Nigerian observer 09 07 2013

THE NIGERIAN

The Nigerian

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol . 38 • N O .271 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013 • N100.00 NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND DIETETICS Page 14

Precipitating mechanism of high blood pressure

OPINION

Page 23 Relevance of organisational politics

Shun corruption, Edo AG advises youth

By INNOCENT OMOAKA

BENIN CITY -The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Hon. Henry Idahagbon has called on youths in Nigeria to shun corruption and all other

· · · · · ·

Government(SUG) 7th Legal Symposium at the weekend in Benin City.

According to Idahagbon, Corruption which is a global phenomenon can only

be put to check through the instrumentality of the law.

He cautioned the Nigerian youths against corrupt tendencies and urged them to be determined to fighting the menace in their own Continues on page 2

4 AIGs, 191 Police Officers face disciplinary c’ttee

ABUJA - Four Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) are among 195 senior police officers facing charges before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) for various cases of misconduct, DIG Suleiman Fakai, has said.

Fakai, the Deputy Commissioners of Inspector General of Police would also Police (DIG) in charge appear before the of Administration, committee. disclosed this “We have a total of yesterday in Abuja at a 195 officers appearing news conference. before us for various He stated that 17 cases of indiscipline.

Commissioners of “We have four AIGs Police, two Deputy Commissioners of Gunmen kill Police and six soldier, abA s s i s t a n t

STOP OIL BUNKERING

·

social vices in order to guarantee better and prosperous Nigeria.

The Attorney general Who was represented

by Barrister Charles Obasohan made this call at the University of Benin, Students’ Union

People of Edo State, Government has discovered that inspite of measures taken by security agents in the State to stop illegal oil bunkering, perpetrators of this shady business have continued unabated.

The State Government is warning all those still involved in oil bunkering in the State to, in their own interest, stop this shady and dubious business forthwith as stiffer penalties await them.

Any person or group of persons caught in the illegal business will be dealt with according to the law.

All vehicles and equipment used will be burnt.

Be patriotic, report any person suspected to be in the business of oil bunkering to the authorities concerned.

Join Government to rid the State of enemies of progress.

Edo State must continue to move forward.

This message is from the Edo State Ministry of Information and Orientation

here to face us, 17 CPs, two DCPs, six ACPs and the remaining are from CSPs to ASPs,’’ he said.

Fakai, who chairs the committee, said one each of CP, ACP, and CSP, and two SPs as well as eight CSPs had been dismissed

for serious cases of misconduct in the last one year.

According to him, two CSPs, one SP and 13 ASPS were

compulsorily retired, also for misconduct, while a DCP, three CSPs, seven SP, a DSP and 10 ASPs were Continues on page 2

duct expatriate

By MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

BENIN CITY – An Israeli expatriate with Setraco Construction Company has been kidnapped and one of the soldiers attached to him killed by gunmen in Benin City.

The incident occurred at Upper Mission Road extension, by BeninAuchi Express Way, Aduwawa, Benin City at about 10 a.m. yesterday.

The gunmen said to have stormed the scene in a black Toyota Camry Continues on page 2

TRAINING: L-R:L Consultant, Thomas Harling, Director, Mapping, Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Reuben Edozie and Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Peter Nwilo, at the opening of Free Generic Training on Satellite imagery Map of Nigeria in Abuja yesterday.

Teachers strike: BENIN CITY - Civil Society organizations in Edo have vowed to end the lingering industrial dispute between the primary school teachers and the state government even as a Town Hall Meeting failed to end the feud yesterday.

The Town Hall Meeting was organized by Civil Society Organizations in Benin City, the meeting which ended without both parties reaching an agreement was attended

CSOs mediation deadlocked

by the Oredo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Osaro Obaze, Edo state Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr. Patrick Aguinede, Commissioner

of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Lucky James, the first Vice Chairman of the state chapter of the

LAGOS The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday said it was satisfied with the level of compliance of its

members to the nationwide strike it declared on July 1.

ASUU declared the indefinite strike to protest the Federal

Nigerian

Union

of

Teachers, Mr. John Ayobahan along with some local government council chairmen of the

Union and other teachers.

Others include, journalists, market women, parents of affected pupils, members of the Africa Continues on page 2

ASUU expresses satisfaction with strike Government’s nonimplementation of a part of an agreement it entered into with the

union in 2009.

The agreement includes university autonomy and adequate funding of universities.

Continues on page 2

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

News

4 AIGs, 191 face disciplinary c’ttee

Continued from page 1

demoted during the period.

Fakai said that the current police administration had in January 2012 inherited over 3,000 cases of indiscipline, but added that the cases had been reduced to the barest minimum.

“The Force Disciplinary Committee comprised of all the Deputy Inspectors General of Police and the Force Secretary who serves as its secretary.

“The committee essentially reviews disciplinary matters involving officers from the rank of ASP and above who may had erred in the course of their duties,’’ he said.

He said that the committee was mandated to make

Shun corruption, Edo AG advises youth

Continued from page 1 little way.

Speaking at the occasion, the former Attorney General of UNIBEN SUG, Hon. Israel Idahosa said that corruption can only be tackled with proper education and sensitization of Nigerian Youths on the value of transparency and accountability.

He called for a total change of Orientation among Nigerian Youths, who believe that leadership is more about “chopping your own ration.”

The host of the Symposium, and incumbent UNIBEN SUG Attorney General, Hon. Hope Imafidon Osarodion said all hope is not lost in the fight against corruption in the country.

He however called for a renewed determination among Nigerian youths in the crusade against corruption and other social vices.

appropriate recommendations to the Police Service Commission on all cases it handled.

“This is in line with extant provisions and Force policy guidings discipline geared toward upholding

professionalism, respect for rule of law and human rights among senior police officers,’’ Fakai said.

Reports say that the committee meets fortnightly, except in emergency

Continued from page 1 Network for Environment and Economic Justice, Gani Fawehinmi Movement for Good Governance and Social Change, Edo Youth for Good Governance, Youth Achievers Support and Empowerment Initiative, Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations, SouthSouth Youth League, The Talakwas parliament amongst others.

When the two neutral moderators hired by Civil Society, Messers Tony Abolo and Otunba Mike Aladenika read out the rules for the dialogue, the Teachers were first to state their grievances. When it was the turn of government to state its position, the teachers would not allow the commissioner for Local

Government and Chieftaincy affairs state their position.

The conveners of the meeting, Rev. David Ugolor of ANEEJ and Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin of Gani Fawehinmi Movement for Good Governance had a hectic time urging the primary school teachers who out numbered other stakeholders to be calm.

Even the intervention of Hon. Patrick Aguinede was drubbed with their noise, a situation some observers noted was poor and unfair on the side of the teachers.

The commissioners who had skipped the state Exco meeting to honour the Town Hall meeting were pretty unhappy with the turn of events as the teachers would not even allow the mediators do their

CSOs mediation deadlocked impartial job assigned them

Gunmen kill soldier, abduct expatriate

Continued from page 1

car opened fire on the armed soldier who died on the spot as they whisked away the Israeli said to be supervising reconstruction work on the road.

Confirming the incident, the Spokesman, Edo Police Command, DSP Moses Eguavoen identified the Israeli expatriate as Tony Youses, a staff of Setraco Construction Company in Edo State.

DSP Eguavoen added that one soldier was killed and another sustained gunshot wounds in the attack carried out inside the rain.

He, however, stated that policemen have swung into action as entry and exit points in the state are being secured while flash points are under intense surveillance.

Also contacted, the Spokesperson, 4 Brigade Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Benin City Captain Rose Manabe said she is not in Benin City just as she promised to speak on it today.

Attempts to obtain comments from the management of Setraco Construction Company in Benin City failed.

ASUU expresses satisfaction with poor funding and other Continued from page 1 constraints. strike The government also “It is based on this that we

reneged on the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the union in December, 2011, according to the ASUU National President, Dr Nasir Fagge.

Fagge told newsmen on telephone that the compliance by state chapters of the union was encouraging.

He said that ASUU was determined to continue the action until the time the government would meet its demands.

“I am happy with the level of compliance by members of the union.

“All of them have downed tools as directed, and we have communicated the National Executive Committee’s decision to government; we are waiting for its response.

“It is time for people to start probing why government is not taking the much needed steps to address problems in our university system.

“I want to admonish parents to find time to look into the

situation, to consider cases of misconduct forwarded to it.

The committee is expected to meet between July 8 and July 12 to hear disciplinary cases against the 195 senior officers appearing before it.

standards of these institutions so that we can be convinced on why something must be done to salvage the situation, and urgently too,” he said.

He said that overcrowding of students in hostels, lecture theatres, laboratories and workshops had become worrisome.

“What will one make of a situation where a hostel room made for just two or four, as the case may be, is being occupied by 12 students?

“This same situation also applies to the use of laboratories as well as workshops; yet, we want to produce quality graduates who are expected to use their knowledge to drive our economy,” Fagge said.

The unionist said that such a situation would not ensure quality assurance on the part of the students and universities.

According to him, research and development, are nonexistent in universities due to

are saying it is time we face realities, tell ourselves the truth about the state of things in our universities and seek ways of tackling them once and for all.

“Instead of deceiving ourselves, we should find the NEEDS assessment report on these institutions and study it passionately,” he said.

A former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, however, told newsmen that negotiation was important in resolving the faceoff between ASUU and the Federal Government.

Obaji told newsmen on telephone that there was also the need for both parties to respect agreements they willfully entered into.

She advised stakeholders in education to separate education from politics to enable the country to meet its Vision 20:2020 and the Education for All goals by 2015.

by the CSOs. The meeting ended when the teachers disagreed to handle the issue at the state level even if the state government made commitment to address their demands.

The teachers in a ranchorous manner said the strike was called by the national body of the Nigerian Union of Teachers and as such it is only the national body that can call off the strike. Thereafter, the government representatives walked out of the meeting.

According to the State Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr. Patrick Aguinede, the state government lacked confidence in the ability of the representatives of the NUT at the meeting to take appropriate decision on the matter on the ground that the Chairman and Secretary of the Union were not present.

Responding, the first vice chairman of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Mr. John Ayobahan said there is no vacuum in unionism.

He added that if the Chairman and the Secretary of the union were not present at the meeting that does not mean that the union cannot come to an agreement and move forward, most especially when himself, the Vice Chairman was in attendance.

The convener of the town hall meeting, Reverend David Ugolor, the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, said the civil society groups would meet with the government and the teachers’ leaders in separate meetings to further deliberate on the way forward on the matter.

The co-convener, the coordinator of Gani Fawehinmi Movement for Good Governance and Social Change, Comrade Kaduna Ebogboidin said they would not rest on the matter until the issue is resolved and the primary school children back to school.

It would be recalled that the same civil society group resolved the TSS logjam two years ago at the same Urhokpota Hall, Benin City.

Revenue Board Boss

By VICTOR OMOALU Lauds DSS BENIN CITY – The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah has described the Department of the State Security (DSS) as one organisation which gives utmost and deserving attention to tax drive in the state.

Chief Elamah made this remark while declaring open a one-day seminar in Benin City.

He noted that the DSS’s commitment towards tax drive in the state cannot be over-emphasised in terms of its regular remittance and compliance.

Chief Elamah applauded the DSS for partnering with EIRS towards creating security awareness amongst tax officials who are exposed to possible security threats in the course of discharging their duties.

According to him, “Given the nature of our job as tax administrators, we are vulnerable to all kinds of

threats and insecurity; we need to keep ourselves abreast of the needed tips to enable us carry out our responsibilities.

He asserted that if tax officials are well enlightened regarding the necessary security awareness/tips, they would, as chief security officers of themselves take all necessary security precautions in their cause of duty.

The EIRS boss said, the Governors Adams Oshiomhole’s administration has become more security friendly attributing to the proactiveness and support of the DSS. Chief Elamah further stated that the seminar was aimed at creating the necessary security awareness, and reaching out to the public on the imperative of tax officials in revenue generation.

“For us, this seminar is like brothers/partners trying to teach other responsibilities and offering assistance to ensure that we succeed”, stated Chief Elamah.

Appoint Consultant for passengers welfare, EDHA tells Oshiomhole

BENIN CITY - The Edo State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Adams Oshiomhole to appoint a new consultant to manage the State Passenger Welfare Scheme.

This is contained in a resolution of the House in Benin yesterday.

The resolution was sequel to the consideration of the Report of the Standing Committee on Transport of the House on the performance of the scheme.

Mrs. Elizath Ativie, the Chairman of the committee said the scheme was near collapse and not serving the purpose for which it was

established.

She added that poor and improper record keeping were also some of the major problems militating against the success of the scheme.

Ativie said that the committee recommended that the state Ministry of Transport should as a matter of urgency terminate the agreement it reached with the consultant adding that the agreement was illegal.

The House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation with changes and amendments.

The Speaker, Uyigue Igbe, directed that clean copies be sent to the governor for his immediate action.

Anglican Church ordains

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR 4 priests BENIN CITY – The Diocese of Benin, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, last Sunday ordained four priests and two Deacons in the quest to further expand the gospel, particularly in the diocese.

While ordaining the priests and deacons, the Bishop of Benin Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Peter Imasuen, urged them to be absolutely loyal to God. While emphasising the nature of their new assignment, Bishop Imasuen advised them to pray for the Holy Spirit to enable them function effectively, adding that they cannot do it on their own without the holy spirit.

He similarly advised the wives of the new priests and deacons who were inducted to support their husbands by helping to propagate the gospel, and that they should be prepared to follow their

husbands to their respective place of assignment.

The man of God further advised them not indulge in acts that could tarnish their image and that of the church.

On his part the guest preacher, Rt. Rev. Dapo Asaju, enjoined the priests and deacons to be fully prepared for their new assignments.

The theologian noted that going into the service of God is not merriment, hence they should be fully ready to do their new job.

Those ordained as priests in the trinity ordination which took place at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Sokponba Road, Benin City, were Rev. Ugochukwu Arinze Azubuike, Rev. Henry Akhere Egbon, Rev. Joel Stephen Eriko and Rev. Osagie Sylvester Aimiehinor, while Tochukwu Emmanuel Edochiem and Peter Chukwubueze Edeji were ordained deacons.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Inside Edo IPMAN Crisis Deepens As Nat’l

By TUNDE Body Ogbewe EIGBIREMOLEN/ RAYMOND OSOGBE

BENIN CITY - The last is yet to be heard of the crisis currently rocking the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Midwestern zone following the emergence of two separate executives of the body at the weekend.

Stakeholders under the auspices of Elders Forum Midwestern Zone who had earlier called for the immediate dissolution of Chief Solomon Ogbewe led-Caretaker Committee last week elected Chief Silvanus Idanwrekhai as Chairman, Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria , (IPMAN) Midwestern zone Addressing newsmen in Benin City, Edo State Capital, the newly elected Public Relations Officer, IPMAN Benin Depot, Fred Ufua, said the election was consequent upon the expiration of the Chief Solomon Ogbewe Caretaker Committee whose tenure elapsed since February 28th 2012 He berated the Association’s National Executive Council for allegedly fueling the Midwestern zone crisis and at the same time operating an illegal constitution which he

Chief Solomon Ogbewe

said is currently subject to litigation adding that members of IPMAN Midwestern zone are not ready to succumb to any intimidation and imposition “We cannot continue to be under the roof of one man sitting in Abuja arrogating to himself power to appoint and re-appoint.

The present National executive has never successfully conducted elections in any of the zones. What they do is to impose candidates.”

He however urged members to disregard any publication emanating form the factional group and other allies adding that they are ready to defend the constitution of IPMAN registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission But in a separate zonal meeting convened by the National Vice President , Elder Chinedu Okorokwo in Benin City at the weekend and Alhaji Danladi Pasali, National Secretary tendered a letter duly signed by IPMAN President Tagged “Re-Compliance with 5yrs Tenure In All Terms of IPMAN Constitution,” dated July 2nd 2013 appointing Chief Solomon Ogbewe as Acting Chairman Midwestern and urged members of the zone to comply with the directive of National Executive Council in line with the constitution.

“When there is a vacancy, it is constitutionally binding on NEC not to leave the vacuum.

They appointed an Acting Chairman or Acting person in that capacity to act pending the conduct of elections’’ Elder Chinedu who described the last week’s zonal election as rumour said there were laid down procedures for the conduct of elections in the Association. “It is the prerogative of the NEC to conduct zonal elections. The

zones cannot on their own conduct election and until then nothing can hold on nothing’’ Meanwhile, solidarity for Chief Solomon Ogbewe, the Midwestern Zonal Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) appears to be gathering momentum as the National Adviser of IPMAN, Mr. Peter Agbonkonkon Ogbeide aligned himself with the National Headquarters of the association.

Addressing newsmen in Benin City on Sunday, Mr. Agbonkonkon stated that the purported election of a new executive officer for the zone by the IPMAN Elders Forum is unconstitutional, null and void”.

According to him, the said act merely showcased the forum’s gross ignorance of IPMAN constitution which regulates the activities of all its 21 chapters nationwide.

He said that Chief Ogbewe’s emergence as the acting chairman of the Midwestern zone was with the blessing of IPMAN’s national body.

Comrade Ogbeide said that owing to the protracted crisis resulting in multi-dimensional court cases engulfing the union, IPMAN national body deemed it wise, to anoint Chief Ogbewe as Acting Chairman of the zone to help facilitate the return of peace to the zone.

The IPMAN national Adviser hinted that, the choice of Chief Ogbewe was to draw from the wealth of experience of his 35 years experience in the oil marketing business and against the backdrop, that he was once Personal Assistant to the first National Chairman, former Deputy Chairman, IPMAN, Benin Depot and Chairman IPMAN, Benin depot.

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (left) and Rev. Dr. Joel Okogele District Suprintendent of Assemblies of God Church, Edo District during the Suprintendent courtesy call on Mr. Speaker’s office recently. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN

Nursing Mother Commits Suicide EKPOMA - A 35-year-old mother of four children, Mrs. Ejobosele Okoruwa yesterday committed suicide in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving behind her three months old baby.

Her lifeless body was reportedly found dangling in the bedroom, hanging from the rope she allegedly made with her wrapper and fastened to the ceiling fan.

Late Ejobosele, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER gathered, had dedicated her three months old baby on Sunday in the church, only to commit suicide at night.

Narrating the incident to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER at the Ekpoma police station, the bereaved husband said he slept in the sitting room along with two of his children, while her late wife slept in the bedroom

with their eldest daughter and the baby.

He lamented that at about 2:00 am, the eldest of their children, raised alarm that made him rush to the bedroom where he discovered the lifeless body of his wife dangling.

Mr. Okoruwa said though his late wife had few days before the incident made statements and exhibited some behaviours that suggested she was depressed, he never imagined his wife could take her own life.

According to him, “she exhibited some strange behaviours. She was moody.

Some times she would just be looking at one direction.

When you call her she won’t respond. After several calls she would respond with a shock.

“I tried to enquire from her to know if she had any problem bothering her. But she told him she was okay. I even invited the brother to come help ask her. He tried

as well, but she didn’t disclose anything to him.

“There was also a time she (deceased) told my eldest daughter to take care of the children that she would be going away. I thought she meant abandoning the marriage, so I went to her and pleaded with her not to, for the sake of the children. She laughed and told me she would stay.

“She equally complained of some health problems. I asked her to go for test which she did. She was supposed to see the doctor on Wednesday”.

The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Esan West Police Division, Ekpoma, Mr. Akpoko Omuohowo confirmed the incident and said they were investigating it.

As at the time of filing this report, the bereaved husband, in company of his eldest daughter and other relatives, were still making statements at the police station.

Ogba-Neki Communities in Oredo Local Government Area, yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the premises of Buyi Nigeria Limited (BNL), demanding that the construction firm and the Nigeria Petroleum Development (NPDC) honour the earlier agreement reached between both parties over a year ago.

The youths who defined the early morning torrential rain, demanded that works at the NPDC permanent site located in the area be halted ;until their demands are met in practical

terms.

Spokesperson for the three communities, Hon. Stephen Idehen (Irhirhi), Victor Iredia (Ogba-Neki) and Sunday Osazee (Oko) told The NIGERIA OBSERVER that the protest became expedient following the persistent refusal of the NPDC management and the BNL to implement the terms of agreement which include the payment of N4 million compensation to each of the three communities, employment of indigenes of the communities for the period of the construction work, award of

laterite and granite, and the payment of monthly homage (security) of N50,000 to each community.

They, however, regretted that apart from the engagement of a few youths from the three communities, the NPDC and BNL had reneged in their obligation in spite of the fact that the youths have elected to ensure that work at the site had progressed without any disturbances.

They vowed to continue with the peaceful protest and blockage of the construction site until their demands are met.

By OSE EHEBHA

Youths Protest Coy’s Breach Of BENIN CITY – Hundreds of for the supply of Agreement contracts youths from Irhirhi, Oko and building materials such as

Hon. Patrick Osayimwen (left) and Hon Peter Aliu both members of Edo State House of Assembly during the House Plenary session recently. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Across The Nation Court Adjourns Trial Of Fani-Kayode Indefinitely LAGOS - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday sought the transfer of a money laundering suit against former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, to a new judge.

Fani-Kayode is standing trial before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court (FHC), Lagos, on an amended 47count charge bordering on money laundering.

When the case was mentioned, Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Festus Keyamo, informed the court of a pending application for the transfer of the case to another judge.

He told the court that he had formally applied to the Chief Judge of the FHC for a transfer and urged the court to grant the request.

Keyamo also exhibited before the court, a copy of the fiat of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, empowering him to prosecute the case.

Ofili-Ajumogobia, in a short ruling, held that since there was a pending application for transfer before the court, the case file would be sent to the FHC chief judge for reassignment.

She, therefore, adjourned the case sine die (indefinitely).

It would be recalled that Fani-Kayode was accused of accepting cash payments to the tune of N230 million, without going through a financial institution.

He had pleaded not guilty to all the counts of the charge and was granted bail.

When the case came up last, the judge had disqualified Mr. Vitalis Ahaotu, a prosecutor from the firm of Festus Keyamo and Co. The judge said the disqualification was due to the inability of Ahaotu to show that he possessed a fiat of the attorney-general, authorising him to prosecute the accused.

She had, therefore, ordered hearing notices to be served on Keyamo personally, to appear and justify his prosecution of the case.

The ACN Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Sir Hon. Peter Equaboi congratulating the Chairman of the Council, Barr. Godwin Aigbodion (left) after inspecting the ongoing renovation work at the council secretariat in Sabogidda-Ora. Middle is a member of ACN Executive in the locality.

Farmers Call For Govt Support

BY KESTER OGIESEWU

BENIN CITY - The newly elected Vice Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, (AFAN), Mr. Francis. Omo. Olaye has called on both the

federal and state governments to consider agriculture as one of their major priorities by assisting farmers in the South South region as a way of encouraging bumper harvest through Large scale farming.

Mr. Olaye who stated this after the inauguration of the executive of ATAN in Benin City Last week said that, with adequate funding of the agricultural sector, farmers will break even and ensure production of food items on a large scale. “Government should

also assist Grasscutter farmers because this is one aspect of the economy that has the prospect of thriving within the agricultural sector.

