did not know we could play cricket to the level we did. “We believe that it will help in raising money for preparing
Uzochukwu Aims For Top Marks At CHAN
ENUGU Rangers midfielder Ugonna Uzochukwu is primed for the top with Nigeria as the 2014 CHAN kicks off in South Africa on Saturday. The Imo State-born tough tackling defensive midfielder, who is in the mould of ‘Block Buster’ Late Aloysius Atuegbu, has never looked back since he started out with coach Ambrose Duru at non-league Anambra Pillars in 2008. Ugonna, who ascribed his rise in the game to self belief, has said he is looking forward to helping the local-based Eagles shine on their debut in the biennial championship. “Surely it is not going to be easy, but we are primed to do the country proud. Yes, our country’s victory at the last Nations Cup will create some sort of pressure on us, but the team is charged to deliver the goods when it matters most,” stated Uzochukwu, who netted the second goal in Saturday’s warm-up against Ethiopia in Abuja. “The training we have had since December when camp opened has toughened us to compete against the very best on the continent. I am very optimistic we will do the country proud in South Africa.” He continued, “All we need is the total support and prayers of all Nigerians to do well at the championship and who says we
Uzochukwu
can’t be crowned champions like the ‘A’ team did last year also in South Africa?” Ugonna, 21, can shoot well with both feet added to his remarkable aerial prowess. His older brother, Izunna Uzochukwu, has been churning out spectacular performances for Danish side F.C Midtjylland. He is without doubt the best scoring defensive midfielder in the Nigerian league and last season, he finished as Rangers top scorer with nine goals. “It is not by design but desire that I am always among the goal scorers. God has always answered my prayers in having the opportunity to have a crack at goal and some of them do rest at the back of the net of the other team,” he offered by way of explanation for his goals. “I strongly believe that with the God-given ability in me, I will have goals to my name but this is not my main target as contributing my quota towards helping us to do well at the championship remains my objective of being in the team. We are not going to disappoint Nigerians.” The big fan of Ghana and Chelsea star Michael Essien featured for a mainly home-based Eagles team in a friendly against Peru two years ago before he was
recalled for the recent build-up to CHAN. His teammate at Rangers and Burundi international Steve Nzigamasabo hailed the industry of the combative midfielder. “Ugonna is a player every team will desire to have. He is highly gifted, strong on the ball and tackles very well, while his aerial power is out of this world,” he remarked. “Whenever we play together, I am at my best because he does all the work in the middle for me to exhibit my skills. “He will surely be a revelation at CHAN, which I will miss due to my being here in Rangers. I wish him and the Super Eagles the best of luck.” Rangers defender Cyril Oriaku said: “He is a complete player who knows his targets in the game. He is always
committed to the job whether at training or in matches. He will distinguish himself at the championship.” “Ugonna is a player for the big stage. Though, he has some work to do with his timing of tackles, he surely will make the grade as a defensive midfielder,” further added Rangers coach John Edeh. “Can you imagine that from his position as a defender, he has scored some wonderful goals for us? “I strongly believe that he will be a player to be celebrated after the championship. He is an asset to the Super Eagles ‘B’ team.” PROFILE Ugonna Uzochukwu Born: 11/03/1992 Height: 1.72m Weight: 78KG Position: Defensive Midfielder Club: Enugu Rangers Previous club: Anambra Pillars Onitsha Eagles debut: Vs Peru Eagles goals: 1 vs Ethiopia
for Division 5 in Malaysia,’’ he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. “Not too many people believe that cricket was still being played in Nigeria; so, we want to really open up the game because we want to improve on facilities, we want to improve on capacity building.’’ He said the promotion will improve the country’s ranking aside from galvanising more sponsors to expose Nigeria as a cricket-playing nation like South Africa. “All these things will impact positively on our moving forward,” the team manager said. Ukpong’s views were corroborated by Tonye Timmidi, a cricket coach in Rivers, who stressed that promotion to Division 5 would bring benefits that would reposition the sport at the grassroots. According to him, the promotion will henceforth increase the financial support from the ICC to the NCF. “Another benefit of the promotion is that Nigeria will now feature in more international competitions which will further help in exposing cricketers to acquire better skills. “We are glad that what we waited for, for a long while, has come to pass, for it will help in positioning the sport in the right direction. “It has also given the senior team the opportunity to participate in more international competitions and get exposed to what obtains in other countries. “From the foregoing, it is obvious that promotion to Division 5 will not only expose cricketers, but would enable them to step up their performance to foster a new era for the sport,’’ he said. Timmidi expressed the hope
Enyimba Goalkeeper Looks Beyond now wishes to win more trophies ENYIMBA goalkeeper CHAN Snub with Enyimba. Femi Thomas has said he is focused on winning trophies with his club after he was overlooked for CHAN. The former Nigeria U20 star was widely rated as the best goalkeeper on the local scene last season, helping Enyimba win the Federation Cup with his penalty shootout heroics as well as finishing close runnersup in the league. However, he will not be one of the three goalkeepers on the flight to South Africa this week, and he has insisted he will continue to work hard for him to earn an Eagles call-up. “Many people have called and sent messages to me asking why I was not called to the Eagles. I was disappointed, but I believe the coaches know what they want and went for it,” Thomas reasoned. “I have put that behind me, maybe it is not yet my time to be in the Eagles. I won’t let that
weigh me down. “I saw the list and I believe those that are in the team are capable of making the country proud.” He told MTNFootball.com he
“I just want to work harder than last season. My target is to do well in goal and help Enyimba win league and CAF Champions league, any other thing that follows will be a plus for me,” he said.
Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi
that with the promotion it would enable the federation to get more viable sponsors for the development of the sport. Seyi Sonde, an Abeokuta-based coach also said that promotion to Division 5 meant that the country was beginning to do the needful to grow the sport at the grassroots. The coach said that he was not only elated about the promotion but was hopeful that the team would keep getting promoted until they get to the zenith; which is Division 1. “We thank God we were able to get promoted to Division 5. However, we do not expect any form of loss of focus on the team’s part. “This is because the higher the Division you compete in, the tougher it becomes. And I expect the NCF to begin preparations for Division 5 immediately. “The game needs more investments for it to begin to produce quality cricketers, investments in terms of finance and facilities to improve the quality of cricketers. “So far, we have the numbers but we lack the quality of cricketers seen in other countries. “I am not saying that there are no quality cricketers in the country but they have not reached the level where they become household names in the game like others. “And for such to occur, academies need to be established, development centres built and a high performance programmes initiated,” he said. Sonde said that he was not expecting the NCF to rest on its oars but to ensure that the team would continue to get the needed support to improve on their performance. He added that the promotion would come along with benefits like more funding from the ICC for developmental programmes. Meanwhile, Kunle Adegbola, who captained the male national team to the WCL Division 6, urged cricket enthusiasts to support the growth of the sport at the grassroots. According to him, the sport’s development has been rapid but needs more assistance from sponsors. “The game is fast developing in the country but there is room for more improvement. “That is why I am appealing to lovers of the sport to contribute their quota for sustained growth and development,’’ Adegbola said. Nigeria is currently ranked 35 in the ICC One Day International (ODI), while they remain fifth in Africa. Cricket is among the oldest sports in the country dating back to the country’s colonial past. The first recorded international cricket match was against Ghana then Gold Coast in 1904. The country became an Associate Member of ICC in 2002 and since that moment has been participating in ICC World Cricket League.