Grasscutter Meat is very delicious in our Meal�, he also added.

The new Vice Chairman, South South however appeal to farmers in the

FUGARThe Executive Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Momoh has sued for the support and Cooperation of the traditional institutions for the development of the locality.

The chairman made the call during a courtesy call to his office by a delegation from Iraokhor community.

Hon. Momoh assured the community delegation of effective development of their community, including the parameter fencing of Uralo Primary Schools and Uralo Health Centre.

He disclosed that his administration will deliver dividends of democracy to the various wards and communities across the local government, adding that the registration of plots of lands in the local government will be carried out in order to identity intruders from original owners of land.

Speaking during the visit, the spokesman of the delegation, Chief Peter Ilegah said the visit was to commend the Council Chairman for awarding the Iraokhor-Ogbona township road and his vision and leadership qualities aimed at transforming the area.

seven local government area in Edo South South to ensure that there is bountiful harvest at the end of the year.

He also appeal to the newly elected executive to work tireless towards the protection and interest of farmers so that the people can enjoy the proceeds from their farms.

Etsako Central LG Boss Enlists Trad Rulers

Development:

The Chairperson, Esan South East Local Government Council, Mrs. Evelyn Ikpea flagging-off the deworming awareness campaign and treatment in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of the local government, as the Executive Chairman, Hon. Joseph Ikpea, the SLG and other council staff look on.

Also speaking, the village Head of Iraokhor Community, Chief Jackson Etokhana while commending the leadership virtues of the Chairman, thanked him for the appointment of their son as Secretary to the Council.

In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Etsako Central Chapter has congratulated the chairman of the Council on his victory at the poll.

Secretary of the association, Evang.

Jerome Iliele solicited the support of the council chairman in sponsoring at the chapter.

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Abuja Borishade, 2 Others To Appear In Court Today ABUJA - An Abuja High Court yesterday ordered Babalola Borishade, a former minister of Aviation to appear before it unfailingly on July 9.

Justice Abubakar Umar gave the order, after Borishade, Tunde Dairo and Rowland Iyayi, a former managing director of the

Nigeria Airspace Management Agency failed to attend their trial.

When the matter was called at the resumed hearing, EFCC Counsel, Mr. Daniel Penda, told the court that the counsel to the accused persons, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, had served him

with a letter seeking for an adjournment.

He said the adjournment was sought to allow Borishade attend the birthday ceremony of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).

Penda told the court that only the fourth accused, George Eider, the Managing Director, Avsatel

Town Planning Commissioner Seeks Adequate Funding

ABUJA - Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, yesterday called for increased budgetary allocation to the ministry for effective town planning.

Ayinde told newsmen in Abuja that the movement of people from the rural areas to urban centres was due to lack of adequate planning.

“Physical planning generally is underfunded in Nigeria, and that is because those in administrations do not really understand the concept of planning,’’ he said.

The commissioner urged the three tiers of government to create departments of physical planning to achieve the desired results in both the urban and rural areas.

“In physical planning, plans are in hierarchy. If we had things going on right, there is supposed be a national physical plan, state regional plans, master plans of urban centres, district plans deriving from each master plan, sub-district plans, action plans, subject plans.

“All the levels I’ve mentioned need funding, first, for planning and secondly, for implementation. What is the essence of having a plan that you are not implementing?

“We are talking about people leaving the rural areas; people are not leaving the rural areas because there is no electricity; they are moving to the urban areas because of the opportunities there.

“If plans were drawn to create linkages between cities, settlements and people know that they can easily move from rural areas to the cities to transact their businesses and make returns with ease, a lot of people will prefer to remain in the rural areas.’’

He said that proper planning could guide government on steps to take for adequate development of towns and cities.

The commissioner, however, said that frequent building collapse was not as a result of poor physical planning but poor

construction as the sector had been taken over by nonprofessionals.

He expressed regret that such non-professionals did not adhere to the basic rules of the profession.

“Collapse of buildings is not about planning but about construction. Construction is a science, but people deal with it as if it is a field for everybody; people need to understand the science of construction before they can go into it.’’

Communications Ltd, who is standing trial alongside Borisade, was in court.

Umar, who frowned at the absence of the accused and their counsel, said that they were disrespectful to the court.

“The counsel should have come to court to explain the absence of

the accused persons. But he chose not to.

“This is highly disrespectful.

I am ordering that the three accused persons and their counsel appear in court unfailingly today, July 9,” Umar ordered.

Reports say that Borisade is

US Expert Director Advises Nigeria On Public Health

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (left) and Mrs. Maureen Akpata, leader, National Lottery Commission exchanging pleasantries with the Speaker, during the Commission’s courtesy call to Mr. Speaker’s office recently. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN

50,000 Teenage Girls Die Of Early Pregnancy Yearly - NPC

ABUJA - The National Population Commission (NPC), said in Abuja yesterday that 50,000 teenage girls die yearly in the country due to early pregnancy.

The Chairman of NPC, Mr. Festus Odimegwu, stated this at a news conference in commemoration of the 2013 World Population Day with the theme “Adolescent Pregnancy.’’

He added that one out of five girls in the country had given birth by the age of 18.

Teenage pregnancy is defined as pregnancy in a female child below the age of 20.

According to the World Health Organisation, about 16 million girls aged between 15 and 19 years and two million girls under the age of 15 give birth every

standing trial alongside Iyayi, Dairo and Eider, an Australian over the alleged mismanagement of the N5.2 billion Aviation Safe Tower contract.

They were arraigned by the EFCC on a 15-count charge of bribe-taking and forging aviation contract documents on November 19, 2009.

year.

Odimegwu, who was represented by the Chairman, Technical Management Team of the commission, Dr Festus Uzo, said the reasons for the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy were poverty and sexual abuse, among others.

“Worldwide, within countries, adolescent births are likely to occur among the poor, less educated and rural populations.

“The increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy in Nigeria can be appreciated against the backdrop of the fact that about 44.5 million of Nigerian population is made up of young people.

“The year 2015, this number

would have increased to about 60 million young people due to early marriages, early sexual exposure and pregnancy, coupled with poor health services,” he said.

Odimegwu said that teenage girls were at risk of sexual and reproductive health problems, adding that the teenage maternal mortality rate at 0.822 per 1,000 women in Nigeria was high.

He said that babies are 60 per cent more likely to die if their mothers are less than 18 years.

“This is because teenage pregnancies are mostly unplanned and hence not likely to receive antenatal care.

“Teenage pregnancy not only imposes severe health and

psychological strains on the baby and teen mothers, but also have long term negative impacts on the sustainable development efforts,” he added.

Odimegwu also said that teenage pregnancy worsen the population and reproductive health situation, and compromised genuine efforts to promote gender equality, education attainment, family value and economic development.

He said that the negative impacts of teenage pregnancy were unsafe abortion, pregnancy complications, poor antenatal care, weak pelvic bones and high fertility rate, among others.

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker Edo State House of Assembly (left) and Mr. Sani Momodu, Coordinator National Human Rights Commission, Edo State during a courtesy call to Mr. Speaker’s office recently. PHOTO: GODWIN ISEGUAN

ABUJA - The establishment of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is an important strategy to addressing public health challenges, a former Director of the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has said.

Dr Julie Gerberding, who is the current President of Merck’s Vaccine in the U.S., made the statement yesterday in Abuja in an interview with newsmen.

She noted that many countries were yet to inaugurate the centre, adding that it played an important role in protecting peoples’ health and addressing infectious disease outbreaks.

“I have strong belief that having a national CDC is the single most important aspect of protecting health in the country.

“Having a strong national CDC is the most important thing and it is thrilling to see the Nigeria CDC. But it is even more impressive to see how quickly the Nigeria NCDC has established its Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (FELTP).

“This programme exists in many places but what is unique here is its seize and how fast it grew and its reach. The fact, that every state is included and represented, and the complexity and excellent science that is being applied.

“The programme does not only look at infectious disease outbreaks but also chronic diseases, injuries and poisons.’’

Gerberding said it was one thing to have a central CDC and another to have the distributed public health backbone at the FELTP. She stated that having both the CDC and FELT in the same country was a treasure, adding that it was an absolute critical public health resource as Nigerians would have better health, due to the public health capacity that existed.

Also speaking, Dr Abdulsalami Nasidi, Director of the NCDC, said the easiest way to curtail and reduce public health cost was to have a very effective vaccination programme.

He said that Gerberding’s visit to Nigeria would help the country to establish better collaboration with Merck’s Vaccine as Nigeria was planning to commence production of vaccines.

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News

Tribute

Flood: Red Cross Stockpile ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) The Nigerian Red Cross Society in Anambra says it is stockpiling relief materials and enhancing the capacity of its members to respond effectively to flooding in the country.

The Chairman of Red Cross in the South-East zone, Dr Peter Katchy, told newsmen yesterday in Onitsha that the organisation was working hard to ensure that the impending flooding did not take it by surprise as happened in 2012.

He said that the agency was already reviewing its flood intervention performance of 2012 to enable it to improve in areas where it did not do so well.

“In all these things we are already getting ready; we are stockpiling our store because we heard the prediction that this year’s flood may be higher than that of last year, but along the line, the Nigeria Meteorological agency (NIMET) came out again and said that their prediction might have been over-

Materials

exaggerated.

“But at this point now, you see the rain has actually come and intermittently in the next one or two weeks it could lead to anything; if the rain continues constantly as it is coming on now. The floods would be excavated.

“So we are already on the ground, we have teams, standing teams that would respond to emergency situations.

“An alert has been sent out and we still sending out alerts in as much as we would not be taken unawares like that of last year because this year, we have in time started stockpiling our warehouse with materials to respond as quickly as possible.

“And from our past experience, we would draw from our experience, to know where we did not respond well, the flaws and to be able to make it up in order to respond

effectively well this time.

“So we are facing the situation and we are planning well as the first that will respond to emergency situations all over the world.’’

Katchy said that the organisation had continued to build its flood response capacity through regular internal workshops at state levels as well as sending its key local government officers to national and international emergency response workshops.

“We have set-up detachments in villages, schools, churches, mosques and other social institutions and organisations in order to get information, feedback and spread emergency alert as quick as possible.

“And once we get any emergency, we start our personal responsibility as Red Cross, which entails evacuation, providing medications, sleeping materials and fortifying Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps against epidemics.’’

The Executive Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea explaining a point at the erosion-ravaged area in Okaigben community in Ewohimi in Esan South East LGA. With him is Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Solomon Oyedo as other council staff look on.

Lawyers Oppose Scrapping Of LAGOS - Some lawyers have “I will advise that we should sit SIECs said they were opposed to down and have a sovereign scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in the planned amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

The lawyers gave their views in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos.

They said making the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) solely responsible for the conduct of all elections was a breach of the principle of true federalism.

Mr Onyekachi Ubani, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, urged the National Assembly to drop the idea.

“It negates the principle of proper federalism. If you say local governments are under states, the states should be responsible for conducting elections into council positions,” Ubani said.

He said that most elections conducted by some state electoral commissions in the past had not lived to the expectations of many Nigerians due to lack of fairness and credibility.

Ubani said: “The electoral fraud at that level is very high but scrapping SIECs will not solve the problem.

“What we should do is to build strong institutions which would ensure that our elections are free and fair.”

Also, Mr Jiti Ogunye said scrapping the state electoral bodies would entrench a unitary system of government in Nigeria.

“It will not strengthen our democracy in anyway. It is an erroneous impression that INEC will conduct better elections for local government areas.

national conference where such issues will be discussed and agreed upon’’, Ogunye said.

A former Chairman of NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr Adebamigbe Omole, said making INEC the sole body in charge of elections would lead to more abuses.

Omole said: “This will only give the Federal Government more powers to trample on the rights of states like they are doing with the police.

“Look at what is happening to Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers. That is why some governors are clamouring for state police.’’

On his part, a human rights activist, Mr Bamidele Aturu, said Nigerians should be vigilant and defend their votes at all elections.

“Scrapping SIECs definitely negates the principle of true federalism.

Ewesor Francis An Excellent Gentleman With Enviable Reputation

By PIUS EDE

THE achievements recorded in the life of any man is the testimony of his stewardship while on earth and this is also predicated on hardwork, commitment and sheer determination to succeed in life.

This is why the desire of any man in life is to break even in whatever capacity or endeavour he finds himself and this explains why some persons have made their marks in various human endeavours.

One of such men is Pa Ewesor Ankuri Francis, an accomplished gentleman who hails from a humble background from IkpeJattu in Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. He is married to Mrs. Mary Ochuwa Ivbalualobe Ewesor Ankuri, nee Igbafe of blessed memory who slept in the Lord on the 3rd of April, 2010.

Pa Ewesor Ankuri Francis, an illustrious son from Afenmai land has been involved in a lot of activities which had imparted positively on the lives of his people and indeed the people of Edo State. Baptized in 1956, Ewesor Francis, a Catholic was born in 1934 in Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Although he had no formal educational background, Pa Ankuri Francis, having realized the importance of education in the life of a man decided to acquire adult education apparently to cover the gap that was lost during his early days in life.

The challenges faced

by Pa Ankuri Francis also compelled him to travel to Ibadan where he learnt so much about life including his adult education.

Pa Ewesor Ankuri Francis, a God fearing community leader belongs to Eghiesei age-group in Jattu-Uzairue in Etsako

West.

His community fought and won several wars to be where they are today with the divine assistance of Efua-Shrine which the community still serves till date.

described their father as caring and loving, adding that they have benefitted from his wealth of experience and wisdom over the years.

A retired army officer who is a member of his

“The desire of any man in life is to break even in whatever capacity or endeavour he finds himself and this explains why some persons have made their marks in various human endeavours.”

Pa Ankuri is a great man who believe seriously in the culture and activities of age-grades, the traditional setting and administration of Ikpe-Jattu and a host of others.

His children, Engr. Peter Ogetomhegbe Ewesor and Mrs. Victoria Odugwime

age-group Daniel Momoh and Hon. Lucky Idode also spoke of the man, Pa Francis Ankuri Ewesor and of course, the Chief priest of Efua shrine, Cletus Jimmy popularly known as Papa hinted that Efua is still very much active.

late Pa Ewesor Ankuri Francis

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THE NIGERIAN

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Across The Nation

Strike: ASUU Solicits Support

By INNOCENT OMOAKA

BENIN CITY – The Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), University of Benin Chapter has called on well meaning Nigerians to support its current industrialization, embarked upon by the union, saying it is aimed

at revamping the total collapse of the nations education system.

This was contained in a release issued by the publicity unit of the union and made available to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER. The release, signed by a member of the UNIBEN ASUU Public Unit, Mr. Sunday

Ekerikevwe stated that the union had embarked on the ongoing strike after four years of painstaken efforts to avert it.

The strike, according to the release, “needs the support of well meaning Nigerians to succeed in helping to build a verile educational system that would truly contribute to national

Sympathisers watch helplessly at the scene of an accident on Bukuru Road in Jos yesterday

development.

The release stated that if the union gives room for the call of government for universities to source for internally generated revenue to meet their financial needs, universities would have no choice but to charge fees as high as N450,000 per students as obtainable in private universities.

toward making agriculture attractive to the private sector as a viable business.

“To drive our agriculture, we have ended the approach of agriculture as a development programme, we now take agriculture as a business.

“Private sector investments are expanding rapidly from sales by fertilizer companies, agriculture processors.

“In the last one year alone, over N80 billion of private sector commitments have been made to the agricultural sector.

“We developed staple crops

Man Docked For Alleged Assault On Police Officer ABUJA - The police yesterday arraigned one Isreal Abraham, suspected to be an Indian hemp seller, before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Abraham, 21, of Dape Village, Abuja, is standing trial on a three-count charge of constituting public nuisance, assault and resisting arrest before Senior Magistrate Abdullahi Illelah.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr. Friday Obaje, told the court that a team of police detectives led by one Cpl. Kingsley Francis reported the matter at the Life Camp Police Station in Abuja on June 16.

Obaje told the court that the detectives while on official duty to raid Dape Village, they found the accused person at a criminal hide out where he was selling

suspected Indian hemp to other criminals.

The prosecutor said that the accused resisted arrest and allegedly assaulted the detectives, resulting to the firing of gun shots into the air to aid the arrest.

He said that five thousand naira and a gold chain belonging to one of the detectives was stolen in the process of the rampage.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence levelled against him.

The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and two reasonable sureties in like sum.

IIIelah ordered that the sureties must have means of livelihood and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned the case to July 10, for further hearing.

processing zones to attract the private sector to invest in rural areas to process and add value to all of our crops.

“This will reduce postharvest losses and create jobs for our people’’, he said.

President Jonathan also disclosed that over 1.5 million farmers have benefited from the Electronic-Wallet System developed by the administration, The e-wallet system allows farmers to receive electronic voucher to redeem subsidised fertilisers, improved seeds and other farm inputs directly from private sector seeds and fertiliser companies.

“I am pleased to know that Nigeria is the first country to develop such scheme in Africa.

“Farmers now receive their seeds and fertiliser via mobile phones in the first one year of this experiment and we ended four decades of corruption in our fertiliser sector,’’ he said.

Jonathan said that as the world’s largest producer of cassava, the desire of his government is to make Nigeria become the world largest processor of cassava.

He said in order to cut down import of wheat, the administration embarked on a major innovation to use high quality cassava flour to replace some of the imported wheat flours.

“Today, cassava bread made out of composite flower from 20 per cent cassava and wheat flour had hit our markets.

“This alone has saved Nigeria N254 billion (about 1.5 billion dollars) in import bills on wheat’’, he said The President underscored

for the strike embarked upon by ASUU. This was contained in a release by CCNS through the social media and obtained by The Nigerian OBSERVER. According to the release, the action of ASUU is for the repositioning of the educational system in Nigeria.

Council Chairman Inspects Erosion-Ravaged UBIAJA - The Executive Executive Chairman made an onArea Chairman of Esan South Local Government Council, Hon. Joseph Ikpea was at Okigben Community in Ewohimi, Esan South Local Government Area where over 1 kilometer within the community is at the verges of collapse as a result of erosion.

Hon. Ikpea who frowned at the level of neglect by previous administrations called on the federal and state government to come to the aid of the community because a stitch in time saves nine. Hon. Ikpea appealed to relevant authorities to respond promptly, said the local government allocation for a year will not be enough to tackle the menace.

Agriculture Attracts N80b Private Sector the urgent need for the country ABUJA - President move away from the Investment - Jonathan tomonolithic Goodluck Jonathan said in Abuja oil economy and drive yesterday that the agricultural sector attracted more than N80 billion private investment commitments in the last one year.

The President made the disclosure at the opening of a two-day summit by Rockefeller Foundation with the theme: “Realising the Potential of African Agriculture.”

Jonathan said the transformation of agriculture in Nigeria was at the forefront of the entire transformation agenda of his administration.

He said government programmes were tailored

According to the release, as clause in the 2009 ASUU – Government Agreement provides that school fees should not be used to deprive majority of Nigerians quality education.

Meanwhile a committee of concerned Nigerian Students (CCNS) has declared its supports

agriculture as major income earner and source of employment.

“Nigeria is known for oil, but today, many countries around the world have found oil.

“The recent discovery of crude oil and gas in the US and other parts of the world means that we must look elsewhere if we must continue to feed our people.

“With abundant land and water resources and abundant labour force, Nigeria has all it takes to use agriculture as its new frontier for growth.

“There is no reason why Nigeria should be a net food importing country. It should be a net food exporting country.

The Executive Chairman was accompanied on the inspection tour by the SLG Hon. Solomon Oyedo and other council staff.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Pastor Christopher Ebalukhe and Mrs. Edith Ebhodaghe thanked the Chairman for the visit and assured that government attention will be drawn to the area.

In another development, the

the-spot assessment of some of the ongoing projects in Ewohimi and Ewatto respectively.

At Ewatto grammar school, the Principal of JSS section Mr. Oziengbe S.E. told the Chairman that the JSS section is under staffed and that the section only have one teacher and that he will appreciate if the Chairman can be of help to the school.

The Chairman promised to do something about it.

Yobe Killings: APGA Urges

FG To Beef Up Security

LAGOS - The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday urged the Federal Government to beef up security in states afflicted by terrorism and insurgency.

The party made the appeal yesterday in a statement signed by Mr. Francis Ede, the Media Assistant to APGA’s National Chairman, Chief Maxi Okwu.

Reports say that APGA was reacting to the killing of about 26 students and a teacher on July 6 at the Government Secondary School, Mamudo, Yobe, by unidentified gunmen.

While condemning the killing, APGA said that provision of more security in

such a volatile state would reduce violence.

“APGA strongly condemns this diabolic attack and murder of innocent children in their boarding school. It is sadism of the worst order.

“We urge security agents to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to book.

“APGA commiserates with the families of those who lost their loved ones to this dastardly, cowardly and abominable act, and pray that God Almighty will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“We also pray for quick recovery of those wounded in the attack.” the party said.

Tractors and ploughs during commencement of sales of fertiliser, tractors, ox-drawn ploughs and work bulls to farmers by Gombe State Government yesterday.

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North Ramadan Fast: Sultan Deputy President, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Mr Nelson Uwaga (L), presenting certificate of participation to the best student, Maj. Sleiman Abdullahi, during the induction ceremony of members of senior course 35 of Armed Forces command and staff college (AFCSC) into NIM in Jaji, Kaduna State recently

Boko Haram: Nyako Hails

Empowerment Programme’s Success

YOLA- Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa has said his administration had kept youths in the state busy to thereby make it difficult for the Boko Haram sect to recruit them.

The governor told newsmen in Yola that series of awareness campaign and empowerment programmes were introduced when he took over.

“When I took over as governor, many youths were idle and jobless. They were roaming around, thereby making it easy for them to be lured by the sect members.

“But, with the emergence of empowerment programmes like the vocational training, farming skills and local apprenticeship schemes, many of the youths have become self-reliant.

“The programmes have helped the youths. For instance, there was this group of youths who always hanged around, hailing me whenever I passed.

“Today, they are no longer there. They have found something to do. They are okay at their various centres and I am okay,” Nyako said.

He said some security measures had already been taken in the state by his administration before the declaration of the state of emergency by the federal government.

The governor said the cooperation his administration enjoyed from the various stakeholders, particularly the security operatives and youth groups under the traditional institution, have helped to

make Adamawa secure.

“Things have been peaceful.

Before the state of emergency; the situation was under control, and we have also increased our management of the situation.

“Now, with the emergency,

we have intensified our efforts,” Nyako added.

The governor thanked the people of Adamawa for their conduct and co-operation with security operatives since the declaration of state of emergency in the state.

Polio Immunisation: Kano

Charges Field Workers DAMBATTA (KANO) The Kano State Government has charged polio immunisation workers to cover all the local government areas without missing any child under the age of five.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, gave the charge at the commencement of the 6th round of the immunsaition against polio and other killer diseases in 2013 in Kano on Saturday.

Represented by Alhaji Garba Shu’aibu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Labaran charged all local governments to put effort to eradicate polio from the state.

The Interim Management Officer of the area, Alhaji Bashir Ado, pledged to continue to support the exercise in order to achieve the set objectives.

The Sarkin Bai of Kano and the District head of Dambatta, Dr Mukhtar Adman, restated the

commitment of the monarchs in mobilising their subject to achieve the success of the exercise.

Reports say that the July polio immunisation exercise was launched at Dambatta Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner, however, said the state government had immunized seven million children in the four days exercise.

He said it was a pride for the state government that the security operatives had not been provoked to the level of using their arms since they arrived in the state.

Nyako said he was hopeful that the federal government would soon remove the state of emergency based on the peace being enjoyed by the people and in the state.

The governor sympathised with those whose businesses were seriously affected particularly by the curfew imposed.

He said the assistance being given to such people by the state and local governments would be sustained.

“We will give more support.

We have asked the communities to give us names of those seriously affected for necessary assistance.

“We have come to realise that those people are not involved in the situation which led to this state of emergency,” Nyako said.

Urges Muslims To Look For New Moon

SOKOTO- The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerian Muslims to look for the new moon of Ramadan on July 8 and communicate findings to him.

The sultan made the call on Sunday Sokoto via a statement signed by Prof.

Sambo Wali, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council.

“This is to inform you that Monday, July 8 is the 29th day of Sha’aban 1434 AH and shall be the day to start looking for the new moon of Ramadan,’’ the statement said.

It listed the following telephone numbers as channels which the public could use to report the sighting of the new moon: 0803-715-7100; 0803041-3534; 0803-5073872; 0803-596-5322 and 0803-314-3866.

Reports say that if the new moon of Ramadan is sighted on Monday, July 8, Muslims in the country would join other Muslims across the world to begin the 29 or 30 days of fasting on Tuesday, July 9.

However, if the new moon is not sighted on Monday, July 8, Muslims

will automatically commence the Ramadan fast on Wednesday, July 10.

Drainage Cleaning

Kwankwaso Tasks Residents

KANO - The Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has charged the people of the state to always clean their drainage to prevent floods and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.

The governor gave the charge at the launching of the drainage cleaning exercise at Gwangwazo quarters in Kano municipality on Sunday.

He said his administration was determined to ensure that the state did not record any flood incident this year, adding that a clean environment allows for good and healthy living.

“I hereby charge residents to avoid erecting structures on water passages and ensure that they clean their drainage from time to time to reduce disaster,’’ Kwankwaso said.

Speaking also, the state’s Commissioner for Rural Development, Alhaji Garba Durbundai, said the launching by the governor had declared the exercise open across all the state’s 44 local government areas (LGAs).

He thanked the residents for their impressive turnout at the launching, saying “it showed your commitment to the exercise’’.

The Interim Management Officer of the Kano municipal council, Alhaji Sani Shagogo, said the local government had since engaged in the cleaning of drainage to avoid flooding in the area.

Reports say that the state governor had by the launching done the same across the 44 LGAs of the state.

Members of senior course 35 of Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) being inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Management at Jaji, Kaduna State recently

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Across The Nation Youths Urges NASS To Reduce Qualification Age For Elective Offices

Customers registering their SIM Card at Garki, Abuja yesterday.

ABUJA – The Youth Alliance on Constitution and Electoral Reform (YACORE) has called on the National Assembly to reduce the age qualification for contesting elective offices in the on-going constitution amendment.

The National coordinator of the Alliance, Mr. Itodo Samson made the call at a news conference yesterday in Abuja.

Samson said it was necessary for the National Assembly to give special attention to youth issue in the review

process, especially, the inclusion of a youth definition clause in the constitution.

We urge the National Assembly to give priority to youth issue in the ongoing constitution review process by including our demands in their rid of any proposed amendment

by National Assembly that was contrary to the will and aspirations of Nigerians.

We want to restate that the outcome of the constitution review process should reflect the

NMA Decries Dearth Of Health, Personnel Facilities In A/Ibom

UYO - The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom branch, yesterday said the state was experiencing dearth of qualified health professionals because of nonaccreditation of state-owned health training institutions.

Dr John Udobang, the state chairman of NMA, said this in Uyo in an interview with newsmen.

Udobang expressed regret that in the whole of Akwa

Ibom it was only the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) that was accredited to train house officers and other health professionals.

“The facilities at UUTH are over-stretched, everybody wants to go there because that is where the patients have confidence.

“This is not healthy for a state

with over four million people,” Udobang said.

He said that most General Hospitals, such as St. Luke Hospital, which used to train junior doctors in the state lost accreditation 20 years ago.

Udobang, who is also a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Uyo, said that currently only

People queneing in the rain to register their blocked SIMs in Port Harcourt yesterday.

170 medical doctors were practising in state and taking care of the sick.

“The dearth of health professionals is a serious challenge to Akwa Ibom State.”

He called on the state government to upgrade facilities in state-owned hospitals to regain accreditation for training of young health professionals.

The NMA chairman also appealed to the state government to assist postgraduate medical students with grants in order to boost manpower in the health sector.

Udobang further advocated the creation of Primary Healthcare Development Agency in the state to take care of the health needs of rural people.

He called for establishment of primary healthcare centres at every 30 minutes walking distance in the rural areas as the only means of meeting the millennium development goals (MDGs) four and five in the state.

Reports say that MDGs targets four and five are concerned with reduction in child mortality and improvement in maternal health respectively by 2015.

“The state government says

Soursop Good For Maintaining Healthy ABUJA - A Nutritionist at the from constipation.’’

Living - Nutritionist suffers Wuse General Hospital in Abuja, She noted that it contained Hajiya Jummai Abdul, on Monday advised Nigerians to consume soursop for the maintenance of their health.

Soursop is a spiky fruit that comes from a tree in the rain forests of Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.

Its scientific name is Annona muricata. It is also known as graviola, cherimoya, guanabana, soursop, custard apple and Brazilian paw paw.

Abdul told newsmen in Abuja that soursop was important for one’s health, as it could also aid

quick healing of certain ailments.

According to her, the juice of the fruit can be taken orally as remedy for urethritis and haematuria and it is believed to relieve liver ailments and leprosy.

“The flesh of soursop can also be applied as a poultice unchanged for three days to speed the healing of wounds, while the root back is used as antidote for poisoning.

“Soursop flowers are also believed to alleviate catarrh,

respiratory issues such as asthma or cough and can relieve pain.’’

The nutritionist added that “soursop is known for its vitamin C content and can help to decrease the amount of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.

“Soursop also contains riboflavin, which can help to reduce headache.’’

Abdul said the fruit “is rich in iron and can help people with iron deficiency and it is one of the many foods to choose if one

copper, a mineral which promotes the absorption of bonebenefiting calcium and that the potassium in the fruit could help to prevent leg cramps.

She explained that apart from its vitamin C content, soursop was also known to be rich in the B vitamins.

The nutritionist said that the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and seeds of the fruit had been used for medicinal purposes in many countries, advising Nigerians to consume it for healthy living.

it has declared free medical care for children under-five and the pregnant women but this does not touch the rural communities because of absence of health facilities.”

The NMA chairman urged the state government to improve funding to the Ministry of Health and also set new targets for the ministry towards effective healthcare delivery.

He noted that the state had no standard ambulance services “rather what is calls ambulance is a vehicle to convey corpses’’.

“We need effective ambulance services with nurses and oxygen to convey patients in critical conditions to referral centres,” he said.

demands and aspirations of all Nigerians irrespective of age, gender, tribe, religion or disability,” Samson said.

He said that the ongoing electoral reform process should pay attention to how electoral laws would enhance participation and politics of inclusive.

According to Samson, there is general consensus that the legal framework, policies and guidelines for election management in Nigeria must be reviewed to guarantee credible elections in 2015.

He said, “There is no better expression of democracy than for all citizens to be able to participate and express themselves on how they want to be governed.

Where legal framework and laws inhibit the participation of any person, it is pertinent that such laws be amended to safeguard citizen’s participation.”

YACORE is a National Youth Civil Society Coalition comprising youth organisations working on democratic governance, elections and human rights.

NITDA Gets New Acting D-G

ABUJA - Dr Ashiru Daura has been appointed as the acting Director-General of the National Information T e c h n o l o g y Development Agency (NITDA).

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Hadiza Uma, ag.

Head, Corporate Affairs of the agency and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

He replaced the former DirectorGeneral, Mr Cleopas Angaye, whose tenure ended on June 6.

The statement said that the acting directorgeneral was until his appointment the

agency’s Director of Software and O u t s o u r c i n g Department.

Daura joined the agency as a Director, Zonal Coordination in 2005 and later became Director, Technical Services, which evolved to become the Infrastructure and Capacity Development (ICD) Department .

In 2009, he assumed the position of Director, Software Development and Technical Research and Outsourcing which became the Software and Outsourcing Department in 2011.

He held the position until his present appointment as acting DG of the agency.

THE NIGERIAN

11

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) AS AT YESTERDAY(08/07/13) Stocks

Open

Close

Change

Deals

Units

Value

MANSARD

2

2

0

3

50,000

105,200.00

7UP

53

53

0

5

5,975

320,751.00

MAYBAKER

2.8

2.95

0.15

30

1,399,359

4,076,292.20

ABBEYBDS

1.53

1.53

0

1

500

765

MBENEFIT

0.5

0.5

0

3

13,500

6,750.00

ABCTRANS

1.17

1.19

0.02

14

493,247

584,917.57

MCNICHOLS

1.74

1.67

-0.07

7

190,368

305,776.00

ACADEMY

2.04

2.04

0

4

22,312

41,474.08

MOBIL

107.1

107.1

0

27

50,922

5,396,332.50

ACCESS

10.8

10.8

0

188

6,979,427

75,403,536.52

MORISON

2.01

2.01

0

1

2,000

3,960.00

AFRIPRUD

1.8

1.8

0

53

230,037

411,620.25

MRS

17.8

17.8

0

4

27,261

493,201.05

AGLEVENT

1.45

1.45

0

3

41,500

65,985.00

NAHCO

7.3

7.3

0

52

703,145

5,121,331.20

AIICO

0.91

0.9

-0.01

41

20,619,114

18,626,384.88

NASCON

12.29

12.64

0.35

54

708,946

8,746,791.81

AIRSERVICE

4.53

4.53

0

8

22,169

98,835.57

NB

163

160.3

-2.7

116

225,224

36,130,013.65

ASHAKACEM

25.8

25.8

0

35

259,576

6,687,884.84

NCR

18.7

18.7

0

1

310

5,217.30

ASOSAVINGS

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

NEIMETH

1.32

1.32

0

12

97,250

131,805.00

AUSTINLAZ

2

2

0

1

2,000

3,600.00

NEM

0.76

0.73

-0.03

28

13,142,000

9,751,060.00

BERGER

10.25

10.25

0

8

11,234

106,503.50

NESTLE

1000

994

-6

43

116,237

115,081,576.70

BETAGLAS

10

11

1

8

110,198

1,201,980.00

NIGERINS

0.5

0.5

0

2

159,577

79,788.50

CADBURY

56.1

54.53

-1.57

48

268,326

14,655,881.07

NIGROPES

7.85

7.85

0

1

100

707

CAP

49.49

49

-0.49

25

183,927

9,127,359.98

NNFM

26.5

26.5

0

1

8,000

212,720.00

CCNN

10.5

10.5

0

22

86,128

914,678.40

NPFMCRFBK

1.08

1.08

0

1

10,000

9,800.00

CHAMPION

7.07

7.07

0

2

10,000

77,700.00

OANDO

12.28

12.28

0

80

4,603,772

56,534,320.16

CHAMS

0.5

0.5

0

1

185,000

92,500.00

OASISINS

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

CILEASING

0.5

0.5

0

2

11,990

5,995.00

OKOMUOIL

48

48

0

28

73,980

3,519,430.80

CONOIL

23

23

0

16

57,365

1,335,016.29

PAINTCOM

1.9

1.9

0

3

11,600

22,032.50

CONTINSURE

1.28

1.28

0

5

68,500

80,865.00

PORTPAINT

6.57

7.22

0.65

14

966,349

6,977,039.78

CORNERST

0.59

0.51

-0.08

6

323,900

166,557.00

PRESCO

38.97

38.97

0

8

31,320

1,220,540.40

COSTAIN

1.67

1.52

-0.15

32

903,270

1,371,091.70

PRESTIGE

0.56

0.58

0.02

4

307,500

178,350.00

COURTVILLE

0.85

0.8

-0.05

43

3,409,231

2,780,025.05

PZ

39

39

0

38

160,280

6,339,731.60

CUSTODYINS

1.55

1.56

0.01

10

816,422

1,265,104.10

REDSTAREX

4.99

4.89

-0.1

7

102,440

500,541.60

CUTIX

2

2

0

2

33,500

61,150.00

ROYALEX

0.58

0.58

0

1

10,000

5,800.00

DAARCOMM

0.5

0.5

0

3

13,000

6,500.00

RTBRISCOE

1.74

1.7

-0.04

32

844,139

1,426,700.01

DANGCEM

185

185

0

25

37,441

6,924,964.89

SKYEBANK

4.93

4.96

0.03

92

2,848,928

13,981,588.64

DANGFLOUR

9.65

9.65

0

45

88,512

837,724.93

SOVRENINS

0.5

0.5

0

1

49,200

24,600.00

DANGSUGAR

11.5

11.59

0.09

73

1,617,285

18,753,520.89

STANBIC

15.3

15.31

0.01

23

242,884

3,717,602.71

DIAMONDBNK

6.81

6.89

0.08

38

597,330

4,080,983.83

STDINSURE

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

DNMEYER

1.47

1.47

0

4

68,117

100,163.19

STERLNBANK

2.65

2.61

-0.04

29

1,145,181

3,020,150.47

ETERNA

3.22

3.22

0

40

1,171,227

3,722,077.12

TOTAL

159

159.99

0.99

22

47,702

7,467,862.18

ETI

14.09

14.5

0.41

56

438,930

6,401,017.80

TRANSCORP

1.51

1.46

-0.05

178

24,128,648

36,831,261.88

ETRANZACT

3.47

3.47

0

1

5,000

15,650.00

TRANSEXPR

2.51

2.51

0

1

200

452

EVANSMED

3.72

3.79

0.07

5

72,400

265,122.00

TRIPPLEG

2.29

2.29

0

2

10,000

20,700.00

FBNH

17.73

17.52

-0.21

341

12,971,064

229,350,157.28

UAC-PROP

14.9

14.9

0

27

107,886

1,601,733.07

FCMB

4.86

4.76

-0.1

55

3,794,256

18,133,903.41

UACN

54.5

54.5

0

33

1,298,785

70,225,615.39

FIDELITYBK

3.11

3.12

0.01

95

3,861,775

11,986,095.39

UBA

8.16

8.18

0.02

177

3,699,999

30,321,857.63

FIDSON

1.95

1.95

0

23

1,878,740

3,663,543.00

UBCAP

1.19

1.18

-0.01

85

3,649,842

4,289,457.12

FLOURMILL

80.06

82.99

2.93

73

166,833

13,570,734.92

UBN

12.21

12.21

0

69

296,920

3,588,468.43

FO

20.34

20.34

0

33

111,329

2,406,505.39

UNIC

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

FORTISMFB

6.6

6.6

0

1

150,000

990,000.00

UNILEVER

58.5

58.5

0

57

1,250,900

72,960,139.92

FTNCOCOA

0.5

0.5

0

3

11,000

5,500.00

UNIONVENT

0.63

0.63

0

1

1,000

690

GLAXOSMITH

67

67

0

16

42,390

2,556,945.36

UNITYBNK

0.65

0.61

-0.04

65

10,725,992

6,649,928.28

GNI

0.5

0.5

0

1

75,000

37,500.00

UPDCREIT

10.5

10.5

0

1

500

5,090.00

GUARANTY

25.95

25.71

-0.24

409

35,439,626

909,021,737.28

UPL

4.77

4.77

0

6

37,176

183,311.80

GUINNESS

252

255

3

80

326,330

82,799,573.74

UTC

0.69

0.69

0

11

259,085

171,474.49

HONYFLOUR

3.4

3.31

-0.09

46

1,115,608

3,716,244.90

VITAFOAM

4.36

4.5

0.14

16

178,795

796,251.30

IHS

1.99

2.03

0.04

1

120,000

243,600.00

WAPCO

94.8

96

1.2

37

486,112

46,554,625.36

IKEJAHOTEL

0.86

0.87

0.01

15

864,775

725,674.25

WAPIC

0.89

0.92

0.03

15

339,979

309,963.65

INTBREW

25.5

25.5

0

22

149,166

3,594,448.80

WEMABANK

1.17

1.22

0.05

59

5,222,387

6,367,015.41

IPWA

0.63

0.69

0.06

5

109,466

73,539.54

ZENITHBANK

20.7

20.3

-0.4

275

4,786,619

97,447,763.22

JAPAULOIL

0.53

0.53

0

32

1,839,921

972,495.02

JBERGER

65

65

0

21

207,483

13,490,745.80

JOHNHOLT

1.55

1.55

0

3

20,071

28,500.82

JOSBREW

1.1

1.1

0

2

7,300

7,227.00

LAWUNION

0.5

0.5

0

1

1,000

500

LEARNAFRCA

1.78

1.78

0

5

76,617

136,249.17

LIVESTOCK

5.12

5

-0.12

39

1,108,021

5,529,613.49

TOP 10 GAINERS Stock GUINNESS FLOURMILL WAPCO BETAGLAS TOTAL PORTPAINT ETI NASCON MAYBAKER VITAFOAM

Close 255 82.99 96 11 159.99 7.22 14.5 12.64 2.95 4.5

TOP TOP 10 10 LOSERS GAINERS Gain

Stock

3 2.93 1.2 1 0.99 0.65 0.41 0.35 0.15 0.14

NESTLE NB CADBURY CAP ZENITHBANK GUARANTY FBNH COSTAIN LIVESTOCK FCMB

Close 994 160.3 54.53 49 20.3 25.71 17.52 1.52 5 4.76

Loss -6 -2.7 -1.57 -0.49 -0.4 -0.24 -0.21 -0.15 -0.12 -0.1

THE NIGERIAN

12

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

LAST year, millions of Nigerians suffered severely from the flood deluge that dealt devastating blow on lives, property and fortunes in the country.

IN view of the huge billions of naira (N17.6 billion) that went into mitigating the impact of flooding last year, there is the great need to prevent a recurrence of the floods that wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, before the rainy season gets to its peak this year.

THIS is even more so, as several victims of last year’s flood in parts of the country, including Edo State are yet to receive the needed palliatives.

TO ensure that all necessary actions are taken to prevent a recurrence of last year ’s disaster, President Goodluck Jonathan recently at the presidential villa ordered heads of all Federal Government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA’s) whose functions are relevant to flood prevention and control to be alive to their responsibilities.

WHILE reviewing ongoing flood containment measures, President Jonathan sternly warned that he would not tolerate any excuses for a repeat of the 2012 flood disasters. He added that he expected all relevant MDAs to be proactive in speedily implementing required flood prevention and management measures.

THE

NIGERIAN

As The Floods Are Here TO prove the seriousness of the issue, the President subsequently directed the inter-ministerial committee on flood prevention and control, which includes Ministers of Environment, National Planning, Water Resources, Finance, Health, Transport and Aviation, to establish effective liaison with the Governors of all floodprone states.

THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER is, however, strongly convinced that going by predictions by meteorological agencies like NEIMET, this year’s flood, when not well tackled, may result in the wiping out of entire communities. The signals and sign posts are already there.

CONSEQUENTLY, we urge the interministerial committee to ensure watertight coordination between federal agencies and the states in the implementation of flood control measures.

AGAIN, we recommend strict adherence to international best

practices in preventing flood during this rainy season. States, local governments and even federal agencies must learn not to politicise flooding. The idea of playing politics with flood issues should be jettisoned to prevent huge loss to lives and property.

WE assert that preventing the next floods will certainly be more beneficial to the populace than attempting to assist flood victims arising from sheer negligence in preventing and controlling the same flood.

IT is therefore our considered view that before the next floods come, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with all the state and local agencies, should properly harmonise strategies and measures to practically tame and even arrest the menace. The true test of leadership and managerial skills of our flood management agencies will be felt therein. And as they say, a stitch in time, saves nine.

NOW that the floods have returned again in parts of the country with the rains at an all time high, we urge all levels of government and other international and Non-governmental agencies of note, not only to demonstrate commitment to arresting the floods but also to show enough courage to contain the impact on whole communities

THE NIGERIAN

13

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Discourse

WHEN the nights are long and you can’t sleep for all the sadness of a past left unresolved; when you cannot grasp the future squarely and more on; when the past haunts both your waking hours and your dreams.. it’s likely that you’re in the grip of anxiety and inertia. There will always come a point at which you must cease to stay stuck in the past or it will define you and mark every step you take.

Prepare to take the challenges. A past left unresolved will continue to haunt you if you don’t address the underlying sorrow, pain and anger. You may not want to revisit aspects of what happened in the past but if you don’t, you allow the part of your mind that conceals and glosses over hurts to dominate.

And instead of fully comprehending what happened and learning about it, you live in the grip of the past subconsciously and let it eat away at you. If you cannot take a clear view of the past by self assessment, seek professional therapeutic assistance to guide you.

Accept that you cannot change what had happened.

But, still remember you can change your past. You can’t change it physically but you can change it mentally. It is not possible to rewrite the facts of what you experienced and went through. But it is possible to rewrite the way you perceive it and handle it from now. If you don’t, your hurt self will carry over this emotional pain into all new experiences and relationship, possibly poisoning them and dooming them to failure without any conscious desire on your behalf.

Don’t believe anything someone said to hurt you.

Abusers, from the mildest situational bully like an obnoxious supervisor to a bone – breaking abusive parent, do not want you to think well of yourself or question their unjust authority. If they say you’re too independent, that’s because they wanted you to be dependent of their opinion over your own. If they say you’re too sensitive it means you still have the capacity to feel it’s true or enough self respect to reject an insult. If they say you’re too cold, it’s because you’re not too gullible enough to fall for their excuses. Compare their insults to what people who like you and hold a high opinion say about you. When both groups agree, it’s probably true about you but that doesn’t always make it bad. This kind of sorting can take sometime and introspection. You can start by

Forgetting Your Past, Focusing On The Future

making a list of the things you like about yourself and to separate your feelings from your distractors. You may find some traits on both lists, accept them as part of yourself. You may find some of their insults are just flat lies. It’s common for bullies and abusers to lie to keep people emotionally dependent on their opinion often they project their flows, which you might not share. A personal journal is good for this, followed by discussing your observations with a

you must learn to stop letting past experience control you.

This happens when you have a bad experience and you let it continue. In this case, instead of thinking negatively and remembering the means by which you untimely overcame prior negative challenges, your immediate, habitual reaction is

accept that while you cannot change the past, you can cease to let it be role – played out every time a new challenge arises, you are beginning to remove the fear of more bad things.

Instead, you learn to embrace the reality that the future has and is yet unwritten. If you

trusted friend or therapist who has a high opinion for you.

Acknowledge that you’re living in real time carrying the baggage of old time. And let go of it. Are you playing a past habit in a current relationship?

Does your fear of anger, loss, raised voices, now set the tone of how you relate with others?

This requires careful consideration to untwist the tendrils of who you really are and what experiences from childhood onward shapes how you relate to situations. Most of us feel a deep inner core of who we are at our best, and we are all capable of separating the emotional triggers from the solid core of itself if we sit still long enough to tease apart that what triggers our habitual behaviour and seek that which is truly what we believe ourselves capable of being.

Remove the past from your future. This simply means that

to transfer the bad outcomes from that former experience to a current situation, assuring the worse base scenario for your current experiences with full blown expectations that things will only be bad. And with that comes the habitual reactions, on we, rather than a series of chosen proactive actions by you as the person you are now.

Create a positive future.

Combine the knowledge that you cannot change the past with the knowledge that you cannot predict the future, but you can make sure that the person you are right now is strong, whole and healthy emotionally, so that any future negative scenarios are something the person you are now can definitely cope with, no matter what gets thrown at you. This is really about taking up responsibility for yourself and how you react.

Once you have faced the challenges from your past and

want it to be a positive and strong experience, the power lies within you to achieve this.

Take it slowly but surely no overnight transformation will occur when you are trying to move yourself through past habits. It all takes time and you will only achieve the best and sound results by allowing yourself the time and space to move on.

However, there are some simple and practical things that can help you to leave the past behind and, while largely symbolic, key into the mind body assist with your thinking processes.

Get a large box and throw into it anything that reminds you of a past failed relationship, a dead or missing person, a job that left you feeling sore, anything physical and tangible that hangs around your neck like a noose. Decide whether the box should be stored or

By IYORE ENADEGHE

“There are many great things about to happen in your future which desire your attention and your time, and it is this which you should be devoting your actions to at this present moment.”

tossed. Either way, you are coming to a conclusion about its contends that they can no longer influence you.

Avoid making rash decisions.

While you’re going through the healing process to strengthen your ability to deal with the past in a reasoned and distanced manner, be aware of the triggers that will send you back to past habits. Actively aim to put a hold on habitual reactions

and challenge yourself to do things differently, while at the same time accepting why you need to do this. This also means avoiding making decisions in haste that you may regret later, such as cutting all the ties with somebody in your family, or sending notes filled with vitriol to people, or quitting from something you have been doing. While ultimately some of there outcomes might end up being the past you take after reasoning it with great care, initially this exercise is about strengthening yourself to make calm and enlightened decisions rather than making merry with curses and burning your bridges with no case for tomorrow – a responsible, thoughtful, and clear future that is free of being controlled by past experiences.

Your past needs to be left alone and not brought with you into the present if you are walking towards creating a better life for yourself. Your past never has to be an indication of all you can do in the future, unfortunately for many people this is not the case, they give life to their past by constantly thinking about it

in their minds and so in some way it does get in the way of the actions they take in the present moment.

Don’t waste time doing this, as much as possible, plan all that is to be in your future, and spend your time focusing in the steps that you need to take now for it all to happen. The more you do this, the greater chance of success will be.

There are many great things about to happen in your future which desire your attention and your time, and it is this which you should be devoting your actions to at this present moment.

If you have beliefs about certain things not happening in the future because they have not happened in the past, they understand that they should not be given any life in your present and certainly not in your future? Don’t spend time dwelling in your life up until this current point where you find yourself.

Become more optimistic about your future, get excited about all the good things you will get to do and all the new things you will learn. You can have the life you want, but you have to stop thinking about your past.

It is important to adopt an attitude of anything is possible” for your life and it is actually important to leave the unproductive thoughts behind.

An attitude of “I am the way I am, and that is how it will always be” won’t help to move your life forward.

Neither will I have never been good at this before, what makes now so different?

If you are planning on changing your life then all these attitudes need to be left behind, instead of focusing your attention on the past, choose to focus it on creating new realities for yourself now.

With the actions you create each day, you are creating a new history for yourself, become aware of this and do not underestimate the effects of even the tiniest action you take in this present moment. “Your future history is being created right now, this minute”.

Start facing up to truths about who is responsible for your future. It is only the actions you take now that will ever dictate what will happen in your future. You can make something happen for yourself, believe it is possible and accept no statements to the contrary.

The only person who can ever get in your way of making something good happen for yourself is you.

This is your time, your reality and your life. Don’t live in somebody else’s shoes, your life is your responsibility and no one else’s.

THE NIGERIAN

14

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Nutritional Health And Dietetics

With

Precipitating Mechanism O.C. Of High Blood Pressure Madu THE clinical picture of chronic hypertension, its symptom, cause and complication are quite clear but its causal factors and precipitating mechanisms cover a broad range. Roy causal factors, we mean organ diseases, by precipitating mechanisms we mean personal habits, external influences that may foster the development of high blood pressure.

It is essential that we distinguish between these two sets of circumstances, where as, the spontaneous, the precipitating mechanism can be controlled and dominated.

Tension – Let us return briefly to the stress factor touched on earlier. According to a widely held belief, tensions of all sorts can trigger high blood pressure. Job worries, social status, noise, aggression, agitation, anxiety, all these negative influences and emotions are though to precipitate hypertension.

They can raise the blood pressure temporarily and exacerbate existing hypertension.

In some instances, they can even turn “benign” hypertension into “malignant” hypertension.

Modern Life – It is rife with potential, stressors and there is now little question that uncontrolled stress can kill. Harvard physiologist Walter recognised 90 years ago that when confronted by a threat – physical or emotional, real or imagined, the body reacts with a rise in blood pressure, heat rate, muscle tension and breathing rate.

We now know that this physiological stress response (chart) involves hormones and inflammatory chemical.

Excessive Weight – Can enhance other risk factors and constitute serious health hazard. It is the crucial and at the sometime, most avoidable single known factor contributing to the development of high blood pressure. This was borne out emphatically by the Framingham study which showed that persons whose weight was 20 percent above the norm run three times the risk of developing high blood pressure than those of normal weight. While the risk of hypertension increases with the amount of excess weight, weight loss can lower the pressure or even bring it down to normal.

The most common are the inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, the various type of nephritis. We know about the relationship between high blood pressure and various conditions that narrow the arteries of the kidneys –renal atrophy, hyperplasia, renal artery stenosis. Thereby, diminishing the blood supply to the kidney and raising the blood pressure.

Scientists say that an increased production of hormone like rennin, the defective kidney provoke the onset of hypertension.

The type of hypertension induced by kidney disease accounts for about 15 per cent of all cases. Chronic high blood pressure they concluded.

Among the rare cause are tumours generally benign of the adrenal glands, small organs about 2 inches in length lying above the kidneys. They consist of layers that produce hormones essential to the circulatory and metabolic function of the body, the inner part medulla produces noradrenalin and adrenaline which raises the blood pressure.

The outer part of cortex secrets hydrocortisone and aldosterone which indirectly participate in the control of blood pressure.

Tumours can stimulate the adrenals to excessive normal

activity, which in turn can elevate the blood pressure to abnormally high levels. Although, the incidence of this type of hypertension is low about 1 – 2 per cent.

Another and highly infrequent type of hypertension is caused by a constriction of the aorta, the major artery aortic coaretation (Mercy, 1999).

Salt – The chemical sodium chloride is an essential mineral required by the body whether salt is harmful in a person depends on his state of health and how much salt he or she consumes. Ancient man, being a hunter and predator, lived on a low salt diet, as do animals to this day. But as he learned to extract salt from the ocean and the earth, he began to add it to his food. Salt became a sea zoning in the preservation of meat

and fish and finally, a major ingredient of our daily diet.

The daily per capita salt consumption of western man amounts to about 1/3 – + or 10g – 15g. whereas, all we require is about 1/42 (3g – 5g).

Animals experimented have shown that salt can in fact, help raise blood pressure. Among Eskimos, who eat very little salt, high blood pressure and stroke are very rare, while the Japanese, who are large salt consumers, have high incidence of both. We also know that high salt intake can intensify an existing tendency towards hypertension, while a low salt diet can, help keep it under control, as do certain drugs, the so called diuretics which – stimulate the excretion of salt and are important in the treatment of disease.

“Animals experimented have shown that salt can in fact, help raise blood pressure. Among Eskimos, who eat very little salt, high blood pressure and stroke are very rare, while the Japanese, who are large salt consumers, have high incidence of both. We also know that high salt intake can intensify an existing tendency towards hypertension, while a low salt diet can, help keep it under control, as do certain drugs, the so called diuretics which – stimulate the excretion of salt and are important in the treatment of disease.”

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Sodium plays the decisive role. It is the content and distribution of sodium in the wall of the arteries that affects their sensitivity to sympathico-adrenergic stimulation.

Hereditary – plays an important role as evidenced by the high incidence of essential hypertension running in families.

Case history show that the incidence of hyperextension is greater among persons whose parents and grand parents suffered from high blood pressure or died of complication arising from it than among persons without a similar family history.

Two aspects of disease represent potentially serious dangers.

One, the tendency of the pressure to continue to rise and two, the resultant damage of the arteries, heart, brain and kidneys.

In this respect chronic hypertension differs from the less serious types of elevated pressure previously mentioned.

If your blood pressure is too high, keep in mind that no form of high blood pressure is really benign. Every sustained increase in your blood pressure however, slight can mean the beginning of a disabling disease.

You can prevent this from happening if your hypertension is detected in time and you follow your orders.

If you – suffer from hypertension try to spend leisure in ways that benefit your health. Of course, you should be doing things you enjoy and that meet you needs. If you spend your work sitting behind a desk, you should try to do something, physical in your free time and if your work involves physical labour you should rest. Whatever your job, try to make your leisure time activities serve your health needs.

You might consider out door activities like walking, bicycling, fishing, out-door games, gardening or indoor hobbies like photography, film – making, painting, collecting, carpentry, raising flowers or animals, reading, listening to music or playing an instrument, taking courses, watching TV, going to the threaten.

Moderate physical exercise is a must in the open air and a short walk in the evening is recommended.

Thanks for reading.

THE NIGERIAN

15

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Essence Of Religious Truth SAMIRA felt that she was not getting younger and needed a husband desperately. She had gone through so many Churches seeking for help until a “man of God” promised to see vision” for her. She started attending his “Bible Church” that was renowned for miracles of ecstatic visions and revelations. Every member of that Church believes that God speaks directly to “Prophet Dynamic.” The prophet requested the whole Church to go into prayer and fasting for Lady Samira for seven days.

This spiritual exercise would end with an all night of divine favour” for Samira. The day of grace arrived and the Church was packed full of people who needed one miracle or the other. The prayer session started with praise worship, then tongues of fire and finally “the hour of vision”.

Prophet Dynamic went into frenzy as if his spirit and soul have just gotten a “divine visa” to fly to heaven to collect divine favour for Samira. All of a sudden, there was absolute silence and the prophet burst into tongues like the ‘song burst” of Kofi’s poem. The curtain of the miracle drama opened: “Jehovah jare, Jehovah nisi, thanks for revealing this to me. Oh Brother Sobira, listen to the word of Jehovah, Adonai say that Samira is your wife.

You must marry the wife God has created for you from heaven. 0 Sobira, embrace Samira your wife. In Jesus name! Amen! Everybody congratulated the new couple.

The next prayer session as for Brother Sobira for the grace to accept what God has chosen for him. The locomotive prayer commenced. As the prayer went on, Sobira went into Frenzy and starting announcing a different vision. “Listen to the voice of God: Jehovah says that Samira is not my wife. She is from the “water spirit”. God has spoken Samira is not destined to marry. Listen to the voice of God, The poor Prophet Dynamic was confused and tiled to silence the new prophesy. Meanwhile, Samira was crying and begging

Prophet Dynamic to return her money while the prophet keeps saying, the money has been given to Jehovah the author of all visions.

Where is religious truth in the above visions? What is the media of divine revelation?

Normally, divine revelation is communicated through the prophets. These are recorded as divine scriptures for posterity.

But we must not forget to remember that there are false prophets as well as true prophets. There are also professional prophets especially in the modern world.

Jesus is clear about how to know the true prophets: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

By their unit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot beat’ good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Thus, by their fruit yon will recognize them” (Matthew 7: 15-20).

Religions truth is like a dream. The only witness to the dream is the dreamer. It is a common saying that the snake that only one person sees can be reported to have legs.

Because of the danger of manipulating religion for personal reasons John writes.

“Dear Friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world” (I John 4:1). This phenomenon of the manipulation of religious truth did not start today. It happened even in the time of Jeremiah who said, “Then the LORD said to me, the prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of

BOTTOMLINE With Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

their own minds” (Jeremiah 14: 14). “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you: they fill you with false hopes. They speak vision from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD (Jeremiah 23:16).

Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to

The essence of religious truth is to use the natural faculties and the witness of life to identify the veracity of the claims of the different religions. We are living in an era where religion has become a “time bomb” in the hands of

heavily on the hearts of men are the same today as in the ages past” (Nostra Aetate I).

Consequently, every person must genuinely pray to discover the authentic revelation of truth in his or her individual religion. “Be ready

theological exchange. The essence of religious truth can be captured in the fact that today: the world is ready to contradict all our theological and philosophical arguments.

There is our one argument that the world can not contradict

the dreams you encourage them to have (Jeremiah 29:8) In the New Testament, Peter referred to this in his letter.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them (Peter 2: 1). It is therefore wise for seekers of visions and revelations to listen to the counsel of .John. “Dear children, this is the last hour: and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come (I John 2: I 8).

fanatics who claim monopol of God. We are living in a sensitive and delicate religious climate where a Muslim is afraid to say anything about the truth of Christianity and a Christian is afraid to talk about the truth of Islam because of possible mistake that could cause “volcanic religious eruption”.

This has made dialogue of theological exchange difficult.

Even with this phobia akin to a sword daggling over our heads, we must not forget that people “look to their different religions for an answer to the unsolved riddles of human existence.

The problems that weigh

always to give an answer to every one that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (I Peter 3: 15). This is because a lot of people want to discover religious truth through moral truth. Many people go around with questions about meaning and value such as “What is upright behaviour and what is sinful’? Where does suffering originate, and what end does it serve? I How can genuine happiness be found? What happens at death? What is judgment? What rewards follow death? And finally, what is the ultimate mystery, beyond human explanation, which embraces our entire existence, from which we take origin and toward which we tend Nostra Aetate 1)?

We can do a common search for meaning through dialogue of life, religious experience and social engagement. These have a way of opening us up to religious truth in the dialogue of

and deny. That is witness of life. So, instead of asking questions about the reality of the Holy Trinity, use the time and energy to promote peaceful coexistence and a community based life that the Trinity represents. Instead of urging about the religion of peace, go beyond religious tolerance to promoting true peace and love.

According to the Indian proverb, “who you are”, is speaking so loudly, that I can no longer hear what you are saying. In other words, “action speaks louder than words. Let us therefore allow one another to live by the truths of a preferred religion with due respect to religious freedom.

By your good fruits you become an ambassador of the religion you profess. Your attitude towards those who insult your religion will go a long way to prove to the world that your religion is a true religion of peace and love.

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“We are living in a sensitive and delicate religious climate where a Muslim is afraid to say anything about the truth of Christianity and a Christian is afraid to talk about the truth of Islam because of possible mistake that could cause “volcanic religious eruption”. This has made dialogue of theological exchange difficult. Even with this phobia akin to a sword daggling over our heads, we must not forget that people “look to their different religions for an answer to the unsolved riddles of human existence.”

THE NIGERIAN

16

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Perspective ABSTRACT JOURNALISM as a profession is a powerful organ not only in gathering, processing or disseminating information but also in shaping the people’s perception of their environment as well as directing to and focusing attention on various issues of areas where urgent positive changes are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of information and Communication Technology ICT on journalism. The study reveals that 1CT has had several effects on journalism some of them seen as advantages and others as disadvantages.

In all, there is no option for the journalist. ICT sector holds the key to the realisation of the noble goals in the profession. In its task to facilitate rapid growth and national development, the application and promotion of ICT must be institutionalised in the media.

Key words: Journalism, i n f o r m a t i o n communication and technology, Internet, and Satellite.

INTRODUCTION Information has come to represent the prime commodity of the present age. It is now commonly accepted that the material prosperity of a nation is linked directly to its information wealth and vice versa.

The availability of and indeed free flow of information through an effective dissemination network represents a necessary pre-condition for the emergence of a crop of well informed citizenry.

According to Muhammad (1994), “information is the vital resource which provides impetus of a nation’s social cultural, spiritual, political, economic, scientific and t e c h n o l o g i c a l advancement, greater social political equity, efficient governance, power and fellowship. One can rightly infer from the above, that information has always played an important role in human life; hence it is a basic human need. It becomes even more fundamental for it to be disseminated in such a way as could ensure its free and equal accessibility by every member of a given society, irrespective of racial, religious, geopolitical and economic status of the recipient.

This paper which focuses on the impact of ICT on journalism will equally examine the history of journalism, the history of ICT and the various techniques involved in the use of ICT in the dissemination of information to the public.

DEFINITION OF C O N C E P T JOURNALISM Before we examine journalism from the cradle, we shall be looking at what journalism is.

According to wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, “Journalism is the investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience”. The messages are usually passed across to the mass audience through the print, broadcast and online media such as Newspapers, magazine, books, Radio and television stations, network blogs, social and mobile network.

Impact Of ICT On Mode Though there are variations in the definition of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience about topics ranging from Government and business organisations to cultural aspects of society such as arts, entertainment, sports etc.

DEFINITION OF ICT Information and Communication Technology usually abbreviated as ICT is often used as an extended synonym for information technology (IT) but it is usually a more general term that stresses the role of unified communication and the integration of telecommunication (telephones lines and wireless signals, computers as well as audiovisual systems) which enable us to create, access, store, transmit and manipulate information. In other words, ICT consist of IT as well as telecommunication broadcast media, all types of audio and video processing, transmission and network based control and monitory functions.

HISTORY OF JOURNALISM The history of journalism is as old as the existence of man. The first system of communication which were discovered in caves, were drawings of animals, life styles, people and religions beliefs, from 7000 BC — 2000 BC, The communication system of the early men developed to the pictographic’ medium where paintings were made on the walls of caves and temples. Thereafter, the first symbols of the primitive alphabet came

By ROSE E. IMONIKHE

into existence.

The history of journalism is tied to the history of development in human society, where individuals needed information to form communities.

And journalist had the job of providing such information. In America in 1700, news and information became a tool used by those who wanted to break away from the English empire. The evolution of the printing technology of the early 15th, 17th century allowed them to disseminate the argument to a great effect.

The first feature which resembles modern day journalism was first seen in the ancient city of Greece and Rome. In Greece, a historian thucydias (460bc-366bc) recounted the war between Sparta and Athens in a narrative full of immediate present as a war correspondent would do today. Printing transformed the outlook of civilisation since it was responsible for the industrial revolution of the nineteenth century which culminated in the electronic revolution.

HISTORY OF ICT The internet came into existence in 1960 through the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET).

The University College of London and the Royal Rader Establishment is Norway were the first to connect to ARPANET internationally in 1973.

The World Wide Web (WWW) came into being in 1991 to provide easy

“In America in 1700, news and information became a tool used by those who wanted to break away from the English empire.

The evolution of the printing technology of the early 15th, 17th century allowed them to disseminate the argument to a great effect. The first feature which resembles modern day journalism was first seen in the ancient city of Greece and Rome.”

access to any form of information any where in the world, 1997 Ushered in the web blogs which was coined by John Barger while the Really Simple Syndication (RSS) came up in 1999. This was introduced to allow people

was created. It is the video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. Twitter was launched in 2006 as a free social networking and micro blogging service that allows users to send updates of up to 140 characters to the twitter website.

It i info flex tube wav CO SAT

receive podcast.

Wikipeadia the online encydopaedia was introduced in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. In 2003 my space was introduced to allow users build net works of friends, personal profiles, blogs groups photos, music and videos, in 2004, Flick the photo sharing site was created. Same year, Digg was launched to allow users to discover and share content any where on the web. In 2005, you tube

ICT TOOLS The ICT tools include computers, fibre optics, communication satellites, internet and computerised machines.

COMPUTER This is a machine that performs task such as calculations and electronic communication under the control of a set of instruction called programmes.

FIBRE OPTICS The use of light transmitted through fibers.

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THE NIGERIAN

17

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Perspective

ern Journalism

s the transferring of ormation through thin xible glass of plastic e using modulated light ves.

O M M U N I C AT I O N TELLITES This is the use of any th orbiting space craft t provides mmunication over long

tances by reflecting or aying radio frequency nals.

TERNET This is the use of mputer based global ormation systems. The ernet is composed of ny interconnected mputers network. Each work may link tens, ndreds or even usands of computers, abling them to share ormation and processing wer. he ICT tools have

become significant part of communication by implication, journalism.

With Its advent, we are now in the midst of communication upheaval which is of more significance than the introduction of the printing press.

IMPACT OF

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON MODERN JOURNALISM ICT has led to the generation of well researched news. Courtesy of the internet which offers notes on a lot of subjects ranging from health to education, lifestyle, environment, religion, transport etc. These notes come handy for a journalist who is writing an article, features or

news, to enrich his stories especially with those hard to get facts. Within few hours of just punching buttons on the computer or a mobile phone, the journalist is through with his work unlike in the past when they had to spend hours in various libraries or even embark on a journey

to get relevant materials.

The internet also offers options such as personalise news feeds aggregator’s which

compiles news from different website into one site. Examples, are Google news and the free library to go.

Newsrooms’ activities have been greatly transformed as ICT has made reporters, editors and other news contributors closer. The editor can call any reporter at his beat anywhere in the world so long as there is telephone network and correspondents can send information from anywhere, through emails to the newsroom of their media out fit. This has made news delivery very fast. An example is the July gubernatorial election in Edo State, where viewers got spontaneous news from the various polling units all over Edo State through telephone calls from reporters to their broadcast stations.

It is worthy of note that ICT has made communication process participatory. It is no longer only the journalist that is involved in the field but the affected audience too. The two-step flow approach to communication no longer holds. Communication is now from bottom-up.

Listener can now pick up their phones and call in the radio stations immediately and inform communicators of happenings in their areas. Reporters latter investigate such issues. In other words ICT has helped to bring communicators and receivers closer to the extent that feedback is swift. This in turn makes the communication process participatory, useful and development focus.

ICT has also made

broadcasting easy, clear and standard. It has helped several media houses to move from analogue to digital way of broadcasting using computers as well as moving from linear method of editing to non linear method. Sounds come out clearer.

This helps the media to earn more audience. The advent of satellite has equally improved the content of broadcast programmes.

Political, economic, Social and cultural issues as well as sporting activities around the world can now be viewed life at local stations.

With ICT, the job of the journalist has become easy as programmes and other journalistic materials can now be stored in the computer for future use.

The journalism profession has developed as Journalists can now receive training online.

They could also listen to news from different stations and copy the style.

This has led to the culture of working towards excellence in journalism.

Through electromagnetic waves, news papers composed in one part of the world, could be scanned and transposed into a signal to other parts of the world, to be reprinted and circulated simultaneously.

Mobile phones have made collection of information easy as telephone interviews can now be conducted as against the former practice where journalist had to make series of journeys to the prospective interview just to get a convenient date before the actual day of the interview some mobile phones have the capacity to record sound,

video and take photo graphs. This has helped in carrying out investigative journalism.

Where Government run and fund media, online news site has become a source of independent information.

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF ICT ON JOURNALISM In the past, information generation was the preserve of players of journalism profession, but today many people who have never studied journalism are developing and publishing news online without following the ethics and standard of the journalism profession. This threatens the authenticity and credibility of news as no one verifies the facts, fairness and accuracy of the news. Patronage of news papers is diminishing because online readers get access to the newspapers online and so, have no reason to buy newspapers.

The issue of cultural intrusion is one that nations have come to contend with as programmes channeled through the satellite are viewed directly in homes without censorship. This has led to the increase of social vices among youths.

CONCLUSION Without doubt, ICT has greatly transformed the journalism profession but the fact remains that there is always two sides to a coin. In spite of the disadvantages of ICT to journalism, its innovation is a welcome development.

It therefore behoves on the custodians of the journalism profession to faction out ways of curbing the bad effect of ICT on journalism.

“In the past, information generation was the preserve of players of journalism profession, but today many people who have never studied journalism are developing and publishing news online without following the ethics and standard of the journalism profession. This threatens the authenticity and credibility of news as no one verifies the facts, fairness and accuracy of the news.”

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

The Osazua

Ivbaze

Column

08188922449

“On 30 June, millions of Egyptians poured into the streets of Cairo and many other cities to demand the resignation of Mr Morsi, whom they accuse of failing to address the country’s worsening economic and social problems. Backed by widespread popular support, the military stepped in to topple Mr Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected leader.”

JUST a few days ago, senior Muslim Brotherhood leaders were frequent speakers on Egyptian TV talk shows and radio stations. Now journalists and media people can hardly find any of them.

They are either in custody or have gone into hiding, as the arrest campaign by the military and police is widening by the day.

Prosecutors have already started questioning some of the detainees on charges of inciting the murder of protesters opposing ousted President Mohammed Morsi in recent clashes near Cairo University.

It is a serious setback to the group’s well-organised hierarchy, says Mostafa alKhatib, editor of the Justice and Development newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Brotherhood.

“Arrest warrants go nonstop,” he said.

“The Mubarak-era oppressive tactics are back once again in a more ferocious form. They are arresting anyone carrying the group’s identification cards.”

No existential threat On 30 June, millions of Egyptians poured into the streets of Cairo and many other cities to demand the resignation of Mr Morsi, whom they accuse of failing to address the country’s worsening economic and social problems.

They once again converged on Tahrir square, the same place that witnessed massive demonstrations in 2011 that removed former long-time President Hosni Mubarak.

Backed by widespread

Mohammed Morsi - deposed leader

Anti-Morsi protesters

popular support, the military stepped in to topple Mr Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected leader.

Expecting arrest at any time, Mr Khatib says the crackdown does not, however, pose an existential threat to the group.

“Because we represent an ideology. We are not just a group of people.”

Founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood is the country’s largest and oldest Islamist organisation.

The movement’s ideology has evolved from “daawa” - or preaching for good morals and Islamic teachings - into a belief based on political Islam.

One of the group’s stated aims is to create a state ruled by Islamic law, or sharia. Its most famous slogan is: “Islam is the solution”.

The group was subject to oppression under successive military rulers from the 1950s, until they made big

Egypt Crisis: What Next For The Islamic Brotherhood parliamentary and presidential wins after the 2011 revolution.

For many years, its leaders were forced to go underground. They are likely to do the same again now.

“If the Egyptians accept the military coup and its moves - which I’m sure proud and free Egyptians wouldn’t - the Muslim Brotherhood might have to go underground again, as it would face more oppressive acts,” said Mr Khatib.

‘Jihad and martyrdom’ He has been among thousands taking part in an open sit-in outside a mosque in east Cairo that has become a rallying point for the supporters of Mr Morsi.

They say they will not end their protest unless Mr Morsi is reinstated as the country’s first democrati-

cally elected civilian president.

The generals say they were morally bound to intervene to prevent the country from spiralling into civil war, as Mr Morsi had proved to be a divisive leader who pitted Egyptians against one another.

The military handed power immediately to the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour. He was sworn in 4 July as interim president setting the stage for presidential elections.

The National Salvation Front (NSF), a coalition of leftist and liberal parties that is the main opposition force against Mr Morsi, justifies the crackdown.

“The country is going through exceptional circumstances and legal pro-

cedures have been followed in these arrests,” said NSF spokesman Khalid Dawood.

He added that the Muslim Brotherhood leaders have incited violence “by calling for jihad and martyrdom after the removal of the president”.

Time for change?

The rhetoric used by Muslim Brotherhood members and clerics in recent month has alarmed many Egyptians, including some of those who brought Mr Morsi to power.

“The group has not lived up to the people’s expectations and alienated many of the Egyptians by their power-grabbing approach and turning a blind eye to the rise of hardliners, who jumped on its cloak in an atmosphere of free poli-

tics,” said Hosameldin Elsayed, author of several books on political Islam.

Mr Elsayed believes that the Brotherhood has committed a series of strategic mistakes that triggered a military-backed public uprising and the removal of Mr Morsi after just one year in office.

To survive, Mr Elsayed adds, the Brotherhood needs a radical transformation.

“The young generation has lost faith in the group’s leaders, who have become synonymous with failure,” he notes.

“The young should take over and adopt a heardheaded approach. The group under the current leaders is rushing to its own death.”

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Drumbeats

How To Prepare For One’s Death (4)

THE people that die peacefully, joyfully and happily are people that hate and avoid every act of wickedness, evil and sin.

If I may ask from what sin do you intend to quit? Are they the sin of immorality, murder, stealing, cheating, lying or disobedience to God and people? The best time and period to repent of those sins are now. There is no repentance in the grave I have learned by experience that the cheapest thing to acquire is sin. Sin is a cheap commodity to acquire for those whose fame, wealth and riches are on the increase daily. A pastor could be married to one wife and yet have over five concubines outside. A politician, hanker, lecturer, an engineer and a business man could be married to one or three wives and still have numerous concubine outside his matrimonial home.

Adam and Eve were brought down from grace to grass because of sin of disobedience.

Many great men and women have lost their position, throne, fame and wealth because of sin.

Friends are there character flaws in your life that are keeping people away from you and preventing you from sitting upon the throne of your destiny in life? The earlier you dissociate yourself from them, the more you will enjoy the fullness of God and its benefit.

Friends, if I may ask, is there any act of wickedness in your life that is hindering your value for life? Do you take delight in seeing people cry and suffer?

Whose joy and comfort have you taken away and replaced with pains, worries and sadness? Go and humble yourself before that person and apologise for your evil acts and ask for forgiveness of sin against the person you have offended and against God. The pain of dying in sadness and spending eternity in hell fire is far greater than the insult beatings or abuses you may receive from those whom you have offended why trying to apologise for your errors.

“Someone said he would rather be a gate keeper in heaven than ending up in hell fire’. Heaven is real. Don’t allow negative opinion from your friends or family to dissuade you from shunning every act of wickedness, evil and sin while on earth.

Engage in Charitable Works If you sincerely ant to die joyfully gracefully and peacefully, then you must as a matter of urgency begin to

and begin to invest into charitable works.

engage in charitable works.

Mother Teresa is celebrated and applauded across the world today because she lived her life for the poor and the less privileged people. Your daily, weekly or yearly engagement in charitable works will not reduce your status in society, neither will it hinder your wealth, fame and hinder your business or prevent you from your political ambition.

Channel your wealth, experience and intelligence towards enhancing charitable organisations or works across the world. Remember, he who lives for himself lives for nothing and dies in vain, but those who live for others, the poor, destitute, sick, orphans and the less privileged live for everything and is regarded as a rich man in the sight of God says Apostle Raphael Ayemere.

In the western world, for example. America, Britain, Germany, France, Japan etc. to mention few, greater part of their resources and time are used to promote charitable works. They know that the more they invest in charitable organisations the more God will increase their wealth and enable them to die joyfully.

If you never knew this, please know now that the money you spend in charitable works can prevent you from sickness, be it attacks from satan and his agents, help in stabilising your marriage, stabilising your business and job and enable you to live a longer life on earth.

God encourages us to invest in charitable works because He is the initiator of the project.

Look at creation and the huge resources he left for mankind to enjoy to our satisfaction. He never created the earth with its vast resources for himself to enjoy, but his love for humanity and his charitable nature led him into giving us all that he ever created.

Friends I urge you to build houses and buy cars and give them to charitable organisations who are genuinely doing the services the way God wants it done.

Spend huge some of money to alleviate the pains and suffering of the sick and the less privileged people in our society and the world in general.

You might say you are poor or still managing to provide for your family and loved ones and that you can’t give to charitable

With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593

organisation now. Poverty is not an excuse, neither would God use it to exonerate you from doing the right thing at the right time. God requires that you give out to the needy from your meager resources.

If you were told by God to give out one million dollars or naira to charitable

Give Out The Thing That You Value Most in Life One of the things that enhance our ability and desires to die peacefully and Joyfully lies in our willingness to give out the thing we cherish or value most in life, it could be your car, house or even your son or daughter. if you are told

by God to give out your highly

empty without material gains than to die sorrowfully and end up in hell fire.

God is not against us having comfort and acquiring wealth and riches but if in your acquisition of wealth or riches

organisations would you obey God or you would prefer to invest the money in building industries or enhancing your political ambition? A life well lived is a joy to God and humanity. To die joyfully and peacefully you must wake up your desires of helping others

cherished son or daughter’s to a couple who have been married for over twenty years as a gift to them, would you willingly obey God’s character, if your wealth, fame and riches would prevent you from serving God faithfully give them out. it is better to die

and they now stand as obstacles to your serving God faithfully, then give them away as gifts to charitable organisation.

Friends, if I may ask, what are the things you cherish most in your life? Is it your house, car, cloth, shoe, or your company, wealth or your

children? To be candid with you I tried to analyze the thing I cherish most in my life as at today. (December 1 2010) 1 could not actually lain claim to any one. My children, wife, knowledge, gift and talents are very dear to my heart and are very important to me, hut the truth is that none of the above things which God has mercifully entrusted to my cares can take the place of God in my heart. If God is in need of them or any of them he feels I should give away for his use and that will serve as a joy to the needy 1 will willingly give away.

Abraham once made the mistake of allowing Isaac to take the place of God in his heart that was the major reason why God demanded it from him. Though initially Abraham struggled inwardly, but having realised who he was before God called him and blessed him greatly. he then gave out Isaac willingly to God. God on realising that Abraham had learnt from the lesson, he prevented him from sacrificing his son and then ordered Abraham to sacrifice the ram which He provided for Abraham due to his obedience.

God will never encourage us to do what He had never demonstrated and practiced. He willingly gave out His cherished Son Jesus Christ, for the redemption of mankind. He created the earth, with its vast resources and treasures and gave it all for the comfort and control of mankind.

I urge you therefore to take a case study of your life now and see the things that you value most which are probably standing as obstacles and barriers between you and God and give them out willingly to charitable organisations. This to a great extent will aid your ability or desire to die joyfully and peacefully at the appropriate time when God deem it necessary to call you back home.

“ God encourages us to invest in charitable works because He is the initiator of the project. Look at creation and the huge resources he left for mankind to enjoy to our satisfaction. He never created the earth with its vast resources for himself to enjoy, but his love for humanity and his charitable nature led him into giving us all that he ever created.”

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Economy

Re-Positioning Nigeria’s Tourism, Aviation And Justice Sectors UNARGUABLY, tourism and aviation are veritable drivers of economic growth; hence the huge attention which the sectors are receiving under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The ministers of tourism and aviation, who featured at the 2013 Ministerial Platform, underscored the importance of these sectors to Nigeria’s development when they chronicled their achievements in the last two years Besides, the interconnectivity between justice, security, fair play, rule of law, equity and national development was also brought to the fore as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice stepped up to the podium at the platform.

In her presentation, the Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah, said that the ministry was partnering the private sector to establish a national carrier by September.

She said that the national carrier would undertake domestic, regional and intercontinental flights.

“It will further complement the existing airlines operating in Nigeria and we expect the national carrier to partner with Africa’s focused aircraft leasing businesses.

“It is expected that this will result in Nigeria’s passenger numbers exceeding 25 million by 2018 and 30 million by 2012,’’ she added.

Oduah, however, noted that the DANA air crash on June 3, 2012 spurred the ministry into fast-tracking the safety component of operations in the sector.

According to her, safety in aviation is not a destination but an ongoing process.

She said that the ministry had deployed world-class technology to enable it to provide air coverage within and beyond Nigerian territorial boundaries into the contiguous air spaces.

Consequently, she said that the ministry had initiated the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), with a view to modernising the air traffic management infrastructure.

“It has automated approach area control components as follows: Primary Surveillance Radar(PRS) STAR 2000; Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar; Integrated Flight and Radar Data Processing Eurocat C and other associated

By CHIJIOKE OKORONKWO

equipment at the four major airports of Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port-Harcourt.’’

Besides, Oduah stressed that Nigeria had achieved total VHF Radio Coverage of her airspace, saying that the feat brought the country at par with the standards and recommended practices of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

On accident prevention, the minister noted that efforts had been made to enhance the capacity of the ministry in this regard via the establishment of an accident and investigation laboratory to analyse cockpit voice recorder and black box.

She added that the laboratory was “the first of its kind in West Africa’’.

Furthermore, Oduah said that an Air Tracking System (AGPS) has been established to enhance real-time weather and aircraft tracking in the country’s airspace and boost rescue operations.

In a bid to make the country’s airports more viable, the minister said that plans were underway to build aerotropolis around some major airports.

“Aerotropolis is a mega city with commercial clusters built around the airport, connecting passengers, workers, suppliers, goods and services to and from the global marketplace and to all lifestyle amenities on location.

“Aerotropolis are attractive locations for time-sensitive manufacturing concerns, distribution facilities, hotels, entertainment, retail, convention, trade and exhibition complexes, office buildings and so on.’’

Oduah noted that the aerotropolis would be built in Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano.

On the payment of claims to dependants of the victims the DANA air crash, the minister said that the Federal Government has given DANA a December deadline to pay up the benefits or face sanctions.

She said that plans were also underway to convey perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables via cargo planes to mitigate waste, curb rural-urban drift, provide food security and create jobs.

In his presentation, Mr Edem Duke, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, said that the ministry had successfully conducted the embellishment

of 10 Nigerian missions in the last two years.

He said that the missions were in South Korea, Russia, Algeria, Poland, France, Cuba, Turkey, Mali, Venezuela and Spain.

He also said that the ministry, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the African Union (AU), organised a Rock Arts

Terracotta objects dated between 1400 BC and 700 BC(about 3,000 years) by the government of France,’’ he added.

Speaking on the recent Annual African Arts and Craft Expo organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture, Duke said that it recorded 18, 704 participants from Nigeria and 15 countries as well as 200 nongovernmental organisations.

Mohammed Adoke, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice

Exhibition and a Colloquium on Pan-African and African Renaissance in Addis Ababa.

He said the resultant effect of the activity was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between Nanjing Province of China and the ministry.

“In furtherance of our cultural diplomacy, Nigeria has established cultural centres in Brazil and China.

“Nigeria is also in the process of establishing two centres in South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago,’’ he added.

On the recovery of the country’s stolen artefacts, the minister stressed that efforts to recover the lost artefacts from countries across the world had yielded some positive results, citing a recent recovery from France as an illustration.

‘Our request for the return of our vast treasure of cultural property strewn all over the world has yielded great result with the return of five Nok

He said that the programme impacted positively on the arts and crafts sector, while promoting international understanding.

Reacting to speculations about plans to sell the National Theatre, the minister said that the Federal Government was only planning a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concessioning arrangement for the management of the edifice.

Duke said that the government was also planning to develop those areas adjacent to the National Theatre that were hitherto not well-utilised.

“The areas include that section of the National Theatre where people are rearing swine; that section of the National Theatre which is now a lump harbouring reptiles and that section of the National Theatre which is being used as an open-air beer parlour.

“Those sections will now

have to be developed into hotels, shopping malls, recreation parks so that they can draw people to the National Theatre; and this will definitely strengthen the theatre.

“And the sentiment of Nigerians is that it must not be given to one individual; that is why we are sentimentally more disposed to a PPP concession, rather than 100-per-cent privatisation,’’ Duke said.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN),

had been recovered during the period.

He said that the money was recovered from Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian, who was an associate of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

“In 2011, our close liaison and negotiations with the Island of Jersey led to the recovery and repatriation of the sum of £22.5 million, confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey from Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian national and associate of Gen. Sani Abacha on account of his money laundering transactions from Nigeria,’’

Edem Duke, Minister of Tourism said that 75 terrorism cases were treated in the last two years.

He said that 16 of the cases had been concluded with eight convictions, while 35 cases were struck out.

“During the period under review, a total number of 75 cases of terrorism and Boko Haram insurgency were received and prosecuted.

“Sixteen of the cases have been concluded with eight convictions, while 35 were struck out.

“A good number of the terrorism cases were struck out because the accused persons escaped during attacks on prisons in Bauchi and Maiduguri,’’ he added.

Besides, the minister said that a total of 244 general offences, including culpable homicide, rape and armed robbery as well as traffic offences were also handled by the ministry during the period under review.

Adoke said that £22.5m worth of stolen assets abroad

Adoke said.

Observers extol the three ministries for their achievements within the last two years, but they, nonetheless, urge the aviation ministry to make tangible efforts to protect Nigeria’s airspace.

They insist that most of the aircraft in the fleet of the country’s airlines appear to be old or refurbished.

In the area of culture, the observers frown at the infiltration of foreign cultures into the country’s cultural mores and ethos via the organisation of carnivals where foreign costumes dominate.

They also underscore the need to promote the basic tenets of democracy by safeguarding principles such as the rule of law, fundamental human rights and separation of powers as well as the independence of the judiciary.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Issues

Addressing Nigeria’s Porous Borders

By EMMANUEL EGOBIAMBU

GLOBALLY, borders in play important and useful roles in the proper functioning of any country. Borders, according to Wikipedia, is the defined geographic boundaries of political entities or legal jurisdictions, such as governments, sovereign states, federated states and other sub-national entities. A nation’s borders with other countries, perform functions such as security, separation of territorial entities among others.

However, the story of Nigeria’s borders is a gory and not a glory-laden one.

According to reports in the media, Nigeria’s borders with Benin and Chad are 773 km and 87km, long respectively.

While the borders with Cameroon and Niger is about 1,690km and 1487km in respectively.

According to the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, the Nigeria Immigration Service, has discovered about 1,487 illegal routes into the nation.

Apart from Cameroon which is bilingual, other Nigerian neighbours are Francophone – Benin, Republic, Chad and Niger.

attack.

Development Agency, Senate With the security challenges Also, during the public President, David Mark, currently facing Nigeria, these hearing for the amendment of asserted that the influx of porous borders have further the Border Communities brigands into the country is as amplified the problems.

According to the Director of Defence Information, BrigGen Chris Olukolade, proliferation of arms in the country is not unconnected to the vulnerable nature of the nation’s borders. Arms are brought into the country through the porous state of the borders.

Recently, the Joint Task Force, JTF recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and improvised Explosive Device Materials. This highpoints the poor nature of the borders in the country. Criminal-minded individual often hid cache of arms in bags of grains, empty tankers and others which are most times undetected by security personnel at border Aba Moro, Minister of Interior towns.

Similarly, the maiming of 55 Policemen and 10 State Security Service (SSS) officials, in Bama were reportedly done by insurgents, majority of them Nigerians and Cameroonians. Reports showed that the insurgents worked hand in hand with local almajiri’s during the

SUGAR is the general name of a class of chemically-related sweet-flavoured substances, most of which are used as food.

There are carbohydrates, composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. There are various types of sugar derived from different sources. Simple sugar are called Monosaccharides and include glucose (dextrose), fructose and galactose. The table or granulated sugar mostly customarily used as food is sucrose, a disaccharide (in the body, sucrose hydrolysis turns into fructose and glucose). Other disaccharides include maltose and lactose. Chemically, different substances may also have a sweet taste, but are not classified as sugars. Some are used as lower-calorie food substitutes for sugar described as artificial sweeteners.

Sugars are found in the tissues of most plants but are only present in sufficient concentrations for efficient extraction in sugarcane and sugar beet (sugar beet is a root crop and cultivated in cooler climates and became a major source of sugar in the 19 th century when methods for extracting the sugar became available).

Consumption of sugar is not totally bad but the danger attached with sugar when it is excess in the body over weighs the benefits and cannot be overlooked for many lives have been snatched by this sweet silencer. Death by sugar may not be an over statement, evidence is mounting that sugar is the major factor causing obesity and chronic disease.

There is a vast sea of research suggesting that sugar is a sweet old friend that is secretly plotting your demise. Science has now shown us, beyond any shadow of doubt, that sugar in your food, in all its myriad of forms, is taking a devastating toll on your health. Research has shown different reports of the increase in quantity of sugar consumed by individuals from one decade to another. Below are the findings: In 1700, the average person consumed about 4 pounds of sugar per year.

In 1800, the average person consumed about 18 pounds of sugar per year.

In 1900, individual consumption has risen to 90 pounds of sugar per year.

In 2009, more than 50 percent of all Americans consumed onehalf pound a sugar per day-

a result of the nation’s vulnerable border posts.

While deporting 49 illegal immigrants from Kaduna State to Niger, the Kaduna State Comptroller of the NIS, Hamman Abdullahi Yerima, said that the “borderless” borders in Nigeria is a haven for illegal migration into the country.

Furthermore, the borders of any country can be likened to the human skin. If infested with diseases, it will surely not be nice to look at or admire but the opposite is the case when it is not infested.

Insecurity and porosity of borders, Nigeria’s in this case, has led to thumping of the economy. Reason is that no business minded person/ organisation or country, would invest in a country with parlous borders.

In addition, the country has become home to substandard and unwholesome goods/

products. Authorities and have noted that the influx of substandard goods and products in the nation is propelled by the porous border lines. These borders are used to get environmentally harmful goods into the country thereby contributing to environmental and health hazards. (Mahmud Aliyu).

Also, drug peddlers have continued to make incursions into the country due to the illmanned and ill-fortified frontiers smugglers have recorded countless success trip owing to the loosely guarded frontiers in the country.

With all these challenges playing the nation due to its flat-footed frontiers, there is no gain saying that they issues portend great danger to the country and its inhabitants.

Can the country tolerate these challenges if not addressed? Well, time will tell if the centre can still hold with things falling apart in the nation’s borderline.

“Also, drug peddlers have continued to make incursions into the country due to the ill-manned and ill-fortified frontiers smugglers have recorded countless success trip owing to the loosely guarded frontiers in the country.”

Checking Your Sugar Consumption

By EGHWRUDJE PRAISE translating to a swopping 180 pounds of sugar per you.

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SUGAR Suppressed immune system and increases the risk of infections.

Reduced oxygen level due to clumping of red blood cells leads to reduced energy.

Mood and attention disorder due to unstable blood sugar level.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to protein gyration (sugar damaged protein).

Increase rate of all aged related diseases including Alzheimer’s kidney disease, reduced vision and cancer increases due to increase level of AGE. Advanced gyration, which is an end product from high sugar consumption (as well as other factor).

Candida, fungal, bacteria and parasite infections are fed by sugar leading to gastro-intestinal disorders, immune system stress, increased food allergies from leaky gut, skin disorder and

more.

Unhealthy weight gain, your body will convert excess sugar to fat.

Sugar depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals including all the B vitamins, chromium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. This in-turn contributes to increased risk of osteoporosis, adrenal fatigue and other degenerative conditions.

Decreased growth hormone level which leads to decreased muscle mass.

Damage to DNA, which can lead to a myriad of health problems.

Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.

Excess sugar eaten during pregnancy and lactation can influence muscle force production in offspring, which can affect an individual’s ability to exercise. Also sugar in soda, when consumed by children, results in the children drinking less milk and it can cause juvenile delinquency in children.

Sugar can increase Reactive

Oxygen Species (ROS), which can damage cells and tissue. It can elevate glucose and insulin response and return them to fasting levels slower in oral contraceptive users.

Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, inability to concentrate and crankiness in children.

Sugar reduces the body’s ability to defend against bacterial infection.

Other effects of excess sugar in the body that people do not take cognizance of includes the following: Sugar can lead to ovarian cancer, tooth decay, alcoholism; it causes gallstone, arthritis and causes learning disorder in school children.

BASIC PRINCIPLES TO CUT DOWN ON ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS OF SUGAR Limit sweets and deserts to rare occasions (1-2weeks at most) and always eat at the end of the meal so protein and fat in meal will slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood.

Since alcohol converts to sugar quickly, reduce

consumption and frequency and make sure you have food with a reasonable amount of protein and fat (meat, nuts, seeds, cheese) in your stomach to reduce absorption of alcohol into your blood stream.

Reduce or avoid refined floor and grain products. Stick with whole grains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, if you want more carbohydrates in a meal.

Pass on the fruit juice and drink the fresh vegetable juice instead (mainly greens, celery, cucumbers) use less carrot and beets in juices.

Fruits are best consumed in moderation (maximum 2-3 servings per day) and combined with high fat foods like avocado, raw nuts, and seeds or raw milk cheese. Focus on lower glycaemia fruits such as sour apples, pears, and berries.

Start meals with some protein (especially if your metabolic type is either a fast oxidizer or parasympathetic type). Eggs, meats, fish, nuts seeds, cheese.

For alternative sweeteners use raw honey or stevia.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Leadership

The Secrets Of Resilient Leaders RESILIENCE is the capacity to bounce back from misfortune, disruptive change, and failure. Being resilient is driven by our intrinsic qualities, attitudes, and behaviours. Everyone experiences disappointments and set-backs in life. When these occur, the resilience factor is what gets us back in the game and keeps us pursuing our goals instead of becoming discouraged and giving up. In the past few years, organisations, institutions, and their leaders have been challenged to steer through unpredictable and turbulent circumstances: Our current business environment calls for a different kind of leader than in the past—leaders who can weather any storm while effectively bringing themselves and their organisations through times of great change and uncertainty. Leaders today need to have the ability to step out of the pack, see a new horizon with greater opportunities, and then fully engage those around them.

This calls for a leader who embraces and demonstrates the characteristics and traits of resilience.

Helen Keller wisely said, “A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.” I believe that being a great leader really begins with your first encounter with misfortune. The Center for Creative Leadership conducted a study on the “key events” that contribute to a leader’s development. The study found that the greatest opportunity for leaders to learn, grow, and further their development came less from successes and more from hardships, failures, and career setbacks.

Great leaders are people ho look at challenges as opportunities to grow, to change, and to learn from their mistakes rather than seeing themselves as victims of circumstances and feeling they are not in control of their own success..

Over and over again, Hillary Clinton is mentioned as one who, had enormous resilient qualities with an incredible reserve of energy. Hillary Clinton has experienced her share of life’s ups and downs, some that were actually tragic from a personal and professional perspective; however, she was always able to tap into that inner core of resilience and get back into the game.

She’s never been known for throwing in the towel.

Hillary Clinton, throughout both her personal and her professional life, has been able to face adversity, adapt to new conditions, and then retool herself and get back into the game—and come out ahead in most cases. When tapping into your own resilience or looking at ways to cultivate a more resilient culture within your organization, try some of these secrets of being a resilient leader: Secret1. Understanding Yourself: The Call for Authenticity A big part of resiliency is not running a marathon or toughing it out; rather it’s having a deep sense of self-

awareness. When you are faced with a great challenge or misfortune, what gets you through it successfully is the knowledge of your leadership values and principles and the courage to lead with your own navigation system—the core of who you are. For example, when you are faced with the decision of whether to take on a more challenging role in your organisation, you are better able to make that choice confidently when you can match the opportunity to your beliefs, strengths, and passions.

Knowing what is truly important to you gives you the courage to take risks—or to avoid distractions and stay

focused on your ultimate goals. Leaders who have this level of knowledge of themselves are better able to deal with ambiguity, be optimistic in challenging times, and confront situations that are in conflict with their values.

Understanding yourself calls for stepping back and identifying your top values and principles, beliefs, key strengths, and significant weaknesses, a well as your potential blind spots. It also means recognizing what is holding you back or what is stopping you. Once you understand these aspects of yourself, you can take a realistic look at any situation and determine your choices.

It’s also important to remember that we always do have choices. For example, when you have the opportunity to

“Some leaders use their positional power to communicate with others; this can get things done, but it normally results in mere compliance. A resilient leader is looking for more than just compliance.

Leaders who inspire action communicate in a positive way through their tone and can-do attitude.”

With Bamidele Michael

08064496136

take on a stretch assignment, you can either decide it doesn’t support your long term goals and would take you in a wrong direction or you can step back, determine how you can learn from the experience, and figure out how you can bring significant value to the effort.

This involves looking inward and asking yourself if the opportunity aligns with your goals, how you can leverage your strengths, and what you think the payoff will be for taking the assignment. The more you are self-aware, the more authentic or true to yourself you can be. This aspect of authenticity is a key component of resilience.

Secret 2. Communicating to Inspire Action: From Great to Awesome!

To inspire a more resilient workforce and achieve key results in our business climate, leaders need to be awesome in their communications. In addition to being clear and concise, you need to deliver communication that motivates people to want to deal with complex

change, particularly during challenging and stressful times.

When you have awesome communication, you are able to connect to people’s heads and hearts and inspire them to feel engaged around your vision or key goals in spite of obstacles and challenges.

Create A Shared Vision Some leaders use their positional power to communicate with others; this can get things done, but it normally results in mere compliance. A resilient leader is looking for more than just compliance. Leaders who inspire action communicate in a positive way through their tone and can-do attitude. They use what I call empowering optimism by focusing on the positive aspects of their team and their hopes for the future. They actually create a shared or “our” vision with their team or organization by using stories, metaphors, and figures of speech to create visual images. If people can see themselves in the picture a leader creates, they are much more committed to getting on board with that vision and becoming engaged in those key priorities.

Speak From The Heart There is a time for leaders to be direct and Continues on page 27

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Opinion

Relevance Of Organisational Politics THE word “politics”, no doubt has a negative connotation for many people. It is true today that some may think that some managers who are ‘political’ are individuals who have risen to the top not because of their own merit, experience, capabilities, educational attainment, exposure, and so on but because of who they know that is based on g o d f a t h e r i s m , godmotherism, nepotism, favouritism, tribalism, among others. To this end, many think and believe that ‘political’ managers are selfish and wield power to benefit themselves, not in the interest of their organizations. There may be truth to this negative connotation. However, it is abundantly clear that some managers do appear to misuse their power for personal benefit at the expense of organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Looking at it from the administrative angle, one can boldly and proudly say that organization’s politics are often a positive force in advanced countries.

Managers in the third and fourth world countries, that is less developed countries (LDC) striving to make relevant changes always encounter resistance from individuals and groups who feel threatened and wish to preserve the status quo. However, effective managers engage in politics to gain support for and implement needed changes. Some managers often face resistance from other managers who disagree with their goals for a group or for the organization and also disagree with what they are trying to accomplish. It is a truism to say that engaging in organizational politics might as well bury their heads in the sand because in all likelihood they will be unable to gain

support for their initiatives and goals.

No doubt, managers who use political strategies to increase their power are better able to influence others to work towards the achievements of group and organizational goals. By controlling uncertainty, making themselves irreplaceable, bring in a central position, generating resources, and building alliances, towards this and, managers can increase their power.

Furthermore, uncertainty is a threat for individuals, groups, and the whole organizations and can interfere, with effective performance and goal attainment. For instance, uncertainty about job security is threatening for many workers and may cause top performers (who have the best chance of finding another job) to resign and take a more secure position with another establishment.

However, managers who are able to control and reduce uncertainty for other managers, teams, departments, and the organization as a whole are likely to see their power increase. Managers of labour unions for example, gain power when they can eliminate uncertainty over job security for their members. Marketing, Sales and Public Relations Managers gain power when they can eliminate uncertainty for other departments. Managers who are able to control uncertainty are likely to be in demand and sought for by other organizations.

It is most appropriate to say that managers gain power when they have valuable knowledge and expertise that allow them to perform activities that no one else can handle.

This is the essence of being irreplaceable. The more central these activities are to organizational

By CHARLES I. SOEZE

effectiveness, the more power managers’ gain from being irreplaceable.

In addition, managers in central positions are responsible for activities that are directly connected to an organization’s goals and sources of competitive advantage and often are

the success of the organization as a whole is seen as riding on these managers.

These consequences of being in a central position are likely to increase manager’s power.

Managers who are outstanding performers,

(PR), etc. An efficient and effective manager should be able to generate one or more of these kinds of resources for an organization, the manager’s power will likely increase. When managers build alliances, they develop mutually beneficial relationships with people both inside and

located in central positions in important communication networks in an organisation. It is true that managers in central positions have control over crucial organizational activities and initiatives and have access to important information.

Information, we say, is power.

Other organizational members are dependent on them for their knowledge, expertise, advice, and support, and

have a wide knowledge base, and have made important and visible contributions to their organizations are likely to be offered central positions that will increase their power.

Organizations need three kinds of resources to be effective, input resources, such as raw materials, skilled machinery and computers, and knowledge resources like engineering, marketing, public relations

outside the organization.

The two parties to an alliance support one another because doing so it is in their best interests and both parties benefit from the alliance. Alliances provide a manager with power because they provide the manager with support for his or her initiatives. The partner to the alliance provides support because he or she knows that the manager will reciprocate when the

partners need support.

Alliances can help managers achieve their goals and implement needed changes in organizations because they increase managers’ level of powers.

It is abundantly clear that many powerful managers focus on building alliances not only

inside their organizations but also with individuals, groups, and organisations in the task and general environments on which their organizations are dependent for resources.

These individuals, groups, and organisations enter into alliances with managers because doing so is in their best interests and they know that they can count in the managers’ support when the need arise.

“Organizations need three kinds of resources to be effective, input resources, such as raw materials, skilled machinery and computers, and knowledge resources like engineering, marketing, public relations (PR), etc. An efficient and effective manager should be able to generate one or more of these kinds of resources”.

THE NIGERIAN

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

International

Compiled By OKHUELEIGBE FAITH

Egypt Protest Claims Over 40 government from power and face pressures to impose Lives brought in an interim civilian stricter security measures to

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William McRaven (centre), nominated.

CAIRO — Egyptian soldiers and police clashed with Islamists protesting the military’s ouster of the president in bloodshed that claimed at least 40 lives, officials and witnesses said, and plunged the divided country deeper into crisis with calls by the Muslim Brotherhood’s political party for all-out rebellion against the army.

The carnage outside the Republican Guard building in Cairo — where toppled President Mohammed Morsi was first held last week — marked the single biggest death toll since massive protests forced Morsi’s

Immigration, Student Loan Top Congressional Agenda

WASHINGTON — Republicans and Democrats will put good will to the test when Congress returns this week to potentially incendiary fights over nominations, unresolved disputes over student loans and the farm bill, and the uncertainty of whether lawmakers have the political will to rewrite the nation’s immigration laws.

The cooperation evident in the Senate last month with passage of a bipartisan immigration bill could be wiped out immediately if Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., frustrated with GOP delaying tactics on judges and nominations, tries to change the Senate rules by scrapping the current threefifths majority for a simple majority.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has indicated it’s a decision Reid could regret if the GOP seizes Senate control in next year’s elections.

“Once the Senate

definitively breaks the rules to change the rules, the pressure to respond in kind will be irresistible to future majorities,” McConnell said last month, looking ahead to 2014 when Democrats have to defend 21 seats to the GOP’s 14.

McConnell envisioned a long list of reversals from the Democratic agenda, from repealing President Barack Obama’s health care law to shipping radioactive nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain in Reid’s home state of Nevada.

Recently elected Democrats have clamored for changes in Senate rules as Obama has faced Republican resistance to his nominations.

Two Cabinet-rank choices — Tom Perez as labor secretary and Gina McCarthy to head the Environmental Protection Agency — could be approved by the Senate this

BEIJING— The two 16year-old girls killed in the San Francisco plane crash were close friends and top students who were on Asiana Flight 214 for the same reason: to get a taste of American education and possibly brighten their futures.

Wang Linjia showed talent in physics and calligraphy; Ye Mengyuan was a champion gymnast who excelled in literature. Both were part of a

trend among affluent Chinese families willing to spend thousands of dollars to send their children to the U.S. for a few weeks in the summer to practice English and hopefully boost their chances of attending a U.S. college — considered better than China’s alternatives by many Chinese families.

Wang’s family was staying at a hotel when they learned that the daughter was one of

month after a loud debate over administration policies.

The GOP also has challenged Obama’s three judicial nominees to the powerful U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit as they’ve tried to eliminate the vacancies.

Reid had served notice in April that the Democratic majority could change the Senate rules on “any given day,” and he was willing to do so if necessary.

In the Republicancontrolled House, courteous behavior, even within the GOP ranks, has barely been perceptible with the ignominious failure of the farm bill.

Some collaboration will be necessary if the House is to move ahead on immigration legislation this month.

Conservatives from safe, gerrymandered House districts have rebuffed appeals from some national

Republicans who argue that embracing immigration overhaul will boost the party’s political standing with an increasingly diverse electorate, especially in the 2016 presidential election.

The conservatives strongly oppose any legislation offering legalization to immigrants living here illegally.

administration.

Even before all the bodies were counted, there were conflicting accounts on how the violence began — with Morsi’s backers saying it was an unprovoked attack and the military saying they came under assault first.

But the violence is almost certain to draw sharper battle lines between Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood and their opponents who claim Morsi squandered his 2012 election victory and betrayed the democratic spirit of Egypt’s 2011 revolution by seeking only to bolster his and the Brotherhood’s grip on the state.

Soon after the attack, however, the Al-Nour party, an ultraconservative party that had been talking to the new government about participating in the political process, announced it was withdrawing its support for the transition plan in response to the “massacre.”

A wounded supporter of deposed Egypt’s President Mohammed …

A wounded supporter of deposed Egypt’s President Mohammed Morsi lies at a local hospital in Cairo. E …

The military, which effectively supported the antiMorsi movement, now may

try to keep unrest from spilling out of control. It will also have to produce compelling evidence to support its version of events or otherwise suffer what is already shaping to be a Brotherhood media blitz to portray the military as a brutal institution with little regard for human life or democratic values.

In a move that is likely to further inflame the situation, the Freedom and Justice party, the Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm, called on Egyptians to rise up against the army. Morsi has been a longtime leader of the Brotherhood.

The Freedom and Justice party also called on the international community to stop what it called the massacres in Egypt and accused the military of pushing Egypt toward civil war, warning the country was in danger of becoming a “new Syria.”

Interim President Adly Mansour called for restraint and ordered a judicial inquiry into the killings. Significantly, the statement from his office echoed the military’s version of events, noting that the killings followed an attempt to storm the Republican Guard’s headquarters.

Obama Outlines Second-Term progress made so far in Plan WASHINGTON opening up government

President Barack Obama described yesterday his second-term plan for “smarter government” by using technology and data to deliver services faster and save taxpayers money, the White House said.

Obama will meet privately with his cabinet on Monday morning about the plan and then make public remarks at 11:50 a.m.

(1550 GMT).

The White House said the plan would build on

data to entrepreneurs and in modernizing government services.

In Obama’s first term, the effort helped the administration reduce technology costs by more than $2.5 billion, the White House said.

China Loses Students To San Francisco Plane Crash the two people killed when the Boeing 777 crash-landed Saturday at San Francisco International Airport.

Officials said 182 people were taken to area hospitals.

When visited by a state media reporter, Wang’s mother sat on a bed, crying silently and her father sat in a chair with a blank expression, said the Youth Times, an official newspaper in the girls’ home province of Zhejiang, in eastern China.

U.S. President Barack Obama walks across the south lawn as he returns via Marine.

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International

Compiled by

OKHUELEIGBE FAITH

Saddam Hussein’s Half-Brother BAGHDAD — Saddam Dies Of Cancer Hussein’s half-brother and former director of his feared general security services died of cancer yesterday in a Baghdad hospital, a senior official said.

Deputy Justice Minister Busho Ibrahim told The Associated Press that Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, who had received several death sentences, was transferred to the hospital from prison as his health deteriorated at dawn.

His body will be handed over to his family.

Al-Hassan had lived in exile for a period after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, but was deported to Iraq by the Syrian government in 2005. He was No. 36 on the list of 55 mostwanted Iraqis released by U.S. authorities and was suspected of financing insurgents after U.S. troops

VIENNA - The U.N. atomic agency and Iran may hold a new round of nuclear talks in August, diplomats said yesterday, in what would be their first meeting since last month’s election of a relative moderate as the Islamic state’s president.

If it does take place, the meeting will be scrutinized by

the West for any sign of increased Iranian readiness to compromise in the decade-old international dispute over its nuclear program after the June 14 election of Hassan Rouhani.

A diplomat in Vienna, where the International Atomic Energy Agency is based, said he believed the aim was for an IAEA-Iran meeting in mid-August but that no decision had yet been taken.

“I think that no meeting in August would be a bad sign,” another Western envoy said.

That would be shortly before the IAEA issues its next, quarterly report on Iran’s nuclear program in late August and ahead of a week-long session of the U.N. agency’s 35-nation governing board in September.

Western officials accuse Iran of stonewalling the IAEA’s inquiry into suspected atomic bomb research and say Tehran in the past has been keen to meet with the agency shortly before board meetings to try to blunt criticism voiced there.

The IAEA-Iran discussions are separate from, but still closely associated with, broader negotiations between Tehran and six world powers aimed at an overall political solution to the dispute that would head off the risk of a new Middle East war.

The IAEA, in an e-mailed response to a question, said it had no news to report about any

ousted the ex-dictator.

Under Saddam, al-Hassan served as head of intelligence and security before taking up his final post of presidential adviser to the former regime.

Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging in Dec. 2006 for his role in the 1982 killings of 148 Shiites following a failed assassination attempt in the early 1980s.

IAEA And Iran May Meet In August - Diplomats

CHANGE OF NAME

AIGUOBASIMWIN - I, formerly Miss E h i m w e n m a Aiguobasimwin now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Ehinmwenma Imariabe Osasogie. All former documents remain valid.

General public and concerned authorities to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EWEMADE – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Osaretin Ewemade now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogiekpolor Rita Osaretin. All former documents remain valid. General public and concerned authorities to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EMEJOR – I, formerly known and addressed as Emejor Friday Ochukwo now wish to be known and addressed as Emejor Fred Ochukwo. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public please note.

future discussions with Iran. They last met in May in Vienna, without achieving a breakthrough.

International hopes for a resolution of the nuclear dispute were boosted by the election of Rouhani because he has promised a more conciliatory approach to foreign relations than incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

But Western officials stress that it is Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who decides nuclear policy and it remains to be seen whether he will allow any shift in course.

Iran says it is enriching uranium only to fuel nuclear power stations, and for medical purposes. But refined uranium also provides the fissile material for nuclear bombs if processed further, which the West fears may be Tehran’s ultimate goal.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano told Reuters last month he remained committed to dialogue with Iran to address the U.N. agency’s concerns about what it calls the possible military dimensions to the country’s nuclear program.

Ten rounds of talks since early 2012 have failed to make progress in reviving the investigation. The IAEA wants access to sites, officials and documents for its inquiry.

This September 1995 photo, shows the late half brother of Saddam Hussein Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan granting an interview.

Free Syrian Army fighters prepare for an offensive against forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad,

Syrian Opposition Head Expects Advanced Weapons

ISTANBUL, Turkey - The new head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition said he expected advanced weapons supplied by Saudi Arabia to reach rebel fighters soon, strengthening their currently weak military position.

Ahmad Jarba, who has close links to Saudi Arabia, told Reuters in his first interview since being elected president of the coalition on Saturday that

the opposition would not go to a proposed peace conference in Geneva sponsored by the United States and Russia unless its military fortunes improve.

“Geneva in these circumstances is not possible.

If we are going to go to Geneva we have to be strong

on the ground, unlike the situation now, which is weak,” Jarba said on Sunday after returning from the northern Syrian province of Idlib, where he met commanders of rebel brigades.

Asked if shoulder-fired weapons that could blunt President Bashar al-Assad’s

Afghanistan Arrests Former US Translator KABUL - Afghan authorities have arrested a man who served as a translator for U.S. Special Forces and was wanted on allegations he tortured and killed civilians, the country’s intelligence service said Monday.

Zakaria Kandahari was picked up “recently” in the southern city of Kandahar for “various crimes,” in a special operation conducted by the Afghan National Directorate for Security, the intelligence agency

said in a statement.

It did not elaborate, but the Defense Ministry has said Kandahari was wanted on charges of murder and torture in connection with the disappearances of nine boys and men who turned up dead.

The U.S.-led coalition has denied any involvement in the disappearances, but the case has further strained Washington’s relations with President Hamid Karzai, and could complicate plans to leave special operations forces in Afghanistan after

combat troops complete their withdrawal next year. American officials have suggested keeping a special operations presence in Afghanistan in a counterterrorism role against al-Qaida even after all other combat troops leave at the end of 2014.

When the allegations about Kandahari surfaced, Karzai ordered U.S. special forces out of the Narkh district of Wardak province, where the disappearances occurred. Karzai had originally ordered them out

of the whole province but Gen. Joseph Dunford, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, said such a move would threaten the security of Kabul, 45 kilometers (less than 30 miles) south.

When he was arrested, Kandahari had three pistols, two fake Afghan National ID cards and seven other false IDs on him, the intelligence service said.

It added that it would release further details about the case later, and that its investigation of Kandahari is ongoing.

massive advantage in armor and air power would reach the rebels after Saudi Arabia took a lead role in supporting the opposition in recent weeks, Jarba said: “We are pushing in this direction.”

“I think the situation is better than before. I think these weapons will arrive in Syria soon,” he said.

“My priority (is) to secure two-tier support for the Syrian people: military and humanitarian. We are working on getting advanced and medium-range weapons to the Free Syrian army and the liberated areas,” he added.

Jarba offered Assad’s forces a truce for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Tuesday, to stop fighting in the besieged city of Homs, where Sunni Muslim rebels

face a ferocious ground and air onslaught by Hezbollahbacked troops and militias loyal to Assad. There has been no indication that the government is ready to accept such a truce.

Homs, 140 km (90 miles) north of Damascus, is situated at a strategic crossing linking the capital with army bases in coastal regions controlled by Assad’s Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam that has dominated majority Sunni Syria since the 1960s. Assad’s forces have been seeking to establish an axis linking the capital to the Alawite coast.

The city also links Damascus and the coast with Hezbollah strongholds in neighboring Lebanon.

“We are staring at a real humanitarian disaster in Homs. Assad, whose military machine was on the verge of defeat, has been propped up

by Iran and its Hezbollah proxy,” Jarba said.

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International

Compiled by

OKHUELEIGBE FAITH

Secret Move Keeps Bin Laden Records In The Shadows

WASHINGTON — The nation’s top special operations commander ordered military files about the Navy SEAL raid on Osama bin Laden’s hideout to be purged from Defense Department computers and sent to the CIA, where they could be more easily shielded from ever being made public.

The secret move, described briefly in a draft report by the Pentagon’s inspector general, set off no alarms within the Obama administration even though it appears to have sidestepped federal rules and perhaps also the Freedom of Information Act. An acknowledgement by Adm. William McRaven of his actions was quietly removed from the final version of an inspector general’s report published weeks ago. A spokesman for the admiral declined to comment. The CIA, noting that the bin Laden mission was overseen by then-CIA Director Leon Panetta before he became defense secretary, said that the SEALs were effectively assigned to work temporarily for the CIA, which has presidential authority to conduct covert operations.

“Documents related to the raid were handled in a manner consistent with the fact that the operation was conducted under the direction of the CIA director,” agency spokesman Preston Golson said in an emailed statement. “Records of a CIA operation such as the (bin Laden) raid, which were created during the conduct of the operation by persons acting under the authority of the CIA Director, are CIA records.”

Golson said it is “absolutely false” that records were moved to the CIA to avoid the legal requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. The records transfer was part of an effort by McRaven

to protect the names of the personnel involved in the raid, according to the inspector general’s draft report.

But secretly moving the records allowed the Pentagon to tell The Associated Press that it couldn’t find any documents inside the Defense Department that AP had requested more than two years ago, and could represent a new strategy for the U.S. government to shield even its most sensitive activities from public scrutiny.

“Welcome to the shell game in place of open government,” said Thomas Blanton, director of the National Security Archive, a private research institute at George Washington University.

“Guess which shell the records are under. If you guess the right shell, we might show them to you. It’s ridiculous.”

McRaven’s directive sent the only copies of the military’s records about its daring raid to the CIA, which has special authority to prevent the release of “operational files” in ways that can’t effectively be challenged in federal court.

The Defense Department can prevent the release of its own military files, too, citing risks to national security. But that can be contested in court, and a judge can compel the Pentagon to turn over nonsensitive portions of records.

Under federal rules, transferring government records from one executive agency to another must be approved in writing by the National Archives and Records Administration.

There are limited circumstances when prior approval is not required, such as when the records are moved between two components of the same executive department. The CIA and Special Operations Command are not part of the same

department.

The Archives was not aware of any request from the U.S. Special Operations Command to transfer its records to the CIA, spokeswoman Miriam Kleiman said. She said it was the Archives’ understanding that the military records belonged to the CIA, so transferring them wouldn’t have required permission under U.S. rules.

Special Operations Command also is required to comply with rules established by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that dictate how long records must be retained. Its July 2012 manual requires that records about military operations and planning are to be considered permanent and after 25 years, following a declassification review, transferred to the Archives.

Czech Republic’s outgoing prime minister Petr Necas

Czech Prosecutors Seek Parliament’s Approval To Charge Former PM

PRAGUE - Czech prosecutors have asked the lower house of parliament to lift the immunity of former Prime Minister Petr Necas to allow for his criminal prosecution, a

spokeswoman for parliament said yesterday.

Necas resigned as prime minister last month after a close aide was charged with bribery and abuse of office, but the former

premier remains a member of parliament and is covered by parliamentary immunity.

The spokeswoman did not say what prosecutors intended to charge Necas

for the comptroller, the city’s chief financial officer.

In comments to Reuters, he said he hoped voters were ready to move on and help him fulfill his dream to serve “on behalf of the public once again.”

He hoped the financial community would want someone “who understands markets” in the comptroller’s office, which he aimed to revitalize the way he did the attorney general’s office a decade ago.

The city comptroller manages five pension

funds, does budget analyses, and audits city agencies.

Spitzer was dubbed the “sheriff of Wall Street” during his time as attorney general, when he aggressively prosecuted financial crimes. He became governor in 2007 but resigned after being identified as a client in a prostitution ring.

Spitzer, who became a television commentator after leaving public office, said he made the decision to run over the July 4th weekend.

Pakistan — A suicide bomber on a motorcycle attacked a progovernment tribal elder ’s vehicle in northwest Pakistan yesterday, killing at least six people, police said.

It was not immediately clear whether the elder, Malik Habibullah Khan, was among the dead, but his vehicle was damaged in the blast.

The explosion in Hangu

district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province also wounded about a dozen people, several of whom are in critical condition, local police chief Aleem Khan said.

The blast damaged several nearby vehicles and shops.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Suspicion likely will fall on the Pakistani

New York Ex-Governor Spitzer To Run NEW YORK - Eliot For City Comptroller Spitzer is re-entering politics to run for New York City comptroller, five years after resigning as New York governor in a prostitution scandal.

“I’m hopeful there will be forgiveness. I’m asking for it,” Spitzer, 54, told the New York Times in an interview on its website.

Spitzer, a Democrat, said he saw a more activist role

with. His aide was accused of offering three parliamentary deputies posts in state companies in return for dropping a rebellion against the prime minister last year.

Necas has said the deal was a political agreement common in the central European country and nothing that should be seen as a crime.

The aide was also charged with ordering illegal spying of Necas’ wife. Her lawyer said she denied part of the charges and acted in good faith.

Necas has said he was not aware of any illegal surveillance.

Necas, a conservative, is being replaced by Jiri Rusnok who expects his full cabinet to be appointed on Wednesday.

Suicide Bomber Kills 6 In Northwest Taliban, which has been PA R A C H I N A R , Pakistan fighting a bloody

Former New York governor Eliot Spitzer speaks at the Reuters Global Financial Regulation Summit 2010 .

insurgency against the government that has killed thousands of civilians and security personnel.

The Pakistani government has encouraged tribesmen in the northwest to form militias to fight against the Taliban. The militants have carried out many retaliatory attacks against these groups.

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Leadership

Continued from page 22

unemotional and a time for them to speak from the heart—when they are leading people through times of change or challenging situations. Speaking from the heart means letting people know that you understand their concerns, fears, hopes, and dreams. You show that you care and are committed to making a difference by sharing your common values, interests, and aspirations. By expressing your feelings and telling your story, you are better able build a bridge with others and foster a sense of common rapport and trust.

Listen With Intention Listening is one of the most essential communication skills that leaders use to inspire action. In addition to understanding the meaning of the words that are spoken, listening involves reading nonverbal messages, discerning the emotional implications revealed in the tone of voice, and interpreting what is not being said and why.

Resilient leaders listen in order to learn. They are constantly discerning two key things in every conversation: the meaning of the message and the feelings

associated with what is being said. This requires us to suspend judgment while we are listening and replace it with curiosity. This can be hard to do but it keeps our inner voice from distracting us when we are listening to another person. Finally, note that close to 70 percent of interpersonal communication is conveyed through nonverbal signals, so watch for cues that will tell you when there is a disconnect between what someone is saying and what that person really thinks or feels.

Secret 3. Getting Connected: Building Bridges for Results I believe that two key things separate successful leaders from those who fail: their ability to create strategic networks and their success in forging partnerships and alliances. Resilient leaders recognize that they cannot succeed alone. The world is too complicated and interconnected today. As a result, leaders are creating more dynamic partnerships, alliances, and networks to generate more innovative ideas to solve more complex problems.

Strategic networking is a good way to build relationships with others in order to improve the quality

With Bamidele Michael

08064496136

... Of Resilient Leaders of your work and get it done more efficiently. Being connected takes this concept one step further than just building a series of individual relationships. Being connected means intentionally forming relationships with certain individuals or groups in order to initiate a positive action or produce an outcome that will benefit you, while ii also benefits the organization, another person, or in the best case, the greater good. Resilient leaders understand and leverage their connections to achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently. They do this by tapping into people who have a high degree of credibility, knowledge, and respect on the issues they wish to address.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help When I interact with a number of friends to determine what they thought made them successful, they all had one thing in common. They had a broad and diverse network and they never hesitated to reach out and ask others for help. They knew who to call to benchmark

ideas, The lesson learned here is that you can’t figure everything out for yourself and do it all by yourself. You not only need contacts to call on, you also need to have the courage to ask for help. I hear from many folks that I coach that the reason they fail to reach out to others is that they think the other person is too busy or will think they are not confident about what they are doing. But does this really happen? Think of a time when someone ask of you for help or advice. How did you feel and how did you respond? Most people feel flattered and will help

as much as they can if your request is clear and intentional.

Secret 4. Gaining Smart Power: A Road Map for Continuous Learning The ability to continuously learn new things and adapt to new situations is key to successfully navigating through complex change. Resilient leaders and their teams must be able to draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience, apply these insights to new situations, and then decide wisely.

This calls for being curious and open to learning different views and perspectives so as to widen the lens through which they see certain situations. The more we operate in a vacuum, the more we limit our ability to see the bigger picture and tap into potential opportunities Whether it’s our customers, colleagues, employees, Or community leaders, engaging with people with the intention of learning from them helps us to better understand what’s going on and how to have the greatest impact as a leader.

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone Some of our greatest leadership learning’s and most significant personal breakthroughs come when we take risks and get out of our comfort zone. Fortunately, professional growth is not dependent on the success of an effort, because we learn as much from our failures as we do from our successes. It’s not the outcome of an experience that has the most significant impact, it’s actually the journey and the lessons we learn along the way. So, try some new things! When taking these risks, however, be wise and be prudent. Map out the worst thing that can happen and then build a contingency plan around it.

To further your learning, at the conclusion of each experience ask yourself: What did I learn from this? What did I do well, and what would I do differently? Finally, don’t be discouraged if you make a few mistakes. It comes with the territory.

Disruptive Change Is a Fact of Life Whether you are at the top of your organisation, leading a team, or volunteering in your community. eventually you are sure to face a difficult situation or disruptive change. It’s just a fact of life. And you will have the choice to become discouraged and avoid the difficult situation or embrace it as a professional growth opportunity and face it head on. Resilient leaders will do the latter and will courageously take on these challenges, developing greater competence, confidence, and wisdom in the process.

I do believe that as human beings we have more control of our destiny and success than sometimes we think we do. This control starts with our own selfknowledge and is supported by both our connections and our willingness to be continuous learners. It also calls for deep thought, careful planning, intentional action, and awesome communication. So begin today by determining how these leadership secrets can help you to become a resilient leader. And then be the torch for others so they can follow your example!

“Whether you are at the top of your organisation, leading a team, or volunteering in your community. eventually you are sure to face a difficult situation or disruptive change. It’s just a fact of life. And you will have the choice to become discouraged and avoid the difficult situation or embrace it as a professional growth opportunity and face it head on.”

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TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

Liverpool Eyeing Alonso Return LIVERPOOL are reportedly considering making a bid for Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard was a regular during his five-year spell with the Reds before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009.

The 31-year-old is said to be close to leaving the Whites with Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illaramendi being earmarked as his replacement.

The Daily Mail reports that Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring the Spanish international back to Anfield.

Liverpool’s transfer policy is against spending more than 10 million pounds for a player over the age of 30, but Rodgers may convince boss John Henry to bend the rules.

Pardew Keeps Open Mind Over Kinnear Appointment manage this football club NEWCASTLE manager Alan Pardew insists he is “openminded” about Joe Kinnear’s controversial appointment as director of football.

Club owner Mike Ashley dropped something of a bombshell last month when he parachuted 66-year-old Kinnear into St James’ Park and handed him responsibility for all football-related matters.

Xabi Alonso

Gerrard Sure Reds Can Finish In Top Four

LIVERPOOL can close in on a place in next season’s top four if they reproduce the form they showed in the second half of the previous campaign, skipper Steven Gerrard has said. of their final 12 matches of Gerrard, 32, said Brendan the 2012-13 season.

Rodgers’ team had shown That, however, was only signs of being able to break enough for them to finish in into the Champions League seventh place after an places as they lost only one inconsistent first six months in charge for Rodgers.

But with the manager continuing to reshape his insistence that Suarez is not squad in the summer, for sale, they have given him Gerrard said he was until July 22, right before the confident the Merseysiders club’s pre-season trip to could now aim higher.

Australia, to sort out his “The final five or six future. months of the season were Arsenal’s interest has been fantastic - I think it was topsimmering for some weeks four form,” he told the club’s now and a move to the official website.

Emirates could come as a “We certainly finished the shock after Suarez’s open season really strongly, but statements that it is the we were very inconsistent English media, not Liverpool, from August to Christmas. that would force him into an That’s the reason we never exit from Anfield.

It is unclear whether Arsenal managed to achieve what we will make an improved offer set out to do, which was a for Suarez, with the door now top-four finish.

“But I felt at times in the ajar for Real Madrid to consider an approach for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal Bid For Suarez Rejected

ARSENAL have had a £30 million bid for Luis Suarez rejected by Liverpool, according to reports in the British media.

The Telegraph and The Times have revealed the Gunners’ first concrete offer for the Uruguay international was swiftly turned down, with the fee falling well short of Liverpool’s expectations.

Reports last month suggested the Reds would only consider offloading their striker for around £50 million, making Arsenal’s offer incredibly audacious.

Despite Liverpool’s

Luis Suarez

Pardew, who was on holiday at the time, kept his own counsel as managing director Derek Llambias voted with his feet and resigned, but the 51-year-old manager is ready to give it a go.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: “I’m very open-minded to Joe’s position. I will take it as I see it.

“People who work with me will know that I am my own man. I will

season we played some brilliant football. If we can find that level on a consistent basis, I’ve got confidence we can break into the top four.”

He said that if the Liverpool fans “get behind us and show the support that we know they can, I believe we can push into the top four”.

But he said that would only happen if the players could cut out the sort of off-days that saw them slump to some unexpected heavy defeats.

“There were certain games where we weren’t happy with ourselves individually and as a team - Southampton away, Aston Villa at home, West Brom away,” he explained.

“We have to make sure those mistakes and performances don’t happen next year.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing is poised to move to Championship Blackburn Rovers in a £1.5million deal, the Daily Mirror reports.

Moyes Wants To Win Everything DAVID Moyes has vowed to try and win a quintuple of the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Capital One Cup and the Community Shield in his debut season at Old Trafford.

And the new Manchester United manager believes he has a huge opportunity to retain the league title.

The Scot’s only trophy came in what is now League One with Preston in 2000 but he has the chance to land silverware in his first competitive game in charge of United, who face Wigan in the

... Coy Over Barca’s Thiago

MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes has refused to discuss any links to Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

Rumours that Thiago has opted to quit the Nou Camp in favour of a £17million move to Old Trafford in order to maximise his chances of making Spain’s World Cup squad next summer have circulated for some time now.

However, so far, the transfer has not been concluded and Moyes opted not to offer any specific updates when he met the media for the first time.

Reports have emerged in Spain, though, that

representatives of both clubs will meet next week to finalise the transfer.

Thiago is available at a cutprice £17million as he did not feature in the number of firstteam games stated in his Barca contract and it is claimed will sign a five-year deal to become Moyes’ first significant capture since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Manchester United will always be close to the best players,” Moyes told MUTV. “I will inform the supporters as much as I can.

“Some things are confidential but I am doing everything I possibly can to strengthen the current English

and manage this team to the best of my ability.

“On the back of last year I am even more motivated to do well this year.”

Kinnear’s first few days in the post did not go well as he conducted a series of interviews in which he muddled up facts and mispronounced the names of some of the club’s senior players.

Pardew said: “Some of the things Joe said he has apologised for, especially getting the names wrong of our players.

“That needs to be corrected because there is a certain respect needed there.

“I spoke to one or two players and my staff here and made them very aware of where the position lies.”

champions.”

The deal could be rushed through in time to make Thiago available for the start of United’s pre-season tour on Wednesday.

However, given the highlyrated player’s successful run to the European Under-21 Championship final with eventual winners Spain, he may not be called up for the first part of the three week expedition to the Far East and Australia anyway.

It does appear Wayne Rooney will be involved, though, with club sources reinforcing Moyes’ public statement of the 27-year-old not being for sale.

Community Shield on August 11.

And Moyes has set his sights on challenging for every honour available.

He said: “If you’re at Manchester United, my thinking is that you have to go for everything. You attempt to win everything. Maybe you miss out at times, but you attempt to win all the trophies.

“I’ve set out with that intention everywhere else I’ve been, and I’ll certainly do it here because I’ve got a bigger squad, quality players and a club with a tradition who have been used to winning trophies.”

Sir Alex Ferguson won his 13th and United’s 20th league title before retiring in May, and Moyes added: “Fortunately, he’s left me a really strong team, which I think gives me a great chance of retaining the title.”

United have a tradition of playing attacking football and Moyes aims to pick a side who will entertain.

“I hope so,” he said. “But I would always put winning at the top of the list. I don’t think I’ll ever change in that. I’m sure Sir Alex would as well.

“If you had a great entertaining team but didn’t win the games, then it’s never getting you anywhere. So you’ve got to get the balance right, and I hope I can.”

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Guardiola ‘To Make Bayern Even Better’ TWO weeks into his reign as Bayern Munich coach, Pep Guardiola is continuing to work on new ideas for the German Treble-winners, with reports suggesting he will change their system from 4-2-3-1 to 4-1-4-1.

Former coach Jupp Bayern captain Philipp Heynckes led the Bavarians to Lahm said he felt adapting to glory with two holding a new system “will take time”, midfielders - most often adding: “These are only little Bastian Schweinsteiger and adjustments, but in a couple Javi Martinez, with Brazil of weeks we will see what our international Luiz Gustavo as ideas of football will be.” the first back-up option.

Defender Daniel van But as the Bundesliga Buyten said Guardiola starts champions continue pre- thinking about football at the season training at their camp start of each day and in Riva del Garda, Guardiola addresses the players at a is looking for ways to make breakfast meeting. them an even more dominant “He always has a little attacking force. tactics board to explain a “If the coach wants it like couple of things to us,” Van that, we cannot say we want Buyten said, adding that he to play like last year,” was not concerned by a likely midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri switch to a zonal marking said. “He has a new system at corners. “That’s not philosophy, and he has had a problem for me,” he success with it.” explained. “It is only a

question of concentration.”

The Belgium international, 35, who is approaching his eighth season for Bayern after signing a new one-year deal, added: “What the coach intends to do will make us even better. He is keen on the details.

“He tries to improve things that were not perfect last

season. We might not have realised, but we are aware of them now. We are working on it, and that will make us better.

“If you have no goals left, you get weaker. Pep Guardiola will get us in a position to play an even better season. He wants more, he is ambitious.”

Barca ‘Could Turn To Chelsea’s Luiz’

BARCELONA could turn their attention to Chelsea defender David Luiz should the transfer of Thiago Silva from PSG break down, according to Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo.

Tito Vilanova has long been an admirer of Thiago and tried to sign him last summer.

However, with PSG seemingly unwilling to sell the 28-year-old, whom they bought from AC Milan a year ago, the deal could be difficult, and PSG coach Laurent Blanc has said he is confident the player will stay.

Should that be the case, Vilanova has already

identified Silva’s Brazilian compatriot Luiz as his plan B. Both players lined up at centre-back for Brazil at the Confederations Cup and played key roles as the Selecao lifted the trophy.

However, despite his excellent tournament, El Mundo Deportivo claims the Barca directors have identified Luiz, 26, as a risky option and believe he is tactically naive.

German champions Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for Luis, but sporting director Matthias Sammer has denied that the Champions League winners are planning to sign him.

Mario Gomez

‘Cavani Capture Would Send Message’ PARIS Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has said that signing Edinson Cavani would send a “big signal” to their rivals, while also insisting that the Napoli striker can play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

A +63 million deal for Cavani is thought to be imminent after PSG sporting director Leonardo

Carvalho Expects Ronaldo To convinced about Coentrao’s RICARDO Carvalho is future, with the Portugal leftconvinced Cristiano Ronaldo Renew back having come in for will renew his contract at Real Madrid, but he believes Fabio Coentrao is seeking an exit amid interest from Benfica.

Speculation persists over Ronaldo, who has at times appeared equivocal about his plans for the future.

Ronaldo recently took to Twitter to deny claims he was close to renewing his contract,

Cristiano Ronaldo

which is due to expire in 2015, as rumours emerged that Carvalho’s new club, Monaco, were interested in his services. David Moyes was coy when asked about his interest in the player at his first press conference as Manchester United manager on Friday.

However, Ronaldo has indicated that he intends to stay in Spain and Carvalho, who moved to Ligue 1 this summer after three years at the Bernabeu, expects his compatriot to sign a new deal.

“I’m sure that he’ll renew,” he told Portuguese newspaper A Bola. “Every player who leaves Madrid ends up regretting it. Cristiano is a winner, and always wants to win, so I’m sure that he’ll stay on.”

The 35-year-old is less

MARIO Gomez’s on-off move to Fiorentina appears to be back on again with Bayern Munich set to bow to the player’s wishes and accept a cut-price deal for the Germany international.

Fiorentina cooled their interest in the forward late last week after making little to no progress in negotiations with the record German champions.

Treble-winners Bayern are reported to be asking in excess of +20 million for the 27-yearold, for whom the Viola have bid significantly less.

Bayern’s director of sport Matthias Sammer said the player would not be sold if their fee expectations were not matched, but with the player’s heart set on a move to Florence, a compromise may now be reached with Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggesting a transfer could be granted as a birthday gift for Gomez.

“We’ve got to find a solution for Mario,” he told Germany’s Bild newspaper. “He wants to be a regular, and that means playing always. I’m pretty optimistic that we will have a solution by the middle of the week.”

Gomez turns 28 on Wednesday and he may now be able to celebrate that with a move to Serie A, although Fiorentina are not the only club bidding for his services. With Edinson Cavani set to join PSG

criticism since his 2011 move from Benfica.

“I get the feeling that he thinks he should leave, that it is the best thing for his future,” Carvalho said. “I think, though, that he could stay. In the last year he has played regularly and played well.

“He is a great left-back and even the people who criticised him have changed their minds and now recognise how good he is. I personally think he belongs at Real Madrid.”

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed his club’s interest in re-signing the 25year-old.

“I would like to bring Coentrao back to the club next year,” he told Benfica’s official TV channel. “We were the ones who helped him develop when few had faith in him.”

met Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis in Italy at the weekend.

And in a lengthy interview with L’Equipe ahead of PSG’s first pre-season friendly, Blanc said that the 26-year-old Uruguayan’s arrival would be a major boost to the defending French champions.

“It’s true that the club is following this player and if he could join PSG, I’d be happy about it,” the 47-year-old said.

“We’re not the only ones chasing him. If we could hit the jackpot it would be, number 1, a great coup in sporting terms and, number 2, a big signal sent to PSG’s potential rivals, in France and in Europe.”

Normally the signing of a player like Cavani, who was top scorer in Italy’s Serie A with 29 goals last season, would be welcomed at any club.

But there are concerns that Ibrahimovic, whose 30 goals led PSG to the French title last season, might see the Uruguayan as a threat.

However Blanc believes that Cavani and the Swedish striker can flourish in the same team.

“Yes, they are compatible,” he told L’Equipe. “Cavani is a generous player, who eats up space and has an important presence in front of goal. In terms of their profile, they are complementary.

“As they are two big players, normally, they should get on. After that, there will maybe be ego problems to sort out. The club should come before everything else.”

Despite rumours that he might be interested in linking up with former PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, Ibrahimovic is expected to return to training with PSG next week.

Brazil defender Thiago Silva has also been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks but Blanc is confident that last season’s captain will stay in Paris.

He said: “Having discussed it with him, having determined his programme and his return date, he seemed very interested to me. I think that Thiago will be Parisian next season and he’ll have a very good chance of being captain.”

The former France national coach says he is hoping to sign “three to five” new players, with the priority being another left-back to challenge Maxwell.

Lille’s Lucas Digne would be a “good option” in that position, according to Blanc, who could also make a move for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

“Once again, it depends on which players will be at our disposal,” he said. “Yohan is a marvellous player, we all agree on that.

“For the moment, he interests us because we’re anticipating certain things. But are those things going to happen, I don’t know.”

Gomez Set For Fiorentina

this week, Napoli are also on the lookout for a new striker and Gomez fits the bill for them, while they could also match Bayern’s asking price with the funds from Cavani’s sale.

However, Gomez has chosen Europa League participants Viola over the Champions League contenders.

“Mario wants to move to Fiorentina,” revealed Sammer to Sport1 television at the weekend. “Of all the offers we have received, Gomez has chosen Florence.”

‘Mazzarri Can Reignite Inter’

INTER Milan captain Javier Zanetti believes his side can recover from their disappointing season by challenging for honours again under Walter Mazzarri in 2013-14.

Zanetti, 39, who will miss at least the first half of the campaign after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his left foot last April, believes the former Napoli coach is the right man to restore glory to the Nerazzurri, who have not won a trophy for two seasons.

Last season saw Inter finish ninth - their worst position since 1994 - meaning they do not have European football next season.

But Zanetti says that means they can focus fully on restoring their pride in the league.

“Not to win for two years after winning everything in the previous seven is only human, and that’s fair enough, but now we are obliged to get back to being Inter again,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Juve are not unbeatable. We beat them [at the Juventus Stadium] last season, even though it is hard to defeat them.

I want to get to April 2014 still within reach of the summit and knowing that we can still challenge for the Scudetto.”

Inter have struggled since Jose Mourinho left for Real Madrid after guiding them to the treble in 2009-10. Rafa Benitez, Leonardo, Gianpiero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri and Andrea Stramaccioni have all failed to reignite the spark - but Zanetti believes Mazzarri could do just that.

“His career speaks for a coach who has always given determination and character,” he added. “He wants a starring role in Serie A, and so do we. He wanted Inter, he desired us, and this has got to be a stimulus for us all.”

Inter report for pre-season training at their Pinetina training facility on Monday before moving to their traditional mountain retreat, Pinzolo, from Wednesday until July 23.

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Kroos Eager To Begin Life Under Pep

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 08: Andy Murray of Great Britain poses with the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy next to the Fred Perry statue at Wimbledon on July 8, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Cameron Backs Knighthood For Victorious Murray PRIME Minister David Cameron has backed Andy Murray to earn a knighthood after becoming Britain’s first male champion at Wimbledon for 77 years.

Murray defeated Serbia’s Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-4 on Sunday to delight a country that has waited so long for a successor to Fred Perry.

The world number two, who also holds the US Open and Olympic titles, has quickly been installed as the 1/20 favourite to win the Sports Personality of the Year award but there is also speculation he could earn recognition in the New Year honours list.

While Cameron has no

influence over what is an independent process, the Conservative Prime Minster believes Murray is deserving of being knighted, saying on Monday: “Frankly, I can’t think of anyone who deserves one more.”

Cameron, who watched Murray’s victory from the royal box at Wimbledon, added that the moment of sporting glory “lifted the spirits of the whole country”.

He added: “It was a fantastic day for Andy Murray, for British tennis and for Britain … We were wondering yesterday morning, ‘Do we dare to dream that this is possible?’ and he proved absolutely that it was.”

Abidal May Join Monaco

MONACO are poised to continue their spending spree and could add defender Eric Abidal, recently released

by Barcelona, to their ranks, reports in France suggest.

Le Parisien says Abidal, 33, is a target for coach Claudio Ranieri, along with full-backs Lucas Digne and Fabio Coentrao and Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

Digne has been linked with a +10 million move from Lille to PSG, but the paper says Monaco have offered the 19-year-old a bigger salary.

The Ligue 2 champions may turn their attention to

Real Madrid’s Coentrao should they miss out on Digne.

Mandanda, 28, is contracted to Marseille until 2016, but Le Parisien reports that the France international could be allowed to leave for +15 million.

Monaco’s Russian owner Dmitry Rybolovlev has reportedly spent close to +145 million on strengthening the squad.

New arrivals Jeremy Toulalan, Ricardo Carvalho, Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao will be unveiled to the media this week.

Great Britain’s Andy Murray and France’s Marion Bartoli during the Champions Ball at the Intercontinental Hotel, London.

‘Barca Plot Double Swap For Rooney

DAVID Villa could be offered to Manchester United, along with Thiago Alcantara, in a bid to take Wayne Rooney to the Camp Nou, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Despite manager David offer, although it was swiftly Moyes stating on Friday that refused.

Another Spanish daily, El the striker “is not for sale”, Barcelona are hopeful that Mundo Deportivo, describes involving Spain’s leading Spurs’ bid as “ridiculous” and scorer in the deal could make claims that Barca will not United rethink their stance consider anything less than and enhance the Catalans’ +10 million for the striker, who has netted 56 goals for chances of landing Rooney.

Sport claims that the Spain.

Atletico Madrid, after transfer would cost Barcelona +4 million, plus Thiago and apparently losing out on Negredo to Villa - whose combined value Alvaro is believed to be around +26 Manchester City, have also made their interest in 31-yearmillion.

But Villa is understood to old known and are believed to have a number of admirers be weighing up an offer.

Villa is aware that and Tottenham Hotspur have already lodged an official playing time at the Camp Nou

Bacela Bids Celtic Farewell

LENNOX Bacela said his final goodbyes to Bloemfontein Celtic as he officially began his new venture with Orlando Pirates, saying ‘words can’t express my gratitude’.

The striker officially joined the Buccaneers on Friday afternoon when he put pen to paper in a deal which will tie him down at the Soweto outfit for three years.

“Like to thank Siwelele

for the wonderful 3 years,” he wrote on his official Twitter account.

“I can’t find words to express my gratitude and it was a great Honour to have represented such a great club with amazing supporters.

Wishing you a better future and all the best in the upcoming season.”

Bacela joined the Bloemfontein outfit back in 201o, after bursting onto the scene with Santos.

will be even more limited this season following the arrival of Neymar.

With the World Cup just a year away, ‘el Guaje’ will be keen to join a team who will guarantee him minutes and allow him to impress Vicente del Bosque ahead of Brazil 2014.

BAYERN Munich midfielder Toni Kroos says he is raring to go under new coach Pep Guardiola as he returns to full fitness following a knee operation.

Kroos suffered an adductor injury against Juventus in last season’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg in April which left him sidelined for the rest of the campaign.

But now back to full fitness and a new coach at the helm, Kroos says he is enjoying the fresh approach the former Barcelona boss has brought to the club.

“Training with Guardiola is good,” Kroos told reporters. “He’s always talking to each player, trying to give them a vision of the style of football he wants to play.

“I think that with him, every player will have a different task and will have to adapt their game to what he wants. He just has his own style - his own plan.

“He wants to communicate that to each player individually. For some positions, that works better in a one-on-one situation. It’s better to do that than talk in front of the whole team.”

Mancini Backs Dzeko For Napoli Dzeko was unhappy

ROBERTO Mancini has told Napoli that Edin Dzeko would guarantee them 25 goals a season if they were to sign the Bosnian.

The Manchester City forward has been linked with the Serie A side as they consider replacements for Edinson Cavani, who is likely to leave this summer.

And Mancini, who managed Dzeko at the Etihad Stadium before his sacking in May, believes the former Wolfsburg player would be ideal.

“If Napoli take Dzeko, they would be safe,” Mancini said in the Sun. “They would get a great striker who gets 25 [goals] a season and only has one defect - that he wants to play in every game.”

that he was often used as a substitute by Mancini and has become unsettled after falling down the pecking order.

But when City sold Carlos Tevez to Juventus, it appeared that he was likely to stay with the FA Cup finalists, whose only other senior striker is Sergio Aguero.

However, new manager Manuel Pellegrini has made the signing of an attacker a priority, with Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo the favourite to arrive, so Dzeko could be sold.

Before his dismissal, Mancini had wanted to bring Cavani to Manchester and a part-exchange deal involving Dzeko was mooted.

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Botswana Clash With Kenya Today AFTER receiving rave reviews following the opening goalless draw with Botswana’s Zebras, Swaziland’s national team ventures into an unknown territory when they come face to face with Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the second match of Group B in the COSAFA Castle Cup on today.

Sihlangu, ranked a disappointing 179th by FIFA, put up a good performance to frustrate the wasteful Zebras on Sunday.

Written off by many, Valere Billen’s charges defended resolutely and could have sneaked a late goal had Mbabane Swallows’ youthful striker Sabelo Ndzinisa converted at close range in the dying minutes of the game on Sunday.

Against Kenya, Sihlangu will have to be more clinical in front of goal. The last time the two sides met was in early 2007 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Under the reign of Egyptian coach Elyamony Ayman, Sihlangu held Kenya to goalless draw at home and then lost 0-2 in Nairobi in the second leg.

Of course a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. Tuesday’s COSAFA Castle Cup clash provides coach Billen with an opportunity to do what all previous coaches have failed to achieve – go past the group stages.

His team showed on Sunday that it cannot be bullied by more fancied opponents and can defend resolutely. Striker Sabelo Ndzinisa and Wonder Nhleko will again lead the

‘Ayaya’ Downs Rangers

EMEKA Nwana’s late first half strike was all Enyimba needed to beat his ex-club Rangers in an ‘Oriental Derby’ at Aba on Sunday.

Enyimba are now third on the table with 34 points from 21 matches.

‘Ayaya’, as Emeka Nwana is nicknamed, was playing his first game for Enyimba after he joined ‘The People’s Elephant’ for second round of the campaign and he headed home Saviour Fidelis cross for the match winner.

In Ilorin, ABS FC played a barren draw with hosts Kwara United in the Ilorin Derby.

Uganda Plan To Ambush Tanzania has tried to organize for his team

attacking forays against Kenya’s defence, to be led by Brian Mandela.

Coach Adel Amrouche will pin his hopes on striker David Gateri, who is part of the 22 member squad set to face Lesotho today in Kitwe.

Amrouche has selected a largely home-based squad, but one that is packed with players who have been involved in the recent 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Kenya will be appearing in their first COSAFA Cup tournament which is a valuable chance for Amrouche to work with his team in a major tournament.

For Swaziland, this is a makeor-break clash in which victory will put them in good stead to qualify for the knockout stage, but a loss would be a catastrophe.

UGANDA Cranes tactician Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has revealed that his opponents Tanzania will have the advantage on Saturday when they face-off in the first leg of the 2014 CHAN qualifier in Dar es salaam.

Micho told MTNFootball.com this afternoon that Tanzania has played seven matches recently with the same players minus two who feature for TP Mazembe.

“They are in a situation where they have been together for a while. We only have two players who played against Angola last month,” said Micho.

The coach was also very unhappy that all the international build-up games he

Stephen Keshi

Eagles Under Probe For Bonus Saga

THE Nigerian government is to probe a bonus row involving the Super Eagles after last month’s 2014 World Cup qualifier in Namibia. for a win and $5,000 for a The Super Eagles rejected draw. the reduced bonus approved According to a statement for them by a cash-strapped signed by the special adviser Nigeria Football Federation on media to the country’s (NFF) after two World Cup sports minister, Julius qualifiers in Kenya and Ogunro, the probe panel will Namibia. be chaired by Segun Adeniyi, The players initially a former presidential aide refused to board the plane for who was also on a Brazil for the FIFA Presidential Task Force for Confederations Cup before the 2010 World Cup. they were eventually Other members of the persuaded by officials. panel include Shehu Dikko, The NFF offered to pay who is part of the country’s $5,000 for a win and $2,500 league management for a draw, but the players company as well as insisted on getting $10,000

journalists Onoiche Anibeze and Aisha Falode.

The panel is to determine the causes of the crisis over

Nigeria Football League

Champions Pillars Stay Top KANO Pillars have remained on top of the Nigeria league table after a 3-1 win at home against Wikki Tourists.

Pillars are top of the

Nembe Do Double Over Heartland

HEARTLAND failed to avenge their defeat by Nembe City as they lost 20 to the Yenegoa club in a Nigeria league Week 21 game on Sunday.

Nembe thus completed a double over the Federation Cup back-to-back winners

as they also won the reverse fixture in Owerri 2-1.

Nembe now have 29 points, while Heartland remain on 28 points.

Jonathan Zikiye scored the opening goal in the 19th

Gombe Stop 3SC In 5-Goal Thriller

GOMBE United survived a scare from 3SC with a 3-2 victory at home on Sunday in continuation of the Nigeria league.

Gombe United now have 31 points, while 3SC have 26 points.

Cyril Oriaku gave Gombe United the lead with a 10th minute penalty, before Chima Akas equalised in the

35th minute.

Experienced Oliver Agbo put the home team in front again with a 42nd minute header to end the first half 2-1.

3SC equalised through Francis Edem in the 70th minute.

Ibrahim Chilli’s 85th minute free kick goal then sent Gombe United fans into wild jubilation with the winner

the match bonus, develop a code of conduct for players on national assignments among other terms of references. The panel will be inaugurated on Thursday and has two weeks to submit its report.

failed to go through. “We had already set a date and were getting tickets to travel to Iraq, but Fifa banned them hosting friendly games because of insecurity and the friendly cannot take place. We also had Rwanda and Ethiopia refuse to have build-ups with us and this has all frustrated my efforts,” he said.

He explained that although his team is responding well, training is much different from match situations. “We are going to fight for a decent result,” added Micho who also handled Young Africans in the Tanzanian league five years ago.

The Serb who has helped the senior team get close to qualification for the next round of the 2014 World Cup qualifier said he believes in the talent of his boys a lot. “I am very aware of what to expect in Tanzania, but I trust my boys can put up a good show in Tanzania during the first leg,” added Micho.

He said he expects players like Mrisho Ngassa and Amri Kiemba whom he coached at Young Africans FC to play an important part in that game.

minute, and while Heartland were searching for the equaliser, Frank Egharevba scored the back breaker to give them a valuable 2-0 home win.

Heartland skipper Chinedu Efugh told MTNFootball.com that they were unlucky to have lost the game.

“We did the playing and they scored the goals. We were not supposed to have lost the game, we were unlucky as we created a lot of chances but couldn’t convert any,” a disappointed Efugh told MTNFootball.com Efugh and Julius Obido could not play the game due to Malaria that hit them in Bayelsa.

standings with 39 points from 21 games, while Wikki Tourist are on 23 points.

Defender Adamu Murtala opened scoring for the home team when he put Pillars in front in the 34th minute, before Bello Musa Kofarmata made it 2-0.

Samuel Tswanya made it 3-0 for the Kano darling club in the 80th minute, before Shaibu Ibrahim pulled a goal back for the visiting Wikki in the 84th

minute.

Kabiru Umar told MTNFootball.com that they are not losing focus as the league championship remains their top priority.

“It was a massive win for us and that show we are not losing focus. The league trophy is our priority and we won’t relent, we will keep doing our best to earn points in all the games,” Umar told MTNFootball.com

Results Sunday, July 7 Lobi Stars 3 Bayelsa United 4 Kwara Utd 0 ABS FC 0 Kano Pillars 3 Wikki 1 Kaduna Utd 2 Sunshine Stars 0 Enyimba 1 Rangers 0 Nembe City 2 Heartland 0 Gombe Utd 3 3SC 2 Warri Wolves 1 Sharks 0 El-Kanemi 3 Nasarawa Utd 0 *Dolphins 2 Akwa United 0. (The game was called off at half time due to heavy downpour.

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I

wonder at what point unhindered religious obeisance becomes an obvious foolishness or a blatant display of dimwitted submission to peurile logic. The folly of this new trend is obvious but, for many Nigerians, it seems convenient to ignore the blatant deceptions of men with fat bibles in hand claiming to have seen some light that anyone else barely sees.

The whole process is driven by a heavy dose of smooth-talk and a smattering of textbook guidelines on skills of persuasion well mastered by these “saviours in suits”. Recently in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of All Bishops in Rivers State was arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year old girl. It is said that this supposedly respectable icon of morality confessed to the crime before newsmen. However, he uses the same ludicrous justification that sells Nigerian religious adherents off as shallow and sometimes mentally challenged or even unabashed liars: he says he was hypnotised. He does not stop there, he devices a story straight out of a Nigerian home video plot that would make even the most dimwitted curl up in shame, he says he was set up by the pastor of the church where the incident occurred and a spell was cast on him.

Here is how his story goes, according to reports in one of the national dailies: “he denied raping the underage girl, but admitted that she removed her clothes after he finished praying for her in the office and before he could shout ‘the blood of Jesus,’ he was already all over the girl. He said he was set up by his fellow Bishop, who was also contesting for the post of Chairman of All Bishops in the state with him. The bishop’s assertion that anybody could have fallen a victim of what happened to him may be true of paedophiles and perverts- a group he clearly falls under, but to sound that off as some kind of justification for his folly is what stands out as instructive.

Nigeria’s new pentecostal revivalist phenomenon is regarded as one of the fastest growing in the world. On

every street corner and spare space that jutts out of any building on any street stands a church reeling out gospel renditions in all genre, laced with every conceivable lyrical twist. On average, there are between three to six churches on a one kilometre stretch of dirt road that leads to dellapidated homes of

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013

of devious plots and spiritual negligence is understandable, considering that the target audience for his craft is a population split between illiterates, semi-literates and a pseudo-educated group that is fed on a constant dose of cheap literary works designed to play on their illogical deferrence to sublime

The Port Harcourt Bishop Sex Scandal

Who Monitors These Preachers?

struggling families who dont even have a dollar a day to live on. These people have become the preys ofsmooth-talking swank young men, who represent a stark contradiction to the message of modesty that their religion teaches, claiming to have had epiphanous encounters with “the lord”. Inside these “holy sanctuaries”, adherents spew out strange cacophonous ensembles that sound more like children toying with words they find ammusing rather than the words of some sane religious act; little wonder very few can draw a distinction between the real and the surreal.

The bishop’s action is not new, in fact there are several such incidences in these churches every day that are either not reported because some followers are genuinely afraid of spiritual wrath that they are constantly threatened with in daily sermons and other unusual practices introduced by these church leaders. Other such cases are simply ignored because it is usually believed, just as the bishop points out, that they’re manifestations of some sort of spiritual tests by the devil- more like the pastor’s own “stone to bread” moment. And so we find that the villain easily becomes the victim in the eyes of church members because of some twisted perception of these obvious crimininal traits as trials for which the “men of God” should not be punished.

The line has to be drawn at some point, and I believe cooking up such puerile justification for an act so vile exposes the bishop’s perception of the level of public naivity. The reason for the bishop’s absurd tale

Ayo Oritsejafor, President, Christian Association of Nigeria concerns. This is the only reason I can imagine would explain such asinine narrative.

For those who did not read the story, the bishop accuses another pastor who invited him (bishop) for a programme of setting him up with the victim. This is how one newspaper reports it in the bishop’s own words: “I was set-up by my enemies. The man who is in-charge of where I went to minister is my enemy. He invited me to his church for a programme and after the programme, he set me up because of what we are dragging. We are dragging the chairmanship of the communion and that was why he set me up. But to my greatest surprise, in the said day and after I had prayed for her, the girl started pulling off her clothes and before you knew it, I had carnal knowledge of her.” The man doesn’t stop at the complete embarrasment of his ilk with his debauchery; he even exposes the intrigues behind “pulpit politics” that has come to define this new religious zeitgeist.

Even more amazing about this new trend is the nonchalance with which these new Christians will respond to attacks on Jesus, to whose name they vow total alliegance, while they would treat attacks against their “reverend” pastors with livid anger. I guess it comes as no surprise then that a church leader, who calls himself a “prophet”, would instruct his congregation to set members on fire for violating some self imposed doctrine and they would execute his orders with brutal precision and a level of submission that could only be stirred by some kind of hypnosis- as we saw with Prophet King.

This total submission of a

congregation is also the reason a preacher could stand before thousands of his members, already conditioned by his obvious gift for rhetorics, and land deafening slaps on a young girl on the pretext that she is a witch, as we witnessed with bishop Oyedepo. How anyone could justify such a heinous act, on a twisted hunch, and not be threatened with arrest is beyond reason. His gaffe, and justification of it, smacks of the same fetid feast on public naivity that these pastors thrive on. In their everyday lives, the relationship between theses preachers and their poorer congregants exemplify that popular aphorism, “Monkey dey work, Baboon dey chop”, evident in the fact that these congregants, despite their huge contributions eked from tough low paying jobs, become the obvious victims of these pastors’ twisted whims and contrived aims.

From those who specialise in taking advantage of people’s social conditions by selling them dreams, to those whose obvious lack of tact is exposed in spurious assurances of divine backing for their political ambitions, Nigerian preachers have become exemplars of a frightening new ethos defined by its disregard for ethical standards. I believe it is

time for government to introduce regulatory guidelines for all religious bodies if we intend to protect those members within the vulnerable age and social groups. It is important we do this to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished.

Part of the steps I would recomend would be to demand some form of background criminal or mental checks on these men before they are allowed to establish churches or form religious organisations. When government ignores this responsiblity, it sets the precedence for a trend that has the potential to destroy the very fabric that sustains society.

Religion is truly the opium of the people. This dictum is predicated on the fact that many people find some kind of shelter from their daily challenges under the umbrella of religion and are thus easily susceptible to its dictates. The problem is that these dictates are easily twisted to serve personal whims where preachers see fit; it is even more convenient where members see these preachers as miracle workers and so lose sight of their obvious vulnerabilities as human beings. If people lose sight of these obvious flaws, the law should not.

“The bishop’s action is not new, in fact there are several such incidences in these churches every day that are either not reported because some followers are genuinely afraid of spiritual wrath that they are constantly threatened with in daily sermons and other unusual practices introduced by these church leaders.”

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